Slitterhead Review – Wonderfully Bizarre

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of gaming under my belt, I have seen my fair share of diamonds hidden amidst rough gameplay experiences. The latest addition to this list is none other than “Slitterhead“. This title showcases an intriguing body-swapping mechanic that seamlessly integrates into every aspect of the gameplay, making it a truly unique experience in the action genre.

In simpler terms, “Slitterhead” stands out as one of the most peculiar games I’ve encountered in this console era, and undoubtedly the strangest game I’ve played this year. Hailing from Bokeh Game Studio, a fresh indie team led by Keiichiro Toyama, creator of “Silent Hill,” “Siren,” and “Gravity Rush,” it doesn’t shy away from the pressure to meet expectations but instead forges its unique path. It’s not flawless, and it may not appeal to everyone without some reservations, but if you can overlook its imperfections, there’s a distinctive and intriguing gaming adventure to be found here.

In the pulsating heart of 1990s Kowlong, a city eerily reminiscent of Hong Kong, I step into the role of Hyoki – an enigmatic spirit devoid of physical form, yet potent enough to take over any soul that catches my gaze. The early phases of this journey are shrouded in mystery, with my past and personal history veiled in a dense fog, leaving me little insight about myself. However, what I do know is clear: my purpose is to hunt down and obliterate the Slitterheads – these nightmarish creatures that have been terrorizing the city, leaving behind a gruesome trail of mutilated bodies and chilling murders.

Although it has some problems, I wouldn’t suggest this game to anyone without some reservations. However, if you can overlook its flaws, you might find an unusual and engaging gaming experience within it.

The game named “Slitterhead” is more about its gameplay mechanics than its story, and this is evident. Although its concept, particularly its Hong Kong-inspired backdrop, is intriguing, the game seldom delves deeply into these ideas. Instead, the plot often serves as a platform for showcasing the game’s mechanics, with the storytelling usually taking a secondary role. The writing can be clumsy, the cutscenes are rough, and the overall production values leave much to be desired. In terms of narrative, “Slitterhead” doesn’t make a significant impact.

Certainly, one could counter that’s not the main focus. I started this critique by labeling “Slitterhead” as one of the most unusual games I’ve experienced in a while, and I emphasized that this uniqueness is a positive aspect for the game. This distinctiveness primarily stems from its innovative gameplay concepts. By immersing players into the role (metaphorically speaking) of a shape-shifting spirit, “Slitterhead” presents a core gameplay loop unlike anything else currently available in gaming. Despite some noticeable rough edges, the benefits far outnumber the drawbacks in this case.

In the gameplay of Slitterhead, the core experience revolves around assuming control of various Non-Player Characters (NPCs) by switching bodies, a feature that is prevalent throughout the game. This aspect can be seen even in combat – at first glance, it might seem like a typical action game emphasizing melee attacks, dodging, parrying, and cooldown abilities. However, what makes this game unique is its encouragement for players not to stay in one body for extended periods. Each time you take over a new body, there’s a temporary increase in your attack power and combat effectiveness. Essentially, the game motivates you to keep switching bodies frequently.

Slitterhead Review – Wonderfully Bizarre

In the heart of the gameplay of Slitterhead lies the mechanism of changing into various characters and commanding them, which is a key feature in almost all aspects of the game.

Just like traversal and navigation, these game mechanics discourage players from staying with one NPC for an extended period. If you’re stuck at a locked gate, look for another character who can open it. If an NPC is reluctant to share information, try speaking to another character who might be more willing. And if you need to reach a building’s rooftop but can’t find a regular access point, use your ability to move between characters on balconies and terraces to eventually get there.

Slitterhead skillfully incorporates its main concept into various aspects of gameplay, ensuring that body-swapping is consistently at the heart of the experience. Whether in battles or movement, this mechanic remains integral to the game’s rhythm, which is a significant reason why Slitterhead feels as distinctive as it does. This unique gameplay, in turn, benefits the game by offsetting some of the challenges that can be found within its gameplay mechanics.

One way to rephrase the given text for better readability could be: The main issue that stands out is the game’s roughness. In many ways, Slitterhead can come across as a “diamond in the rough,” with some moments feeling quite clumsy or awkward, particularly during combat. Although regular attacks, parries, and blocks generally feel tight and responsive, the jerky movement can make your actions seem imprecise and sluggish at times. Unfortunately, this lack of smoothness is particularly noticeable in an action game like this one, where precision and speed are crucial for success.

In the game called Slitterhead, there’s an occasional sense of repetition that creeps in. The designers aim to address this by allowing players to assume control of multiple characters, introducing a degree of variety (even though the basic movements for the human characters remain largely consistent). Additionally, there are stronger, special humans known as Rarities who can be possessed, each with unique skills and attacks – for instance, one girl uses Wolverine-like claws in melee combat, while a biker shoots at enemies with a shotgun. However, the range of enemy types could use improvement; prolonged combat can become monotonous over time. Fortunately, Slitterhead’s distinct selling point remains engaging, despite some imperfections in its execution that occasionally detract from the gameplay experience.

Slitterhead Review – Wonderfully Bizarre

If you’re someone who can handle the quirks and imperfections, as Slitterhead certainly has its fair share, you might find a treasure trove of fun and enjoyment hidden within.

The character Slitterhead is not without its flaws, particularly in terms of overall production quality. From an artistic standpoint, there’s much to admire, from the terrifying designs of the monsters you encounter to the vibrant, neon-lit urban landscapes you traverse. However, it’s hard to overlook issues such as the unrefined and low-resolution faces of non-playable characters, the rough movements and animations, the scarcity of voice acting in most cutscenes, and the resulting awkward grunts and pauses that come with it.

If you’re the type of gamer who can handle the quirks and imperfections – and Slitterhead certainly has plenty – there’s a wealth of enjoyment to be found here. Bokeh Game Studio’s first release is far from a polished game, and its unusual aspects might even deter some players entirely from what it offers. However, I can easily imagine this game developing a dedicated fanbase over time. From its unique setting and captivating central idea to its body-swapping mechanics that are creatively applied throughout the game, from combat to exploration, Slitterhead deserves recognition for daring to try something novel and, for the most part, succeeding at it.

This game was reviewed on the Xbox Series X.

2024-11-04 18:41

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