Summary
Slitterheaddeveloper Bokeh Game Studio has shown more footage of the horror game’s possession mechanic at Pax West, and the devs were keen to highlight that players can possess and play as a dog. From the mind ofSilent Hillcreator Keiichiro Toyama,Slitterheadwas announced in 2021, and the title received an extended showcase at this year’s Summer Game Fest to show off the mechanics and unsettling body horror elements.
The battle action-adventure game is set in the fictional streets of Kowlong, and it’s home to the supernatural entity, Hyoki, who players will control in an attempt to rid the city of nightmarish monsters by possessing residents.Slitterheadhas drawn many comparisons toGhostwire: Tokyo, the 2022 game by Tango Gameworks, and horror fans are hopingSlitterheaddoesn’t lose sight of its darker themes in favor of action.
Slitterheadgameplay was showcased at Pax West and shared by Gematsu, detailing the game’s possession mechanic. Hyoki can seize the city locals to travel during high-octane chase scenes in the dark, urban setting, and the entity can also switch bodies during combat against the titular creatures. In addition to exhibiting the blood and gore in the gameplay footage, theSlitterheaddevs drew particular attention to dog possession, showing Hyoki’s spirit entering through a stray dog’s mouth, and using the canine’s heightened sense of smell to follow a scent through the alleyways.
Usually, gamers are keen to find out if they can pet dogs in upcoming games, but Bokeh Game Studio takes animal encounters to another level.Slitterhead’s innovative possession mechanicis influenced by Toyama’s 2003 survival horror game,Siren, and also calls upon the combat mechanics of the designer’s 2012 titleGravity Rush. Additionally, the possession system will challenge players’ morale, as it has been emphasized that human bodies are disposable.
Furthermore, thegame’s possession mechanic framesSlitterhead’s art direction, presenting anime-styled characters for Hyoki to pilot in its path and frightening monsters withThe ThingandBeetlejuiceinfluences to battle. The horror community and fans ofJujutsu KaisenandParasyteare sure to find a lot to love inSlitterhead’s fascinating style.
Slitterheadis scheduled to be released on November 8, which means the title is just missing out onOctober’s hotbed for horror games. The spooky season’s release schedule is packed, including theSilent Hill 2andUntil Dawnremakes andDiablo 4: Vessel of Hatred. There’s plenty for the horror community to digest, and here’s hopingSlitterheadbrings some originality to the genre.
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.
