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

Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama is crafting a unique horror-action experience with his new game, Slitterhead. He describes the game as fresh and original, even if it’s a bit “rough around the edges.”

Slitterhead: A Fresh Take on Horror from a Silent Hill Legend

Slitterhead: Toyama's First Horror Game Since 2008's Siren

Launching November 8th, Slitterhead—from Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama and his studio, Bokeh Game Studio—promises a blend of horror and action. Toyama himself acknowledges the game might feel "rough around the edges" in a recent GameRant interview, stating, "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 last foray into horror was 2008's Siren: Blood Curse, preceding his work on the Gravity Rush series. His return to the genre, following the groundbreaking psychological horror of the original Silent Hill trilogy, carries significant weight. Slitterhead aims for a raw, experimental feel, blending horror and action in a unique way.

The "rough edges" comment likely reflects the scale of Bokeh Game Studio (11-50 employees) compared to larger AAA developers. However, the team includes industry veterans like Sonic producer Mika Takahashi, Mega Man and Breath of Fire character designer Tatsuya Yoshikawa, and Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka. Combined with the promising gameplay blending elements of Gravity Rush and Siren, Slitterhead shows strong potential for originality. Whether the "rough edges" are a stylistic choice or a genuine concern remains to be seen.

Kowlong: A Fictional Metropolis Steeped in Mystery

Slitterhead unfolds in the fictional city of Kowlong (a portmanteau of Kowloon and Hong Kong), a 1990s-inspired Asian metropolis with supernatural elements. Drawing inspiration from seinen manga like Gantz and Parasyte, Kowlong provides a unique setting for the game’s horror.

Players become a "Hyoki," a spirit-like entity capable of body possession, battling grotesque and unpredictable enemies known as "Slitterheads." These aren't your typical monsters; they're horrific, yet strangely humorous in their transformations.

Learn more about Slitterhead's gameplay and story in our related article!