Summary
AsHalloweenapproaches, most gamers are wondering what to play to get themselves in the mood for the season. After all,some horror games are just a little spookyand don’t have that perfect mix of scares and mischievousness that Halloween is all about. Even more so, sometimes Halloween is all about getting scared with friends.
Whether it’s a family-friendly indie gamethat just has the Halloween vibes down pat or sincerely brilliant remakes of old horror classics that are perfect for a trip down memory lane, gaming has more than enough potential forputting players in the Halloween spirit.
At first glance,Night in the Woodsdoesn’t seem particularly scary, and as the only family-friendly entry on this list, that rings true. However, the game has an admirable desire to evoke autumnal vibes throughout, with its final sections taking place during “Harfest,” the fictional town’s version of Halloween.
If gamers are looking for something that won’t scare them, but still provides the autumnal vibes of Halloween and the various spooky overtones associated, thenNight in the Woodsis a great choice. It evokes sweaters, pumpkins, and falling leaves perfectly, and is a great choice for those who want all the spooky scenes of Halloween without having to actually be scared.It’s also a perfect gateway to a whole host of similar kinds of games.
When it comes to stone-cold gaming classics, it’s hard to think of any better than the originalSilent Hill 2. Though trepidations were high, the newSilent Hill 2 Remakehas exceeded all expectations and has proved itself to be an admirable entry into the venerated — if not beleaguered — franchise. It’s also perfect for a game to play on Halloween night.
The town of Silent Hill is perfect for a virtual Halloween wander. With the dense fog that clings to every street,a variety of disturbing monsters lurking in every corner, and a campy but emotional story driving the game’s drama,Silent Hill 2 Remakehas everything it needs to be a perfect Halloween game.
Though the remake has recently suffered terrible reviews, and some gamers wonder whether the original game even warranted a remake in the first place. The originalUntil Dawnis still a great entry into horror gaming and is a perfect adventure to play with some friends to get in the mood for Halloween. Awhole host of narrative choices means that every ending of this game is likely to be different for every player.
The game sees players take control of a group of teenagers isolated in a snowy cabin. Anyone who has seen a horror movie knows exactly how this is going to go, which is why it’s so much fun to play at Halloween. Instead of simply watching a typical slasher, players can actually impact the events of the traditional slasher narrative, effectively playing out a classic Halloween movie. It’s a great time, and the recent remake shouldn’t besmirch the good name of the original.
While it has started to show its age a little more in the modern day,Amnesia: The Dark Descentis still an undisputed classic that single-handedly revolutionized the horror game genre. These days, it’s known for being a terrifying experience that is perfect for watching a friend who has never played it before venture through the dark mansion’s corridors.
Somehow,Amnesia: The Dark Descenthas becomea great horror game for first-timers, and a great party game, as its intense scares and oppressive atmosphere make for a fantastic spooky gameplay experience no matter which context it is played in. It’s also pretty short, which makes this a great game to boot up near Halloween to perfectly settle into the mood.
If Halloween is about dressing up as horror’s greatest villains and monsters, then no game better embodies that mood thanDead by Daylight. As an asymmetrical multiplayer game, players take on the role of either Survivors or the big bad monster who is hunting them down. Now, with leagues of DLCs since release, whoever is playing as the monster can actually dress up assome of horror’s greatest villains, with many more on the horizon.
Mix this kind of digital cosplay up with a sometimes hilarious game where Survivors have to try and outwit a terrifying monster in the form of their fellow player, andDead by Daylightmakes for a potent mix of genuine scares and side-splitting hilarity that is hard to replicate. Either way, it’s perfect for getting in the Halloween spirit.
