As the veil thins and ghouls emerge, it's the perfect time to delve into the darker side of gaming and entertainment. This Halloween, consider indulging in some gruesome horror with a selection of discounted games, hidden indie gems, and chilling movie recommendations.
Halloween Game Deals
The Steam Scream Sale and other promotions offer significant discounts on a variety of horror titles. Among the notable deals are Amnesia: The Bunker for $4.99 (80% off) on Steam and GOG, and Hunt: Showdown 1896 for $11.99 (60% off) on Steam. No More Room in Hell 2 is available for $22.49 (20% off), while The Outlast Trials can be had for $11.99 (70% off).
Classic titles are also on sale, including Grim Fandango Remastered for $2.24 (85% off) on Steam and GOG. Horror enthusiasts can also find Resident Evil Requiem for $48.99 (30% off) and Resident Evil Village for $9.99 (75% off) on Steam. Additionally, Sons of the Forest is discounted to $8.39 (72% off).
Staff Picks: Underrated Horror
Beyond the mainstream deals, several lesser-known horror games are worth your attention this Halloween.
Labyrinth of the Demon King, available on Steam, offers gruesome first-person dungeon crawling with challenging melee combat. This title, recognized for its horror elements, has seen improvements since its initial release with added weapons and an NG+ mode.
Super Lone Survivor, also on Steam, is an unsettling indie horror game reminiscent of Silent Hill and David Lynch. The "Super" edition enhances the original 2012 release with new features.
For a tense cooperative experience, GTFO on Steam provides a nerve-racking multiplayer shooter where every action can attract dangerous enemies in an oppressive space prison setting.
Lure, a free horror fishing game on Steam, delivers scares in under five minutes with a blend of humor and tension.
Last-Minute Costume Ideas
If you're in need of a quick costume, consider these ideas:
Max Payne: Print Sam Lake's face, cut it out, and affix it to your face with string. Ensure you poke eyeholes for visibility.
Environmental Storytelling Skeleton: Don a skeleton costume and skull mask, then position yourself near outdated computer terminals or toilets to evoke a sense of post-apocalyptic narrative.
Private Equity Investor: Wear vampire fangs and a vampire cloak. Employ jargon like "hacking the attention economy" when discussing unrelated topics.
AI-Generated Game Asset: Attach silicone fingers and a ring to your hand, optionally using armature wire. Add fishing lure eyes for an unsettling effect. Fingerless gloves can enhance the illusion by allowing for a custom finger hole.
Scariest Game Vote-Off
PC Gamer is currently running a tournament to determine the scariest PC game ever, with daily polls pitting nominated titles against each other throughout the week.
Spooky Movie Recommendations
The Exorcist 3: This sequel, directed by the novel's author William Peter Blatty, features compelling performances and a disturbing atmosphere.
Noroi: The Curse: A found-footage thriller from Japan that masterfully blends realism with supernatural horror, standing as a high point in the genre.
Aniara: This Swedish-Danish production follows passengers on a spaceship lost in space, offering a visually captivating and somber experience.
ExistenZ: David Cronenberg's VR-themed horror film uses impressive practical effects and explores themes that foreshadow modern AI discussions.
Exit 8: Based on the indie game of the same name, this film captures the tense atmosphere of a horror game, following a protagonist trapped in repeating subway tunnels.