It’s that time of year again. While watching classic horror movies on TV or Blu-ray never gets old, sometimes mixing things up for Halloween with a video game or two can be a great alternative.
There’s no shortage of titles to choose from, but if you’re unsure about what to play this year, we’ve compiled a list of recent releases (and some classics) perfect for getting your seasonal scares.
If you feel there’s a significant omission, feel free to voice your opinion in the comments below. The more options, the more fun!
7 Minutes in Hell
If you’re a fan of Squid Games and survival horror, you should check out Gaggle Studios’ latest effort, which is currently in Early Access on Steam. 7 Minutes in Hell features contestants competing in a livestreamed game show, where they have seven minutes to snatch as much loot and valuables as possible while trying to stay alive. Alongside various monsters, obstacles, and traps in the arena, players must also contend with others, who can either ally with them or turn against them at any moment. If you survive, you can enhance your gear and try again.
Silent Hill 2
Fans anticipated the remake of this survival horror classic. The Silent Hill 2 remake elevates the original gem, blending in modern gameplay concepts and visuals while scaring longtime fans again. It also introduces a new generation of survival horror enthusiasts to what makes this title so noteworthy. Here’s hoping Bloober Team considers revisiting the series with additional content or by reworking the original title that started it all.
Iron Meat
For those who prefer the run-and-gun gameplay reminiscent of Aliens to the atmospheric tension of Alien: Isolation, Retroware’s Iron Meat is a solid tribute to Konami’s classic. This tough-but-fair shooter features frantic gameplay with monstrous creatures exploding under your arsenal of weapons, all set against a killer soundtrack. Despite graphical upgrades, the nostalgia of pixel art animation harks back to classic titles from the late ’80s. You can also try out the demo on Steam to see if it whets your appetite for action.
RetroRealms: Ash vs. Evil Dead and Halloween
While not universally acclaimed, RetroRealms offers an enticing experience of blasting Deadites or facing off against characters with your weapon of choice. Inspired by classic 16-bit arcade games, players enjoy varied movesets for Ash and Michael with numerous collectibles to unlock new moves and abilities, ensuring arcade-style difficulty throughout. The twist: owning both titles allows you to use one character in the other’s game, adding even more variety to the experience. Plus, it embodies the Halloween spirit in video game form.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Gun Interactive continues to improve The Texas Chain Saw Massacre to deliver the love the series deserves. The game has maintained its thrilling (and terrifying) approach while earning the inaugural Chainsaw Award for Best Video Game from Fangoria. The recently released Rush Week game mode injects the gameplay with fresh elements reminiscent of a Giallo film. Although there are areas needing optimization, it offers an interesting alternative to traditional asymmetrical multiplayer games like Dead by Daylight.
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Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster
Out of nowhere, the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster revamps fond memories of the franchise. Launched last month, the remaster retains the enjoyable gameplay from 2006 while incorporating modern conveniences. Capcom’s exploration of additional content for the Dead Rising franchise remains an exciting prospect.
Alien: Isolation
Despite being a decade-old game, the recent announcement that Creative Assembly has begun work on a sequel offers a perfect reason to revisit Alien: Isolation. The experience of being hunted by the Xenomorph remains gripping, especially since the game expertly captures the atmosphere of the 1979 film. Even running on last-generation technology, its graphics continue to impress, ensuring it’s a standout title in the Alien franchise.
Crow Country
If you’re fond of old-school survival horror but don’t have access to a PlayStation for Resident Evil or Silent Hill, SFB Games’ Crow Country has you covered. Although it forgoes fixed camera angles, the inventory management, tank controls, and traditional puzzle-solving elements are all intact. Players can immerse themselves in exploration, seeking hidden notes to uncover more about its world. Our review suggests this title is a sincere homage to the classic survival horror games from the PS1 era.
The Dark Pictures Anthology
As the second season kicks off next year with Directive 8020, revisiting the first season of Supermassive’s horror anthology series is a great option. Players can choose from aquatic horror in Man of Medan, a haunted town in Little Hope, a vampiric feature in House of Ashes, or the slasher-inspired The Devil in Me. The gameplay allows multiple players to control different characters, making it ideal for couch co-op.
Doom 3
A bit of a throwback, Doom 3 stands out as the “black sheep” of the Doom series. Its focus on survival horror elements provides a different experience for players expecting pure action gameplay. The strategic challenges of managing weapons and a flashlight amplify tension, transforming the gameplay into a suspenseful journey. It remains a formidable choice for those venturing into the dark confines of its Martian setting.
Vival horror games, making it an engaging choice for fans of the genre, particularly those seeking a modern take on nostalgic gameplay mechanics. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the storytelling weaves nicely with the gameplay, creating a cohesive experience that resonates with seasoned horror enthusiasts.
Hostel
Hostel dives into the realm of psychological horror, challenging players to navigate through an unsettling environment filled with unsettling scenarios and mind-bending puzzles. Inspired by the eponymous film, the game offers a gripping narrative and heightened tension as players uncover the disturbing tales hidden within. Each decision players make brings them closer to revealing the truth or succumbing to the horrors that lie in wait.
Midnight Ghost Hunt
For a more lighthearted twist on the horror genre, Midnight Ghost Hunt stands out as a multiplayer ghost hunting experience. Players can assume the roles of either ghosts trying to evade capture or ghost hunters determined to catch them. The gameplay is fast-paced and essentially revolves around manipulation of the environment, allowing players to set traps or utilize various ghostly powers. It’s perfect for a fun, adrenaline-fueled game night with friends during the Halloween season.
These titles offer a wide range of horror experiences, whether you prefer classic survival mechanics, action-packed runs, or suspenseful narratives. So, gear up, turn down the lights, and prepare for a frightfully fun gaming session this Halloween!