- This guide is for the 1988 arcade game. For the 2010 Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and iPhone game, see Splatterhouse (2010).
Splatterhouse (スプラッターハウス - literally Supurattāhausu), is a beat 'em up arcade game that was released by Namco in 1988, only in Japan; it runs upon Namco's System 1 hardware, and was never originally released in the US due to its violent nature as well as some questionable enemies including the fourth stage's boss (the inverted cross). As a result, it was the first arcade game to ever receive a parental advisory disclaimer, four years before Midway Games's Mortal Kombat was even thought of.
Story
The place was called the West Mansion; but, to all those who had known the legend, it was known as "Splatterhouse". It was once the home of the famed parapsychologist, Doctor West - and there was a research laboratory in the house (where he had conducted some of his most gruesome experiments). It was even said that it was in this house that he created the most hideous creatures that ever walked the face of the Earth, but no-one knew for sure; he had not been seen or heard from in years, and no-one who had ever gone into the mansion had survived to tell the tale. Rick and his girlfriend, Jennifer, were parapsychology majors at their local university - and they were both very interested in the works of Dr. West, as he was the most famous parapsychologist in the world. One day, they decided to visit the abandoned mansion, as part of a project they were working on in school; as they walked towards that mansion, it started to rain. They entered - all went dark. Lightning cracked through the sky; there was a frantic scuffle. Then a scream - and suddenly Jennifer had gone. Rick's unconscious body was covered with blood; hours later, he awoke to a fantastic horror. He was alone, and also drenched with blood, but the most terrifying thing of all was that a hideous mask was covering his face - he had read tales of this mask (known as the "Terror Mask"), in Dr. West's writings. It was said to possess ancient spiritual powers; as his only hope, Rick must now depend on this mask, to grant him the strength and courage to find Jennifer. He has a total of seven stages to clear - and each one is gorier than the last.
This is the first game in the Splatterhouse series. It was followed up by four direct-to-console sequels - the first of which was also released exclusively in Japan: Splatterhouse: Wanpaku Graffiti (released on the Famicom, 1989), Splatterhouse: Part 2 (for Sega Genesis, 1992), Splatterhouse: Part 3 (also for Sega Genesis, 1995), and Splatterhouse (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and iPhone, 2010, and named after this game).
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Title screen.
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Upright arcade cabinet.
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First stage of the game.
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Arcade instruction card.
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TurboGrafx-16 cover art.
