Despite some of the character design choices—that Terror Mask isn't doing anything for me and, Rick, please pull up your shorts—I've long been a fan of bloody beat 'em ups. With the right mechanics, Splatterhouse may be the kind of disposable single-player experience I'm looking for.

Since the game's not out until Q3 2010 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, Namco Bandai has plenty of time to convince me to get excited.

We're big video game shoe fans here at Kotaku, though Crecente's collection is far greater than mine. Perhaps I will 1UP him with a pair of Splatterhouse Superfly high tops. I am lacking in the sneaker department at the moment, and I do like the "moody yet playful" combination of red and black used to add that Splatterhouse flair to the Superfly design. Or I might not, seeing as the product page over at Club Namco only lists them up to size 11.5, and I am a size 13. Oh well. Crecente and his baby feet win once again.

A reminder: this is a one-off custom figure, not something you'll find clipped to an aisle in your local Toys R' 'Us. If you want one (or something like it), take it up with Namco Bandai's licensing department.

Custom Splatterhouse [Jin Saotome]

Splatterhouse is a worrisome title. I tend to lose confidence in a game once the original development team is dropped from the project and then subsequently rehired piece-by-piece. The latest screens certainly look goopy enough for Splatterhouse, but they do nothing to assuage my uneasy feelings. I guess I'll have to wait until the game comes out and hope that it does the job for me.

Beard's statement on the closure notes that "after fighting to keep the doors open for the past six months we have decided to close and move on," putting an end to the studio's seven year history. The studio was previously working on a reboot of Namco Bandai's Splatterhouse before having the project pulled, leading to a handful of curt exchanges between BottleRocket staffers and Namco execs.

When news of the Splatterhouse development debacle hit, it was rumored that BottleRocket's financial situation, stemming form the loss of the game, would mean imminent closure.

The studio was also rumored to have worked on a video game based on DC Comics' the Flash for Brash Entertainment before that publisher imploded.

Beard says in his e-mail that he is "now in the process of building a new development studio from the ground up" but did not expand upon those plans or whether BottleRocket staff would make the transition to that new studio.

Guess Namco's problem was indeed, as we suggested, with the "upper management" at Bottlerocket, and not the developers themselves.

According to The Cut Scene, Namco Bandai have quietly opened a new studio in San Diego, where "between 10 and 20 designers, artists, programmers, producers, and other staff" from the original team have been hired to complete work on the upcoming remake of the classic 80's title. These guys will be helping the publisher's internal Afro Samurai team finish the game ahead of its release later this year.

Bottlerocket devs recruited by Namco to finish Splatterhouse [The Cut Scene]

While Namco Bandai Games chief operating officer Makoto Iwai put blame on the Splatterhouse developer, BottleRocket defends its development on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 title as sticking to contractually defined milestones, according to a report from Gamasutra. It offers an alternate explanation, that "Namco's management of the title was inept."

BottlRocket's initial response to having the game yanked from them late in development was relatively cordial, if stifled bitterness was apparent in-between the lines.

Its reaction to Iwai's implication that BottleRocket wasn't delivering? Notsomuch. It prefaces its explanation with "We too have to be careful of what we say since publishers have to worry about their 'image' and will sue small, independent studios who bark back at them too loudly."

So, which is worse? Having accusations levied against your performance and not responding? Or filling official comment with obvious venom? Obviously, we prefer the latter.

Ex-Splatterhouse Dev BottleRocket Contests Namco's Performance Claims [Gamasutra]

"Basically, the only reason why publishers pull the project out from the developer is when the developer isn't really meeting the requirements," Iwai tells Gamasutra in a new interview. Such was the case with BottleRocket, with the Namco Bandai EVP noting that a "performance issue" was to blame.

The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 version of Splatterhouse is now rumored to be in the hands of the team that developed Afro Samurai, the first game to appear under the publisher's Surge label. Iwai tells Gamasutra that, despite some "brutal reviews" for the licensed action game.

"The team did a great job with the limited amount of time, which allowed them to make improvements up to the last moment," Iwai commented. "But again, this is the very first internal project that we have started as a newly born Namco Bandai Games America."

Let's hope that Surge's next game will be more fondly remembered.

Q&A: Namco Bandai's Iwai Talks Tricky Topics In Western Markets [Gamasutra]

Namco showed up at the developer's offices and took back the dev kits and Splatterhouse assets with the intention of having the Afro Samurai team finish the game.

Regarding Namco's decision to take the studio off the project and completing Splatterhouse in-house, BottleRocket Entertainment stated, "BottleRocket wishes Namco the best in completing their project. The BottleRocket development team is looking forward to turning their attention to a new project soon to be announced."

