Splatterhouse 3
A beat'em up with non-linear exploration and multiple endings.
Splatterhouse 3 is a 1993 beat'em up game developed by Now Production and published by Namco for the Sega Genesis. It is the sequel to Splatterhouse 2 and was one of the first games to receive a rating from Sega's Videogame Rating Council, earning an MA-13 in North America for its graphic violence and gore. The game was not originally released in Europe.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Now Production
- Publisher
- Namco
- Director
- Taiji Nagayama
- Producer
- Masami Shimotsuma; Papaya Payapaya
- Artist
- Gyoee! Miyazaki; Takashi Yoshida
- Designer
- Masami Shimotsuma
- Programmer
- Haruo Ohori
- Composer
- Eiko Kaneda
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
The game has six levels, many set in the mansion. Unlike the side-scrolling action of earlier entries, Splatterhouse 3 features non-linear exploration through several rooms, requiring Rick to backtrack to find the exit. A map of each level is provided. Each level must be cleared within a time limit; running out of time does not affect gameplay but alters the plot, leading to four possible endings. For instance, failing to save Jennifer in the second level results in her death. A new Power Meter can be filled by collecting Eldritch Orbs from levels or defeated enemies. When at least one orb fills the bar, Rick transforms into a hulking, monstrous version with the Terror Mask fused to his head. In this state, he is stronger and can perform a special attack where pieces of his flesh extend from his chest to injure nearby monsters. Instead of wielding weapons, the mutated Rick flings them for extra damage. Extra lives and health items are scattered throughout levels. Passwords allow players to return to levels. Rick can pick up weapons like a baseball bat or cleaver. After defeating all monsters in a room, a map appears offering some choice in reaching the level's end.
Plot
The story takes place about five years after Splatterhouse 2. Rick and Jennifer have married and have a son named David. Rick has become successful on Wall Street and bought a mansion in Connecticut, leaving the Terror Mask behind. The Mask senses ancient energy and speaks to Rick, who must don it again to fight monsters invading his mansion. Rick first fights to save Jennifer, kidnapped by the Evil One, but this is a distraction while the Evil One takes David. Rick defeats the Evil One, who planned to use David's psychic abilities to unlock the Dark Stone. Afterward, the Mask reveals its evil intentions, and Rick must destroy it permanently. There are four endings based on whether the player saves Jennifer and David. In the bad ending, both die, and Rick stands alone with the weight of failure. If Jennifer dies or becomes a mindless beast but David lives, Jennifer exists only as a memory. If David dies but Jennifer lives, she cries out upon learning of his death. In the good ending, both survive, the Mask cries out that it is dying, and Rick returns to his family free from the Mask.
Reception
Russ Ceccola of Fangoria wrote that the appeal of the Splatterhouse games is the bloody violence, with graphics that are explicit and gross in an over-the-top way, and noted that Splatterhouse 3 adds a map, time limits, and multiple endings. AllGame editor Geoffrey Douglas Smith praised the game, stating it stands at the top of the beat-'em-up heap on Genesis as a fun and gory ride with a solid game engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Splatterhouse 3 released?
Splatterhouse 3 was released on March 19, 1993 in Japan and in August 1993 in North America.
Who directed Splatterhouse 3?
Splatterhouse 3 was directed by Taiji Nagayama.
Who designed Splatterhouse 3?
Splatterhouse 3 was designed by Masami Shimotsuma.
Who composed the music for Splatterhouse 3?
The music for Splatterhouse 3 was composed by Eiko Kaneda.
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