Slitterhead Probably \"Rough Around The Edges\" But Will Be Fresh and Original

Keiichiro Toyama, the visionary behind the Silent Hill series, is crafting a unique horror-action experience with his new game, Slitterhead. This article delves into his comments, highlighting his commitment to originality, even if it means embracing a slightly "rough around the edges" aesthetic.

Slitterhead: A Fresh Take on Horror, Despite Imperfections

Slitterhead: Toyama's First Horror Game Since 2008's Siren

Launching November 8th, Slitterhead, from Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama, promises a thrilling blend of action and horror. Toyama himself acknowledges the game might have a few imperfections, stating in a GameRant interview, "From the very first ‘Silent Hill,’ we've prioritized freshness and originality, even if it means being a bit rough around the edges. That approach continues with ‘Slitterhead.’"

Toyama and his studio, Bokeh Game Studio, have poured their hearts into this project, creating a raw and experimental experience. While the influence of Silent Hill, his 1999 debut that redefined psychological horror, is undeniable, Toyama’s path since then has been diverse. Siren: Blood Curse (2008) was his last horror title before venturing into the Gravity Rush series. His return to horror, therefore, carries significant anticipation.

The meaning of "rough around the edges" remains open to interpretation. Comparing a smaller, independent studio (Bokeh employs 11-50 people) to large AAA developers with thousands of employees provides context.

However, with industry veterans like Sonic producer Mika Takahashi, Mega Man and Breath of Fire character designer Tatsuya Yoshikawa, and Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka involved, along with the promising gameplay fusion of Gravity Rush and Siren, Slitterhead aims for genuine originality. Only the game's release will reveal whether the "rough edges" are a stylistic choice or a genuine concern.

Exploring the Fictional City of Kowlong

Slitterhead unfolds in the fictional city of Kowlong (a blend of "Kowloon" and "Hong Kong"), a haunting Asian metropolis blending 1990s nostalgia with supernatural elements inspired by seinen manga like Gantz and Parasyte, according to Toyama and his team in a Game Watch interview.

Players embody a "Hyoki," a spirit-like entity capable of possessing bodies to combat terrifying "Slitterhead" enemies. These aren't your typical monsters; they are grotesque and unpredictable, shifting from human to nightmarish forms, blending horror with a touch of the bizarre.

For a deeper dive into Slitterhead's gameplay and narrative, explore our related article!