Grotesque Games For Halloween
October marks the season for reveling in the macabre and mysterious. At this time of year, many are drawn to movies that delve into the horrors of gruesome tales, while others choose to immerse themselves in video games featuring chilling virtual landscapes. Being one of the best years in the history of the medium, 2023 has been the home to a host of instant classics. Due to this, I’m going to rifle through the plethora of games to uncover the absolute most terrifying titles of 2023 to play this Halloween.
Dead Space
Motive Studios took on the mammoth task of remaking Dead Space. While Capcom has proven time and time again that they can reimagine their iconic titles in a manner that not only stays true to the original but also improves on them, that level of confidence was absent for many for EA. However, all doubts dissipate the moment you step into the USG Ishimura. Chapters have been reworked to improve the pace of the game, Isaac gets a voice and the ‘Peeling System’ helps to make this the most gruesome release in the series to date.
Resident Evil 4
Speaking of remakes, how can you improve on perfection? Resident Evil 4 is the epitome of the series and Capcom recognises this. Whereas RE2 and RE3 are remade from the ground up, Resident Evil 4 maintains its excellent core and refines it to make this the best iteration of the game. Whether it’s your first or hundredth time, Resident Evil 4 is a must to get you in the mode for Halloween.
Bramble: The Mountain King
Nordic tales are twisted. The innocence merges with the demented and manifests a premise that is truly terrifying. Large portions of the game are calm and relaxing. This lures you into a false sense of security and amplifies the scares. A truly wonderful game that many overlooked during this congested year.
Lies of P
Who would have thought a game based on Pinocchio would make the list? The deranged minds at Neowiz Games and Round8 Studio have served up an intense take on a classic that will keep you on edge throughout. Its Bloodborne-style gameplay means that death lurks around every corner which makes each moment a thrill.
Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals
Although not crap your pants scary, Oxenfree 2 has an unsettling aura. The Stranger Things-esque presentation creates intrigue which will keep you hooked on the plot. So, if you’re looking for an unconventional game that delves into the weird then this is perfect for Halloween.
