So, with Halloween coming up I figured maybe I should compile a recommendation list of great games with my thoughts on them that fit with Halloween. I know that I used to love looking up lists like this in the past to find stuff to play throughout the month, and I hope that this list helps some of you out! Now, that's not to say all of these are horror games or anything, but that they have themes of Halloween and will provide some fun gameplay and storytelling. Though there will be plenty of horror involved in this list, if that's what you're looking for! These games aren't in any particular order, as I was more concerned with getting a good grasp of variety of good quality stuff to talk about and share with you all. So, let's get right into it!

1. Dead Space

Although this game is starting to get closer to being a classic era game, it still holds its weight easily in the horror/survival genre. Dead Space has us playing in the shoes of Isaac Clarke, an engineer sent to investigate and repair communications issues on U.S.S. Ishimura. This game has some of the greatest monster designs, gory deaths, creepy environments, even more creepy sound design, and just some plain old awesome sci-fi weaponry to keep ourselves alive. Not to mention an awesome storyline that is reminiscent of something like Event Horizon combined with The Thing. I personally have always considered this to be my favorite horror series of all time, and I've never been as pumped and scared while I've played a game like I was for this and Dead Space 2. I'd definitely recommend this to any horror fan who hasn't played it yet, or even if you have it always makes for a great replay game.

2. Alan Wake

Alan wake is a 3rd person adventure/horror game which has a brilliant story that is told almost perfectly. It can be quite mindbending at times and has a wonderful atmosphere throughout. The combat can be pretty frantic but has depth to it which I think is something needed with a 3rd person style horror game, as it blends the action and horror genres quite well. Although this game had a lot of issues with getting off the ground, and took quite a long time to make, it definitely delivers on everything it possibly could have. This is one of the lesser horror focused games, but still has its fair share of creepy, terrifying moments scattered about. Although it has some minor shortcomings, I can only say you'd be nuts to not give this game a try!

3. Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 2 was my first entry into any type of horror game, and boy did it leave an impact on me. Even with being almost 20 years old, the game has still stuck with me and been one of my all time favorite games. It's one of the most perfect examples of a survival/horror game out there even to this day, and I personally think this is probably Capcoms best entry into the whole series of Resident Evil. The entertaining story, wonderful monster designs, as well as the creepy and downright chilling atmosphere make an unforgettable horror gaming experience. I would definitely recommend this game to anyone looking for something to play with this years Halloween coming up.

4. System Shock 2

Even after finding a spiritual successor in Bioshock, System Shock 2 still retains a fresh feeling when playing it. The game had some amazing RPG elements mixed in with the horror, and the game honestly got to be fairly terrifying at times. The customization of your character even had a feeling of tension in it, as you would be missing out on a lot of other abilities and opportunities with any of the paths you followed. The fact that ammo and health is also so scarce throughout will make you more nervous as you play since you never know when you'll be able to stock up again.

Combine that with the twists and suspense of dealing with the insane AI in the game as you had no idea when SHODAN would start trying to toy with you, and you get a really suspense filled game with moments of terror and anxiety throughout. Most of all of the backstory is told via audiologs, where you'll get to experience listening to the crew realize the doom and horror befalling them. It's one of the most hair raising parts of the game, even now in my opinion. Even with the somewhat dated graphics this game has, it's one hell of a horror game and has some great sci-fi elements to it just like the first one did as well.

5. Costume Quest

Costume Quest is probably the least scary game on this post, however, it is definitely the most in line with the theme of Halloween. This is a smaller indie game which in my opinion captured the spirit of Halloween for our adolescent years, while also retaining quite a bit of wit and a great combat system, so long as you're into turn based stuff that is. Although it has a simple story, it has some hilariously out there powers/weapons and always kept my attention. It's definitely given me quite a few silly chuckles while I played through it, and it's a good game for an entertaining evening this month.

6. SOMA

SOMA is one of my personal favorite horror games to come out in the past couple of years. The game has one of the must unsettling and messed up environments I've ever seen in a game, and has a wonderful story which it does a great job of telling in between all of the horror. The game really reminds me of a more lean and mean version of Amnesia The Dark Descent, but far more interesting. The game takes place deep underwater in a futuristic structure that is quite worn down, where a cataclysmic disaster has happened. This has led to the robots previously used to aid the humans into being given free reign into changing their environment entirely as they please and trying to evolve themselves in a way. Though, this isn't an I, Robot type AI uprising or anything like it.

The robots themselves most of the time seem like dementia patients, and come off as pitiful at times with how confused they are.I really can't tell you enough on how great the story is without spoiling it for anyone, though a good way to put it is that it's like combining Blade Runner with H.P. Lovecraft. Besides the amazing story, there's plenty of bizarre and terrifying monsters to deal with, and the game almost never relies on jump scares to frighten you. This is a game which definitely deserves your attention.

