As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that I am always on the lookout for fresh and innovative experiences in the horror genre. When it comes to setting, few games have managed to capture my imagination quite like Silent Hill did, and it seems that Keiichiro Toyama is about to do it again with Slitterhead‘s fictional city of Kowlong.
As a devoted fan, I’ve always believed that horror is only as effective as its setting, a fact that Keiichiro Toyama, the brilliant mind behind Silent Hill, certainly knows all too well. The chilling ambiance of the titular New England town in Silent Hill remains one of the best settings in horror gaming to this day. However, for his latest project, Toyama’s creative gaze has shifted elsewhere.
It’s clear that Kowlong is a blend of Hong Kong and the Walled City of Kowloon, as suggested by its name. Although it’s a fictional location, it draws significant inspiration from these two real-life urban areas, along with the cinematic works of Wong Kar-wai such as “Chungking Express”, “Days of Being Wild”, and “Happy Together”. In an interview for Game Rant Advance, Toyama discussed the development of Kowlong for the game “Slitterhead”. Basically, Toyama aimed to create a game set in an Asian city. Once he had that idea, he focused on how to combine distinctive, simultaneous, and conflicting visuals to establish the atmosphere of “Slitterhead”.
As a dedicated admirer of cyberpunk imagery, I can’t help but see cities like Toyama’s Kowloon and Hong Kong as pioneers in this genre that has always captivated me. The allure of cyberpunk, as we all know, often masks dark undercurrents – a duality that games like Cyberpunk 2077’s Night City and Slitterhead brilliantly portray. The intriguing interplay between protagonist Hyoki and the terrifying Slitterheads in Slitterhead is reminiscent of this contrast, even though the specifics of their relationship are yet to unfold. What I find fascinating is the juxtaposition: the glamour associated with Hyoki as a disembodied entity with no recollection, versus the gritty realities of the Slitterheads who steal bodies and memories.
In much the same manner, Toyama pointed out that Kowlong draws inspiration from Hong Kong’s vibrant colors, tactile textures, and blend of tradition and contemporary life, as seen in Wong Kar-wai’s work – a fascinating connection. The vivid hues contribute to the dynamic action scenes in Slitterhead, yet an absence of such could create an even greater sense of dread. For instance, silence can be more chilling when it interrupts usual sounds. Furthermore, this city embodies both tradition and modernity, not just in its physical structures but also in the time period it represents.
As a dedicated gamer reminiscing about my past exploits, I’d like to share some insights about “Slitterhead.” This thrilling adventure is set squarely in the ’90s. When curiosity got the better of me and I asked why not an era older or more contemporary, Toyama, the mastermind behind this game, had a compelling explanation:
In the midst of major changes in Asian urban landscapes, I found myself captivated by the unique fusion of past and present, creating a distinct atmosphere or time period.
In the upcoming release of Slitterhead on November 8th, it’s yet to be revealed exactly how this time period and environment contribute to its suspense, scares, and narrative. However, given the significant emphasis on contrast and coexistence within the setting alone, eager fans can expect a truly exciting experience.
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2024-10-31 16:23