Keiichiro Toyama, the mastermind behind the iconic Silent Hill series, is bringing a unique flavor to his latest horror-action game, Slitterhead. Dive into his insights and discover why he believes Slitterhead will be a fresh and original experience, even if it's "rough around the edges."
Slitterhead Creator is Committed to Fresh and Original Ideas, Despite “Rough Edges”
Slitterhead Marks Silent Hill Director’s First Horror Game Since 2008’s Siren
Set to launch on November 8, Slitterhead is the latest project from Keiichiro Toyama, the creator of Silent Hill. In a candid interview with GameRant, Toyama admitted that the game might feel "rough around the edges." He explained, "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 and his team at Bokeh Game Studio have poured their hearts into crafting a game that blends horror and action with a raw, experimental edge. While the legacy of Silent Hill, Toyama's groundbreaking debut in 1999, looms large, his journey since then has been diverse. After his last horror game, Siren: Blood Curse in 2008, Toyama ventured into different genres with the Gravity Rush series, heightening anticipation for his return to horror.
The term "rough around the edges" could reflect the challenges faced by a smaller studio like Bokeh Game Studio, with its 11-50 employees, compared to larger AAA developers. Yet, with industry veterans such as Sonic producer Mika Takahashi, Mega Man and Breath of Fire character designer Tatsuya Yoshikawa, and Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka on board, Slitterhead promises to deliver a fresh and original experience. The game's unique blend of elements from Gravity Rush and Siren adds to its appeal. Whether the "rough edges" signify an experimental approach or a genuine concern will only be clear upon the game's release.
Slitterhead Takes Players to the Fictional City of Kowlong
Slitterhead unfolds in the fictional city of Kowlong, a blend of "Kowloon" and "Hong Kong," creating an eerie Asian metropolis steeped in 1990s nostalgia and supernatural elements. Inspired by seinen manga like Gantz and Parasyte, as mentioned by Toyama and his team in an interview with Game Watch, the setting promises a unique atmosphere.
In the game, players embody a "Hyoki," a spirit-like entity that can possess various bodies to combat the terrifying "Slitterheads." These enemies are far from typical, transforming from humans into grotesque yet humorously nightmarish forms, adding a layer of unpredictability to the gameplay.
For a deeper dive into Slitterhead’s gameplay and story, be sure to check out our detailed article below!