The debut title of Bokeh Game Studio,Slitterhead, takes from the creator’s past projects like Silent Hill and Siren. It’s a unique experience that, as I said inmy review, is “…fun, electric and unlike any other game.”.
With that said, it can be a bit overwhelming for those playing a game likeSlitterheadfor the first time. Having completed the game myself, there are some things (nine, to be exact) that I wish I knew when I started my time inKowlong.
Review: Slitterhead
Bokeh Game Studio’s pilot project, Slitterhead, is high in ambitions but does it stick the landing?
1Take Your Time
No Rush, No Problem
Slitterhead can be a rather difficult game, especially when the odds are stacked against you with big enemies. Fortunately, when you leave a body as Night Owl,time slows downand you have some time to think about things. Enemies are a bit fast in-combat, so being able to take a breath and get yourself prepped is always nice.
2Play Strategically
It Pays to Think Smart
As mentioned before, you do have some time in possession mode going to and from bodies. That time can give you a couple more seconds to think about what to do next, whether it’s possess a Rarity or plan a sneak attack behind the enemy.
While it is an action title,approaching it like a strategy title like XCOM does evolve the combatinto something unique. Planning how to best an enemy is important, especially later in the game when they can be quite the tough opponent.
3Block, Not Dodge
Never Back Down
We can blame Dark Souls and Elden Ring for this, but dodging isn’t always the answer. It’s a viable option when a block isn’t an option or weapon durability is low.
Blocking, however, especially when doing it successfully, serves a big purpose.Blocking a few hits(look for the directional cue and move the joystick at the time of impact)will slow down timefor enemies and let you get some hits in without the worry of getting hurt. It’s a small window but extremely helpful in tense battles.
4Save Your Rarities
Keep Your Ace in the Hole For Now
Rarities are humans that possess powerful abilities that range from strong offensive attacks to helpful defensive perks. While they do have more health than a typical human, that doesn’t mean they’re invisible. Relying on them can be done, but going to regular humans and letting them charge back their abilities, or if purchased, heal up, can make them better and keep them in the fight longer than they would on their own.
You do get to bring two Rarities to a mission, so choose them on whatever factor you like, whether it’s preference or playstyle.
All Rarities and Abilities in Slitterhead
Rarities bring the complexities of Slitterhead to the battlefield. Here’s who they are and where to find them.
5Don’t Be Afraid of Restarting
Better Be Safe Than Sorry
In these types of games,defeat is inevitable. Sometimes, it’s a matter of not being fast enough, others it’s the Rarities and the hand dealt.Restarting the level, while it can be frustrating and annoying having to do what you just did over again,lets you pick your Rarities better. Plus, it’ll help you prep more for the battle, whether it’s to up your health, power up your Blood Weapon or choose defense over offense.
6You Can Heal Anytime
Gonna Soak Up The Blood
In the heat of combat, you may feel the need to toughen up and go with the punches. Slitterhead does, however, offer the player a way to regain health via the blood splatters on the battlefield.
Using your left bumper will let your character suck up all the blood and heal themselves. As abilities do cost blood, it’s important to keep yourself healthy, as your vulnerability is exploitable by enemies especially if low.
7Talk To Rarities After Missions
Time For A Wellness Check
This function is required to progress in the game, but that doesn’t mean talking to Rarities isn’t fun. In fact,it acts as the game’s way to show who these people are outside of the fight. For example, we can see Julee working at a store or Alex as a doctor. You gain a lot of backstory for these characters and it builds them more as people and not as tools for killing Slitterheads.
8Explore and Be Rewarded
Adventure Is Out There!
The city of Kowlong is decent in size but explorable in mostly every mission that takes place there. As you rush from rooftop to rooftop or dash through the streets below,keep an eye out for out-of-the-ordinary thingslike glowing prayer boxes or even an elderly woman.
Interacting with them can bring aboutnew memories for Hyoki,challenging bosses with cool cosmetic rewards, and evena new Rarity. It pays to explore a bit in each level, especially older ones. You can check what levels have special items within them in the Mission map.
9You Can Customize Your Appearance
Look Your Best to Be The Best
The style of each of the Rarities are pretty neat for the ’90s time period. Yet, as you complete missions andcomplete Challenges, found in prayer boxes in certain levels,you’ll earn new cosmetics for certain characters.
For example, you may give Blake a new Guy Fawkes mask or even outfit Tri with some new colors. They add a bit of uniqueness to each character and add that signature personal flair to them.
Slitterhead: All Mysterious Old Lady Locations
Here’s where to find that mysterious old woman in different levels in Slitterhead, as well as your reward.
