As the nights grow darker and Halloween draws near, it’s time to revisit some classic spooky retro games. Fancy graphics are not required since there’s something uniquely eerie about the atmospheric simplicity of retro games. So ignore the doorbell, dim the lights, and keep all that candy for yourself (after all, you did pay for it). Whether you’re revisiting these ghostly games or looking for something new to try, these five games will give you that perfect dose of the Halloween feelies.
1. Haunted House (1982) – Atari 2600
One of the first true horror games, Haunted House for the Atari 2600 is a pioneer of spooky gaming. Players navigate four stories inside a dark, creepy mansion to find and escape with three pieces of a magical urn scattered randomly around the home. Avoid touching deadly creatures like tarantulas, vampire bats, and a tenacious ghost or you’ll be “scared to death.”. Mostly in the dark, Haunted House’s graphics leave a lot to the imagination, making the game even creepier. With only your glowing eyes and some matchsticks to guide you, and the ominous sound effects to amplify your fear, this simple but effective game captures the feeling of being trapped in a haunted house with a sinister old man poltergeist.
2. Night Stalker (1982) – Intellivision
Night Stalker is another classic with a spooky twist. Released for Intellivision, this game is set in a dark, labyrinthine maze where players engage in a high-stakes round of hide-and-seek while being stalked by robotic enemies, giant spiders, and bats. Armed with only a handgun, you must survive as long as possible while eerie sound effects ratchet up the tension. Think of it as a more unsettling and sinister version of Berzerk. The atmosphere and sense of isolation and the relentless pursuit of the enemies create a paranoid survival experience that feels especially fitting for Halloween.
3. Sweet Home (1989)
Based on a movie of the same name, the lesser-known gem, Sweet Home is a suspenseful survival horror RPG released in Japan for the Famicom. Often cited as the inspiration for the Resident Evil series and 1996’s Corpse Party, it is set in a haunted mansion as players control a group of filmmakers trying to uncover its mysteries while surviving the supernatural forces within. The game introduced mechanics like limited inventory and permadeath for party members, adding to the suspense. With its dark atmosphere, grim backstory, clever puzzles, and unique blend of horror and RPG elements, Sweet Home delivers an unsettling experience and is well worth tracking down.
4. Dracula (1983) – Intellivision
It would be tough to deny the Transylvanian bloodsucker is the poster child for Halloween, and this Intellivision title lets you control the infamous vampire himself. In Dracula, your goal is to terrorize a town by attacking its citizens for their blood while avoiding being captured by hunters including a white wolf, a vulture, and a stake-wielding constable. As night falls, you must gather your strength by transforming into a bat and feasting on the tasty townsfolk, who in turn will become zombies that will see fit to attack the constable. Drac’s midnight snack attack also includes knocking on the doors of unsuspecting victims who, fortunately, are dumb enough to answer in the middle of the night. However, to survive to see another night the player must return for a well-earned coffin break before sunrise to heal and catch a few Z’s. The game’s dark theme, paired with the eerie stillness of the town at night, gives it an unsettling feel. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of chasing your dinner under the cover of darkness.
5. Splatterhouse (1988) – Arcade/TurboGrafx-16
Splatterhouse is a gory classic that belongs on any list of spooky games. Inspired by 80s horror movies, and caringly translated from the arcade original, this side-scrolling beat ‘em up is filled with grotesque monsters, blood-soaked levels, and plenty of jump scares. As Rick, you don a Jason Voorhees-eque “terror mask,” which gives Rick heightened strength to battle through hordes of terrifying creatures to rescue his girlfriend. Via wielding shotguns and giant meat cleavers, the violently visceral gameplay and disturbing atmosphere set the bar (and pushed the gruesome envelope) for horror games of the time, making Splatterhouse a must-play for retro horror fans. The soundtrack effectively complements the gameplay with its haunting tunes and chilling sound effects.
Whether you’re trespassing in Haunted House, escaping deadly robots in Night Stalker, or terrorizing innocent citizens as Dracula, these classic games offer the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit. The graphics, easy-to-understand gameplay, and atmosphere will evoke a sense of eeriness and unease. So, get in your basement, kill the lights, pop some candy corn, grab a controller, and enjoy these retro thrills as you celebrate the spooky season!
