Splatterhouse

*Splatterhouse* is a survival horror video game series developed primarily by the Japanese studio Compile, later acquired by Konami. The series is known for its extreme violence, gory visuals, and over-the-top storytelling, which set it apart from other games of its era. The first game, *Splatterhouse*, was released in 1988 for the Nintendo Famicom (known as *Nintendo Entertainment System* outside Japan) and became a cult classic for its brutal combat and dark narrative.

The gameplay revolves around a young man named Mike, who must battle through a series of grotesque enemies to rescue his sister, who has been kidnapped by the demonic *Splatterhouse*. The game features a unique "blood splatter" mechanic, where hitting enemies with certain weapons causes them to explode in a shower of blood, adding to the game’s visceral atmosphere. Later entries in the series expanded on this formula, introducing new characters, settings, and even a sequel (*Splatterhouse 2*) released in 1990.

*Splatterhouse* was initially met with controversy due to its graphic violence, leading to regional edits and censorship in some markets. Despite this, the game gained a dedicated fanbase and influenced later survival horror titles. The series remained active until *Splatterhouse 3* in 1992, after which development slowed due to industry shifts and Konami’s focus on other genres.

The original *Splatterhouse* has since been re-released on modern platforms, including compilations like *Konami Anthology* and *Nintendo Switch Online*. While not as widely recognized as other horror franchises, it holds a niche reputation among fans of retro gaming and extreme violence in video games. Its legacy lies in its bold approach to storytelling and gameplay, making it a standout title in the early days of the survival horror genre.