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Keiichiro Toyama: "Slitterhead is a 'Bit Rough Around the Edges' Like Silent Hill"

GrayChild

Member

Just like Silent Hill put a unique spin on the horror genre, Toyama's newest project, Slitterhead, is doing the same. Slitterhead seeks to pair horror and action in ways not necessarily common in modern horror games, using seinen manga like Parasyte and Tokyo Ghoul as inspiration. For those unaware, players take on the role of a Hyoki in Slitterhead—a formless, memory-less entity capable of possession—to hunt and kill Slitterheads, who consume brains and steal memories.

From the very first "Silent Hill," we have maintained a commitment to freshness and originality, even if it means being a bit rough around the edges. That attitude has remained consistent throughout my works and in “Slitterhead.”

Everything about Slitterhead, from its horror/action balance and Hyoki/Slitterhead dynamic to its depiction of a city torn between tradition and modernity, is about balance. But balances are not easy and can be rough around the edges. It remains to be seen if this is the only way Slitterhead could be described this way, but based on its pedigree, it seems unlikely. Silent Hill pushed the envelope and put talent, freshness, and originality over the cutting edge, and Slitterhead does too. It's a refreshing take on game direction, and fans will be able to check it out themselves on November 8.
 
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Umbral

Member
I don’t understand what you do in this game from the 2 trailers I saw. Can anyone fill me in?

Edit: Found a video.
 
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adamsapple

Or is it just one of Phil's balls in my throat?
I don't think anyone intends to have their game be rough around the edges, my guy.
 
simon cowell facepalm GIF


Threads like these make me want a perma ban. Any mod who is willing can act on it. :messenger_beermugs:
 

bender

What time is it?
While I think the concept is neat, there are so many things that look cheap (HUD elements) or generic (character models and environments) which make it feel like a first time or student project. And that's not me being a graphics whore, I just don't think the game presents itself very well nor does that help the horror elements of the game. I still might get this but it really doesn't give off a good first impression.
 

Deerock71

Member
I'm playing the Silent Hill 2 remake and I gotta say the pacing is boring me a little bit. I refuse to use guides, and the puzzles can get obtuse, and talk about backtracking! I've never played it to this extent before, so yeah...rough around the edges is an apt description. Maria's hot, though.
 

Punished Miku

Human Rights Subscription Service
Original gameplay, original ideas, new IP, AA game. DrakeNo.gif

Remake with no original gameplay, no original ideas, trying to conform to exactly what you're used to and what you expect, existing franchise IP, AAA game. DrakeYes.gif

thisisneogaf.gif
 

bender

What time is it?
Original gameplay, original ideas, new IP, AA game. DrakeNo.gif

Remake with no original gameplay, no original ideas, trying to conform to exactly what you're used to and what you expect, existing franchise IP, AAA game. DrakeYes.gif

thisisneogaf.gif

nice-try-jan-pretty.gif
 

MagiusNecros

Gilgamesh Fan Annoyance
Quite a few AA horror games have been pretty great. Crow Country, Hollowbody, Signalis.

Setting of Slitterhead reminds me of Maken/Maken X(Atlus) and I get Geist and Parasite Eve vibes. Could be special.
 
  • Love
Reactions: Isa
Reminds me of Watchdogs Legion. You can play almost anybody but there is no one worth playing because they are not interesting enough.
 

Isa

Member
simon cowell facepalm GIF


Threads like these make me want a perma ban. Any mod who is willing can act on it. :messenger_beermugs:
Don't do it man! You're one of our better members, able to enjoy games with an open mind and proper expectations. I wouldn't let some naysayers put you down.

I'm really looking forward to this, as I not only like the look and feel of the game, with many low-scoring and low-budget titles being some faves over the years, but its also original to boot. I think people are misunderstanding the "rough around the edges quote". Sure it could be to temper expectations but he was describing a city transitioning between tradition and modernity which can be as mentioned in the thread title. I do expect jank but it'll be a good kind lol.
 

GrayChild

Member
I'm really looking forward to this, as I not only like the look and feel of the game, with many low-scoring and low-budget titles being some faves over the years, but its also original to boot. I think people are misunderstanding the "rough around the edges quote". Sure it could be to temper expectations but he was describing a city transitioning between tradition and modernity which can be as mentioned in the thread title. I do expect jank but it'll be a good kind lol.