"We have decided to part ways with BottleRocket Entertainment but we are committed to bringing Splatterhouse to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 later this year," a Namco spokesperson told Kotaku. "At this time, we are not ready to discuss specific development details about the game and wish BottleRocket the best of luck in their future endeavors."

This weekend we reported that Namco showed up Friday and took back the dev kits and all assets for Splatterhouse. Our sources told us that Namco intends to finish it in house with the Afro Samurai team.

We were also told that Bottlerocket, already struggling after having a project they were working on for Brash fold, closed up shop Friday, giving employees their last paycheck. Other sources tell us that Bottlerocket will shutter in three months.

Calls and emails to Bottlerocket went unanswered over the weekend and today.

Another bit of speculation to hit our mailboxes over the past 24 hours places more of the blame on Bottlerocket than on Namco. We're told that the dev team was missing deadlines and turning in material that didn't meet Namco's standards thanks to some upper management issues at the Carlsbad studio.

Whatever lead to the split, it seems likely that it could lead to delays for both Splatterhouse and a rumored Splatterhouse 2.

Sources through the San Diego-area dev community - but not with Bottlerocket itself - say Namco showed up Friday and took back the dev kits and all assets for Splatterhouse. Word has it Namco intends to finish it in house with the Afro Samurai team.

That's a huge slap to Bottlerocket, says one person familiar with the situation. Afro Samurai animators were sent on site to help out with the workload and Bottlerocket staff were said to have found their presence unhelpful. Now, if true, they'd get a nearly completed project and final credit.

And the kicker: this team would also be based in Carlsbad, and may even lease Bottlerocket's building. Namco recruiters, naturally, were talking to BR employees about the possibility of coming aboard.

Of course it conjures up all sorts of speculation about why Namco would make a decision that would essentially destroy a developer under contract, in order to take back an nearly-completed game and attempt to finish it in house with a set of employees who didn't work well together earlier. Sources say the game was going gold in early March.

This was Bottlerocket's only project; its last work was on Flash with the now-kerplop Brash. One source told us all employees got their last paycheck yesterday; another says the office has about three months left before it closes for good.

A message left at Bottlerocket's office was not immediately returned. One Bottlerocket employee has declined comment; we're pursuing others, plus any word from Namco officially. More developments will be posted as they are known.

We'd advise you to give it some time, as the trailer starts off a little slow, without a single demonic purple lamprey-thing being squished and some rather generic looking action that may induce urges to close browser tabs. But when we finally get a look at some of the game's big, big bosses, the Splatterhouse lust kicks in.

The BottleRocket developed game, due to hit the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 this year, looks to be the second title to sport the Surge label. If Splatterhouse does turn out to be a winner, we're willing to forgive the unnecessary xtreme branding.

Splatterhouse HD Trailer [GameTrailers]

Brace yourselves. The GameTrailers TV promo crew has fired up the Mr. Fusion, delivering 1.21 gigawatts of power to the internet hype machine, promising an exclusive bit of news on Call of Duty: World At War that will "rock the internet" and "will have everyone talking." Also on tap, the first trailer for Splatterhouse — one we desperately hope isn't the painfully brief preview we saw at Namco Bandai's Tokyo HQ.

Finally, because we love thrills so much, the episode is planning another "huge announcement." This one involves... Neil Patrick Harris?! What could it be? Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Game? Harold & Kumar Go To An Ice Level?! Trauma Center: Doogie Howser?!?!

Sadly, Splatterhouse is vaguely dated "2009." Given the seconds-long trailer shown at Namco Bandai's pre-TGS press tour, we're expecting a "late" to be added to that 2009 at some point. Hit the jump for the when and where.

Afro Samurai (PS3/Xbox 360)
US: Jan 27, 2009
PAL: TBD

Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World (Wii)
US: Nov. 2008
PAL: TBD
JP: June 26, 2008

Eternal Sonata (PS3)
US: Oct 21, 2008
PAL: Feb 2009

PowerUp Forever (XBLA)
WW: Nov 2008

National Geographic Panda (DS)
US: Nov 2008
PAL: TBD

We Ski & Snowboard (working title) (Wii)
US: March 2009
PAL: TBD
JP: Nov 2008

Dragonball Origins (Dragonball DS) (DS)
US: Dec 2008

Dragonball Z: Infinite World (PS2)
JP: Dec 2008

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm (PS3)
US: Nov 4, 2008
PAL: Nov 7, 2008
JP: TBD

Splatterhouse (PS3/Xbox 360)
US: 2009
PAL: TBD

The press release does reveal that the game will feature the same characters from the original, including Terror Mask recipient Rick Taylor, his imperiled girlfriend Jennifer, and the iconic setting of West Manor, though a new story written by comic book writer Gordon Rennie (JUDGE DREDD!) will see Rick escaping the confines of the house, scouring the world to rescue his girl.

