Well, the night is here, when we indulge in dressing up and scares like there's no tomorrow. Halloween has become increasingly popular all around the world, and a decent option for getting our share of spooks is to jump into the action with some suitable games. Despite the - inaccurate - perception that Nintendo doesn't always cater for such occasions, there are some rather solid options on both Wii U and 3DS.
To get into the spirit we've therefore come up with a list of ten games - five for each system - that are perfect for the Halloween season. Without further pre-amble let's get to it.
Wii U
The most recent arrival on our list, there was a time when it looked like this IP's current release wouldn't make it to the West. There's disappointment that it's download-only in North America, in particular, and we highlighted some elements of repetition and frame drops as downsides in our review. All of that aside, though, this is well worth a look for some genuine horror on Wii U and, don't forget, the prologue and first two chapters can be played for free.
A recent arrival, this terrific Simogo title was ported to Wii U by Dakko Dakko, and importantly this version utilises the GamePad in clever ways, with the screen and speakers invaluable for puzzle solving and adding to the suspense. Not many titles have the creativity that's on show here and subject matter so intriguing, and on top of that it's a rare example of a game that truly utilises the strengths of the system.
This is the second time we've listed these titles as one entry in a Halloween list, courtesy of the first game being a freebie with the sequel in North America. Each has bombastic set pieces and flowing, exciting combat, while playing them in order does help with learning about the characters and lore. You play as a witch, too, which is appropriate for this time of year..
This was a no-brainer - especially as it can be bought cheaply - which also happens to be the fate of your character the many times that you'll likely die in this Wii U launch title. Though it has its flaws, it also makes creative use of the GamePad and, for our money, is very effective and arguably more immersive on Wii U than the recent PS4 and Xbox One ports. A zombie may creep up on you as you adjust your inventory in real time, and occasionally only a cricket bat can save you from the hordes. Definitely dark room and headphones material.
A bit of wildcard in our list, but absolutely perfect if you're hosting a Halloween party and want some multiplayer fun. It's chaotic and frantic, in which you try to take out crowned ghosts and avoid your own ghosts from previous runs. When playing with others, meanwhile, you target each other in cool arenas and with a range of weapons; it's sure to raise a laugh.
3DS
This has been utilised in some of Nintendo's Halloween-themed marketing for 3DS, and there's no surprise there. It's a dark and undeniably creepy entry in the iconic franchise, and those are aspects of its design that contribute to it having a sizeable and loyal following of fans. It's a stone-cold classic that shines on 3DS.
We're happy to include this yet again as it's still an absolute stand-out on 3DS. It's unlikely to scare you but rather charm you silly, as Luigi creeps through multiple mansions while being as comical and frightened as ever. Critically acclaimed and having sold a lot of copies, this represents another coming of age for developer Next Level Games.
We'd argue that the 3DS version is particularly appealing, though the HD option on Wii U is also solid; it was originally designed with the handheld in mind and the 3D and tight environments suit it nicely, especially with a Circle Pad Pro or New Nintendo 3DS c-stick handy. This is an over-dramatic and silly counterpoint to the grisly ZombiU on Wii U, and in our view proved that all was not lost in the Resident Evil franchise when it was released. Sadly - and annoyingly - the sequel and various franchise remakes have skipped Nintendo hardware.
This was mentioned in our staff lists of Halloween games as a perfect alternative to gaming designed to scare players. It's cute and fun as you virtually dress up and trick or treat in your town, and this original title has an undeniable charm and freedom that means we give it the nod once again.
This is exclusive to the New Nintendo 3DS eShop - it's also on Wii U - and is certainly dark enough in theme for the season. It's highly regarded for its basic core gameplay, diversity in items and randomly generated dungeons; undoubtedly a critical darling and welcome addition to the New 3DS.
Those are ten titles that we feel will be ideal - in different ways - for the Halloween mood on Wii U and 3DS. Some notable titles have missed out, naturally, such as Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition (due to it not arriving as yet in the North American eShop) and the recently released Slender: The Arrival. Splatoon may be a fun option for its relevant Splatfest in North America, too; in Europe its themed event is coming a bit too late.
Vote for your favourites and share your thoughts, as always, in the poll and comments below. Oh, and Happy Halloween to you all!
As a little bonus below is a video we've produced of five Wii U games to play this Halloween.
Comments 47
New Leaf is pretty much my only favorite game on the list, but not one of my favorite 3DS games overall. Dark Moon was okay, but could've been better, in my opinion. The rest I haven't played, despite having only played the preview version of Extreme Exorcism, which I personally found repetitive and boring than scary and terrifying.
Luigi's mansion, Animcal Crossing, and Splatoon splat fest! Go Ninjas!
Bayonetta was awesome and need some more love. New leaf I always tried to get on Halloween but never get around to so I go back in time. Luigi mansion I've started but never finished it. And fatal frame is a very good for Halloween. I kind of forgotten LOZ. Oh well.
Tom Nook is the scariest thing from this list, pretty sure my previous characters are buried under his shop
Mostly Splat-Fest for me. Ninjas for me!
