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 Toyama's comments about the game's originality and its potentially "rough around the edges" nature.
Slitterhead: Original Vision, Despite Imperfections
A Return to Horror After a Decade
Launching November 8th, Slitterhead, from Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama and Bokeh Game Studio, promises a blend of action and horror. Toyama acknowledges the game might have a few imperfections, 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 studio has embraced a raw, experimental approach, combining horror and action. While his 1999 debut, Silent Hill, redefined psychological horror, his 2008 title, Siren: Blood Curse, marked his last horror project before venturing into other genres. His return to horror carries significant weight.
The "rough edges" Toyama mentions may stem from the studio's size (11-50 employees) compared to larger AAA developers. However, the involvement of industry veterans—including Sonic producer Mika Takahashi, Mega Man and Breath of Fire character designer Tatsuya Yoshikawa, and Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka—suggests a high level of quality. The game's blend of Gravity Rush and Siren gameplay also hints at a fresh and innovative experience. Only time will tell if the "rough edges" are simply experimental quirks or a cause for concern.
Kowlong: A City Steeped in Mystery
Slitterhead is set in the fictional city of Kowlong (a blend of Kowloon and Hong Kong), a 1990s-inspired Asian metropolis infused with supernatural elements inspired by 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 body-hopping to battle grotesque and unpredictable "Slitterhead" enemies. These creatures are far from typical monsters; they are horrifying yet strangely humorous in their transformations.
For a deeper dive into Slitterhead's gameplay and narrative, explore our related article!