The promises brutal, combo-infused combat, a new leaping technique that adds a whole new element of explorations, and a regeneration mechanic that uses visible cues rather than a health meter to display Rick's status.

The game is coming to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 2009. Hit the jump for the whole sticky mess.

NAMCO BANDAI GAMES ANNOUNCES SPLATTERHOUSE

Classic Action-Horror Franchise to Debut on the Xbox 360® and PLAYSTATION®3 System in 2009 with Gruesome Combat and Heart-Stopping Scares

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (May 29, 2008) – NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. today announced the long-awaited debut of the Splatterhouse franchise on next generation consoles with an all-new installment of the series for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, developed by BottleRocket Entertainment. Inspired by the landmark 1988 arcade hit, Splatterhouse combines visceral, adrenaline-soaked combat with horror elements to deliver an original gaming experience that defies the boundaries of the traditional action category with over-the-top gore and shocking new gameplay mechanics.

Splatterhouse follows college student Rick Taylor as he tries to rescue his girlfriend, Jennifer, who has disappeared after entering the mysterious and run-down West Mansion. Confronted by horrific other-worldly creatures, Rick comes across a mystical sentient mask that promises to give him the power to find Jennifer. Full of desperation and rage, Rick puts on the “Terror Mask” and is transformed into a juggernaut of pure violence and destruction. Featuring an original storyline by critically-acclaimed comic book writer Gordon Rennie (Necronauts, Judge Dredd), Splatterhouse takes Rick beyond the mansion as he scours the ends of the world to rescue his beloved Jennifer.

Embodying the unfiltered, primal aggression of its namesake, Splatterhouse gives players countless ways to decimate the mansion’s assortment of demons, monstrosities and abominations. Featuring a dynamic combat system, Rick will be able to use his brute strength to perform bone-crushing melee combos, savage grapples and wield an assortment of makeshift weapons including the series’ trademark 2x4 and even limbs and heads ripped from enemies themselves. Players will also be able to reanimate the corpses of fallen enemies to fight alongside Rick, imparting strategic depth to the game’s battle and unique puzzle systems. More agile than ever before, Rick can now leap great distances and propel himself to out of reach areas by swinging from outcroppings in the environment, adding an all-new level of exploration to the series.

Introducing a new regeneration mechanic, players will be able to determine Rick’s status in battle by visible cues detailing how injured he is, doing away with the traditional health bar. If he succumbs to the mansion’s deadly inhabitants, they will begin to dismember him, savagely tearing away limbs and ripping at his flesh to expose his internal organs. To survive, Rick must call upon the power of the Terror Mask to regenerate his mutilated body, allowing players to watch in gory detail as bones, veins, muscles and skin return to his body in real-time.

“Splatterhouse promises to deliver an experience full of the gore, hard-hitting action and gritty atmosphere that fans of the franchise expect,” said Todd Thorson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for NAMCO BANDAI Games America, Inc. “Packed with plenty of surprise twists and gripping gameplay, this entirely new entry in the series is set to introduce the bloody saga of Rick and the Terror Mask to a new generation of gamers when it launches in 2009.”

Splatterhouse will launch for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system in 2009. The game is currently featured on the cover of the June issue of EGM, now available at newsstands nationwide. For more information, please visit www.namcobandaigames.com.

The ZD gang reveals that Bottlerocket games—the folks behind the Mark of Kri games for PlayStation 2—are piloting the good ship Splatterhouse. And they even offer up a shot of the in-game model, bigger and bloodier than the wee thumbnail above. Squeal! I'm moving my bed next to the mail slot, for more instantaneous EGM gratification.

Previews: Splatterhouse [1UP]

New-gen Splatterhouse details are non-existent, but EGM subscribers should start seeing their copies hit later this week.

EGM Heads to the Splatterhouse [1UP]

Splatterhouse isn't too bad, really. Some would call it the precursor to modern day survival horror. You play Rick Taylor, a parapsychology student who, like so many other beat-em up stars, finds his girlfriend kidnapped by evil. Rick is killed, only to be resurrected by the Terror Mask as Jason Voorhees.

Beyond Oasis is an action RPG I have never played and only barely heard of, but it features music by ActRaiser and Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin composer Yuzo Koshiro, so it could possibly be worth the 800 points. Anyone out there play this one?

I hope this no press release thing isn't a trend, because if I have to turn on my Wii every Monday morning the ensuing distraction and lateness won't bode well for my day job.

(EDIT) - Apparently Excite Bike snuck up on there when no one was looking, increasing the quality of this week's VC releases 100%.

Virtual Console Releases - 3/19/07 [1P Start]

Yardarm51