I'm mostly going to play project zero maiden of black water trial again on wii u and maybe the demo of RE:R again
Monster Hunter for me, for Halloween a friend (or more maybe) and I are going to be hunting an Apex Rajang. Any hunter knows Rajangs are terrifying.
Binding of Isaac Rebirth for me although I'll probably be playing it through Steam as Afterbirth has been released.
I had intended to play Project Zero 5 this Halloween, but this morning my copy of Dark Cloud for the PS2 arrived and I decided to be comfy rather than scared this weekend.
Damn good early PS2 game, there.
Just move to America, Tom.
Year Walk is amazing. It had been a long time since I felt scared playing a game.
For those of you in the US who haven't picked up Bayonetta 1+2, Gamestop is currently selling the game at $35. Not sure if that's a sale or an actual price drop, but two incredible games for $35 is a steal.
@IceClimbers That is a great price. I thought we would see that title at full price forever.I second this recommendation.
Maybe I'll check out Year Walk. I saved Zombie U for this weekend and am utterly disappointed. Playing Zombie U is a chore.
Playing Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon and Animal Crossing New Leaf
Resident Evil Revelations love that on 3DS.
Only sp00ky games I got around to playing this month was the first two Dementium games on DS, Dracula Undead awakening on DSi ware, Mercenaries 3D, Dark Moon and a little bit of binding of Isaac on the 3DS.
I finally got RER 2 on PSN a few weeks ago. Much better than 5 or 6 like the first one. I don't even care about RE7 I'd rather RER 3.
As for the 3DS not being able to handle the game, maybe not that engine but on PS3 it didn't look much better than the HD version of the first on Wii U.
A lot more little graphical touches than the first game but they could have got it on the 3DS..
Luigi's mansion on the go and Mario Maker on the Wii U.
And Dead Space on my PC...man that game is creepy!
The Letter is pretty scary.
I want Fatal Frame,but I don't have any space gonna have to get a external HDD soon
How is Monster Hunter not on your list?
I'd also like to recommend Costume Quest 2, which is on sale for only $5 on the WiiU eshop. It's a delightful little RPG that I'm spending the day marathoning to the end!
To be honest, Tom Nook is quite a scary individual. That relentless money launderer simply won't take no for an answer.
Here's my evening plans...leaving in 20 for trick or treating with my kids. Then home for some n64 smash per my 5 year old new addiction. Then I'll be playing tri force heroes or hearthstone...depends on if my 3ds battery isn't dead from my oldest playing whatever he is right now.
As before, Super Metroid.
It's gotta be Fatal Frame/Project Zero 1st then Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition and then Slenderman the Arrival.
Playing some Splatoon today before going over to my friend's place later tonight for a Smash Bros party in his garage. Handing out candy there.
I usually give one of the Castlevania games a run through at this time of year. Shame the franchise is all but dead now
Today, I have mostly been playing Project Zero: Maiden Of Black Water
I picked Fatal Frame, The Binding of Issac and Resident Evil. The latter is only $4.99 on sale the next couple of days, which is an outstanding value for anyone who hasn't picked it up and has a large enough memory card to accommodate it.
Revelations was totally worth the $40 when it first released, and it's beyond worth it now at $5. Can't recommend it enough.
For me, it's all about Castlevania during the Halloween season. Any of the 2D entries are a good choice around this time of year.
I voted for Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon and New Leaf. I prefer the original Luigi's Mansion over Dark Moon, though. I did play some Splatoon for the Splatfest today, so I guess that could count, too. Go Team Ninjas!
Really enjoying my copy of project zero, this style of game isn't normally my thing either so happy with it so far 4 chaps in.
Not loving the controls, but everything else about Fatal Frame is a ton of fun. Atmosphere especially.
If I still played New Leaf than I'd be all over those Halloween goodies...
Tsk. Animal crossing? Majora's mask? Bayonetta?!
you guys get scared to easily
Played through resident evil : revelations recently which was good but lone survivor will be my haloween game if I get time to play tomorrow at all...
@Churchy
He makes the mafia look like a bunch of reasonable fellas.
Sonic Boom is pretty terrifying I hear....
You forgot about Undead Storm Nightmare on e-shop. I actually downloaded it a long time ago and still play it occasionally. Very Halloweeney!
@Minotaurgamer It's all about the atmosphere, not scares.
@Ichiban haha you mean rise of lyric right? That game looks pretty hororrible without a doubt!
I'm playing Resi 4 for GC on a sdtv. Good vibes.
For me it The Walking Dead Season One on PS4 and the Castlevania: Symphony of the Night on PS.
I played slender New arrival on Halloween and it one scariest games play in long time!
I completed The Starship Damrey yesterday - that was pretty spooky!
I chose to play Plague of Shadows instead, which sounds a lot more Halloweeny than it actually is. Still great though!
I did also give Project Zero a go, I liked it but didn't buy the full game yet.
What about The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct on the Wii U? Personally I get in the spirit with Castlevania and Super Ghouls and Ghosts games. And if I really wanted to get old school, there's nothing like the NES game called Monster Party.
So Resident Evil: Revelations is worth it?
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