Slitterhead Review: Innovative Yet Unpolished Experience

Exploring Kowloon: A Haunting Journey in Slitterhead

Deep within the ominous confines of Kowloon, a restless spirit awakens, seeking a vessel in which to navigate its fragmented existence. This spirit first inhabits a stray dog, traversing the labyrinthine alleys before seizing control of a human body. Amidst this unsettling transformation, a woman’s call echoes through the dark, only for her head to gruesomely split open, revealing a grotesque parasitic entity that feasts on human minds. Thus unfolds the chilling narrative of Slitterhead, the inaugural title from Bokeh Game Studio, established by former creators of beloved franchises such as Silent Hill, Siren, and Gravity Rush.

The Enigmatic Plot of Slitterhead

The narrative mirrors the complexity found in Siren, weaving a tale that can initially seem perplexing. Players follow Night Owl, a Hyoki spirit with the ability to possess living beings. Although Night Owl grapples with fragmented memories of the past, he is driven by an urgent mission to eliminate Slitterheads—entities that consume human brains and iterate their vessels. During his quest, Night Owl encounters Julee, a young girl in despair. By possessing Julee, he not only revives her but also forges a powerful synergy with her.

Embracing the Rarities and Their Powers

Julee is classified as a Rarity, denoting her unique alignment with Hyoki. As Night Owl and Julee continue their fight against the Slitterheads that threaten Kowloon, they rescue others who share this rare affinity. United in their purpose, they battle the manifestations of evil while Night Owl unlocks the ability to rewind time, granting them a chance to alter their ominous fate.

Slitterhead combat
Gameplay Combat in Slitterhead – Screenshot by Siliconera

Gameplay Mechanics: Action, Stealth, and Combat

Slitterhead stands out as a multifaceted action-RPG, incorporating stealth elements that allow players to control Night Owl as he teleports between vessels. This body-hopping mechanic is vital during stealth missions, enabling players to evade detection by switching between bodies strategically. While these sequences were refreshing, they were somewhat limited in number.

Combat is a core aspect of the experience, showcasing an exciting synergy between fast-paced action and strategic body-switching. Players can maintain offensive pressure by chaining moves across multiple bodies, enhancing the dynamism of each encounter. However, a variety of enemies and combo options could enrich the gameplay, especially given the potential to trap opponents during high-intensity fights.

The Chase Sequences: Tedium or Thrill?

Chase sequences also feature prominently in the game. Though initially exhilarating, these sections can quickly become repetitive as players pursue Slitterheads through expansive environments. While body-hopping aids in catching targets, the predictability of these sequences diminishes their excitement over time.

Slitterhead chase
Chase Mechanics in Slitterhead – Screenshot by Siliconera

Character Dynamics and Combat Styles

The diverse cast of characters offers unique gameplay experiences as players leverage individual strengths during combat. Each character presents distinct advantages, but the combat overall lacks variability in terms of strategy against different enemies. Players will find themselves repeating similar patterns, which can lead to a monotonous experience. Enhanced enemy diversity could alleviate this issue, making encounters feel fresher.

Narrative Challenges and Character Insights

An essential component of Slitterhead is its narrative. As players navigate its world, they might find the story becoming increasingly generic, particularly as they progress through the midpoint. The reliance on text-based dialogue, alongside a convoluted time loop mechanic, may challenge players’ understanding of character motivations and plot threads.

Slitterhead character Betty
Beloved Character Betty – Screenshot by Siliconera

Final Thoughts: A Promising yet Flawed Debut

Overall, Slitterhead presents a mixture of captivating mechanics and narrative inconsistencies. While the possession concept is inventive, the repetitive nature of combat hinders its overall impact. Although the game may not achieve the cult status of its predecessors, it certainly lays the groundwork for future endeavors by Bokeh Game Studio. Despite some misgivings, I look forward to their subsequent projects, as their prior successes—such as Siren—speak to their potential for groundbreaking storytelling.

Slitterhead is set for release on November 8, 2024, and will be available on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Windows PC.

For more information, visit the official site: Bokeh Game Studio.

Watch the trailer

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