The Halloween season is upon us, filled with ghosts, scares and other horrors. It’s a time when it’s actually a good thing to be scared, and a lot of people are taking to video games to celebrate. Some want hardcore jumping scares, while others are looking for something a little more comfortable to play on on dark evenings.
It doesn’t have to be blood and guts, as there are a few titles out there for a younger audience as well. But of course, for those looking for something a little darker, you are spoiled for choice.
Xbox Game Pass is a gold mine for Halloween-themed titles, so we’ve put together a list of games you’ll want to check out while on vacation.
Editor: Focus Interactive Home / Developer: Asobo Studio
With the sequel announced during the Xbox E3 showcase and arriving on Xbox Game Pass on day one, there’s no reason not to check out the original game while it’s still in service. Recently updated for Xbox Series X | S, A story of plague: innocence provides a moving story of two siblings caught in a horrific situation. Set in France, an invasion of rats is invading the country, and you both will have to go through many trials and tribulations to survive. Filled with heartbreak, tense settings, and beautiful moments of character, this is a Halloween treat for those looking for something with an emotional core.
Editor: Warner bros / Developer: Turtle Rock Studios
One of the most recent and important additions to Xbox Game Pass is Back 4 Blood – an exciting co-op shooter that sees teams of four take on waves of undead. Seems familiar? This is because it is run by the creators of the Left for dead series and contains much of the same DNA. Although the experience has been refined, it still manages to capture its own identity and has proven to be an addicting multiplayer shooter in the Xbox Game Pass library. If you’re looking for some intense, thrilling zombie killing action this Halloween, Back 4 Blood has you covered.
Editor: 505 games / Developer: Remedy
If you’ve ever watched shows such as Twin peaks Where X files, you will be at home with Control. It’s such a bizarre, weird, and yet wonderful game that you’ll want to explore every corner. Located at the Federal Office of Control, you will slowly remove the layers of a disturbing mystery, filled with twists and turns. All the while, new abilities are offered to you throughout, giving you an array of powers to play with. There is something strange about the world of Control and you never feel comfortable once. It’s isolating, scary, and filled with scary moments. Definitely check it out on Xbox Game Pass.
Editor: Double Fine Productions / Developer: Midnight city
If you want something a little lighter for Halloween then Costume Quest 2 from Double Fine is a perfect choice. The colorful RPG mixes elements of Stranger Things with Saturday morning cartoons. You play as a group of kids discovering an evil plot in your neighborhood, while completing quests, engaging in turn-based battles, and donning various Halloween costumes. What it lacks in fear it makes up for with some spooky family vibes and is a perfect title for those who can’t handle the darker games on offer.
Editor: Double Fine Productions / Developer: Double Fine Productions
Another light title for those who want something a little cooler is the classic from LucasArts Tentacle Day Remastered. With incredible minds behind the project such as Tim Schafer, the point-and-click adventure takes you back in time to move forward in an increasingly bizarre storyline. It has become something of a cult classic over the years, with many tributaries to the game since joining Xbox Game Pass. If you’re looking for some comedy for Halloween, you’d be hard pressed to find anything nicer.
Editor: Electronic arts / Developer: EA Redwood Shores
Dead space is not for the faint of heart. If you are looking for something terrifying and scary then this is for you. Presenting yourself in a classic third-person view similar to classic Resident Evil titles, you’ll explore an abandoned space station that has been overrun by aliens known as Necromorphs. There is no escape or hiding place here, as you are required to dismember each creature limb by limb. There is nothing more terrifying than cutting off its paws to see it and then crawl towards you. Dead Space has become a huge hit in the horror scene and is worth checking out before the next remake.
