It's nearly Halloween / All Hallows' Eve / mild vandalism night, so that means everything is spooky. Well, if you want it to be, or you could hide upstairs with all the lights out until the trick or treaters are all gone - your call.
Anyway, it's a time for scary games. Or those with grisly themes. Or cute ones with outfits, they work too. A nice thing about Halloween and gaming is that you can make of it what you please, and that's especially the case when playing games on Nintendo hardware. And so we're kicking off with a list of 3DS games that are ideal for playing on the year's spookiest night; worry not, a Switch list will arrive tomorrow before the sun sets...
So, here are ten games to consider if you fancy a bit Halloween gaming on the 3DS. Our only rule was no Virtual Console, just because...
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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. In past years it's featured in Nintendo's marketing around Halloween, and no wonder; it's a stone-cold classic that shines on 3DS.
Aside from arguments about naming conventions this one is easy to pick. 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 commercially successful, this represented a coming of age for developer Next Level Games before it was then thrown a hospital pass with Metroid Prime: Federation Force. Really, Nintendo, that was mean.
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. Of course both this and its successor are coming to the Switch soon, but Capcom didn't have them ready in time for Halloween because, well, it's Capcom.
A perfect alternative to gaming designed to scare players. It's cute and fun as you virtually dress up and enjoy the occasion in your town, and this title has an undeniable charm that means we give it the nod once again. That said, we're assuming the game still does the cool seasonal stuff; this writer's scared to go back to his long abandoned town for fear of repercussions from the animals.
A fantastic recent arrival on the 3DS, it's a reimagining of the Game Boy classic that very much goes its own way. It serves up varying environments and monsters, of course, along with the isolation and exploration that we've become accustomed to in most of our adventures with Samus. It's deliciously atmospheric and well suited for a Halloween night.
A bit of a curveball for you. Those with Virtual Console purchases or a SNES / NES Mini may be considering retro Castlevania games, but we think this MercurySteam title deserves a bit of love and credit. Made by the same studio that brought us Metroid: Samus Returns it's not hard to spot similarities in style and approach, plus it makes fantastic use of the 3D effect.
It arrived last year and likely fell off the radar, this is an updated version of a PSP remake of the original (if that makes sense), with an extra four chapters also added. It delivers its own narrative-driven spin of mature horror on the 3DS, with pixel-based visuals combining with fantastic audio design (wear a pair of headphones for this one) and some puzzles thrown in.
This is a franchise that has been well served on the 3DS, with spin-offs, main series entries and remasters. The most recent release in the West is Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse, and depending on your region a couple of the other releases are currently on eShop discounts. These games are largely stylish RPGs full of demons and drama - perfect for Halloween.
Kotaro Uchikoshi's Zero Escape series has deservedly earned a cult following, even if wrapping up the trilogy was more difficult than was once expected. Twisted narratives and tricky puzzles are staples of the series, but it is recommended you start from the beginning. Therefore you should kick off with DS game 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors (playable with backwards compatibility on 3DS), then Virtue's Last Reward and finally Zero Time Dilemma.
We keep bringing this one up every year because, frankly, it's an easily forgotten gem on the 3DS eShop. Part of a series of download-only Level-5 games in the 'Guild' series, our reviewer memorably described it as 'Pacific Rim meets The Goonies'. Sweet storytelling, charming visuals and a relaxing experience may give you the alternative Halloween you crave.
So, those are ten games / series that we think should be on your radar for Halloween. Let us know of your favourite 3DS games for the spooky holiday in the comments below, and keep an eye out for our upcoming Switch list.
Tom has been involved in the games industry for over a decade, mostly writing about it or struggling to sell Indie games. Loves reading, writing, hunting Capcom’s fiercest monsters and watching baseball.
I went back to Animal Crossing today and all my pals were shouting at me cause I'd left them alone for 10 months! I was still wearing my "New Year" hat and had a party streamer in my hand...
Yes, like @Knighty_IX said, Dementium Remastered gets my vote with Resident Evil revelations beeing close second.
Even the original DS game was something at time of release (october 31th 2007, seriously), but I never got chance to play Dementium 2 on DS, let alone my hopes for that 3DS remaster that will never see the light of day, obviously.
I found Corpse Party unremittingly grim, a slog not a pleasure.
Really enjoyed the little of Luigi I played, the exploration, but then I died and couldn't be bothered going through all that again. They didn't think the save points through (in my opinion, other options may differ).
Castlevania - one of the best games on the 3DS I think. The ending is a bit weak but I've played through it several times, it didn't get the credit it deserves.
The Zero Escape games are just... wonderful. More on Switch please.
Resi - never got around to completing it, meant to before I bought my Switch, but I sold it to CEX for £4 and will start again on Switch.
