Splatterhouse

The place was called the West Mansion. But, to all who knew its legend, it was known as "Splatterhouse." It was once the home of the famed parapsychologist, Dr. West. There was a research lab in the house where Dr. West 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. Dr. West had not been seen or heard from in years, and no one who has ever gone into the mansion has lived to tell the tale. Rick and his girlfriend, Jennifer, were parapsychology majors at the local university. They were both very interested in the works of Dr. West as he was the most famed parapsychologist in the world. One day, they decided to visit the abandoned West Mansion as part of a project they were working on in school. As they walked towards the house, 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 was gone. Rick's unconscious body was covered with blood. Hours later, Rick awoke to a fantastic horror-He was alone and drenched with blood. But, the most terrifying thing of all was that a hideous mask covered his face. He had read tales of this "Terror Mask" in Dr. West's writings-it was said to have ancient spiritual powers. As his only hope, Rick must depend on this mask to give him the strength and courage to find Jennifer.

There is a secret move called the "slide kick," but it is hard to pull off. Jump forward into the air, then press diagonally Down+Jump+Kick. Rick will slide forward for a short time, killing anything in his path. Also, if you see another weapon that you want to carry, pick it up. You will drop your current weapon, but a "foot" or so in front of you. Repeat this process to move both weapons forward along with you. This is helpful with the two shotguns in the "chainsaw man" level.

The character in the game may look like Jason Voorhees from the Friday The 13th movies, but he is just a college student who is fighting for his life. The "Hell Mask", despite looking like a hockey mask, is intended to be an Aztec sacrificial mask, like the one in the anime/manga "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure." Also, supposedly this is the mansion of Dr. Herbert West, H.P. Lovecraft's "Reanimator."

This game was ported to a few consoles including the NEC PC-Engine, Turbo-Grafix 16 and, later, Fujitsu's Marty. The sequels, "Splatterhouse II" and "Splatterhouse III", were released only on the Megadrive. Namco also released a SD (Super Deformed) version for the Famicom.

The side art shows Rick chopping a monster.