Best Horror Games For Halloween 2023: Hello, Halloween is just around the corner, and as tradition dictates, companies are once again unveiling their horror games when there’s hardly enough time to savor them before the spooky holiday arrives! Now, let me be clear; Alan Wake 2 is absolutely fantastic. Its bold and daring innovations pay off almost every time, and in a year brimming with contenders for the title of Game of the Year, we have yet another contender. However, perhaps it’s worth considering releasing these chilling titles a bit earlier? That’s the only suggestion I have.
Playing Alan Wake 2, the Dead Space Remake, the Resident Evil 4 Remake, or that peculiar new King Kong game reminiscent of 1997 car dealership CGI ads is undeniably enticing. However, I implore you, even beseech you: do not overlook indie horror games this Halloween. I earnestly request you to consider acquiring them.
I won’t compile a list, as this isn’t about ranking or determining the “top budget scares of the weekend.” Instead, I’m simply highlighting that certain indie games are delivering exceptionally immersive horror experiences, often in ways that surpass those offered by triple-A titles. While Alan Wake 2 manages to achieve this, many triple-A horror titles tend to reveal significant gameplay elements upfront. You may not necessarily know every twist and turn in the storyline, but you do have a good grasp of the core gameplay and objectives. I understand the rationale behind this approach. People may be hesitant to invest $60 (or $80 for the deluxe edition with an extra cosmetic feature they’ll likely never use) without having a clearer understanding of what awaits them.
Games for this Halloween
Here are some of the best horror games to play for Halloween 2023:
- Dead Space (2023): A stunning remake of the classic sci-fi survival horror game, Dead Space (2023) is a must-play for any fan of the genre. Players take on the role of Isaac Clarke, an engineer who must survive aboard a mining ship infested with terrifying necromorphs. Resident Evil 4 Remake: Another highly anticipated remake, Resident Evil 4 is one of the most beloved horror games of all time. The remake promises to update the game’s visuals, gameplay, and story for a modern audience.Alien: Isolation: This critically acclaimed horror game puts players in the shoes of Amanda Ripley, daughter of Ellen Ripley from the Alien films. Amanda must survive aboard a space station infested with a Xenomorph alien. Alien: Isolation is known for its intense atmosphere and intelligent AI, which makes the Xenomorph a truly terrifying opponent.Soma: This psychological horror game takes place in an underwater research facility that has been overrun by mutants. Players must explore the facility, solve puzzles, and survive the horrors that lurk within. Soma is a thought-provoking game that explores themes of consciousness, identity, and the nature of reality.The Last of Us Part I: This remake of the critically acclaimed PlayStation 3 game is a must-play for fans of post-apocalyptic horror. Players take on the role of Joel, a smuggler tasked with escorting a young girl named Ellie across a dangerous and infected country. The Last of Us Part I is a harrowing and emotional game with stunning visuals and unforgettable characters.Returnal: This roguelike third-person shooter puts players in the shoes of Selene, an astronaut who is trapped in a repeating time loop on a hostile planet. Returnal is a challenging game with a unique premise and a dark and atmospheric setting.Resident Evil Village: This sequel to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is another must-play for fans of the series. Players take on the role of Ethan Winters, who must travel to a remote village in search of his kidnapped daughter. Resident Evil Village is a terrifying game with stunning visuals and a memorable cast of characters.Five Nights at Freddy’s: This indie horror game became a surprise hit in 2014 and has since spawned a franchise of sequels and spin-offs. In Five Nights at Freddy’s, players take on the role of a security guard who must survive a night shift at a pizzeria infested with possessed animatronics.Luigi’s Mansion 3: This family-friendly horror game is a great option for players of all ages. Players take on the role of Luigi, who must rescue Mario and Luigi’s friends from a haunted hotel. Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a charming and humorous game with a fun ghost-hunting mechanic.Alan Wake: This psychological horror game tells the story of Wake, a writer who must uncover the mystery behind his wife’s disappearance. Alan Wake is a visually stunning game with a haunting atmosphere and a compelling story.Little Nightmares: This atmospheric horror game puts players in the shoes of Six, a young girl who must escape from a twisted and dangerous Maw. Little Nightmares is a dark and disturbing game with a unique visual style and a chilling atmosphere.