Slitterhead is set in the densely cluttered streets of Kowlong where Hyoki, an entity devoid of memories and physical form. It roams around the streets in search to complete its unique motives: eradicate the monstrous beings known as Slitterheads that take human forms and walk around the city preying on the innocent. While Hyoki itself can possess human bodies, it’ll need to seek out Rarities, humans with unique abilities that will assist in eliminating the Slitterheads.
Slitterhead is a unique 3rd person action survival horror game. As the entity, you can’t defend yourself so you’ll need to possess humans in order to move around casually and be able to defend yourself. Once you possess a human, you’ll be able to form a blood weapon from your arm.
When in combat, you’ll be able to defend yourself with basic attacks by pressing the X button. Holding it down will allow you to perform stronger attacks. You can also dodge incoming enemy attacks and parry. The parrying system in Slitterhead is a bit different. You’ll need to target the enemy with the left trigger and use the right joystick to block the incoming attack.
After a human has suffered damage, Hyoki needs to find another body before the current one “dies”. If you let this happen three times, it’s game over. This is gives battle a unique strategic oriented mechanic as you can possess a body behind the enemy and get the upper hand. As you progress through the game, you’ll also possess Rarities.
Rarities are unique human beings with special powers which allow players to stand a chance against bosses. Progressing through the story will unlock a handful diverse Rarities. Jumping into a mission, you’ll be able to choose two of them to take into battle. Each Rarity has its own unique skillset. For example, Julee can mass revive any humans in the nearby area helping you in battle whereas Anita can temporarily mindjack nearby humans to gang on the menacing monstrocity.
The possession mechanic isn’t only for combat; it’s a great way to navigate the streets. It can also be used to overcome unmoveable obstacles and progressing forward. The Spirit can also Spider-man its way up higher areas in pre-determined spots. It makes roaming around really fun and unique.
The game looks fine for what it is; dark and drab environments are detailed and the city feels lively. Its dark theme offers a darker color palette to properly represent the menacing threat. However, it unfortunately doesn’t benefit from the full processing power of the Xbox Series S and X consoles. It looks like early 8th generation console game, which is unfortunate. Human characters are pretty generic, but they did do a great job creating the monstrosities you’ll face. Audio wise, there’s little to no voiceover work, aside from incomprehensible muffles. The soundtrack is incredibly eclectic; some tunes are properly spooky where others sounds like the composer slid his ass across a keyboard.
Given this brand new concept, there’s sure to be a few hiccups. Outdated graphics aside, combat does feel a bit loose and requires some practice to feel comfortable. It’s also rough at times facing a bigger Slitterhead and trying quickly swap powers with the d-pad and not get it.
Bokeh Game Studio’s first project had somewhat high hopes given the reputation of Keiichiro Toyama, the studio head, created Silent Hill and Siren. But Slitterhead manages to be a surprising and entertaining experience. While having no scares, despite Toyama’s history, the game makes up for it with deep combat system, fun possession system and intriguing story. Sure, it’s not perfect, but if you’re looking for a unique, challenging 3rd person action game, Slitterhead is a must play.
Overall
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80%
Summary
Pros
- Intriguing unique concept
- Surprisingly deep combat
Cons
- No scares
- Outdated visuals