Games to play on Halloween: 2011 edition

This is all about games released in 2011 that suit the holiday of today, which you may happen to call Halloween; honestly, it would be weird if you called it anything else. (Editor's Note: some glaring omissions will surely exist, but I am only listing games I've played, i.e. no Dead Space 2 or Shadows of the Damned) Before I get into the actual games, let me just say the games I mention aren't always horror or scary themed, but games that, in some way, no matter how loosely, can be associated to some aspect of Halloween—i.e. changing outfits.

• Stacking (XBLA/PSN -- 1200MS Points/$14.99)

It may seem like an odd choice, but this was the game that brought about the need for clarification above. Yes, this is by no means scary or horrific, unless you're deathly afraid of matryoshka dolls, but the aspect of jumping into other dolls in a somewhat creepy, costume-like manner is enough reason for me to sneak it on this list. Also, Stacking is quite fun and my hunch says a lot of people forgot it actually released earlier this year.

• Catherine (PS3/X360 -- $59.99)

You climb up giant block puzzles while sheepish men, quite literally, get in your way and some may even try to kill you; on top of all that, a baby reminiscent of Trainspotting's crack baby and a monster literally made from an asshole chase you at one point. Add in a psychotic woman and I can't think of many games releasing in 2011 scarier, or better put, freakish, than Catherine. I was disappointed with where the story went and as much as I did enjoy the game overall, it only made my desires for Persona 5 grow. That said, it's a fun game and ridiculous enough to meld well with Halloween.

• BloodRayne: Betrayal (XBLA/PSN -- 1200MS Points/$14.99)

I have mixed feelings about this game—I enjoy the combat, but really dislike the platforming—but the game is full of vampires—none of which are called 'Edward'—blood, coffins, graveyards, and plenty more. Despite the platforming annoyance, I enjoyed most of my time and if nothing else, it's beautifully animated and features a wonderful soundtrack.

• Dark Souls (PS3/X360 -- $59.99)

This is one of the scariest game I've ever played; not jump in your face scary, but "I must pay 110% attention at all times" scary. I know the game isn't for everyone and I will never be one to say otherwise, but if your interests are even slightly tingled by the thought of this game, give it a go and remember to bring an extra pack of tighty-whiteys. Dark Souls captures exploration better than any game I've ever played because there exists the chance, at any time, that you may just run into a horrible situation with no means of escape, but no matter how brutal and scary, it's not as scary as watching "The Situation" on Jersey Shore.

• Honorable mention: Amnesia: The Dark Descent (PC -- $19.99)

This game is terrifying—like much of the first-person survival horror genre, specifically those on PC—as I hate being defenseless; not because I believe it's bad design, but because it is, as previously stated, terrifying to feel helpless with no other choice but to run and hide when spotting an enemy. I have not finished Amnesia: The Dark Descent as is common with these type of games—probably because I have a tiny penis that curls up into a vagina when playing them—but it is most definitely a great way to add some scares to a Halloween night. 2010 release, but mentioned because it is currently 80% off on Steam, making it only four dollars until 12 P.M. CST on November 1st, so act fast. [link]

• Honorable mention: Limbo (XBLA/PSN/PC -- 1200MS Points/$14.99 ... $9.99 on PC)

This game did release in 2010 for Xbox LIVE Arcade, but as it released on both PSN and PC in 2011, I feel justified in honorably mentioning it here and all that jazz. Limbo is beautiful, atmospheric, and in ways, scary. I don't remember any moment of personal fright, but I can see others freaking out at moments. Truly, the scariest moment will come from the realization that you're constantly laughing at a kid dying in numerous and utterly brutal ways.