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