Splatter World (lost build of cancelled Famicom Splatterhouse game; 1993)

Title screen

Status: Lost

Splatter World was a horror game meant to be released on the Family Computer (Famicom) in 1993. Meant to be part of Namco's "Splatterhouse" series, it was planned to be a sequel to their chibi parody game Splatterhouse: Wanpaku Graffiti. Unlike the other games in the series, which were usually action platform sidescrollers, Splatter world was supposed to be a role-playing game.

Background

Before 2024, not much was known about the game. The existence of this game was only hinted at in Namco Museum of Art's video on the "Splatterhouse" series, though the video did not mention "Splatterhouse" by name.

On May 30th, 2024, Japanese Famicom researcher Orochi posted in their blog that they were sent a video cassette containing footage of Splatter World by a collector of "in-store game VHS." The videotape was meant for retailers and showed off gameplay for interested buyers. It was sent to retailers in December of 1992 and the game was slated to be released in March of 1993. As to why^[1] As to why it was cancelled is unknown but Orochi theorized that it was due to multiple factors, one being the user base shift to the Super Famicom, which was released in 1990. Namco pulling out of the Famicom market less than a year before the games cancellation. Another possibility brought up was Namco not receiving enough orders to justify the release. As such the game was quietly cancelled.^[2]

Availability

As the game was cancelled in 1993, only footage and concept art saved by Namco are the only remaining material available at this time. Its possible Namco still has a prototype and is in playable condition as Splatterhouse fansite West Mansion opined it being nearly 100% complete before cancellation.^[2]