GamesRadar+ VerdictPart sci-fi body horror, part thrilling detective yarn, Slitterhead is a story of humanity versus monstrosity in a city where both are plentiful. Bokeh’s debut release bravely takes strides to manipulate, challenge, and evolve how we play horror games, and while some of these risks do not pay off as well as others, Slitterhead’s sheer creative ambition is impossible to ignore.Pros+Innovative, fast-paced combat feels fluid and exciting+Sumptuous worldbuilding+Unpredictable story lingers on the mind long after credits rollCons-Frustrating mission unlock system-Surplus player characters with markedly less narrative importance
GamesRadar+ Verdict
GamesRadar+ Verdict
Part sci-fi body horror, part thrilling detective yarn, Slitterhead is a story of humanity versus monstrosity in a city where both are plentiful. Bokeh’s debut release bravely takes strides to manipulate, challenge, and evolve how we play horror games, and while some of these risks do not pay off as well as others, Slitterhead’s sheer creative ambition is impossible to ignore.
Part sci-fi body horror, part thrilling detective yarn, Slitterhead is a story of humanity versus monstrosity in a city where both are plentiful. Bokeh’s debut release bravely takes strides to manipulate, challenge, and evolve how we play horror games, and while some of these risks do not pay off as well as others, Slitterhead’s sheer creative ambition is impossible to ignore.
Pros+Innovative, fast-paced combat feels fluid and exciting+Sumptuous worldbuilding+Unpredictable story lingers on the mind long after credits roll
Innovative, fast-paced combat feels fluid and exciting
Sumptuous worldbuilding
Unpredictable story lingers on the mind long after credits roll
Cons-Frustrating mission unlock system-Surplus player characters with markedly less narrative importance
Frustrating mission unlock system
Surplus player characters with markedly less narrative importance
Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy.
Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy.
FAST FACTS(Image credit: Bokeh Game Studio)Release date:November 8, 2024Platform(s):PS5, PS4 Xbox Series X, PCDeveloper:In-housePublisher:Bokeh Game Studio
FAST FACTS
(Image credit: Bokeh Game Studio)Release date:November 8, 2024Platform(s):PS5, PS4 Xbox Series X, PCDeveloper:In-housePublisher:Bokeh Game Studio
(Image credit: Bokeh Game Studio)
Release date:November 8, 2024Platform(s):PS5, PS4 Xbox Series X, PCDeveloper:In-housePublisher:Bokeh Game Studio
The duality of humanity and monstrosity is a core theme sitting at the beating heart ofSlitterhead. Make no mistake, this is a grisly horror game where skulls split open to make room for spiny appendages, shrivelled bodies hanging limp as empty cocoons upon the backs of the insectoid creatures that burst from them, mouthed tongues flickering from jagged maws in search of unsuspecting human eye sockets to pierce and suck dry of cerebral matter. It’s a grisly reimagining of zombie fiction, this time with razor-sharp third-person combat encounters where chaining possession is the key to success as you literally throw bodies at the problem. But Slitterhead also makes a poignant comment on the human condition, taking inspiration from the very real, very overcrowded region of Kowloon, Hong Kong to show how even an everyday person has a purpose in the grand scheme of life – and, in this case, death.
Welcome to the dark side
(Image credit: Bokeh Game Studio)
Peeling back the layers of Slitterhead’s bizarre narrative is a process in itself. It starts off slowly, our first host a barking street dog that leads us into the bustling main road of central Kowlong. From here, the nameless spirit leaps from person to person, grappling with memory loss as it tries in vain to recall who and what it is. It only knows one purpose: destroy the Slitterheads, vicious monsters posturing as humans who hunt their prey in the shadows of Kowlong’s insidious underbelly. Think triads, prostitution rings, creepy cult hideouts – the works.
Instead of leaning heavily on voiced cutscenes, a Talk menu in the intermission screen allows the Hyoki to get to know each Rarity as you progress. Adapting to this more fragmented gameplay hook took some getting used to for me, but I soon grew to appreciate the storytelling opportunities it created. The peppering of noir detective work that comes with piecing together conversations between Rarities allows for slow, procedural revelation of Kowlong’s secrets, the player uncovering them alongside the spirit as a foreign entity in this world and gradually discovering new places of interest.
