If you missed out on the first two installments of this sadistic series, you'll find a simple premise. You're a guy in a hockey mask whose mission is to slaughter as many ghoulies and beasts as possible, making your way through a house of endless horrors.

It has been a while since the escape in Splatterhouse 2 and Rick is slowly regaining his sanity. At night, he is still haunted by nightmares from the place. Rick has married Jennifer and they have a son, David. In the final chapter of this horror trilogy, Rick finds out that an entity called The Evil One has kidnapped his beloved family members. He has no choice but to wear the demon mask with the supernatural powers to save Jennifer and David from the demon-infested Splatterhouse.

The third title in the series builds upon the gameplay of its predecessors. Splatterhouse 3 consists of six consecutive levels in a huge mansion. In a race against time, you have to wipe the demons from each room and find the quickest path to the boss area. After clearing a room, you can use an in-game map to decide upon the quickest route. Improvements over the second title include moving between rooms in multiple directions, multiple endings based on your performance, special moves for Rick and crisper graphics.

Splatterhouse 3 is still has a horror theme and maintains the same level of gore and violence. You can collect weapons such as a skull-smashing baseball bat, an ax and cement blocks. If you get knocked down, a ghost will try to snatch your weapon and drop it in another room of the house. Other collectible items include extra lives, health meat or orbs. These orbs build up a power meter. Upon completion, you have the ability to transform into a berserk mutant for a short time. The cutscenes feature real actors who act out the characters.

Improved graphics and in-depth gameplay mark this sequel to the popular horror series. Non-linear play assures that you'll have a different experience each time you sit down to play, and brutal new weapons guarantee maximum gore. With a variety of motorized saws, sabers, and even your own bloodied hands, you'll trek through level after level of fully detailed violence. It's best not to eat before playing this one.

Splatterhouse 3 features:

• Horrific new levels
• Hideous enemies
• New weapons
• Non-linear play
• One-player action