RE: Revelations was and still is one of my favorite 3DS games. They really nailed the atmosphere and sense of isolation, and it had incredible sound design. The ending was doofy, but I can forgive it. Can't wait to play it on my Switch.
Majora's Mask is in many ways the best Zelda game and it manages to be spooky enough for Halloween. Twilight Princess HD would be another perfect addition because it's another dark masterpiece. Anyone with a Wii U should play Project Zero: Maiden of Black Waters and NL should be supporting it a bit for the future of the series. Yeah, I'm talking about Wii U and 3DS games.
New Leaf and Luigi's Mansion have cheap Nintendo Selects versions on Amazon. You should probably link to those ones!
I wish I could understand all the Shin Megami Tensei games. Which ones are main games and which are offshoots? Aren't Persona games offshoots? And aren't Shin Megami Tensei games offshoots of Megami Tensei games from the Famicom era? It's all so confusing I gave up trying to follow them. Is Shin Megami Tensei IV a good one to play as a one off, without playing any others, or is there a better one for the 3DS?
Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon will charm us silly, eh? Well, there WAS this room....
All joking aside, this is a solid list! I'll have to settle with Metroid Prime 3 as my Halloween game this year, though I may still boot up Dark Moon this coming weekend.
Also, I highly recommend Year Walk for this time of year. I have it on the Wii U, but it's available on a few other platforms as well.
@alasdair91 started playing mine too haha almost the same situation! I’m in love with the game all over again though... Just finished the Public Works Project I was working on too
@GravyThief if you’ve never played any, I’d recommend starting with SMTIV, for three reasons: -it’s the latest “main” game, so you can get to try the core of the series in its latest incarnation; -each numbered entry is completely unrelated to one another, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on chunks of the story; -luckily for me it was my first SMT title, and I can’t stress enough how the first few hours are simply perfect for newcomers, from both a story and gameplay standpoint; just don’t let the difficulty discourage you and merrily accept your game over’s and the price tag that comes with them.
This list is just a reminder that the 3DS is still my favorite system of all time. But if Switch games keep being as good as Super Mario Odyssey, that could easily change!
@King_Johobo Yep! Give it a go! Project Zero 2 is also available on the Wii U eShop and it's my favourite game in the series. Just remember to turn off the lights and turn up the volume.
@King_Johobo Yes, Maiden of Black Water (the new Wii U game) uses the GamePad as the camera obscura. In this game I recommend you to stand up every time you enter a ghost battle because you have to follow the ghost around with your camera. The great thing is that you have to try to take the best possible shot in order to protect yourself from something that doesn't exist in your existential plane but it's a real threat.
Comments 47
Shovel Knight feels vaguely haloweeney. Some of the stages at least.
Lots of fantastic games here. The Zero Escape series is exceptional, and Luigi's great for some more relaxed fun.
Spirit Camera is a good Halloween game.
Would be playing Luigi's Mansion right now but.....
Super Mario Odyssey!
Always wanted to play Corpse Party but never got around to it, maybe ill give it a shot.
I went back to Animal Crossing today and all my pals were shouting at me cause I'd left them alone for 10 months! I was still wearing my "New Year" hat and had a party streamer in my hand...
Am I the only one that thinks New Leaf, Majora’s Mask, and Luigi’s Mansion 2 are overrated?
@LegendOfPokemon Probably.
@LegendOfPokemon Well, at least Luigi's Mansion 2 is not: I broke a 3DS Xl playing it nonstop (specially the multiplayer, which is fantastic).
Yes, like @Knighty_IX said, Dementium Remastered gets my vote with Resident Evil revelations beeing close second.
Even the original DS game was something at time of release (october 31th 2007, seriously), but I never got chance to play Dementium 2 on DS, let alone my hopes for that 3DS remaster that will never see the light of day, obviously.
I found Corpse Party unremittingly grim, a slog not a pleasure.
Really enjoyed the little of Luigi I played, the exploration, but then I died and couldn't be bothered going through all that again. They didn't think the save points through (in my opinion, other options may differ).
Castlevania - one of the best games on the 3DS I think. The ending is a bit weak but I've played through it several times, it didn't get the credit it deserves.
The Zero Escape games are just... wonderful. More on Switch please.
Resi - never got around to completing it, meant to before I bought my Switch, but I sold it to CEX for £4 and will start again on Switch.
@maceng @PanurgeJr They are all good games but I just didn’t enjoy them as much as others unfortunately 😔
Didn’t they publish an identical article last year? The only new addition that I could think of would be Samus Returns.
Luigi's Mansion 2 is only £13.99 in the UK on Amazon, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nintendo-Selects-Luigis-Mansion-3DS/dp/B0753JJ4JW/ref=sr_1_1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1509398921&sr=1-1&keywords=luigi%27s+mansion+2 Much cheaper than the one posted in the article.
