Halloween Gaming Playlist

Usually my October is spent watching lots of horror movies, but this year I've found myself playing more games. Many of these games have a darker or scary motif so I thought it may be fun to make a list of games (from my library) that are perfect for the Halloween season. This list is not in any order, as most of the games from top to bottom are equally fun.

1) Left 4 Dead 2 (Xbox 360, 2009)

Does this game really need any explanation as to why it's on the list? 1st person shooting frenzy, (fast moving) zombies galore, multiplayer mayhem. I can't remember how much time I put into this game back when it was released on the 360 in 2009 (wow, has it really been that long?). I feel like the game still holds up incredibly well today and remains to be a highly entertainly fun zombie massacre.

2) Hunter the Reckoning: Redeemer (Xbox, 1993)

While all 3 of the Hunter the Reckoning games are a lot of fun, the final installment, Redeemer, is the best in my opinion. I enjoyed the progressive story of the franchise and the introduction of Kylie as a playable character is a nice touch. I never spent a lot of time with this game when it was new, but since I've returned to the game it's been a blast. It does feature multiplayer, but I've yet been able to experience the game in that manner.

3) Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (Playstation 4, 2017) 

Prior to my original playthrough of RE7, I hadn't picked up a game in this series since the 2nd installment on the N64. Yeah, it had been a really long time. I found the PS4 version on sale for $20 several years back and it sadly sat on my shelf for a year or so before I got around to playing it. I loved the new 1st person perspective to the game as it made it that much more creepy for me. I was immediately hooked by the story and couldn't wait to get to the ending. I knew the game had DLC to continue the story and gameplay, but until recently I hadn't gone back to play. Wow, what a mistake I made! I need to try some of the other games in the franchise, but it'll be hard to top this installment.

4) Werewolf: The Last Warrior (NES, 1990)

Werewolf: The Last Warrior has always been one of my NES guilty pleasures. I remember being mesmerized at the box art and while the art may be better than the actual gameplay, it never stopped me from trying to beat this game. To date I'm still trying to accomplish this task! Lately I've been experimenting with a few Game Genie codes to help me thanks to the built in ability in my AVS console. Game is still tough, but werewolves fit in perfectly with the season.

5) Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (PC Engine, 1993)

Easily one of the best games in the storied Castlevania franchise, this game eluded my grasp for many many years. I eventually was able to import a copy from Japan long before the game became more accessible on modern gaming platforms. I almost went with Symphony of the Night, but I've played that game to death that I really haven't returned to it. I'm still working on beating Rondo of Blood however so it's a game I often try and during the Halloween season it's a great, creepy 16-bit masterpiece to re-visit.

6) Darkwatch (Xbox, 2005)

High Moon Studios did a great job with this vampire/western first person shooter. I'm really surprised the game's sequel was cancelled as I really enjoyed the game. The art in this game is fantastic and the story of a vampire sheriff is unique and unusual at the same time. The game has a lot of replayability as you can choose the path you take your character (Jericho) down. Do you succumb to your vampire tendencies and increase your vampiric powers? Or do you fight the urges and hold onto your humanity?If you are a fan of FPS game and or vampires then this game is right up your alley. 

7) Zombie Revenge (Dreamcast, 1999)

Zombie Revenge was one of the first games I purchased for my Dreamcast after winning my console courtesy of a Bubblicious gum contest. When I first bought the game I had no idea it was part of the House of the Dead franchise, so imagine my surprise when I started to notice the easter eggs in game on my first few playthroughs. I will admit this game doesn't exactly have a lot of staying power, but it's still fun to this day to pick up and play in spurts...particularly during the Halloween season.

8) Wolfchild (Mega CD, 1992)

Yes, another mediocre werewolf game you may be thinking. While you may be right, I always enjoyed this game for some reason. Albeit in short spurts, this was and still is a fun game. I enjoyed it so much that I tracked down the Mega CD version from Japan and that's the version I still play to this date. While the gameplay may be a little flat for some, it's a beautiful game to watch and the music is quite well done. I'm sure this game isn't on many people's radar, but it's not as bad as some say. Give it a try if you can find any version.

9) Blood Drive (Xbox 360, 2010)

Part destruction demolition, part vehicular combat...with zombies. This over the top vehicular massacre is a blast to play. The commentary is a little tongue in cheek, but I've always like this style of game. It reminded me a little of Vigilante 8 or Twisted Metal...just with zombies (and lots of blood) added in. If you're looking for a high octane multiplayer game this Halloween season, give Blood Drive a try.

10) Vampire Night (Playstation 2, 2001)

Vampire Night just edged out The House of the Dead collection for the Wii simply for the fact that I wanted to play a different light gun game this Halloween season. There aren't a whole lot of GunCon games on the PS2, but this is a fun on rails light gun shooter that lends itself well to this spooky season. Prior to picking this up to play again, it had been a long time since I last played so I had a good time with it.

I thought about listing a few honorary mentions, but I just couldn't decide on a few so I'll end it here. What are some of your favorite games to play during the Halloween season?