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 his comments about the game's originality and the "rough around the edges" aspect.
Slitterhead: Originality Despite Imperfections
Slitterhead: A Return to Horror After a Decade
Launching November 8th, Slitterhead, from Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama, promises a fresh take on horror-action. Toyama himself acknowledges a potential "rough around the edges" quality in a recent GameRant interview, stating, "From the very first ‘Silent Hill,’ we've prioritized freshness and originality, even if it means some imperfections. That approach continues in ‘Slitterhead.’"
Toyama and his studio, Bokeh Game Studio, have poured their energy into this project, blending horror and action with a raw, experimental feel. While the legacy of Silent Hill (1999) is undeniable, Toyama's last foray into horror was Siren: Blood Curse (2008). This return to the genre carries significant weight.
The "rough edges" comment likely stems from the comparison between a smaller, independent studio (Bokeh employs 11-50 people) and large AAA developers. However, the involvement of industry veterans like producer Mika Takahashi, character designer Tatsuya Yoshikawa, and composer Akira Yamaoka, alongside a gameplay style blending elements of Gravity Rush and Siren, suggests a truly innovative and original title. Only the game's release will reveal if the imperfections are a consequence of its experimental nature or a more serious concern.
Kowlong: A Fictional Metropolis Steeped in 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 drawing inspiration from seinen manga like Gantz and Parasyte, according to Toyama and his team in a Game Watch interview.
Players assume the role of a "Hyoki," a spirit-like entity capable of possessing bodies to combat the terrifying "Slitterheads." These creatures are not your typical horror fare; they are grotesque, unpredictable, and shift from human to nightmarish forms, blending horror with a touch of the bizarre.
For a deeper dive into Slitterhead's gameplay and narrative, explore our related article.
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