Splatterhouse

Splatterhouse was the cabinet the older kids played while the little ones peeked over, half scared to death. Pure video-store horror: a sinister mansion, twisted creatures and hits that left the screen a mess. Hardly any arcade game of the era dared to go that far.

If you stood behind someone playing it as a kid, you haven't forgotten it.

History

Namco released it in 1988, clearly inspired by 80s horror movies. Its hero, wearing a mask that looks a lot like a certain movie slasher's, became instantly recognizable.

It later came home on consoles, got sequels and a much later remake, and earned a cult following.

How to play

Rick and his girlfriend Jennifer duck into Dr. West's mansion to get out of a storm. Jennifer vanishes, and Rick wakes up wearing the Terror Mask, which gives him superhuman strength. You head right, punching and kicking the monsters in your way.

Along the way you can grab weapons like a 2x4, a meat cleaver or a shotgun that deal way more damage. There are traps everywhere and enemies popping out where you least expect them. Every stage ends with a boss, each creepier than the last.

Fun facts

• The hero's mask is one of the most iconic images in horror gaming.
• It came from Namco, the house of Pac-Man and Galaxian, going all-in on horror for once.
• Plenty of its enemies and bosses are nods to horror movies of the time.

In the arcade

Splatterhouse is on the UsuArcade wishlist, coming soon to the lounge. Vote with the 'I want to play it' button to get it here faster.

In the meantime you can take on demons and zombies in Ghosts 'n Goblins or brawl through Double Dragon and Vigilante in the lounge, with chat, live spectators and arcade high scores.

FAQ