October is a month for fans of all things spooky to immerse themselves in horror-themed entertainment to celebrate Halloween. However, watching horror films, getting costumes ready and carving pumpkins aren't the only way to have a great Halloween. The world of video games offers a wealth of titles for players who want to get into the holiday spirit with a bit of interactive entertainment.
However, while there are plenty of horror games out there, not everyone enjoys subjecting themselves to hours of frights. Luckily, with the staggering amount of choice available to games, there are options that are perfect for spooky season without being too scary or grotesque. Here are five games that'll help you celebrate Halloween without making you lose sleep.
Alan Wake Remastered
Criminally overlooked upon its original release in 2010, this Remedy Entertainment developed third-person shooter stars the titular writer Alan Wake in a supernatural thriller set in the fictional town of Bright Falls Washington. Frantically searching for his missing wife, Alan starts to experience real-life events from his fictional novel come to life, as supernatural beings hunt him in the vast woodlands of Washington state.
Alan Wake is a beloved cult classic that creepy without being too scary the way a series like Resident Evil is. In addition to being connected to Remedy's 2019 game Control, Alan Wake is getting new life with this month's remaster. This game keeps things creepy enough to be engaging without being too frightening, breaking up the tension with moments of humor and effective world-building.
Costume Quest
For those that want to celebrate Halloween in the most wholesome way possible, look no further than Double Fine Production's 2011 adventure Costume Quest. Set during Halloween, the player controls a young child out trick-or-treating when their twin is kidnapped by a monster. The protagonist must travel the neighborhood, collecting candy, other kid allies and various pieces of discarded costumes to build both team and an arsenal to take on the monster and rescue their sibling.
Costume Quest features fun and engaging mechanics that revolve around the dress-up nature of Halloween and the imaginations of its young heroes. As players find more costume pieces, they'll unlock more combat options during turn-based battles against the monsters skulking around town. In battle, each child transforms into a massive version of whatever costume is equipped, like a cardboard robot transforming into a giant mech. Equally charming and Halloween-themed, Costume Quest is a perfect, lighthearted game for the season.
The Evil Within 2
Admittedly a bit scarier than the rest of the list, The Evil Within 2's unique take on horror was widely overlooked when it was released in 2017 and deserves another look. It once again stars grizzled protagonist Sebastian Castellanos, this time on a quest to save his daughter Lily from the evil Mobius corporation. Lily has been kidnapped and her mind used as a Core for the STEM system, a supernatural version of The Matrix. When Mobius loses contact with Lily's mind, Sebastian must delve into the simulation to try and save the day.
The Evil Within 2 is a survival horror game, but it brilliantly uses its setup to provide a unique horror perspective with thrilling gameplay. It combines a creepy suburban open-world hub with truly mind-bending levels, like a game of cat and mouse with a sadistic serial killer who likes to photograph his victims in freakish poses. The Evil Within 2 has its fair share of scares, but its blend of sci-fi and horror is more than worth checking out.
Ghostbusters: The Video Game
Based on one of the most beloved movie series of all time, this 2009 Ghostbusters game was a true follow-up to the first two films. It featured the likenesses and voices of the classic team and presented an original story that saw players as a new recruit, undergoing training as the newest member of the Ghostbusters. Full of jokes and engaging gameplay, the campaign is a treat for fans, as it features returning villains, recognizable locations and even the original soundtrack.
Players spend each mission switching between third-person for combat and first-person to equip the iconic PKE meter and goggles that help track and reveal the spectral entities. Combat is fun and engaging, as players blast ghosts with the proton pack while venting it periodically to prevent overheating. Players can even slam unruly ghosts around the room in an attempt to get them subdued enough to be captured. Ghostbusters: The Video Game was even remastered in 2019, giving players all the more reason to check out this spooky adventure this Halloween.
Pumpkin Jack
There's pretty much no better way to get into the Halloween spirit than to physically embody the lord of pumpkins, and that's just what Pumpkin Jack allows players to do in its MediEvil-inspired 3D platforming action. When the Devil himself puts a curse of monsters on the peaceful land of Arc En Ciel, the humans fight back with a powerful wizard. Naturally, the Devil sends his own champion, a delightfully evil trickster named Jack the Lord of Pumpkins, to take down the forces of good once and for all.
Pumpkin Jack may put players in the shoes of an evil protagonist, but its light-hearted writing and silly tone make the gameplay a humorous affair. Jack must fight his way through the colorful landscapes, encountering all manner of enemies and tricky puzzles. Pumpkin Jack was originally released last year but is getting a rerelease for current consoles on October 27, just in time for Halloween, giving players another opportunity to fight for the forces of evil.