This. Especially in a niche genres like survival horror. These are not crowd-pleasers. I'd take a unique and visionary 7/10 than the design-by-committee slop that permeates the AAA industry.
 

near

Gold Member
Slitterhead is an indie game. Developed in around 4 years by a newly formed studio, composed of devs that are incredibly passionate about creating games. They’re also self publishing it. An incredible feat that it even looks and seemingly runs the way it does. It’s more than likely not going to sell well, like Gravity Rush and like Siren. But it will certainly have its set of fans. Let the haters hate, and just play the games you want to play.
 
Listen lads, i'm all for "quirky", "different" and experimental games but, the price has to be right.
This is an unknown entity, with terribad animations for 50 Eurodollars.

I mean, look at this shit (timestamped) :



Please tell me what's so "cool" or intriguing about those character designs and the PS2 era animations (or lack thereof)
Enemies don't even flinch when hitting them ffs and characters look like they're sliding on the floor.
I've watched all videos released so far and...i just don't know, the backgrounds are quite nice (lighting/reflections/shadows etc), atmosphere also seems to be nice, sound production and OST sound nice (it's Akira Yamaoka so that's to be expected) but everything else seems like a God-damned trainwreck, sorry that in the year of our lord 2024 i expect some decent animations and hit feedback at the very minimum in my 50 Eurodollars game...

Then there's the other thing : So far we've seen cute pixie girl with claws and motorcycle helmet dude - are these the main characters ? If yes, then it's cool i suppose 'cause let me tell you, i ain't playing a 10+ hour game controlling middle-aged everyday The Sims looking people, game needs to have..."character" ffs, hitting on monsters for 5 minutes continuously with...frying pans/sticks etc doesn't look nor sounds exciting.

It's 45 Eurodollars up until its release date on the 8th and i really hope that there will be some more videos or reviews out there.

It's really low budget and it shows, heck, it makes games like Wanted Dead look AAA in comparison and for that reason alone - and i hate saying this - it'll be 20 Eurodollars less in 2 months time
 
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Punished Miku

Human Rights Subscription Service
Listen lads, i'm all for "quirky", "different" and experimental games but, the price has to be right.
This is an unknown entity, with terribad animations for 50 Eurodollars.

I mean, look at this shit (timestamped) :



Please tell me what's so "cool" or intriguing about those character designs and the PS2 era animations (or lack thereof)
Enemies don't even flinch when hitting them ffs and characters look like they're sliding on the floor.
I've watched all videos released so far and...i just don't know, the backgrounds are quite nice (lighting/reflections/shadows etc), atmosphere also seems to be nice, sound production and OST sound nice (it's Akira Yamaoka so that's to be expected) but everything else seems like a God-damned trainwreck, sorry that in the year of our lord 2024 i expect some decent animations and hit feedback at the very minimum in my 50 Eurodollars game...

Then there's the other thing : So far we've seen cute pixie girl with claws and motorcycle helmet dude - are these the main characters ? If yes, then it's cool i suppose 'cause let me tell you, i ain't playing a 10+ hour game controlling middle-aged everyday The Sims looking people, game needs to have..."character" ffs, hitting on monsters for 5 minutes continuously with...frying pans/sticks etc doesn't look nor sounds exciting.

It's 45 Eurodollars up until its release date on the 8th and i really hope that there will be some more videos or reviews out there.

It's really low budget and it shows, heck, it makes games like Wanted Dead look AAA in comparison and for that reason alone - and i hate saying this - it'll be 20 Eurodollars less in 2 months time

I haven't played it yet. I just like new IP. I am interested in the setting, loosely based on Kowloon Walled City. I'm interested in the director, who has made a few of my favorite games. And I'm interested in the teleport / possession mechanic which reminds me of 3rd Birthday, which I really enjoyed. Game is not full price either, so it was an easy decision to give it a shot. Hope it's good.
 

bender

What time is it?
Listen lads, i'm all for "quirky", "different" and experimental games but, the price has to be right.
This is an unknown entity, with terribad animations for 50 Eurodollars.

