The season of spooky gaming is upon us, beckoning players to dive into the thrilling world of Namco’s Splatterhouse series. While many may be familiar with the acclaimed arcade classic and the 2010 reboot, there’s one gem that shouldn’t be missed: Splatterhouse: Wanpaku Graffiti. With its chibi-style twist on the blood-soaked side-scrolling genre, this game offers a perfect adrenaline rush to savor this Halloween.

For newcomers to the world of speedrunning or those seeking a fresh challenge, Wanpaku Graffiti serves as an ideal starting point. It strikes a balance between manageable difficulty and the need for precision. While the overall gameplay is relatively straightforward, a few missteps can swiftly lead to a premature end. As the world record stands at 17m13s and even the slowest completion time doesn’t exceed 20 minutes, the game ensures a quick and exhilarating experience that easily consumes hours of playtime.
Unlike other horror titles, the soundtrack of Wanpaku Graffiti steers clear of spine-chilling melodies, ensuring an engaging gameplay experience without inducing unwarranted fear. Moments like the spirited “Thriller” dance sequence with a rock-wielding Drac inject a lively and whimsical energy into the game. While certain sections, such as the enemy encounters during Rick’s journey, may slow down the pace, mastering these segments becomes second nature after a few playthroughs.
A few strategic rounds are all it takes to grasp the crucial time-saving tactics, from identifying the patterns of possessed books in the initial boss battle to evading obstacles like rising spikes and mischievous flying chairs. The game’s charm lies in its absurd yet captivating elements, evident within the game’s first few minutes.
Splatterhouse: Wanpaku Graffiti has become a Halloween gaming tradition, offering a delightful concoction for retro gaming enthusiasts and speedrun aficionados alike. It presents a unique and accessible experience, featuring a blend of nostalgic elements and creative parodies that keep players thoroughly engaged. With renewed excitement for this enthralling adventure, perhaps this year will see an enthusiastic pursuit to scale the spooky speedrun leaderboards.




