Slitterhead, developed by Bokeh Game Studio and directed by Keiichiro Toyama, the creator of Silent Hill, is an action-horror game set in the fictional city of Kowlong.Players control a spirit named Night Owl, capable of possessing humans to combat monstrous entities known as Slitterheads.The game is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Slitterhead introduces a unique body-hopping mechanic, allowing players to possess various characters, each offering distinct abilities and combat styles.This system encourages strategic switching between hosts to effectively tackle different challenges.The combat is fast-paced, featuring blood-based weaponry and special abilities unique to certain characters, known as “Rarities.”However, some critics have noted that while innovative, the combat can feel repetitive and lacks depth over time.
Narrative and Setting
The game’s narrative is set in the densely populated city of Kowlong, inspired by Hong Kong’s Kowloon Walled City.Players navigate through neon-lit streets, uncovering a complex storyline that delves into themes of humanity and monstrosity.The story unfolds over three days, with missions involving tracking and eliminating Slitterheads.While the narrative is intriguing, some reviews mention that the storytelling can be fragmented, and the lack of full voice acting in key scenes may diminish emotional impact.
Visuals and Audio
Visually, Slitterhead presents a gritty, urban environment with detailed character designs, especially the grotesque transformations of Slitterheads.However, some critics have pointed out that the graphics appear outdated, reminiscent of earlier console generations.The soundtrack, composed by Akira Yamaoka, is praised for enhancing the game’s eerie atmosphere.
Critical Reception
Slitterhead has received mixed reviews from critics. The game it holds an average score of 68 out of 100, indicating a fair reception. While the game’s innovative mechanics and ambitious narrative are acknowledged, issues such as repetitive gameplay, lack of polish, and underwhelming combat have been highlighted.Some reviewers appreciate its uniqueness and experimental approach, while others find it falls short of its potential.
Conclusion
Slitterhead offers a distinctive experience with its body-hopping mechanics and atmospheric setting. While it brings fresh ideas to the action-horror genre, certain aspects like combat depth and graphical fidelity may not meet all players’ expectations. Fans of Keiichiro Toyama’s previous works might find value in its narrative and experimental design, but it’s advisable to consider the mixed critical reception when deciding to play.
System Requirements
Minimum:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows® 10, Windows® 11, 64bit
Processor: Intel Core i5-8400@4.00GHz / AMD Ryzen 5 3400G@3.7GHz
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVidia GeForce GTX 1060(6GB) /AMD Radeon RX 580
DirectX: Version 12
Storage: 30 GB available space
Recommended:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows® 10, Windows® 11, 64bit
Processor: Intel Core i7-8700K@4.70GHz / AMD Ryzen 5 2600X@4.2GHz
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVidia GeForce RTX 2070 / AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT
DirectX: Version 12
Storage: 30 GB available space