Slitterhead Creator Explains Exactly What a Hyoki Is

Slitterhead Creator Explains Exactly What a Hyoki Is

As a long-time fan of Toyama’s work, I can’t help but feel a palpable sense of anticipation as we draw closer to the release of Bokeh Game Studio’s Slitterhead. With its unique take on the horror genre and an otherworldly protagonist like Hyoki, it promises to be a thrilling journey that pushes the boundaries of what we’ve come to expect from games in this category.


Introduced in 2021, Bokeh Game Studio is set to launch its inaugural project titled “Slitterhead“. Known as a third-person blend of horror and action, “Slitterhead” is the brainchild of Keiichiro Toyama, renowned for his work on the original “Silent Hill“, as well as directing and designing the “Gravity Rush” and “Siren” series. Unlike its predecessors, “Slitterhead” takes inspiration from the past while focusing on innovative elements, particularly with the unique character, Hyoki, who stands out in various ways.

In a departure from typical horror game protagonists, the enigmatic entity known as Slitterhead’s character, Hyoki, breaks the mold due to its otherworldly nature, lacking a physical form and personal memories. Bokeh’s CEO and director of Slitterhead, Toyama, shared insights with Game Rant about Hyoki, discussing its origins and how players will engage with the game world through this unusual lead character, revealing unique aspects of both Hyoki and the gaming experience.

Keiichiro Toyama on the Origin and Design of Slitterhead’s Hyoki

Toyama shared that the concept of a spirit without a physical body taking on the role of Slitterhead’s player character was developed early in the process. He pointed out that the original design of Hyoki and its ability to take control were inspired by the ‘sightjacking’ mechanic from Siren, with Slitterhead aiming to explore this further. Toyama also mentioned that while it might be more challenging for players to empathize with a character as disconnected from humanity as Hyoki at first, there will be chances to mold and grow this character:

Initially, a player might find themselves uncomfortable compared to Hyoki. However, the storyline will include several unexpected elements designed to capitalize on this discomfort.

In certain pre-released clips, it’s apparent that the game, Slitterhead, will enable players to take control over dogs and possibly other creatures too. This feature, hinted at previously, opens up exciting prospects for unique and engaging interplay scenarios.

How Slitterhead’s Hyoki Intimately Connects to its NPCs and Antagonists

As a gamer diving into the world of Slitterhead, I’m thrilled about the unique possession mechanic that sets it apart. I’ll be leveraging the Hyoki’s special ability to switch between hosts, each with their distinct skills, some more effective than others. Particularly interesting are the “Rarities,” which seem to have a natural affinity with the Hyoki, making them even more valuable in my journey. Toyama hinted that there’s a lot more to uncover about this bond between the Hyoki and certain hosts, as these encounters promise to enrich the narrative and deepen my understanding of the game’s storyline.

In Slitterhead, the main antagonists, like Hyoki, possess a power of possession. These creatures are subtly infiltrating human society for their own malicious intentions. Creator Toyama pointed out the thematic connections but chose to withhold specific details to preserve the enigma and allow players to experience the mystery in an organic way.

Both share the trait of taking control over other entities’ bodies, but due to its significance in the narrative’s progression, I encourage players to uncover this similarity as they journey through the storyline.

In the game “Slitterhead,” the character Hyoki, who breaks from traditional protagonists, is central to an uncommon cat-and-mouse chase with the antagonists. This unique dynamic sets up an adventure distinct from most neighboring games. Furthermore, the interactions between Hyoki and non-player characters (NPCs) could lead to shocking, poignant, and unsettling situations. There seems to be much more about Hyoki’s story in “Slitterhead” that remains to be discovered, and players will have the opportunity to delve deeply when “Slitterhead” releases on November 8, 2024.

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2024-10-31 16:15