The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) has a vast library of games that still hold up today, with some titles even becoming cult classics among gamers. One such game is Wanpaku Graffiti, also known as Splatter House in North America, which was released in Japan for the NES. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Wanpaku Graffiti and explore its unique gameplay mechanics, as well as provide information on its age rating.

Wanpaku Graffiti is a platformer developed by Seientan, a Japanese video game studio that was active during the 1980s and 1990s. The game follows the story of a young boy who must navigate through various environments while avoiding deadly traps and enemies. The game's art style is characterized by its vibrant colors, geometric shapes, and eerie sound effects.

Gameplay Mechanics

Wanpaku Graffiti features a unique gameplay mechanic that involves painting walls to access hidden areas and defeat enemies. Players can collect paint cans throughout the game world, which contain different colored paints. By using these paints, players can create colorful murals on the walls of various environments, including rooms, corridors, and even moving platforms.

As players progress through the game, they'll encounter various enemies that are attracted to the paint. These enemies will try to destroy the player character if they come too close. However, by quickly painting over the area where the enemy is standing, players can trap them in a wall of color, effectively defeating them.

One of the most interesting aspects of Wanpaku Graffiti is its use of "wandering enemies." Some enemies will wander around the environment, making it difficult for players to avoid them. In these cases, players must quickly paint over the area where the enemy is likely to appear, creating a " trap" that defeats the enemy.

The game also features a unique "paint-splatter" mechanic. When players collect a large amount of paint, they can create a splatter effect on the wall. This effect will attract enemies from nearby areas, making it easier for players to defeat them.

Age Rating

Wanpaku Graffiti is rated 16 in Japan by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), which means that the game contains violent and disturbing content that may not be suitable for all ages.

The CEA rating system in Japan is based on a scale of 1-18, with higher ratings indicating more mature content. A rating of 16 indicates that the game contains "more than mild violence" and "some suggestive content."

In North America, Wanpaku Graffiti was rated AO by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which means that the game is intended for players aged 18 and above.

The ESRB rating system in North America is also based on a scale of 1-18, with higher ratings indicating more mature content. The AO rating indicates that the game contains "extreme violence" and "sacrifice."

Conclusion

Wanpaku Graffiti is a unique and fascinating game that offers a fresh take on the platformer genre. Its use of painting mechanics to defeat enemies and access hidden areas is both innovative and challenging. While the game's age rating may be a concern for some players, fans of retro gaming will likely appreciate Wanpaku Graffiti's quirky charm and addictive gameplay.

For those interested in exploring more games like Wanpaku Graffiti, there are several other platformers that offer similar gameplay mechanics and art styles. Some notable examples include the Shinobi series and the Battletoads series, both of which feature fast-paced action and colorful graphics.

In conclusion, Wanpaku Graffiti is a hidden gem in the NES library that offers a unique gaming experience. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, combined with its vibrant art style and eerie sound effects, make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming.

Rating Breakdown:

• Game: 8/10
• Graphics: 9/10
• Sound: 8.5/10
• Gameplay: 9/10

Recommendation:

Wanpaku Graffiti is recommended for fans of platformers and those interested in exploring the unique gameplay mechanics of this game. However, due to its violent content and age rating, it's not suitable for all ages.

Platform:

NES

Release Date:

1990 (Japan)

Publisher:

Seientan

Developer:

Seientan