Silent Hill's creator, Keiichiro Toyama, is setting a unique tone for his new horror-action game, Slitterhead. Delve into his vision and understand why he believes Slitterhead, launching on November 8, will be a fresh and original experience, albeit "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
Slitterhead, the eagerly anticipated action-horror game from Keiichiro Toyama, the mastermind behind Silent Hill, is set to launch on November 8. Toyama candidly shared in an interview with GameRant that the game might feel "rough around the edges."
"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," Toyama explained. "That attitude has remained consistent throughout my works and in 'Slitterhead.'"
Toyama's studio, Bokeh Game Studio, has poured heart and soul into this project, aiming to blend horror and action with a raw and experimental flair. 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 venture, Siren: Blood Curse, in 2008, Toyama shifted gears to the Gravity Rush series, adding weight to the anticipation surrounding his return to horror.
The phrase "rough around the edges" could reflect the challenges faced by a smaller studio like Bokeh, with its "11-50 employees," compared to larger AAA developers. 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 on board, Slitterhead promises to deliver on Toyama's vision of freshness and originality. The game's unique blend of Gravity Rush and Siren elements further fuels this promise. Only time will tell if these "rough edges" are a testament to its experimental nature or a genuine concern.
Slitterhead Takes Players to the Fictional City of Kowlong
Set in the fictional city of Kowlong—a blend of "Kowloon" and "Hong Kong"—Slitterhead immerses players in an eerie Asian metropolis that evokes the 1990s and supernatural themes inspired by seinen manga such as Gantz and Parasyte, as Toyama and his team revealed to Game Watch.
In Slitterhead, players embody a "Hyoki," a spirit-like entity with the ability to possess different bodies to confront terrifying enemies known as "Slitterheads." These foes are far from ordinary zombies or monsters; they morph from humans into nightmarish creatures that are both horrifying and bizarrely humorous.
For a deeper dive into Slitterhead’s gameplay and narrative, explore our detailed article below!
