Slitterhead: Raw Edges, Fresh Concept to Hit

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 the "rough around the edges" aspect.

Slitterhead: Originality Despite Imperfections

A New Horror Title from the Mind Behind Silent Hill and Siren

Launching November 8th, Slitterhead, from the creator of Silent Hill, Keiichiro Toyama, promises a blend of action and horror. Toyama himself acknowledges the game might feel "rough around the edges" in a recent GameRant interview.

"Since the first ‘Silent Hill,’ we've prioritized freshness and originality, even if it means some imperfections," Toyama stated. "This approach continues in ‘Slitterhead.’"

Toyama and his studio, Bokeh Game Studio, have poured their efforts into this project, creating a raw and experimental fusion of horror and action. While the legacy of Silent Hill (1999) is undeniable, Toyama's career extends beyond horror. Siren: Blood Curse (2008) was his last horror title before venturing into the Gravity Rush series, making his return to the genre highly anticipated.

The meaning of "rough around the edges" remains open to interpretation. Comparing a smaller, independent studio (11-50 employees) to 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 onboard, along with the promising gameplay blending elements of Gravity Rush and Siren, Slitterhead aims for genuine originality. Only the game's release will reveal if the "rough edges" are a stylistic choice or a genuine concern.

Exploring the Fictional City of Kowlong

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 reminiscent of seinen manga like Gantz and Parasyte, according to Toyama and his team in a Game Watch interview.

Players become a "Hyoki," a spirit-like entity capable of possessing bodies to combat terrifying "Slitterhead" enemies. These are not your typical monsters; they are grotesque, unpredictable, and shift 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!