- Spirit Hunter;NG
- Luigi’s Mansion 3
- Dead By Daylight
- Withering Rooms
- Shadow Hearts
- Super Castlevania IV
- Left 4 Dead 2
- Bloodborne
- Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie’s Revenge
- Resident Evil (2002)
- Additional Notes
As Halloween approaches us, so does the mood of wanting to play something to accommodate it. Here are some suggested games to fit the mood, while also taking into account their total time to complete.
Spirit Hunter;NG
Platforms: PC, Switch, Vita, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Spirit Hunter: NG is a scary and atmospheric Japanese horror adventure game set in the Spirit Hunter universe, featuring investigations of paranormal spirits that were thought to be mere urban legends. It offers a more artsy UI (User Interface), a jumpscare feature and a promises an unsettling time played in the dark with headphones.
Why you should play it: Spirit Hunter: NG refines and enhances the experience from Death Mark, delivering a gripping supernatural thriller with polished storytelling and suspenseful tension. Though it emphasizes thrills over depth, multiple endings and optional jump scares make it a must-play for genre fans.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Genre: Action-Adventure, Puzzle
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
In this charming action-adventure game, Luigi embarks on a ghost-hunting adventure at the haunted Last Resort hotel. Tasked with rescuing his friends who have been captured by the ghostly King Boo, players use Luigi’s trusty Poltergust G-00 vacuum to capture ghosts and solve creative puzzles across various themed floors of the hotel. The game features vibrant graphics, engaging gameplay mechanics, and a delightful sense of humor.
Why You Should Play It: Luigi’s Mansion 3 offers a whimsical blend of action, exploration, and puzzle-solving that captivates players of all ages. Its imaginative environments, clever ghost mechanics, and charming humor make for a delightful experience. With co-op play and a variety of secrets to uncover, this game is a must-play for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
Dead By Daylight
Genre: Asymmetrical Multiplayer, Horror
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
Dead by Daylight is an asymmetrical multiplayer horror game where one player becomes a killer while up to four others play as survivors. Set in dark, eerie environments, survivors must repair generators, evade the killer, and escape, while the killer hunts them down. The game features a diverse roster of characters and offers collaboration packs with horror icons like Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, and the Xenomorph from Alien, enhancing the horror experience.
Why You Should Play It: Dead by Daylight combines suspense, strategy, and teamwork, keeping players on the edge of their seats. With its unique characters, various maps, and game modes, along with exciting collaboration packs featuring legendary horror figures, the game offers endless replayability. The thrill of outsmarting the killer or executing a daring escape makes this title a must-play for fans of multiplayer horror and adrenaline-pumping gameplay.
Withering Rooms
Genre: Horror, Action, Roguelite
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series, PlayStation 5
Withering Rooms is a challenging 2.5D horror RPG set within a procedurally generated Victorian mansion that transforms each night. Players venture through Mostyn House, gathering essential items to optimize their character builds while confronting a menacing array of foes, including grotesque undead, elusive ghosts, and cunning witches. The blend of exploration and strategic combat makes for a unique horror experience.
Why You Should Play It: Withering Rooms offers a fresh take on horror RPGs with its dynamic environment and engaging gameplay mechanics. The ever-changing mansion keeps players on their toes, while the variety of enemies adds depth to combat strategies. For fans of horror and RPGs, this title delivers a captivating blend of challenge and atmosphere that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Shadow Hearts
Genre: JRPG, Turn-Based, Horror
Platforms: PlayStation 2
Shadow Hearts is a unique role-playing game rooted in horror and the supernatural, set in a dark, alternative version of early 20th-century Europe. Players follow the journey of Yuri Hyuga, a man with the ability to transform into various monsters, as he seeks to unravel a sinister plot involving supernatural forces. The game masterfully mixes Eastern and Western cultures and ideas, featuring an engaging battle system with a Judgment Ring mechanic, rich character development, and a captivating narrative that blends horror and fantasy elements. Often regarded as a hidden gem, it is my personal favorite PS2 game of all time.
Why You Should Play It: Shadow Hearts stands out for its compelling storytelling, intricate character arcs, and atmospheric setting. The blend of horror themes with traditional RPG elements, combined with a distinctive combat system, offers a refreshing experience for fans of the genre. With its unique characters and engrossing narrative, this game is a must-play for RPG enthusiasts seeking something different.
