Issue 4.5: The Game & Word Halloween Codex

Spooky, Scary Video Games for Players of All Kinds!

Game & Word Special: Halloween 2022

Game & Word is a Substack Featured Publication, recognized by Substack for quality, consistency, and accessibility.

• Publisher: Jay Rooney

• Author, Graphics, Research: Jay Rooney

• Logo: Jarnest Media

• Founding Members:

  • Le_Takas, from Luzern, Switzerland (Member since April 14, 2022)

  • Ela F., from San Diego, CA (Member since April 24, 2022)

  • Alexi F., from Chicago, IL (Member since May 13, 2022)

  • Elvira O., from Mexico City, Mexico (Member since May 18, 2022)

• Special Thanks:

  • YOU, for reading this issue.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

   1. Important Points!

2. The Game & Word Halloween Codex

   1. Review Key

   2. Family-Friendly Horror

   3. Survival Horror

   4. Psychological Horror

   5. Gothic/Religious/Occult Horror

   6. Lovecraftian/Cosmic Horror

   7. Folk Horror

   8. Sci-Fi Horror

3. Footnotes

Introduction:

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, EVERYONE!

Finally, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: The Game & Word Halloween Codex is finally here! This massive gaming horror compilation is jam-packed with recommendations for some of the best horror experiences in video games, to help you pick the perfect game to play while under the covers on Halloween night.

I made sure to include games spanning as many genres (both game genres and horror genres) as possible, of all difficulty levels, and of varying intensities. Whether you hate being scared, or want to push your heart rate to its absolute limit, you’ll find something for you (or your horror-loving special someone) in here.

IMPORTANT: Please Read First

Now, before we get into it, I do want to make a few things clear:

• I did not include games that I covered as part of the past two weeks’ Halloween Special Issues. You can read more about those here and here.

• I also, with a few (very intentional) exceptions, didn’t include games that look horror-ish, but aren’t actually horror games. For example: yes, Bayonetta is filled to the brim with witches, demons, and occult themes. But it’s a badass, fun action game, not a frightening, disturbing horror game. Therefore, it’s not on this list.

• I also wanted to limit obvious examples like Resident Evil, et al as much as possible, and instead devote more space to lesser-known, indie, and cult classic titles that might have flown under your radar. So you’ll see a lot more of those than the big names.

• Last, but not least—have a Frightful and Happy Halloween! Have fun, be safe, and remember: if you find yourself conducting an ill-advised Ouija seance at the creepy old house on the hill, never—please, for the love of all that is good and holy—NEVER “let them in.”
  
  (Also, if you give trick-or-treaters granola instead of candy, may you and your descendants be forever cursed to always wave back at someone who isn’t actually waving at you.)

Thanks for reading! Woooooooo!!!

~Jay