Cyberpunk Thriller Slitterhead Vows Originality

Keiichiro Toyama, the visionary behind the Silent Hill franchise, is crafting a unique horror-action experience with his new game, Slitterhead. This article delves into Toyama's comments about the game's originality and its potentially "rough around the edges" nature.

Slitterhead: Originality Over Polished Perfection

A Return to Horror After a Decade

Launching November 8th, Slitterhead, from Toyama's Bokeh Game Studio, promises a thrilling blend of action and horror. Toyama himself acknowledges the game might have a slightly unpolished feel, stating in a GameRant interview, "From the very first ‘Silent Hill,’ we have maintained a commitment to freshness and originality, even if it means being a bit rough around the edges. That attitude has remained consistent throughout my works and in ‘Slitterhead.’"

Toyama's commitment to innovation is evident. While his 2008 title, Siren: Blood Curse, was his last horror project before venturing into the Gravity Rush series, Slitterhead marks a significant return to the genre. The game's experimental approach is a departure from the established norms, building upon the psychological horror foundation laid by Silent Hill.

The "rough edges" Toyama mentions are likely a consequence of Bokeh Game Studio's independent status, contrasting with the resources of larger AAA developers. However, the team's impressive pedigree, including industry veterans like producer Mika Takahashi, character designer Tatsuya Yoshikawa, and composer Akira Yamaoka, suggests Slitterhead will deliver a unique and memorable experience. The fusion of Gravity Rush's gameplay mechanics with the chilling atmosphere of Siren promises something truly innovative. Whether the "rough edges" are a stylistic choice or a genuine concern remains to be seen.

Kowlong: A City Steeped in Mystery

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. Players assume the role of a "Hyoki," a spirit-like entity capable of body-hopping to combat grotesque and unpredictable enemies known as "Slitterheads." These creatures are far from typical horror fare, blending terrifying transformations with unexpected humor.

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