Slitterhead Editions, Story, Gameplay and Everything You Need to Know Before November 8

If you’re not a horror fan, you might want to shut your eyes for this one. True to its name, Slitterhead is shaping up to be a chilling, battle-action horror adventure from Keiichiro Toyama, the creator of Silent Hill. Set in the fictional city of Kowlong, a haunting homage to Kowloon Walled City, Slitterhead throws players into a twisted, gore-filled journey against nightmarish creatures.

Announced in 2021 and developed by Toyama’s Bokeh Game Studio, the game will launch on November 8, 2024, just past the Halloween season. Although it’s an unconventional timing for a horror release, the game’s intense action elements may make it a fitting break from typical seasonal scares. Players can pick up Slitterhead on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with pre-orders now live on the Microsoft and PlayStation stores.

With the release date almost upon us, here’s everything more you need to know about Toyama’s new project:

Everything You Need to Know About Slitterhead

Story Overview

As mentioned above, the game takes place in Kowlong, a fictional city inspired by the infamous Kowloon Walled City. The story follows Hyoki, a spiritual lifeform, on a mission to eradicate the Slitterheads, monstrous parasites that possess and mutate their human hosts in grotesque ways. The trailer’s eerie sequences reveal Kowlong in chaos, with civilians turned into terrifying entities, forcing Hyoki to use all tools to fight back.

One intriguing aspect of the game is the “Possession System.” Hyoki, as an unnatural entity, can inhabit and switch between various human bodies, which allows him to navigate Kowlong’s dense streets rapidly and adapt his abilities to different enemies. This mechanic hints at new, innovative gameplay where traditional tactics might be impossible, forcing players to think on their feet.

Also Read: LazyFlock’s New Haunted Paws Co-op Horror Game Allows Players to Adventure as Dogs

Gameplay Mechanics and Features

Slitterhead’s gameplay is a twisted blend of supernatural powers and visceral combat. A recent trailer showcases Hyoki using red magic, sharp claws, swords, and even a shotgun to slice through foes, and just for a twist, there’s a playable dog! The combat style mixes classic horror tension with fast-paced, action-oriented mechanics that might remind players of The Thing, given its body-horror mimicry.

The game has revealed several enemy types so far, including insectoid creatures, possessed civilians, and mutated police officers, many exhibiting frightening mimicry abilities. The Slitterheads can switch between terrifying forms, often hiding in plain sight as ordinary humans – a trait certain to evoke paranoia and constant tension.

Pre-Order Bonuses and System Requirements

Bokeh Game Studio offers three editions for those eager to jump into Slitterhead. Here’s a breakdown of each:

1. Standard Edition ($49.99) – Available across all platforms, including all necessary tools for Hyoki’s quest in Kowlong.
2. Deluxe Edition ($59.99) – Adds a 72-hour early access, the Slitterhead digital soundtrack, and The Art of Slitterhead digital artbook with commentary from Toyama himself.
3. Day 1 Edition (PS5 exclusive) ($59.99) – For collectors, the physical-only edition offers a soundtrack CD, a 100-page artbook, a sticker sheet, and a custom box.

In addition, the game doesn’t demand an overly powerful PC, which means players on older systems can still experience the horrors of Kowlong. The minimum and recommended specs ensure it remains accessible while providing an intense visual experience:

Minimum

• OS: Windows® 10/11, 64bit
• Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3400G
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1060 (6GB) / AMD RX 580
• Storage: 30 GB

Recommended

• OS: Windows® 10/11, 64bit
• Processor: Intel Core i7-8700K / AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2070 / AMD RX 6600 XT
• Storage: 30 GB

Closing Notes

With everything considered, Toyama’s horror expertise, sharpened on Silent Hill, returns in full force with Slitterhead. Although he’s explored different genres over the years, like Gravity Rush, Slitterhead has all the signs of a horror classic in the making. With its nightmarish enemies, high-octane combat, and gripping possession mechanic, it’s one of the most anticipated horror titles in 2024.

So, horror fans, gear up for Slitterhead. Just a few more weeks until we can all dive into the chaos of Kowlong and see if this game will live up to its unsettling promise.

For more gaming articles and announcements, follow our Facebook page for timely updates on your favourite games and gaming studios.