Super Castlevania IV
Genre: Action, Platformer
Platforms: SNES, PC, PS4, PS5, Linux, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series
In this classic action-platformer, players control Simon Belmont on his quest to defeat Dracula and save the world from his dark powers. Featuring intricate level designs and a versatile whip mechanic that allows for multiple angles of attack, the game combines challenging platforming with iconic enemies from the series. Enhanced graphics and atmospheric music elevate the experience, making it a memorable title on the SNES / Super Famicom. It is also available through the Castlevania Anniversary Collection.
Why You Should Play It: Super Castlevania IV is a definitive entry in the Castlevania series, renowned for its tight controls, captivating level design, and memorable boss battles. The game’s rich atmosphere and engaging gameplay mechanics offer a timeless experience, solidifying its status as a must-play for fans of classic platformers and gothic horror.
Left 4 Dead 2
Genre: First Person Shooter, Multiplayer
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Mac OS X, Linux
In this cooperative first-person shooter from Valve, players team up as survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. Set in the southern United States, the game features a variety of campaigns, each filled with intense, fast-paced action as players battle hordes of infected while completing objectives. With a unique AI Director that adjusts the game’s difficulty based on players’ performance, Left 4 Dead 2 keeps each playthrough fresh and exhilarating.
Why You Should Play It: Left 4 Dead 2 is a cornerstone of cooperative multiplayer gaming, offering intense action, strategic teamwork, and a diverse cast of characters. Its engaging campaigns and dynamic AI provide endless replayability, making it a must-play for fans of thrilling zombie apocalypse experiences.
Bloodborne
Genre: Action RPG, Souls-like
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Developed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, Bloodborne immerses players in the gothic, nightmarish city of Yharnam, where they assume the role of a Hunter investigating a mysterious plague. This action RPG features fast-paced combat, intricate level design, and deep lore, challenging players to navigate a world filled with terrifying creatures and formidable bosses.
Why You Should Play It: Bloodborne stands as a hallmark of the action RPG genre, blending challenging gameplay with hauntingly beautiful visuals inspired by eldritch horror and H.P. Lovecraft. Its immersive atmosphere and aggressive combat system create a thrilling experience, making it an essential title for fans of deep narratives and relentless challenges.
Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie’s Revenge
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Original Xbox
Genre: Action-Adventure
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie’s Revenge
Developed by Tose, known for titles like Game & Watch and Dragon Ball, this action-adventure game picks up a year after the events of the beloved film. Players take on the role of Jack Skellington, who returns to Halloween Town to confront a resurrected Oogie Boogie and save the town’s citizens. The gameplay is akin to Devil May Cry, featuring a ranking system based on combos, time, and damage taken.
Why You Should Play It: This game lets you step back into the world of Halloween Town, with familiar characters, eerie environments, and that iconic Danny Elfman soundtrack. The gameplay mixes action with quirky puzzles, and with Jack’s shapeshifting abilities, it’s both haunting and fun—perfect for a Halloween gaming session.
Resident Evil (2002)
Genre: Survival Horror
Platforms: GC, PC, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PS4, PS5, Linux
Resident Evil (2002) is a critically acclaimed remake of the classic survival horror game, players explore the eerie Spencer Mansion as members of the S.T.A.R.S. team investigating a series of gruesome murders. Featuring tank controls and a fixed camera perspective, the game immerses players in its tense atmosphere as they navigate through challenging puzzles and encounter terrifying creatures. This version enhances the original with revamped graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and new story elements, intensifying the suspense and horror as players uncover the mansion’s dark secrets.
Why you should play it: Resident Evil (2002), commonly referred to as REmake, features puzzles, and sets the gold standard for remakes, masterfully blending atmosphere, unique gameplay, and strategic challenges. It modernizes key elements while retaining the original’s charm, creating an unforgettable survival horror experience. A true masterpiece that remains unmatched in setting the bar for future remakes.
Additional Notes
This Halloween selection spans a variety of genres, from online multiplayer experiences like Left 4 Dead 2 and Dead by Daylight, to platformers like Super Castlevania IV and atmospheric adventures like Spirit Hunter: NG. Whether you’re up for roguelite challenges in Withering Rooms, the action of The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie’s Revenge, or the tense survival horror of Resident Evil’s remake, there’s something here to match every horror fan’s taste and Halloween mood.
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