7. Lakeview Cabin Collection

Lakeview Cabin Collection might be one of the strangest and out of place games which I have played lately, but it is definitely one of the most interesting to play. This game throws you into the world of horror movies, only there is no linear path like there is with a horror movie. You get free control over your character and it turns into sort of a bizarre sandbox type game, where you can find many different ways to win or at least end the game. There's a lot of over the top violence for a 2D pixel style game, and it can be very goofy in a lot of ways. It explores horror tropes in an entertaining way, and is just a creative game with some horrifying moments strewn about. If you want a more lighthearted horror game to check out, this one would be for you.

8. Dying Light

Dying light was a pleasant surprise for me after the mess that was the bug ridden Dead Island game. However, Techland definitely made up for it with this game in the long run. It's a mash up of zombie and horror cliches, but with some smart and entertaining ideas thrown in. I'll say with this one that the fun and enjoyment of the game come from the gameplay over the story, as the story is definitely a bland one that isn't all that interesting. I'll say however that the narrative and voice acting is better than the dreadful one we got in Dead Island.

The real great parts of this game are the game mechanics involving hit and run tactics to survive against the zombie hoards, crafting fun weapons, Daylight/Nighttime cycle, the awesome open world they implanted, and of course the parkour aspect of the gameplay which they made so entertaining. Combine the fun mechanics with the terrifying creatures that you'll run into throughout the game, especially at night, and there's plenty of moments in the game which will freak you out. This is like Dead Island+Far Cry+Resident Evil with a touch of Mirrors Edge thrown in there.

9. Resident Evil HD Remaster

This is a remastered version of Capcoms original 1996 game, and boy did they do a great job of rejuvenating some life back into it. They thankfully left the heart and soul of the game intact, and we still get a lot of the stuff that made the original so great such as the cheesy dialogue, door loading mechanic, tank controls, fixed camera angles, and it definitely still focuses on more of a horror survival tone than an action tone with death lurking around just about every corner waiting for you. As with the original game, you'll have to manage your inventory well since the supplies you find are limited and anything wasted could come back to bite you later on.

Even defeated enemies can prove to be an obstacle later on, as they transform into Crimson Heads. This game is very much still in like with the great original game, just with better graphics. You'll be cautiously taking your time through the dark, grime filled corridors afraid of what you'll be stumbling across next. For anyone who's a fan of the 1996 game or other games in this series, this is definitely for you. And, even if you're not a fan of tank controls, there's also a new option built in for analogue which will work well using a controller or gamepad. It still is abundant in survival/horror atmosphere, and is a brutal but satisfying game. There's really no reason to check out this great remaster.

10. DISTRAINT

DISTRAINT is an awesomely creepy and entertaining 2D Pixel horror game. The game centers on the protagonist named Price, who beings seizing properties for his new job and showing what exactly he has to deal with. There is plenty of disturbing moments in this game, and I personally was shocked at a few moments which I wasn't expecting at all. It is one of the best psychological horror games which I've ever touched, taking a grim look into what guilt and depression can do to a man. It tells a gruesome, yet somewhat heartfelt story that only takes about 2-3 hours to complete. It has some great sound design, as well as a fitting color pallete that is pleasing to the eye while also working well for the horror genre. For the price I truly don't think this game can be beat if you're looking for a great horror game to try out.

11. Alien Isolation

Alien Isolation is very much in line with the original film of the movie series, you'll realize that pretty early on. The game has us playing as Ellen Ripley's daughter, Amanda, who fits in quite well with the series as a whole. This game is very focused on the survival aspect of survival horror, and you'll have to scavenge quite a bit as you must craft most of your items which require materials. The best part of this game apart from the terrifying Xenomorph and build up of tension without the overuse of jump scares is the art style of the game, as they definitely nailed the atmosphere from the original movie almost impeccably.

This ranges from the way the environment is designed, to the equipment used in the game, to even the details of the dust particles floating around in the air. Not to mention all of the dark and creepy rooms and corridors that you'll be in. I actually went back and watched the film after playing this game for a few hours and realized how similar the designs for their backgrounds and sets really are, and it was just a nice touch. The Xenomorph itself is also an interesting enemy to dodge and escape, as the AI designed for it is one of the best foes I've seen in a horror game in a long time. It really pays attention and makes up tactics to deal with you if you give it the chance. Between the Xenomorph and the androids, you'll have plenty of dire circumstances on your hands to deal with. So, if you're a fan of the Alien movies and want what Colonial Marines should have been, give this game a try. It's a very fun and challenging survival/horror game, and will do any fans of the genres well too!

