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

Keiichiro Toyama, the visionary behind Silent Hill, 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's New Game: Fresh, Original, and Possibly Unpolished

Slitterhead: A Return to Horror After a Decade

Launching November 8th, Slitterhead, from Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama and his studio, Bokeh Game Studio, promises a thrilling blend of horror and action. Toyama himself acknowledges the game might have a slightly unpolished feel, 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.’"

Bokeh Game Studio's experimental approach is evident in Slitterhead's raw, innovative style. While Toyama's legacy with Silent Hill (which redefined psychological horror in 1999) is undeniable, his last horror title was Siren: Blood Curse in 2008. The anticipation for his return to the genre is immense.

The "rough edges" Toyama mentions might stem from the studio's size (11-50 employees), a stark contrast to the massive teams behind many AAA titles. 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, along with a gameplay style blending elements of Gravity Rush and Siren, Slitterhead is poised to deliver a truly innovative experience. Only time will tell if the "rough edges" are a result of its experimental nature or a more significant concern.

Exploring the Fictional Kowlong

Slitterhead unfolds in the fictional city of Kowlong—a blend of "Kowloon" and "Hong Kong"—a chilling Asian metropolis that seamlessly merges 1990s nostalgia with supernatural elements inspired by seinen manga like Gantz and Parasyte (as revealed in an interview with Game Watch).

Players become a "Hyoki," a spirit-like entity capable of inhabiting different bodies to combat terrifying "Slitterhead" enemies. These aren't your typical horror creatures; they are grotesque, unpredictable, and sometimes strangely humorous in their transformations.

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