RE: Revelations was and still is one of my favorite 3DS games. They really nailed the atmosphere and sense of isolation, and it had incredible sound design. The ending was doofy, but I can forgive it. Can't wait to play it on my Switch.
You seriously can’t mention Dementium? sigh
Castlevania, Mirror of Fate HD is currently €2.49 on Steam. It hasn't even gone on Halloween sale in the eshop.
Great list!! This brought up a lot of fun memories
Yes Majora’s Mask!
@fafonio - was that a 3DS game? Look at the article title again.
Majora's Mask is in many ways the best Zelda game and it manages to be spooky enough for Halloween. Twilight Princess HD would be another perfect addition because it's another dark masterpiece. Anyone with a Wii U should play Project Zero: Maiden of Black Waters and NL should be supporting it a bit for the future of the series. Yeah, I'm talking about Wii U and 3DS games.
@BlueOcean oh yeah that’s a perfect game for Halloween! I haven’t played it but I’m not sure why they didn’t include it!
New Leaf and Luigi's Mansion have cheap Nintendo Selects versions on Amazon. You should probably link to those ones!
I wish I could understand all the Shin Megami Tensei games. Which ones are main games and which are offshoots? Aren't Persona games offshoots? And aren't Shin Megami Tensei games offshoots of Megami Tensei games from the Famicom era? It's all so confusing I gave up trying to follow them. Is Shin Megami Tensei IV a good one to play as a one off, without playing any others, or is there a better one for the 3DS?
@fafonio It's a 3DS list. That would be an honorable mention on the Switch list or something, Fatal Frame being a WiiU game.
I've always wanted to play Attack of the Friday Monsters a Tokyo Tale. The art looks so good. The overall premise sounds pretty interesting as well.
Disney Magical World and Disney Magical World 2 both offer seasonal Halloween items this time of year.
Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon will charm us silly, eh? Well, there WAS this room....
All joking aside, this is a solid list! I'll have to settle with Metroid Prime 3 as my Halloween game this year, though I may still boot up Dark Moon this coming weekend.
Also, I highly recommend Year Walk for this time of year. I have it on the Wii U, but it's available on a few other platforms as well.
I totally agree with this list
@LegendOfPokemon
yes
I love Majora’s Mask.
@Knighty_IX can't believe you didn't mention 'touch the Dead'
I need to get my butt into gear and finish Dark Moon. I finished all the missions on the first manor and then just dropped the game.
I have been playing Luigi's Mansion 2 for halloween, along with Odyssey ^^
E: Already in E-4.
@alasdair91 started playing mine too haha almost the same situation! I’m in love with the game all over again though... Just finished the Public Works Project I was working on too
The 3DS, outdated though it is, has no lack of fantastic titles for almost any occasion.
Will play SMT 4...I haven’t really got into it.
@Nekoo77 corpse party is really freaky, plug in headphones and turn out the lights for a real scare.
>Implying any game can pry Nintendo fans away from Super Mario Odyssey right now.
@GravyThief if you’ve never played any, I’d recommend starting with SMTIV, for three reasons:
-it’s the latest “main” game, so you can get to try the core of the series in its latest incarnation;
-each numbered entry is completely unrelated to one another, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on chunks of the story;
-luckily for me it was my first SMT title, and I can’t stress enough how the first few hours are simply perfect for newcomers, from both a story and gameplay standpoint; just don’t let the difficulty discourage you and merrily accept your game over’s and the price tag that comes with them.
This list is just a reminder that the 3DS is still my favorite system of all time. But if Switch games keep being as good as Super Mario Odyssey, that could easily change!
I included Majora's Mask on my N64 list. http://n64memories.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/n64-games-to-revisit-this-halloween.html?m=1
It's a superbly haunting game because of the sense of doom Termina is feeling. Great choice NL!
@King_Johobo Yep! Give it a go! Project Zero 2 is also available on the Wii U eShop and it's my favourite game in the series. Just remember to turn off the lights and turn up the volume.
@BlueOcean I’m such a baby that I’ll leave the lights on and it’d still scare me! the new one uses the game pad as a camera right?
@King_Johobo Yes, Maiden of Black Water (the new Wii U game) uses the GamePad as the camera obscura. In this game I recommend you to stand up every time you enter a ghost battle because you have to follow the ghost around with your camera. The great thing is that you have to try to take the best possible shot in order to protect yourself from something that doesn't exist in your existential plane but it's a real threat.
trick or treating in animal crossing ?? ?
And Fatal Frame for Wii U?
@BlueOcean that sounds absolutely terrifying! 😱
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