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 its potentially "rough around the edges" nature.
Silent Hill's Creator Delivers a Fresh and Original Horror Experience, Despite Imperfections
Slitterhead: A Return to Horror After a Decade
Launching November 8th, Slitterhead, from Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama and Bokeh Game Studio, promises a thrilling blend of action and horror. Toyama acknowledges the game might feel "rough around the edges," stating in a GameRant interview, "From the very first ‘Silent Hill,’ we've prioritized freshness and originality, even if it means some imperfections. That approach continues with ‘Slitterhead.’"
Bokeh Game Studio's experimental approach is evident in Slitterhead's raw and innovative design. While the legacy of Silent Hill, Toyama's 1999 debut that redefined psychological horror, is undeniable, his last foray into the genre was Siren: Blood Curse in 2008. This return to horror carries significant anticipation.
The "rough edges" Toyama mentions might stem from the studio's independent size (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 involved, along with the promising gameplay fusion of Gravity Rush and Siren, Slitterhead aims for true originality. Whether the "rough edges" are a stylistic choice or a genuine concern remains to be seen.
Exploring the Fictional City of Kowlong
Slitterhead unfolds 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 embody a "Hyoki," a spirit-like being capable of possessing different bodies to combat terrifying "Slitterhead" enemies. These creatures are not your typical monsters; they're grotesque, unpredictable, and shift from human to nightmarish forms, offering a blend of horror and the bizarre.
For a deeper dive into Slitterhead's gameplay and narrative, explore our related article!
