Summary
- Slitterhead by Bokeh Game Studios is a horror game with a non-human protagonist called the Hyoki.
- The Hyoki is a risky proposition for Slitterhead, since it may be difficult to relate to a non-human character.
- However, the creative idea of the Hyoki also sets Slitterhead apart in the crowded horror market, so it might serve the game well in the end.
Slitterhead is the forthcoming debut title by Bokeh Game Studios. First revealed in 2021, it will be a third-person action-adventure game with heavy horror elements woven into the story and gameplay. Slitterhead looks to be channeling a few traditional as well as more experimental elements based on what has been shown off so far in trailers and pre-release material. However, it is facing some notable competition this year in the form of some other intriguing horror titles, as well as being a completely fresh IP versus an established franchise.
While it's yet unclear whether Slitterhead's mix of action and horror will favor one over the other, another core component regarding the nature of its central figure has already promised a more unique framework regardless. And this is the angle that could end up being what leads to Slitterhead standing out as a compelling and memorable experience both narratively and mechanically.
Bokeh Game Studios was founded by Silent Hill creator, Keiichiro Toyama, and Slitterhead will release on November 8, 2024, just one month after the Silent Hill 2 Remake.
Slitterhead's Strange Supernatural Main Character Could be Its Recipe for Success
Slitterhead's Protagonist Bucks Standard Genre Conventions
A summary on the studio's official site describes Slitterhead's player character as: "Hyoki, an entity devoid of memory and physical form, whose only motive is to eradicate the brain-devouring parasites known as Slitterheads lurking in the neon-tinged city of Kowlong, disguising themselves as humans." The Slitterheads themselves look to be as disturbingly designed as they appear dangerous to confront, and their visuals have been one of the other major aspects focused on.
The mysterious Hyoki is far from the usual fare of horror game protagonists, and somewhat risky to boot. Plenty of titles feature an elite or secret sect of humanity dedicated to hunting down otherworldly threats; not many make an unnatural being itself the main character of this type of plot. It's also perhaps a bigger ask for audiences to relate to an incorporeal being removed from the trappings of humanity, making it possibly difficult to latch onto and invest in. But this interesting twist could also very well be what sets Slitterhead apart from other similar works.
How Slitterhead's 'Hyoki' Could Be What Elevates It
Slitterhead's possession mechanic is also one of its core features, and essentially makes Hyoki everyone yet no one within the world. In Hyoki's single-minded drive to destroy the Slitterheads, players will be taking over and discarding human hosts to fit their needs. It's a novel idea, and depending on how it's integrated into the story and gameplay, could offer varied and immersive perspectives.
While purely conjecture, it might be the case that Hyoki regains memories and other personality traits via possessing more or certain key NPCs. The developer has referred to "Rarities," humans that are somehow in greater sync with Hyoki, and thus offer more beneficial or specialized abilities, and this could extend to filling out and allowing fans to better connect with the character via them.
Slitterhead's trailer contained one more tease that may further pique interest in this area. Towards the end, it seemed to depict Hyoki possessing a dog, implying the mechanic and Hyoki's related skills may not strictly be limited to human NPCs, which would entail even more intriguing possibilities pertaining to how the character then interacts with and sees the world. While many horror games have let players take on the role of a human hunting the supernatural, Slitterhead's creative spin on this setup might be the difference that pushes it past familiar ground and makes for a uniquely engaging entry.
Slitterhead
- Released
- November 8, 2024
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Language, Partial Nudity, Strong Sexual Content
- Developer(s)
- Bokeh Game Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Bokeh Game Studio
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
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.
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
