In the history of video games there are not that many third party franchises that have not seen at least on release on a Nintendo console. One such franchise that holds that honor is Splatterhouse. No, I am not counting the “super deformed” game that was released in Japan. Namco originally started Splatterhouse in arcades, then NEC brought it home to the Turbo Grafx-16. That was enough for Namco to bring the franchise home and release Splatterhouse 2 and 3, the subject of this article, on the Sega Genesis as exclusives. Splatterhouse 3 takes a serious departure from the norm of the series though. Rather than being another 2D action game, part three is a brawler not unlike Final Fight or Streets of Rage. Namco had a few tricks up their sleeves though.
Splatterhouse 3 expands brawler genre
One thing that I never understood about brawlers was why couldn’t I go through doors, or “up” the street in certain areas? I mean, this is supposed to be a brawler, why limit it to a linear path? Splatterhouse 3 is one of the few brawlers that allows you to move around a real map. There is usually more than one exit from the room you are currently in, and multiple paths to the end goal of the level. This was one of the cooler things about Splatterhouse 3, sadly it was pretty much ignored by other games in this genre afterwards.
Disgusting enemies make beautiful mess
Another cool thing about Splatterhouse is the enemies and the bosses. The first Splatterhouse featured a room for a boss, the third entry doesn't go that far. I won’t ruin it for you but it is a fight you have never had in any other game.Splatterhouse 3 has yet to be re-released on newer consoles leaving fans only the Sega Genesis version. Ebay or Amazon are both good options, and your purchase helps us keep RGM alive and kicking.
This article was originally published on Retro Gaming Magazine, a gaming website I own.