Are you ready for the goosebumps, laughs, and satisfying jump scares? 

Halloween is the perfect excuse to revisit the spooky games that defined our childhoods.

Retro gaming for Halloween has a charm all its own. 

There’s something about pixelated ghosts, blocky vampires, and 8-bit haunted mansions that feels more intimate and nostalgic than modern hyper-realistic horror titles. 

This year, let’s discover the top ten spooky retro games you can play to bring that classic chill to your living room.

Dust off your retro consoles and games; this list will get you straight into the Halloween spirit. 

A Quick Comparison Table: Best Halloween Retro Games

10. Super Castlevania IV

Release Date: 1991

Platform: SNES

Few games nail that gothic horror vibe like Super Castlevania IV. 

From the sweeping orchestral soundtrack to Dracula’s towering castle, it’s pure Halloween magic in pixel form. 

The platforming is tight, the whip mechanics are satisfying, and the game manages to be challenging without feeling unfair. 

Why it’s a classic horror:

• Gorgeous gothic environments that still hold up.
  

• Smooth, responsive controls that were ahead of their time.
  

• Boss fights that feel like mini horror movies in themselves.

9. Zombies Ate My Neighbors

Release Date: 1993

Platform: SNES / Genesis

If you’re looking for a spooky game that doesn't take itself too seriously, Zombies Ate My Neighbors is a Halloween must-play. 

Instead of shotguns and chainsaws, you’re blasting zombies, mummies, and giant spiders with squirt guns, soda cans, and water balloons—all while running through suburban neighborhoods that feel straight out of a Saturday-night horror marathon.

Tips for a fun night:

• Play co-op—the chaos multiplies, and it’s way more fun.
  

• Rescue neighbors quickly—they’re more than just bonus points; they add to the mayhem.

8. Splatterhouse

Release Date: 1988–1990

Platform: PS3 / TurboGrafx-16 / Arcade

For a full-on, gory, late-80s horror arcade experience, Splatterhouse is unmatched. 

You’re Rick, a man bonded with a supernatural mask that grants him monstrous strength, fighting through all kinds of grotesque creatures to save your girlfriend. 

Heads explode, monsters melt, and the level design is unapologetically over-the-top, exactly what you want in a mature retro horror game.

Safety note: Not for younger kids; this one’s for adult retro horror fans.

Why it stands out:

• Side-scrolling action with visceral attacks.
  

• Creative enemy design: melting faces, worm-like monsters, and floating fetal horrors.
  

• Home ports maintain the arcade’s atmosphere.

7. Maniac Mansion

Release Date: 1987

Platform: NES, C64

Maniac Mansion is the perfect mix of spooky humor and puzzle-solving. 

You guide Dave Miller through a mansion full of eccentric scientists and bizarre creatures as he tries to rescue his girlfriend.

The point-and-click style is iconic, and each playthrough can feel different depending on which characters you choose.

Why it’s among spooky retro games:

• Bizarre, unpredictable enemies and events.
  

• Lighthearted scares and clever puzzles.
  

• Great use of multiple playable characters.

6. Sweet Home

Release Date: 1989

Platform: Famicom

Often cited as the progenitor of survival horror, Sweet Home is a Japanese RPG that inspired Resident Evil. 

You navigate a haunted mansion, solving puzzles, managing inventory, and avoiding deadly traps. 

While graphics are primitive, the storytelling and tension are phenomenal.

Highlights:

• Multiple characters with unique abilities.
  

• Permanent death mechanics increase tension.
  

• Creepy mansion atmosphere that predates 3D horror games.

Note: Officially released only in Japan, but fan translations exist.

5. Haunting: Starring Polterguy 

Release Date: 1993

Platform: Sega Genesis

Ever wanted to be the ghost? Haunting lets you do exactly that. 

Play as Polterguy and scare the living daylights out of homeowners using possessed household objects. 

It’s comedic and gory in equal measure, perfect for Halloween fun.

Why it’s spooky retro gaming gold:

• Creative use of everyday objects as weapons.
  

• Cartoonish gore keeps it humorous.
  