I mean, look at this shit (timestamped) :



Please tell me what's so "cool" or intriguing about those character designs and the PS2 era animations (or lack thereof)
Enemies don't even flinch when hitting them ffs and characters look like they're sliding on the floor.
I've watched all videos released so far and...i just don't know, the backgrounds are quite nice (lighting/reflections/shadows etc), atmosphere also seems to be nice, sound production and OST sound nice (it's Akira Yamaoka so that's to be expected) but everything else seems like a God-damned trainwreck, sorry that in the year of our lord 2024 i expect some decent animations and hit feedback at the very minimum in my 50 Eurodollars game...

Then there's the other thing : So far we've seen cute pixie girl with claws and motorcycle helmet dude - are these the main characters ? If yes, then it's cool i suppose 'cause let me tell you, i ain't playing a 10+ hour game controlling middle-aged everyday The Sims looking people, game needs to have..."character" ffs, hitting on monsters for 5 minutes continuously with...frying pans/sticks etc doesn't look nor sounds exciting.

It's 45 Eurodollars up until its release date on the 8th and i really hope that there will be some more videos or reviews out there.

It's really low budget and it shows, heck, it makes games like Wanted Dead look AAA in comparison and for that reason alone - and i hate saying this - it'll be 20 Eurodollars less in 2 months time


Just look at the suicide sequence and the animations and lack of a thud when you hit the ground. No blood either. What a wasted opportunity.

giphy.gif


I'm fine with people be interested in this (hell, I am a bit), but the knee jerk reaction to people calling out the obvious deficiencies in this game is pretty annoying. Asking for a ban or saying people critical of Slitterhead are only interested in AAA slop or remakes is beyond silly.
 
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Punished Miku

Human Rights Subscription Service
Just look at the suicide sequence and the animations and lack of a thud when you hit the ground. No blood either. What a wasted opportunity.

giphy.gif


I'm fine with people be interested in this (hell, I am a bit), but the knee jerk reaction to people calling out the obvious deficiencies in this game is pretty annoying. Asking for a ban or saying people critical of Slitterhead are only interested in AAA slop or remakes is beyond silly.
I mean, it's a new IP from the guy that made Silent Hill, Siren and Gravity Rush. This is one of the main directors that got ousted from Japan Studio. This is the quintessential AA weird game people pretend to care about. It's not full price. People can buy it or not, but this is the time to put up or shut up I guess and it's never shocking that most people on here do neither. Part of buying a new IP with weirdly experimental gameplay is not knowing if it's going to be good. I'm not saying it's for sure going to be good. I'm just looking forward to trying it out.
 

bender

What time is it?
I mean, it's a new IP from the guy that made Silent Hill, Siren and Gravity Rush. This is one of the main directors that got ousted from Japan Studio. This is the quintessential AA weird game people pretend to care about. It's not full price. People can buy it or not, but this is the time to put up or shut up I guess and it's never shocking that most people on here do neither. Part of buying a new IP with weirdly experimental gameplay is not knowing if it's going to be good. I'm not saying it's for sure going to be good. I'm just looking forward to trying it out.

It's great that you are excited for it. And if the shortcomings don't bother you, even better. No one is trying to dampen your excitement. Discouraging people from discussing the game is stupid as is pinning your perceived notions onto them. Things are more than black or white, or put up or shut up to use your wording and if we limited discussions around those constraints, your quintessential AA weird game would get even less eyeballs on it.
 

MagiusNecros

Gilgamesh Fan Annoyance
I mean, it's a new IP from the guy that made Silent Hill, Siren and Gravity Rush. This is one of the main directors that got ousted from Japan Studio. This is the quintessential AA weird game people pretend to care about. It's not full price. People can buy it or not, but this is the time to put up or shut up I guess and it's never shocking that most people on here do neither. Part of buying a new IP with weirdly experimental gameplay is not knowing if it's going to be good. I'm not saying it's for sure going to be good. I'm just looking forward to trying it out.
Worst case scenario you just refund. So you either get something great or you get a return on your investment. I think it's easy for people to flock to all the remakes through success coasting of past works and thriving off of brand recognition as well as the lure of pretty graphics. The joy of trying a new IP is getting something new and unknown and getting the opportunity to learn about a new story or world. It also takes risk to try something new whereas a AAA known IP generally plays it safe and might reinvent the wheel but there is no mystery when it comes to the story itself. Especially with the 65 remasters and remakes pouring out of the floodgates.

