Splatterhouse

A mask, blood-spattered corridors and a terrifying monster lurking around the corner — Splatterhouse was so uncompromisingly brutal in its time that it became a legend of horror gaming. The version for the PC Engine brought this arcade smash home and gave fans of beat 'em ups with a touch of horror exactly what they craved.

The game is at its core a beat 'em up, but wrapped in an atmosphere inspired by classic horror films. You slip into the role of Rick, a young man brought to life and to superhuman strength by the mysterious Terror Mask — an obvious homage to Friday the 13th and Jason Voorhees. With this mask on his face you fight your way through an infested mansion, crushing hordes of the undead and monsters with fists, kicks and found weapons such as iron pipes or axes.

For its time Splatterhouse was visually and thematically shocking. Spurting blood, grotesque enemies and dark, claustrophobic environments created an atmosphere that games of the day rarely offered. The boss battles rank among the most memorable moments — from giant monstrosities to disturbingly surreal sights that stick in your head long after finishing.

In gameplay terms it is honest, straightforward action. You progress from left to right, eliminating everything that moves, and collecting weapons that give you a temporary advantage. It's not a revolution in the beat 'em up genre, but the combination of solid gameplay with an unmistakable horror aesthetic makes the game a cult affair.

The influence of Splatterhouse is felt to this day — the series saw sequels and a later reboot, and its masked hero became an icon. For the PC Engine it was a title that showed the console could handle rougher, more grown-up themes as well, and among retro fans it has its firm, devoted audience.

Why play: A cult horror beat 'em up with an unmistakable atmosphere and a masked hero — for everyone who wants to enjoy a rough classic with the style of B-movie horror.