• Challenging but approachable gameplay.

4. Demon’s Crest

Release Date: 1994

Platform: SNES

Demon’s Crest is one of those underrated gems that you can’t help but fall in love with. 

You play as Firebrand, a gargoyle navigating gloomy castles filled with fire-breathing enemies and spooky corridors. 

It’s a mix of action and RPG, with a dark, moody aesthetic that feels like a little horror adventure in your living room.

Tips for playing:

• Check every nook and cranny—hidden items can completely change how you tackle the game.
  

• Experiment with your powers; each elemental attack behaves differently and can give you an edge.

3. Cauldron

Release Date: 1985

Platform: C64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad

Cauldron puts you in a witch’s shoes on a nighttime quest for potion ingredients. 

You’ll jump over ghosts, bats, and other spooky hazards while carefully timing your movements across scrolling platforms. 

It’s deceptively simple but keeps your heart racing.

Why it’s memorable:

• The soundtrack alone is enough to set a spooky mood.
  

• Precise platforming makes every level a satisfying challenge.
  

• A mix of creepy and playful that makes it fun, not frustrating.

2. Super Ghouls ’n Ghosts

Release Date: 1991

Platform: SNES / GBA

This one doesn’t mess around. You’re Arthur, a knight fighting through legions of monsters to rescue a princess. 

It’s punishing, yes, but that’s the charm. 

The game nails the gothic horror style, but the over-the-top enemies and silly moments stop it from feeling oppressive.

What makes it a great horror game:

• Different weapons for different enemies—experiment to find what works best.
  

• Levels that test your reflexes and memory.
  

• A mix of scares, humor, and classic retro challenge that keeps you coming back.

1. Luigi’s Mansion

Release Date: 2001

Platform: GameCube

It may not be as old as the 8-bit or 16-bit classics, but Luigi’s Mansion feels retro at heart. 

For once, Luigi steps out of Mario’s shadow, armed with the Poltergust 3000 to vacuum up mischievous ghosts inside a creaky haunted mansion. 

The tone is spot-on for Halloween—spooky enough to set the mood, but playful and goofy so it never gets too heavy. 

Kids can enjoy it, sure, but plenty of seasoned retro gamers still go back to it every Halloween just for the charm.

Why it works:

• Spooky but lighthearted—perfect if you want a break from punishing horror.
  

• Puzzle-based gameplay that makes hunting ghosts surprisingly satisfying.
  

• A cult classic that connects retro fans and new players alike.

Why Retro Gaming for Halloween Is Special

Retro horror games have a magic that modern titles often lack. 

Pixel ghosts, over-the-top monsters, and creative sound design make the scares more about imagination than realism. 

You get tension without the dread of modern hyper-realistic horror, which makes these games perfect for sharing with friends, kids, or reliving your childhood.

Other Worth-Mentioning Spooky Retro Games 

Because no list can include everything, here are some other best Halloween retro games worth checking out:

• Friday the 13th (NES)

• Nightmare on Elm Street (NES)

• Ghoul Patrol (SNES)

• Nosferatu (NES)

• Fester’s Quest (NES)

• Monster Party (NES)

• Clock Tower (SNES)

• Medievil (PS1)

• The Adventures of Dr. Franken (SNES)

• The Twisted Tales of Spike McFang (SNES)

All of these classic horror video games are available at RetroFam in fully refurbished and working condition, backed by a 1-year functional warranty. Use SPOOKY10 at checkout and enjoy 10% off this Halloween.

Retro horror games tap into a communal experience—every misstep, ghost scream, and boss fight becomes a memory. They’re more than games; they’re seasonal rituals.

In a Few Words

There you have it: a curated guide to spooky retro games that can bring chills, laughter, and nostalgia to your Halloween celebrations. 

From the punishing difficulty of Super Ghouls ’n Ghosts to the whimsical haunting of Luigi’s Mansion, these games span decades, consoles, and horror sub-genres.

Explore RetroFam now and grab your favorite horror games along with original consoles in excellent working condition. 

Enjoy 10% off on everything this Halloween. Use code SPOOKY10 at checkout.