Games like Crow's Country and Signalis kept you playing because of the intrigue and wanting to know what happens next and how far the rabbit hole the game will take you. If Slitter can have great atmosphere then it will have potential.

And I've said it a few times but the monster designs remind me of Parasite Eve and a LOT of people on here when moaning and groaning about Square Enix always wish for Parasite Eve to make a comeback so you'd think more would be open to giving Slitter a chance. But hey only another week and we will know for sure.
 

Hugare

Member
People trying to justify the game's deficiencies with "it's AA from a new studio!" and etc. doesnt fly with me

We have time and time again AA games from new devs that are much more polish than this. An industry veteran such as Toyama should strive for a much more polished game than this.

It looks ok, seems like it has a bunch of cool ideas, but cool ideas can only do so much.

Like, there's no excuse for shitty animations. The amount of work to make a good or bad animation is the same. Its just shitty work, not due to budget constraints, period.
 

near

Gold Member
People trying to justify the game's deficiencies with "it's AA from a new studio!" and etc. doesnt fly with me

We have time and time again AA games from new devs that are much more polish than this. An industry veteran such as Toyama should strive for a much more polished game than this.

It looks ok, seems like it has a bunch of cool ideas, but cool ideas can only do so much.

Like, there's no excuse for shitty animations. The amount of work to make a good or bad animation is the same. Its just shitty work, not due to budget constraints, period.
You can expect a higher standard all you want from Toyama and he’s team so far as polish but they’re not miracle workers. If we’re classifying the game AA, then budget is a qualifier. Personally I’d even call this a B-tier game. Do you think Gravity Rush 2 has better or worse animations? Because it is the same Lead Animator here. You’re entitled to your opinion, you can think the game looks bad, or good, but you only have yourself to blame for expecting better at least in this instance. If this was Naughty Dog, maybe I'd agree with you.

"The amount of work to make a good or bad animation is the same."

This is objectively not true.
 
You could tell there was some rough edges from the trailers, but I'm excited either way.
At worst, it will be an interesting experience!
 

Hugare

Member
You can expect a higher standard all you want from Toyama and he’s team so far as polish but they’re not miracle workers. If we’re classifying the game AA, then budget is a qualifier. Personally I’d even call this a B-tier game. Do you think Gravity Rush 2 has better or worse animations? Because it is the same Lead Animator here. You’re entitled to your opinion, you can think the game looks bad, or good, but you only have yourself to blame for expecting better at least in this instance. If this was Naughty Dog, maybe I'd agree with you.

"The amount of work to make a good or bad animation is the same."

This is objectively not true.
Kena has better animations and it was done by a studio that has never made a game before. This is just an example, but there are so much better looking AA games out there than this.

It has the same Lead Animator than GR 2? While having much worse animations? Despite having worked on this game for 4 years? Then maybe they should have managed the game scope better.

I've always said this: if you dont have the budget or the workforce to make a huge game, then start small. Make a smaller game. Instead of an open world game, make it linear. Instead of thousand of shitty characters, focus on fewer ones.

Its better to make a great smaller game first than making a game with some huge concept that is full of flaws. Then with your second game you'll have a bigger budget, more devs and etc. so you can manage a bigger game.

I love SH, enjoyed Siren, and I'm mildly interested in this game, but I know its gonna be a failure in terms of sales. And maybe if they've managed the scope of the project better they would have made a much more successful game.
 
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near

Gold Member
Kena has better animations and it was done by a studio that has never made a game before. This is just an example, but there are so much better looking AA games out there than this.

It has the same Lead Animator than GR 2? While having much worse animations? Despite having worked on this game for 4 years? Then maybe they should have managed the game scope better.

I've always said this: if you dont have the budget or the workforce to make a huge game, then start small. Make a smaller game. Instead of an open world game, make it linear. Instead of thousand of shitty characters, focus on fewer ones.

