Key Takeaways
- Slitterhead includes a possession mechanic that allows players to control a dog for unique experiences and abilities.
- The possession mechanic draws inspiration from past horror games by Silent Hill creator's Toyama.
- Slitterhead's art direction blends anime-style characters and horrifying monsters, appealing to fans of the horror genre.
Slitterhead developer Bokeh Game Studio has shown more footage of the horror game’s possession mechanic at Pax West, and the devs were keen to highlight that players can possess and play as a dog. From the mind of Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama, Slitterhead was announced in 2021, and the title received an extended showcase at this year’s Summer Game Fest to show off the mechanics and unsettling body horror elements.
The battle action-adventure game is set in the fictional streets of Kowlong, and it’s home to the supernatural entity, Hyoki, who players will control in an attempt to rid the city of nightmarish monsters by possessing residents. Slitterhead has drawn many comparisons to Ghostwire: Tokyo, the 2022 game by Tango Gameworks, and horror fans are hoping Slitterhead doesn’t lose sight of its darker themes in favor of action.
Slitterhead gameplay was showcased at Pax West and shared by Gematsu, detailing the game’s possession mechanic. Hyoki can seize the city locals to travel during high-octane chase scenes in the dark, urban setting, and the entity can also switch bodies during combat against the titular creatures. In addition to exhibiting the blood and gore in the gameplay footage, the Slitterhead devs drew particular attention to dog possession, showing Hyoki’s spirit entering through a stray dog’s mouth, and using the canine’s heightened sense of smell to follow a scent through the alleyways.
Slitterhead Reveals Players Can Possess the Dog
Usually, gamers are keen to find out if they can pet dogs in upcoming games, but Bokeh Game Studio takes animal encounters to another level. Slitterhead’s innovative possession mechanic is influenced by Toyama’s 2003 survival horror game, Siren, and also calls upon the combat mechanics of the designer’s 2012 title Gravity Rush. Additionally, the possession system will challenge players’ morale, as it has been emphasized that human bodies are disposable.
Furthermore, the game’s possession mechanic frames Slitterhead’s art direction, presenting anime-styled characters for Hyoki to pilot in its path and frightening monsters with The Thing and Beetlejuice influences to battle. The horror community and fans of Jujutsu Kaisen and Parasyte are sure to find a lot to love in Slitterhead’s fascinating style.
Slitterhead is scheduled to be released on November 8, which means the title is just missing out on October’s hotbed for horror games. The spooky season’s release schedule is packed, including the Silent Hill 2 and Until Dawn remakes and Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred. There’s plenty for the horror community to digest, and here’s hoping Slitterhead brings some originality to the genre.
