Summary
Slitterheadwill be the debut title from developer Bokeh Game Studio, founded bySilent Hillcreator Keiichiro Toyama. Given Toyama’s history and the game’s early marketing, many areexpectingSlitterheadto be a solid horror title, focusing on unsettling creature design and a disturbing narrative premise.
But it also looks likeSlitterheadwon’t be shying away from action-packed gameplay, as evidenced by its Summer Game Fest trailer. The game once appeared to be a sort of spiritual successor toSilent HillorSiren, but it’s now looking to have more in common with action-horror titles likeGhostwire: Tokyo. TheGhostwirecomparison may be particularly relevant, as both games are set in neon-drenched, urban Japanese locations that are overrun by malignant spirits.Another interesting comparison is how both games have been marketed, asGhostwire: Tokyoinitially appeared to be far more horror-focused before being revealed as more of an open-world FPS with horror themes.Slitterheadcould repeat history in this regard.
This summer’sSlitterheadgameplay trailer shone a light on its mechanics, many of which look surprisingly unique and inventive for the horror genre, which is generally more concerned with atmosphere, story, and enemy design than experimental gameplay. Players can possess various characters, who appear to have distinct shapeshifting abilities and combat styles. The trailer showcased a style of combat that is dynamic and fast-paced, ostensibly requiring mastery of different melee abilities and the possession mechanic to best the game’s various grotesque enemies.
It looks interesting, but not exactly scary. The gameplay footage contrasts with the game’s initial reveal back in 2021, which explicitly referencesToyama’s background as the creator ofSilent Hilland callsSlitterheada “new challenge in horror,” heavily suggesting that it would be a horror title. This echoes the marketing forGhostwire: Tokyo, which kicked off by focusing on the game’s horror elements before revealing that it would, in fact, be more of a horror-themed action game.
This came as something of a disappointment for some gamers looking forward toGhostwire’s horror elements, which were majorly understated in the final product.Slitterheadstill has a chance to provide some serious scaresin spite of its ostensible combat emphasis as, contrary to what games likeOutlastmay have some players believe, combat and horror are indeed compatible. That said, making players overpowered or more concerned with things like reaction time or pulling off cool moves that wouldn’t look out of place inDevil May Cryruns the risk of undermining more nuanced aspects of atmosphere and tone.
Many have argued thatSlitterheadisn’t meant to be a horror game, but that is not exactly true. It’s extremely apparent, not only through the game’s approach to art direction but also through its marketing, that it is meant to lean heavily into horror aspects. At the same time, it can’t be denied that its combat is taking a front-row seat. ButSlitterheadcan differentiate itself fromGhostwire: Tokyo, which also puts players in the shoes of a superpowered protagonist, by keeping its eye on the bloody, gruesome ball.
Body horror is one area thatSlitterheadcould afford to focus on. Body horror plays a significant role in most horror experiences since creatures like zombies and vampires certainly incorporate aspects of the subgenre.Slitterhead’s unique premise, specifically as it pertains to the possession mechanic, could provide an opportunity for a more intimate take on body horror, one that the player themselves is closely connected to through the means of interactivity. In this way,Slitterheadcould retain its unique combat framework while still being appropriately terrifying.
Slitterhead
WHERE TO PLAY
Set in the densely cluttered streets of “Kowlong,” filled with obscurity and chaos, this battle action-adventure game casts players as the “Hyoki,” an entity devoid of memory and physical form. His only motive is to eradicate the monstrous beings known as “Slitterheads” crawling around the city, disguising themselves as humans.Roaming the vibrant neon-lit cityscape, players must seek out allies among humans known as “Rarities,” infiltrate and track dangerous organizations, and engage in battles harnessing the power of blood. As the suspenseful drama unfolds, delve into the mystery behind Hyoki’s existence and the appearance of the Slitterheads.
