“I must eliminate them…ALL…”
Slitterhead is an audacious entry into the action-horror genre that doesn’t so much whisper its intentions as it does scream them at you through a bullhorn. Developed by Bokeh Game Studio, helmed by Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama, the game plunges you into the dystopian chaos of Kowlong’s neon-soaked streets, embodying Hyoki, a bodiless entity tasked with rooting out grotesque, human-mimicking monstrosities known as Slitterheads.
The opening hours are a baptism by fire. Slitterhead greets you with a deluge of tutorials and chaotic combat scenarios, testing your reflexes and patience. If you’re expecting a gentle ramp-up, you’re in for a rude awakening. Combat is relentless, demanding precision and a mastery of Hyoki’s possession-based mechanics. It’s a rocky start that may deter some, but perseverance reveals a deeply rewarding system.
Hyoki’s ability to possess humans and animals is central to the gameplay. This mechanic allows for strategic infiltration and a fluid combat style, where blood serves as both a weapon and a resource. Combat oscillates between frenzied skirmishes and calculated, high-stakes battles against the Slitterheads. The possession mechanic adds a unique layer to the action, forcing you to think on your feet as you juggle hosts to avoid detection or demise.
The inclusion of “Rarities” — humans with enhanced abilities — introduces a pseudo-companionship dynamic. These allies bring their own skill trees and combat utilities, but managing them can be a logistical nightmare. They often lag behind during traversal and are not immediately available in combat, which can be frustrating during high-pressure scenarios.
Kowlong’s underbelly is a character in itself. The setting is a dense, grimy playground of vice and violence, rendered in stunning detail. It’s a world that invites exploration, with hidden paths and secrets that reward the inquisitive. The game’s environmental storytelling excels, painting a vivid picture of a society teetering on the brink.
The macabre aesthetic is heightened by a soundtrack that blends dissonant jazz with industrial noise, creating an unsettling ambiance. This is a game that delights in making you uncomfortable, whether through its grotesque enemy designs or its salacious narrative beats.
Slitterhead’s narrative unfolds through fragmented clues and cryptic dialogue. The story explores themes of identity, morality, and survival, delivered with a theatrical flair that won’t appeal to everyone. Its campy undertones and over-the-top violence feel like a deliberate nod to B-movie horror, which might either charm or repel depending on your taste.
Hidden missions and branching paths encourage replayability, though their obtuse presentation can lead to moments of aimless backtracking. This lack of hand-holding is a double-edged sword, adding depth for some and frustration for others.
Slitterhead offers multiple difficulty levels and basic accessibility options, such as camera inversion and movement speed adjustments. However, its frenetic gameplay and mature themes may limit its audience. The content is unabashedly adult, featuring graphic depictions of violence, nudity, and other sensitive material.
Slitterhead isn’t a game for everyone, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s messy, provocative, and at times infuriating, but it’s also bold, inventive, and undeniably stylish. If you’re willing to embrace its quirks and lean into its chaos, you’ll find a uniquely rewarding experience. For those who prefer their horror more restrained or cerebral, consider this your warning: Slitterhead doesn’t hold back.