"Slitterhead: Rough Yet Fresh and Original"

Silent Hill’s creator, Keiichiro Toyama, is setting a unique tone for his new horror-action game, Slitterhead. Read on to learn more about his comments and why he said that Slitterhead is a fresh and original game that may be “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 upcoming action-horror title from Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama, is set to launch on November 8. Despite Toyama admitting in a recent interview that it may feel "rough around the edges," the game promises to deliver a unique experience.

"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 shared in an interview with GameRant. "That attitude has remained consistent throughout my works and in ‘Slitterhead.’"

Toyama and his studio, Bokeh Game Studio, have poured their hearts into this project, blending horror and action with a strikingly raw and experimental edge. The legacy of Silent Hill, Toyama’s directorial debut in 1999, is undeniable. The first game redefined psychological horror, setting a benchmark that many have tried to emulate. Since then, Toyama has ventured into other genres with titles like the 2008 Siren: Blood Curse and the Gravity Rush series, making his return to horror all the more anticipated.

What Toyama means by "rough around the edges" remains to be seen. If it's a nod to the smaller scale of their indie studio with "11-50 employees" compared to larger AAA game developers, it's understandable. 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 is poised to be as fresh and original as Toyama claims. The blend of gameplay elements from Gravity Rush and Siren adds to the anticipation. Players will need to wait until the game's release to determine if the "rough edges" are a hallmark of its experimental nature or a genuine concern.

Slitterhead Takes Players to the Fictional City of Kowlong

Slitterhead is set in the fictional city of Kowlong, a portmanteau of "Kowloon" and "Hong Kong." This eerie Asian metropolis evokes the nostalgia of the 1990s while incorporating supernatural elements inspired by seinen manga like Gantz and Parasyte, as mentioned by Toyama and his team in an interview with Game Watch.

In Slitterhead, players assume the role of a "Hyoki," a spirit-like entity capable of possessing different bodies to combat terrifying enemies known as "Slitterheads." These foes are not your typical zombies or monsters; they are grotesque and unpredictable, often morphing from humans into nightmarish forms that blend horror with a touch of dark humor.

For more insights into Slitterhead’s gameplay and story, be sure to check out our detailed article below!