From psychological to slasher, there are plenty of titles to get gamers excited for October 31st
As the seasons change, many people turn to their favorite horror movies or fall-centric TV series. However, many discard other media in favor of these Halloween classics, video games unfortunately being one of them. Because video games are so immersive, they’ll get gamers and non-gamers alike excited for the Sinister Season.
Warning: Many of these games contain content that may be sensitive or disruptive. Please research trigger warnings carefully in advance.
1. “Grimm’s Cave”
Our list begins with Grimm’s Hollow, created by solo developer Mahum Najam, aka Ghosthunter. The story revolves around a character named Lavender who is searching for her lost brother in the afterlife. The mechanics of the game is turn-based attacking, which belongs to the RPG genre. Released in October 2019, the game is free to download via Steam. However, if you enjoy playing and want to learn more about the story, there is an $8 DLC.
2. “Omori”
“Welcome to the white room. You’ve lived here for as long as you can remember.”
These are the last words you see before the Omori game finally begins, already setting an ominous tone that continues throughout. With an outstanding soundtrack and color palette, players control Sunny, a seemingly disinterested and unassuming character. Everything seems to be going well and happily until one of the group’s friends disappears. But don’t take the cute art style for granted, as this RPG deals with sensitive issues that might harm certain players.
3. “What Remains of Edith Finch”
Recognizing the limitations of video games, Giant Sparrow created a game that exceeded expectations. The award-winning What Remains of Edith Finch is more like a digital pop-up book with the immersion that comes from living through someone else’s eyes. Journeying back to her old home, the title character Edith Finch tries to piece together the plague of her family’s unhappiness and misery. While not that outwardly terrifying or frightening, the lasting memories caused by this game make up for it.
4. “Little Nightmares I + II”
Despite being separate titles, Little Nightmares I and Little Nightmares II’s story and plot overlap perfectly. The first focuses on a character named Six trying to navigate out of a ship called “The Maw”. The environment and enemies are filthy and disgusting, adding to the overall experience. The second game follows Six and a new character, Mono, as they traverse a decrepit and disintegrating world. Both games can be completed in one day, with a total time of around 12 hours, making it a great duo for Halloween weekend.
5. “Dead by Daylight”
Have you ever seen a horror movie and felt like you were one of the “last girls”? Well, in Dead by Daylight you have a chance to see if that’s true! In this co-op game you play with four other online players in different landscapes. The format is four-on-one, with the option to play as one of four survivors or as a lone killer. Behavior Interactive, the game’s developer, has started collaborating with other iconic horror franchises like Silent Hill and Resident Evil. With more updates to come, this would be a fantastic game to play with friends this season.
6. “Night in the Forest”
During the fall season, many college students head out to visit their hometowns. With that in mind, some may resonate with Mae Borowski, a recent college dropout returning home. Initially faced with mental health issues and a life crisis, things begin to go wrong for Mae on Halloween night. On this day, Mae and her childhood friends and bandmates try to uncover the mysteries happening in their once quiet town. In a side-scrolling manner, the world is nothing but expansive and immersive.
7. “Doki-Doki Literature Club”
“Doki Doki Literature Club” begins like many stereotypical young adult stories, with many of the same archetypes. From the “childhood best friend” to the “crush bully,” everything seems like the average school day. After you join a new club where you explore the intricacies of literature and write poetry, things slowly but surely get alarming.
Although the art style seems modest, don’t rush into the story if you’re feeling faint of heart.
8. “Identity V”
As a mobile-only game, Identity V is just as impressive as the other titles on the list. With an element of mystery, the lore behind the characters’ motivations is as interesting as the gameplay. What was once an investigation into the disappearance of a client’s daughter then sends Detective Orpheus into a deadly game of survival. The setting is a mysterious mansion for a game where individuals risk their lives to fulfill wishes and dreams. Similar to Dead by Daylight, players can be either the killer or the survivors during a given round. Not only is it portable as it can only be installed for mobile devices, but it is also a free to download game.
9. “Off”
One of the oldest entries on this list, “Off” is also one of the most influential when it comes to the indie RPG genre in particular. In the equally unusual world of Off, players control an unusual character called “The Batter”. First of all, the main goal of the game is to “purify the world” by going to the different parts of the world and fighting the beings that cause suffering. As players explore the terrain further, more of the story unravels and unfolds, showing the terrifying elements that lie beneath a fairly simple screen. Unfortunately, the game cannot be downloaded from Steam, but can be downloaded elsewhere for free in different languages.
10. “Your Turn to Die”
For fans of the hit series Danganronpa or the TV show Squid Game, the last title on this list in October will be the perfect game. A game of deception, betrayal and survival, Your Turn To Die re-imagines what it means to persevere under stressful circumstances. Trapped in an uncharted space, 10 unlikely individuals must team up to discover how and why they are all connected. The mechanics balance between a mix of visual novel, click-and-point puzzles, and debating techniques to create a unique experience. The game can be played for free in an average internet browser.
Sierra Thornton can be reached at [email protected]