(Image credit: Bokeh Game Studio)
The first three Rarities' stories lead into one another in a more linear fashion than the rest, but eventually, I had to rely on mission information screens to preview what remaining secrets, collectibles, and signs of Rarities I’d missed in a given area. Novel as the concept is, though, it did leave me frustrated at one critical juncture; closing in on the game’s final moments, I mistook a series of connected events as optional collectibles rather than mandatory mission unlocks. That’s three hours I’ll never get back, but I’m willing to forgive Bokeh this instance of loveable, albeit questionable, jank.
Slitterhead is all about tactics and precision, thinking quickly on your feet to gain the upper hand and make every second count. The glorious result is aggressive, nail biting action involving everything from blood-generated shotguns, claws, using a giant mascara wand as a melee weapon, and turning humans into literal time bombs to make you sweat even on normal or easy difficulty – all honing in on the dynamism of playing a wandering Hyoki in search of a host.
Amid the madding crowd
(Image credit: Bokeh Game Studio)
“Kowlong is a microcosm of humanity, all walks of life sharing a tiny space”
“Kowlong is a microcosm of humanity, all walks of life sharing a tiny space”
In a charming twist of fate, humans turn out to be the ones guiding a spirit rather than the other way around. Slitterhead tells human stories through a superhuman, possibly preternatural being, shining a light on the unique souls it encounters on the way. Kowlong is a microcosm of humanity, all walks of life sharing a tiny space and choosing their path through it. True, some of the discovered Rarities serve little narrative purpose compared to others, but each is distinct and represents an ordinary person just trying to survive. As the spirit learns more about humanity and the darkness in us all, the line between good and bad grows ever blurry – even when it comes to grotesque monsters.
Disclaimer
Need the scares to continue? We’ve got a list of theupcoming horror gamesthat you need to keep an eye on next. Need it now? Then check out our list of thebest horror gamesever! Alternatively, thebest games based on horror moviesis a good shout if you’re looking for something with a bit more cinema.
CATEGORIESPS5PS4PC GamingXbox Series XPlatformsPlayStationXbox
CATEGORIES
More about horrorThe Silent Hill 2 Remake director has pitched a Lord of the Rings horror game, and suddenly I’m hunched over growling ‘my precious’ at the thought of itThe long-awaited next entry in the cult classic horror RPG series Pathologic is getting a free “prelude” game, and after 19 years we’ll finally see the mysterious CapitalLatestNosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted oneSee more latest►
More about horrorThe Silent Hill 2 Remake director has pitched a Lord of the Rings horror game, and suddenly I’m hunched over growling ‘my precious’ at the thought of itThe long-awaited next entry in the cult classic horror RPG series Pathologic is getting a free “prelude” game, and after 19 years we’ll finally see the mysterious CapitalLatestNosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted oneSee more latest►
More about horrorThe Silent Hill 2 Remake director has pitched a Lord of the Rings horror game, and suddenly I’m hunched over growling ‘my precious’ at the thought of itThe long-awaited next entry in the cult classic horror RPG series Pathologic is getting a free “prelude” game, and after 19 years we’ll finally see the mysterious Capital
More about horror
The Silent Hill 2 Remake director has pitched a Lord of the Rings horror game, and suddenly I’m hunched over growling ‘my precious’ at the thought of itThe long-awaited next entry in the cult classic horror RPG series Pathologic is getting a free “prelude” game, and after 19 years we’ll finally see the mysterious Capital
The Silent Hill 2 Remake director has pitched a Lord of the Rings horror game, and suddenly I’m hunched over growling ‘my precious’ at the thought of it
The Silent Hill 2 Remake director has pitched a Lord of the Rings horror game, and suddenly I’m hunched over growling ‘my precious’ at the thought of it
The long-awaited next entry in the cult classic horror RPG series Pathologic is getting a free “prelude” game, and after 19 years we’ll finally see the mysterious Capital
The long-awaited next entry in the cult classic horror RPG series Pathologic is getting a free “prelude” game, and after 19 years we’ll finally see the mysterious Capital
LatestNosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted oneSee more latest►
Latest
Nosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted one
Nosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted one
Nosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted one
See more latest►
Most PopularSonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids”Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"Asus TUF A14 review: “a wonderful step towards a portable and powerful future”
Most PopularSonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids”Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"Asus TUF A14 review: “a wonderful step towards a portable and powerful future”
Most PopularSonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids”Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"Asus TUF A14 review: “a wonderful step towards a portable and powerful future”
Most Popular
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up”
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”
Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became”
Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”
Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids”
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
Asus TUF A14 review: “a wonderful step towards a portable and powerful future”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
1
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
3
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5
Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”