12. Deadly Premonitions: The Director's Cut

Now, this is probably the most controversial game on the list thus far. This game to me is a hilarious mash up of Twin Peaks meets Resident Evil 4, in a way. It's definitely an adventure/action game as much as it is a horror game. I hadn't really played the original, but I've seen that this version runs at a much quicker pace the previous incarnation and it only helps to keep the horror parts flowing better since combat doesn't drag on for too long. The enemies definitely only ever feel like an obstacle in your way, and not an actual challenge to beat.

But, the main reason I recommend this game is not because it's an entertaining action/horror game, but because of the absurd characters injected into it and some of the greatest scenes in video game history. What other game can you find where you must gaze into your coffee with interest, then in the next moment talk to a magical voice inside your head in front of everyone like it's no big deal. I really cannot stress how weird of a game this is, and that's it main charm. It's basically a black comedy film turned into a video game. It's rough around the edges for sure, but it only adds to it's bizarre ability to make you like it. This is just a plain fun horror game to play, with a heavy emphasis on the fun part since you'll be laughing hysterically in between shooting monsters.

13. Silent Hill 2

I would say without a doubt this is probably the most well known, well received, and most talked about game on this list. This is no doubt one of the greatest horror games ever made, and I felt that even though everyone and their grandma has discussed this game, that it had to be included on the list for anyone not familiar with it. Even 15 years later, this game is still being used as an inspiration for modern day horror games, and there's plenty of reasons for that. The game has a dreamlike feeling throughout, starting with a dark shot of our main character James sitting in a bathroom staring at himself in the mirror. This scene is foreshadowing of the rest of the themes throughout the game, and right away shows us the type of man we'll be playing in this game.

The game in a nutshell is an unrelenting, grim and brutal trip though James's nightmares. Everything in the game is conscious and calculated to make your experience as uneasy and uncomfortable as possible. The creatures shambling and skirting throughout the fog which you can't see, always making you feel alert. The abandoned, ruined buildings, vehicles, and homes that leave a dark and creepy environment. The screams and wails of the creatures as they're struck or dragging themselves towards you. It all just builds into this intense thrill filled game that will make you feel dread and fear. It's absolutely wonderful. The story in the game is extremely rich, and has massive amounts of symbolism sewn throughout. It's Silent Hill 2, if you haven't tried it yet you need to.

14. Layers of Fear

Layers of Fear was one of my favorite psychological horror games of the past decade, and it definitely stands out from the crowd. The best way to describe this game for me, is that it's like playing Silent Hill P.T. if you were on a bunch of acid. Layers of Fear throws you into the mind of an insane artist and creates a unique and wonderful horror game where the artist's mind will not follow the rules of reality, nor should you expect it to. This game has some wonderful atmosphere, which builds itself into your environment in interesting ways, such as crunching glass on the floor from something which has shattered, the boom of thunder masking something happening around you, or sinister paintings or items on the walls that make you question if you're in reality or not.

These small things will continue to feed and build up your feelings of distress and uneasiness which only further fuels the fear you feel when things go really nuts. And, even the smallest details only help to aid in telling parts of the story as a whole. Things like the protagonists daughters drawings on the wall for example which show what kind of a father our character is. There are many symbolic things in the game that hide details that can show you even more into the artists world. In a way, the environments themselves even can show a symbolism to issues the character has, such as how you'll fine many dead ends when exploring the house, only to then turn around to find yourself trapped in a room with no door. This is an intriguing horror game, and well worth your time one evening as it is fairly short.

15. Lone Survivor: The Director's Cut

This is another 2D pixelated style game, but this one is pretty disturbing at a lot of moments throughout, and not just in a psychological way either. It also contains plenty of nerve wracking moments that have you on your toes as you play along. This game is a post apocalyptic game which has us playing a nameless protagonist. The character known as just "You" follows directions throughout the game which are fed to him by his apparent hallucinations and dreams. The game has a heavy sense of being isolated throughout since almost all of your human interaction is from either visions or a walkie talkie, and the atmosphere of the game comes off as very oppressive. There is an unrelenting feeling of being vulnerable to everything in your environment, and the dimly lit locations and eerie sound design only help to aid into feeling that way. This game is graphic with gore as well as bizarre, disturbing scenes which I found surprising considering the art style.

This is a well written game, with an interesting narrative and great game mechanics built in. It's got a lot of charm to it, and plenty of replay time with all the different endings available to unlock. There is plenty of horror elements designed into it that will make the hair on your arms stand up. The dark and tense atmosphere leaves you feeling anxious and wondering what could possibly happen in the next area you explore thanks to all of the bizarre dreamscapes and unexplained events scattered throughout. This was a fun one to play and would work just fine for a Halloween game.

So, there was my recommendation list! Hopefully this helped a few of you out on finding some good games to play this month. I hope you all have a great horror filled Halloween, and enjoy jamming on some great games!