9) The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
Play it on: Nintendo 64, Wii Virtual Console
It might seem odd to list a Zelda game as a must-play for Halloween, but Majora’s Mask has always been something of a renegade. Stranded in the strange parallel world of Termina, Link has 72 hours to stop the moon from crashing into the Earth and killing everyone. Yikes. Giant spiders, zombies, mummies, and wandering spirits are commonplace in Link’s trip down the rabbit hole. Far removed from the more lighthearted tone of other Zelda titles, Majora’s Mask‘s dark tone and melancholy vibe make this the perfect fright night experience.
With the moon looming overhead and visible from every direction, the fear of failing is always on the player’s mind. It doesn’t help that the moon’s face is jeering and evil-looking, with crazed, searing eyes staring down at Link from above. Death is a constant theme throughout the game; along with gaining powers from the departed, Link interacts with various dead and undead beings repeatedly in Majora’s Mask. Between the music box house, haunted Ikana Canyon, the bottom of the well, spider houses, Sharp’s melody of darkness, and the final confrontation against a monstrous and transforming Majora, this is a game packed with eerie and foreboding moments. Let Majora’s Mask get under your skin this Halloween and find out how creepy a Zelda game can be!
Moon is my favorite DS game. Great recommendation.
Great list of games!
Dead Space: Extraction (Wii) was my October “scary game” of choice… and it succeeded in totally creeping me out more than once. Another great title for Nintendo horror fans to check out, even if Halloween has already gone by.