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 about the game's originality and its potentially "rough around the edges" nature.

Silent Hill Creator Delivers a Fresh Horror Experience, Despite Imperfections

Slitterhead: A Return to Horror After a Decade

Launching November 8th, Slitterhead, from the mind of Keiichiro Toyama, promises a blend of action and horror. Toyama himself acknowledges the game might have some imperfections, stating in a GameRant interview that it may feel "rough around the edges."

He emphasizes a continued commitment to innovation and originality, even if it means accepting some imperfections. This approach, he explains, has been consistent throughout his career and is central to Slitterhead's development.

Toyama and his studio, Bokeh Game Studio, have poured their energy 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 career has extended beyond horror. Siren: Blood Curse (2008) was his last horror title before venturing into the Gravity Rush series, making his return to the genre all the more anticipated.

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 on board, coupled with the promising gameplay fusion of Gravity Rush and Siren, Slitterhead shows strong potential for originality. Only time will tell if the "rough edges" are a testament to its experimental nature or a cause for concern.

Exploring the Fictional Kowlong

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

Players assume the role of a "Hyoki," a spirit-like entity capable of inhabiting different bodies to combat terrifying "Slitterhead" enemies. These creatures are not your typical monsters; they are grotesque, unpredictable, and shift from human forms into nightmarish, yet sometimes humorous, entities.

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