Keiichiro Toyama, the creator of Silent Hill, is crafting a distinct atmosphere for his new horror-action game, Slitterhead. This article delves into his comments, explaining why he describes Slitterhead as a fresh and original game, albeit one that might be "rough around the edges."
Slitterhead: A Fresh Take on Horror, Despite Imperfections
Slitterhead, the upcoming action-horror title from the mind behind Silent Hill, is slated for release on November 8th. Toyama himself acknowledges potential imperfections in a recent interview with GameRant, stating that the game might feel "rough around the edges."
He clarifies this by emphasizing a consistent commitment to innovation and originality throughout his career, even if it means accepting some imperfections: "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 and his studio, Bokeh Game Studio, have poured significant effort into this project, blending horror and action with a raw, experimental style. The legacy of Silent Hill, his 1999 directorial debut, is undeniable, having redefined psychological horror for many. However, Siren: Blood Curse (2008) was his last horror title before venturing into other genres (Gravity Rush series), making his return to horror highly anticipated.
The meaning of "rough around the edges" remains open to interpretation. Comparing their relatively small, independent studio (11-50 employees) to larger AAA developers with thousands of employees provides context. However, the involvement of industry veterans such as Sonic producer Mika Takahashi, Mega Man and Breath of Fire character designer Tatsuya Yoshikawa, and Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka, along with the promising gameplay fusion of Gravity Rush and Siren, suggests Slitterhead's potential to be truly innovative. Ultimately, the game's release will reveal whether the "rough edges" are a testament to its experimental nature or a genuine concern.
Slitterhead: Exploring the Fictional City of Kowlong
Slitterhead is set in the fictional city of Kowlong—a blend of "Kowloon" and "Hong Kong"—a haunting Asian metropolis merging 1990s nostalgia with supernatural elements inspired by seinen manga like Gantz and Parasyte (according to Toyama and his team in a Game Watch interview).
Players embody a "Hyoki," a spirit-like entity capable of possessing different bodies to combat terrifying "Slitterheads." These enemies are not your typical horror fare; instead, they are grotesque, unpredictable, and often shift from human to nightmarish forms, creating a blend of horror and bizarre humor.
For a deeper dive into Slitterhead's gameplay and narrative, please see our related article.
