5 Retro Games Based on Horror Movies

I wanted to spend the week testing out retro horror-themed games. Are they good? Most of them aren't. I know there are more recent Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Saw, Alien, etc. games, but I wanted to stick with retro this week. I have a series where I highlight licensed games that are actually good.

Halloween (Atari 2600)

Nine years before I was even born, in 1983, this game was released. In the game, you take on the role of a babysitter who has the terrible responsibility of protecting the children from Michael Myers—at least, that's who I believe he is. You advance levels and accumulate points in this game. Saving children or stabbing the murderer earns you points. You must either stab the killer twice or save five children in order to move a level, and the killer gets faster with each level.

It's a decent game. But it is what it is. For the Atari 2600, an older licensed game was released. However, I enjoyed playing it for ten minutes. I thought it was humorous how overblown the violence and blood are. Compared to the film, this game has a lot more gore.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (NES)

It's an intriguing game. An excellent, intriguing one? In a way. You take on the role of an adolescent who is determined to gather all of Freddy Kreuger's bones. They must be disposed of in a school furnace once you get them. Additionally, there is a sleep meter that is gradually decreasing unless you locate coffee. You are in the dream realm, where Freddy is more vigorous if you fall asleep.

Although the game's concepts are fantastic, there are some drawbacks. You never truly know how near death you are because there is no health bar. Some of the foes are inescapable, in keeping with the old NES style. There is also a minotaur, for some reason. I may haven't seen that movie with something in it.

Evil Dead: Hail to the King (PS1/Dreamcast)

Did you ever think, "This would be a cool take on a Resident Evil game," after watching Evil Dead? If that's the case, this game is just that. It borrows from Resident Evil with a fixed camera, pre-rendered scenery, and limited chainsaw fuel and ammunition, but does it work?

As Ash, the protagonist of the game, you work at a grocery shop and start a romantic relationship with a coworker. You continue to have nightmares about Necronomicon, and your old possessed hand soon returns to steal your new love by calling forth the evil book once more. Unfortunately, this is a rather bad game. But if you enjoy the films, it might be worth a try.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Atari 2600)

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is another Atari game! For the first time, you take control of the murderer in this game. You play as Leatherface and attempt to kill trespassers. When your chainsaw runs out of fuel, the game ends. It's another score-attack game. After you kill five individuals, you can gain extra gasoline.

For what it is, this game is fine. Like Halloween, it was often criticized for being excessively violent when it was first released. However, if you want to try something new and play some Atari, it's still a fun little game to pick up and play.

Friday the 13th (NES)

A few years ago, this game won our Game of the Week, and although some others did not enjoy it, I really had a great time playing it. Each of the six camp counsellors you select has unique skills and areas of expertise. Your objective? Track down and beat Jason Voorhees three times.

While searching for weaponry, you will be rushing around the map, stopping at several cabins. There will be a warning that Jason is attacking kids, so you have to act quickly to protect them and beat him. When you make it through three nights and defeat Jason, the game is ended. You should give this entertaining little game a try.