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: Originality Despite Imperfections

A Return to Horror After a Decade

Launching November 8th, Slitterhead, from the mind of 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. He emphasizes, however, a continued commitment to fresh and original concepts, even if it means accepting some imperfections.

This dedication to innovation is a hallmark of Toyama's career, evident from the original Silent Hill in 1999, which redefined psychological horror. While his 2008 title, Siren: Blood Curse, was his last foray into the genre before venturing into the Gravity Rush series, his return is highly anticipated.

The "rough edges" Toyama mentions might stem from the size of Bokeh Game Studio, his independent team of 11-50 employees, compared to larger AAA studios. However, the presence of industry veterans like producer Mika Takahashi, character designer Tatsuya Yoshikawa, and composer Akira Yamaoka, combined with the innovative gameplay blending elements of Gravity Rush and Siren, suggests a truly unique and original experience. Only time will tell if these "rough edges" are simply part of the experimental nature of the game or a more significant concern.

Kowlong: A City of Supernatural 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 reminiscent of seinen manga like Gantz and Parasyte.

Players assume the role of a "Hyoki," a spirit-like entity capable of inhabiting different bodies to combat grotesque and unpredictable enemies known as "Slitterheads." These creatures are not your typical horror monsters; they are unsettlingly unique, blending horror and a touch of the bizarre.

For a deeper dive into Slitterhead's gameplay and narrative, be sure to check out our related article.