Its better to make a great smaller game first than making a game with some huge concept that is full of flaws. Then with your second game you'll have a bigger budget, more devs and etc. so you can manage a bigger game.

I love SH, enjoyed Siren, and I'm mildly interested in this game, but I know its gonna be a failure in terms of sales. And maybe if they've managed the scope of the project better they would have made a much more successful game.
I haven’t played Kena, it looks polished but I don’t think it’s a fair comparison. We don’t really know what circumstances each studio has worked under. They aren’t the same sort of games aesthetically or mechanically. I don’t dispute that there a much better looking games out there, and I’m not exactly making excuses for Slitterhead, I’m merely stating there is no reason to have expected something better. As far as I’m concerned it looks good enough for me to want to try it out, and I’m quite excited to do so.

I agree with you on the scope. Sure they could’ve scaled back the game to accommodate for areas where it currently lacks, but that is not something the team wanted to do. They had a vision, and tried to realize it. Whether they have met it or are happy with what they’ve achieved is unknown, but this is the end product.

This game’s appeal is niche. It will only draw a niche audience, you can tell just by looking at what the game is. Scope has nothing to do with that. Even if they scaled this back, it wouldn’t create a wider appeal. It is more than likely going to sell poorly, and it will more than likely review poorly. But if it does better, happy days.
 

Perrott

Member
Except that Silent Hill wasn't "rough around the edges" back in 1999: it was a AAA game with high production values and made by Konami, one of the best and most reliable publishers on the PlayStation.

It hardly was any less approachable than Metal Gear Solid, released the year before, or Final Fantasy VII, which had adventure-game levels of obscurity in regards to its "puzzles" or progression.
 

nial

Member
Remember, if it's not a first-party title with at least $200 million thrown at it, it's bad.
What the fuck is this echo chamber shit? People aren't feeling this game purely due to gameplay, technical and aesthetical reasons, it has literally nothing to do with it not being a AAA blockbuster.
I'm happy with supporting Toyama down the line, but people are allowed to not like this even if you feel personally offended by that because we must protect le quirky AA experimental game (I don't think we must, because projects like this haven't stopped existing, and probably won't either).
 

GrayChild

Member
What the fuck is this echo chamber shit? People aren't feeling this game purely due to gameplay, technical and aesthetical reasons, it has literally nothing to do with it not being a AAA blockbuster.
I'm happy with supporting Toyama down the line, but people are allowed to not like this even if you feel personally offended by that because we must protect le quirky AA experimental game (I don't think we must, because projects like this haven't stopped existing, and probably won't either).
A bit ironic that it's you accusing other people of being part of an echo chamber...
 

Astray

Member
This is the quintessential AA weird game people pretend to care about.
Pretend is the keyword here imo.

People love to talk about how much they love the quirky AA games, but when the time comes to put money on it everyone disappears.

With that said, this looks honestly v.bad for a AA game. They're clearly leaning heavily on the team members' past work and barely talking about the actual game, which doesn't bode well.
 

Heimdall_Xtreme

Hermen Hulst Fanclub's #1 Member
Slitterhead is an indie game. Developed in around 4 years by a newly formed studio, composed of devs that are incredibly passionate about creating games. They’re also self publishing it. An incredible feat that it even looks and seemingly runs the way it does. It’s more than likely not going to sell well, like Gravity Rush
Kneel on a floor, bow your head and with your hands on the ground, apologize to Gravity Rush and say Sumimasen
🙇🧎
 

TheDarkPhantom

Gold Member
Kunitsu-Gami is an example of a new IP released in 2024 that's genuinely great AND it looks beautiful AND it's super polished AND it's genuinely doing unique things. If something looks like a mess it needs to be called out as such, "new IP from an indie dev" isn't an immunity shield.

When this was first announced I was cautiously optimistic but none of the successive gameplay vids have instilled confidence that it will deliver the goods, quite the opposite, looks *very* rough. Shame because I love the concept and the team behind it, let's see what happens.
 

PandaOk

Member
Keiichiro Toyama, the motherfucker that made the worst controlling and playing games like ever with Siren, should not be talking about rough edges like it’s an endearing quality. The same guy that said he felt inferior to the other members of team silent
 
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