"Slitterhead: Rough Yet Fresh and Original"

Keiichiro Toyama, the visionary behind the iconic Silent Hill, is bringing a bold and unsettling atmosphere to his latest project—Slitterhead. In a recent interview, Toyama described the upcoming horror-action title as fresh and original, though he acknowledges it may feel “rough around the edges.” Read on to learn more about what makes Slitterhead stand out and why its creator remains committed to innovation.

Slitterhead Marks Silent Hill Director’s First Horror Game Since 2008’s Siren

Scheduled for release this November 8, Slitterhead represents a significant return to form for Keiichiro Toyama. As the mind behind Silent Hill, Toyama has long been associated with groundbreaking psychological horror. However, in a recent interview with GameRant, he admitted that Slitterhead might not be as polished as some AAA titles—but that doesn’t take away from its artistic ambition.

“From the very first Silent Hill, we’ve always prioritized freshness and originality—even if it means being a bit rough around the edges,” Toyama explained. “That mindset continues with Slitterhead.”

Leading Bokeh Game Studio, a relatively small team of 11–50 employees, Toyama has poured his creative energy into crafting a game that fuses horror and action with a raw, experimental flair. While Silent Hill (1999) redefined the genre nearly a quarter-century ago, Toyama's last major entry into horror was Siren: Blood Curse in 2008. After that, he shifted focus to the acclaimed Gravity Rush series, making his return to horror all the more anticipated.

The phrase “rough around the edges” could imply production limitations when compared to larger studios. Yet, with industry veterans like Mika Takahashi (producer of Sonic), Tatsuya Yoshikawa (character designer for Mega Man and Breath of Fire), and Akira Yamaoka (Silent Hill composer) lending their talents, Slitterhead promises a unique blend of gameplay mechanics and atmospheric depth. Drawing inspiration from both Gravity Rush and Siren, the game aims to deliver something truly new to the genre.

Only time will tell whether the so-called “rough edges” are simply part of its unconventional charm or a legitimate concern. Either way, Slitterhead looks poised to carve its own identity in the world of horror gaming.

Slitterhead Takes Players to the Fictional City of Kowlong

Set in the fictional city of Kowlong—a name derived from “Kowloon” and “Hong Kong”—Slitterhead immerses players in an eerie Asian metropolis infused with supernatural elements and 1990s nostalgia. According to Toyama and his development team in an interview with Game Watch, the setting draws heavy inspiration from seinen manga such as Gantz and Parasyte.

In Slitterhead, players assume the role of a “Hyoki,” a spirit-like entity capable of possessing different human bodies to fight against monstrous creatures known as “Slitterheads.” These enemies defy traditional horror tropes; they are grotesque, unpredictable, and often morph from human forms into terrifying hybrids—sometimes even delivering moments of dark humor amidst the horror.

As anticipation builds ahead of the November 8 launch date, fans of psychological horror and action-packed gameplay have plenty to look forward to. Whether Slitterhead succeeds as a bold new vision or stumbles under the weight of its ambition, one thing is certain—it will be unlike anything else in modern gaming.

For deeper insights into Slitterhead's gameplay mechanics and story, check out our full breakdown [here].