Forget trick or treating. Halloween is actually the perfect time to turn down the lights, throw on some headphones and scare yourself silly with a gloriously ghastly video game. Here are ten of our spooktacular recommendations.
Until Dawn (PS4)
Ever watched a horror movie only to yell in frustration as the protagonist makes a stream of poor decisions? Until Dawn tackles that very issue and forces you to make the tough calls for a group of terrorised teens. Do you choose to hide under the bed or run for the window? Attempt an attack or keep things safe. Choose wisely because you can end the game with zero survivors if you don’t.
Resident Evil VII: Biohazard (PS4, XBO, PC)
Coming off the back of a few lacklustre entries, there wasn’t a whole lot of hype behind Resident Evil VII. How wrong we were, because this subversion on the typical franchise formula was something special indeed. The first-person switch-up is a breath of fresh air and the game’s enemies are delightfully terrifying. Experience it in VR for an extra layer of fear.
Costume Quest (PS3, 360, PC)
For those wanting to embrace the Halloween spirit without the scares, look no further than Costume Quest. After monsters kidnap your twin brother or sister (depending on which sibling you choose to play as) it’s your job to play the hero and help save them. The twist – your costume, whether it be a robot, ninja, unicorn, or anything in between – grants the ability to transform into a giant version of it in battles. Sprinkle in some quirky humour and you’re in for one hell of a treat.
Alien: Isolation (PS4, XBO, PC)
If we had to describe Alien: Isolation in one word, petrifying would certainly be a strong contender. Loosely tied to the Alien films by giving you control of Amanda Ripley (daughter of Sigourney Weaver’s character), the game starts out by having you explore a space station before things quickly spiral out of control. Namely, you run into an incredibly deadly xenomorph dedicated to tearing you apart. Making things worse, your large foe’s movements are completely randomised, so prepare to jump out of your skin more than once.
Luigi’s Mansion (3DS)
A more family-friendly recommendation, Luigi’s Mansion sees Nintendo get a little creative – trapping Mario inside a painting in order to focus entirely on his overlooked, much greener brother. That means he’ll have to work his way through a haunted mansion, gradually sucking up a variety of ghosts with his trusty vacuum. The good news is that it’s just been remade for the 3DS!
The Evil Within (PS4, XBO, PS3, 360)
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From the twisted mind of Shinji Mikami (the creator of the Resident Evil franchise), The Evil Within is the stuff of nightmares. Multi-limbed creatures, cleaver-wielding humanoids – this game wastes no time in overwhelming you with gruesome imagery. You may not have any idea what is happening or why, but it’s a wild ride from start to finish.
The Walking Dead: Season 1 (PS4, XBO, Switch, PS4, 360, PC)
With the recent tragic collapse of Telltale Games (the developer behind the series), there’s no better time to experience what is arguably the most dramatic and affecting game on this list. Following the plights of Lee Everett, your main goal in The Walking Dead’s debut season is merely to survive. That becomes especially difficult once you begin taking care of the incredibly adorable Clementine, a young girl in search of her missing parents. There are decisions aplenty in this incredible adventure title – just be sure to have some tissues handy.
Alan Wake (XBO, 360, PC)
Twin Peaks fans will find plenty to enjoy with Alan Wake, a cult psychological thriller that follows a best-selling novelist trying to uncover the mystery behind his wife’s disappearance. The game is structured like a television series, complete with plot twists, episodic cliffhangers and plenty of things that go bump in the night. Long-time fans are still crossing their fingers for an eventual sequel.
Slender: The Arrival (PS4, XBO, PS3, 360, Wii U, PC)
Many know the Slender Man from his creepypasta beginnings on the Internet, but for those who don’t, he’s the stuff of nightmares. The Arrival will see you completing different tasks while avoiding the gaze of the slim figure. Only problem is, Slender Man possesses the ability to constantly teleport right in front of you. This is best played in a dark environment with headphones.
Friday the 13th (PS4, XBO, PC)
When you think of the classic villain Jason Voorhees, ‘multiplayer slasher’ might not be your first thought for a video game adaption. Luckily, it’s an experiment that works pretty well, giving one player control of the hockey-masked killer, while the rest play as teens hoping to avoid a bloody demise.
Whilst you’re here, why don’t you check out this list of the 50 best horror movies of the 21st century to get you into the Halloween spirit?
