Overview
Gaming’s answer to Friday the 13th. Splatterhouse put players in a hockey mask (changed to red in some versions for legal reasons) and sent them through a monster-infested mansion. The horror aesthetic wasn’t subtle—enemies exploded in gore, bosses were grotesque nightmares, and the atmosphere was pure 1980s horror film homage.
Fast facts
- Developer: Namco.
- Protagonist: Rick Taylor.
- Setting: West Mansion.
- Theme: Explicit horror.
Terror Mask
| Feature | Function |
|---|
| Origin | Ancient artifact |
| Power | Superhuman strength |
| Design | Jason Voorhees homage |
| Variations | Changed in some regions |
Combat system
| Move | Effect |
|---|
| Punch | Basic attack |
| Jump kick | Aerial strike |
| Slide kick | Low attack |
| Weapons | 2x4, cleaver, shotgun |
Horror elements
| Feature | Implementation |
|---|
| Gore | Enemies explode |
| Monsters | Body horror designs |
| Atmosphere | Dark, oppressive |
| Sound | Unsettling audio |
Boss encounters
| Boss | Horror type |
|---|
| Boreworm | Giant monster |
| Biggy Man | Chainsaw wielder |
| Hell Chaos | Demonic entity |
| Jennifer | Tragic transformation |
Home versions
| Platform | Notes |
|---|
| PC Engine | Near-arcade, censored mask |
| Mega Drive | Splatterhouse 2 & 3 |
| Series total | Three main entries |
Controversy
| Issue | Response |
|---|
| Violence | Parental concern |
| Mask design | Legal modifications |
| Gore content | Regional censorship |
Series continuation
| Title | Year | Platform |
|---|
| Splatterhouse 2 | 1992 | Mega Drive |
| Splatterhouse 3 | 1993 | Mega Drive |
| Splatterhouse (reboot) | 2010 | PS3/Xbox 360 |
See also