PSP World

The Best Halloween Video Games

Hey trick-or-treaters, with Halloween just around the corner, what better time than now to revisit some of those memorable horror video game titles. As a genre, horror games seem to have a strong following, but truly great titles remain few and far between. Here we have compiled a list of games across multiple platforms that we think are well worth dusting off because they represent the most awesome, frightening examples in the bunch. All of them are worthy and some are scarier than others but above all else they are fun. And that's what its all about right?

Dead Space: Horror

One of my favorite terror escapades in a while. Great graphics and a joy to behold where controls and fluidity are concerned. The story keeps you in its grips and you never really get a moment to relax with this one. I know there are a lot of gamers who felt that Dead Space never really delivered on the scare front but I would beg to differ. Turn the lights out, turn the surround sound up and be drawn in. If you willing to play along, it a great horror game and in many ways raised the bar for the genre as a whole. Definitely worth a visit.

Resident Evil 5: Action

Yes I know, as I have outlined before, RE5 is more of an action title now with all its subtle changes, but the clue is in the title. Resident Evil is a great entry in the genre and a lot of its status and heritage belongs to Resi 1 and 2. This latest chapter is a grand effort with some eye stinging visuals. It can be a little frustrating with the 'Stop Start' shooting style after diving in and out and popping caps into, well, dead mutated asses [Dead Space] but it's still a worthy title. Good campaign and a decent outing for Capcom's Icon.

Resident Evil 4: Legendary

The best of all Resident Evils and a real system squeezer for the PS2. The graphics were up there with God of War and Metal Gear Solid. Leon is probably the coolest of Resident Evil characters and the over the shoulder view and attention to detail really shone here. A true testament that proves sometimes you can peak to early as this for me is much, much better than Resi 5. Halloween plus Resi 4 would be the best way to spend an evening over the spooky holidays.

The Suffering and/or The Suffering: Ties that Bind : Disturbing

Man, these games came out of nowhere and you haven't played them, prepare for a scare. The Suffering is the obvious place to start. You play an inmate that is stuck in the middle of a hellish prison with all the inmates being freakishly strange. Flashbacks of your dead missus continually hound you and the fact that you can turn in the Demonic version of the Hulk just adds a little more intensity to the overall scare. If I remember correctly the last boss was somewhat disturbing. Search that PS2 pre-owned section people, bet you could get this game a few shiny coins. Another Halloween game for sure.

Silent Hill: The Room : Twisted

'Very strange' is the first thought that comes to mind when I remember this game. It was really weird being stuck in that room yet being drawn down into that Demonic Labyrinth. A game that didn't seem to reach the masses but a spooky escapade all the same. Also should you get chance, be sure to throw in Silent Hill the movie -- it is quite weird but fairly good!

Soulreaver 2: Mind Smasher

Raziel was really cool! I am surprised a 'Next Gen' version hasn't arrived as yet too? Swapping between realms and Raziel keeping his head or lack of covered with his rags. I do remember the puzzles being mighty hard and a pad or three was damaged as I hurled it at the TV. Good graphics with some funny baddies - I remember the way the crept around before they saw you with their big strides always made me smile. Bargain title and very challenging if you can find it.

Castlevania - Symphony of the Night - Classic

Ahh, the Beaumonts, the stylized battles and cool music. A great game an in my opinion one of the GREATEST on PS1. I have seen this to purchase on the PSN and if you haven't enjoyed it do throw a buck or two at it - It wont let you down!. Not very scary, but the theme is there with the Vampires and the Monsters. If your eyes can withstand the seriously old skool graphics then go ahead and take on the everlasting burden of defeating the fanged one.

Well, that concludes my Halloween game list for you folks, feel free to add your own as I know that there are loads of other cracking games that would be worth a visit this Halloween. Happy trick-or-treating!

[Note: Original article by Liam J. Hall]