Splatterhouse is a new game in Namco's older series of games originally released from 1988-1993. It was released on both PS3 and Xbox 360 and is now available at a much lower MSRP of $29.99 instead of it's debut price of $59.99.
Graphically, both versions are identical. They both run with a terribly inconsistent frame rate and panning even slightly left or right results in large frame rate drops. They are v-synced, thankfully, but it's very clear this engine has not been optimized very well. Both versions are tied for graphics.
For sound, the 360 version gets DD 5.1 while the PS3 gets DD5.1 PCM. Oddly enough, both mixes sound the same with some slightly lower default sound levels on the PS3. Technically, the PS3 wins this category with it's uncompressed sound.
Gameplay is also identical across both platforms. The game responds well to command inputs. I could not detect any delay from the controls on either system so your buying preference relies on which controller form factor is most pleasing to you. Again, both versions are tied for this caregory.
The PS3 is the leading purchase winner with the Xbox version lagging only due to sound.
I'm sure you're wondering why I've decided to comment on this game. It was largely ignored during it's initial run and the franchise has always been a bit obscure. I only purchased it because of it's reduced price and because it features all three of the previous game emulated. Oddly enough, I ended up enjoying the new game quite a bit even though it actively hits all the wrong cords of game design; the camera pans too slowly, enemies will often move out of camera view, enemies constantly hit you from behind, hit detection is suspect (on the 2D levels), you can potentially paint yourself into an impassable corner if you don't upgrade the right moves, and some enemy animations run too long and are invincible. Yes, almost everything that game players hate this game does.
However, the game is still rather fun. The challenge level is fairly high on a first playthough, the script is witty, and the additional moves you upgrade to make you feel more and more powerful. It's most like Dante's Inferno except less refined but certainly not reaching the levels of Bayonetta or Devil May Cry. At this new price point, though, the fun outweighs the investment and I've using this game as a small break from my other more serious games. I would recommend a purchase or a rental for a good afternoon of bloody fun.
