5 Best Halloween Games That Are Not Horror

Key Takeaways

Halloween games don’t have to be scary; enjoy fun gameplay like dance-offs in Non-Horror Halloween games.
Pumpkin Jack offers challenging levels with various weapons and a fitting Halloween color palette.
Costume Quest lets players collect items and companions in a Halloween adventure without frightening elements.

As a seasoned gamer who has braved countless horror games and fought my way through endless RPGs, I must say that these three titles offer a refreshing change of pace during the spookiest time of the year.

Halloween is an enchanting season full of excitement. To many individuals, it’s much like Christmas but with a thrilling twist and imaginative costume gatherings that stimulate creativity across various unique snack and drink concepts. Originally a pagan Gaelic festival, today it’s primarily associated with pumpkin carving and the fun tradition of trick-or-treating.

This festive occasion is commonly utilized by game developers as a backdrop for numerous horror games, capable of causing chills even in the most courageous individuals. However, it’s important to note that not everyone shares this affinity for fright. For those who prefer a less spooky experience, here are some fantastic Halloween-themed games that eschew the horror aspect.

5 Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie’s Revenge

A Fun Game Based On The 1993 Classic Film

Fun combat with hack and slash mechanics
The game features many characters from the 1993 film

Back in 1993, the release of The Nightmare Before Christmas quickly amassed a passionate following, which now includes individuals in their late twenties and early thirties who were children at the time. In The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie’s Revenge, the story unfolds a year after the original film, focusing on Jack Skellington as he endeavors to vanquish Oogie Boogie, who has been resurrected and aims to seize control of Halloween Town.

In this game, players find themselves in a scenario reminiscent of hack-and-slash style, requiring quick reflexes as they dodge incoming obstacles and enemy projectiles. Much like the iconic sticky hands from the 90s, Jack wields a pliable, green weapon for attacking foes. The game also introduces dance-off mechanics, adding an exciting layer to Jack’s battles against Oogie Boogie.

4 Pumpkin Jack

A 3D Platformer That Embodies All That Makes Halloween Great

Halloween-esque color palette throughout the entire game
Many different weapons to choose from

In an enjoyable twist on Halloween themes, the game Pumpkin Jack immerses players in the role of a spirit who transforms into a pumpkin-headed man during this spooky holiday. Though it may not boast a complex narrative like other games, the experience is engaging as you navigate through its thrilling and amusing levels. The combat options are plentiful, with weapons such as a scythe, shovel, and even a mystical sword at your disposal.

In Pumpkin Jack, the distinctive art style harmoniously aligns with the Halloween ambiance due to the frequent use of shades like purple, green, and blue across every stage. Although there are fewer than ten boss battles, each encounter presents a refreshing variation and serves as a delightful break from the game’s regular flow.

3 Haunt The House: Terrortown

A Wholesome Story About A Ghost Who Just Wants To Rest

Platform(s): Android, PC, iOS, Mac, PS Vita
Released: January 9, 2013
Developer(s): SFB Games
Genre(s): Action game, Indie game
The game features a friendly ghost who just wants to sleep
Players can make use of different elements within a house to scare people

In the game titled “Haunt the House: Terrortown,” a gentle ghost inhabits an abandoned town without causing trouble for anyone. However, when new residents begin moving in, the peace and tranquility of this spectral dweller is shattered, disrupting its sleep patterns and making life difficult. Despite not intending any harm to the newcomers, the ghost must now employ various spooky tactics to scare them away so that it can regain its peaceful existence.

In the game “Haunt the House: Terrortown,” players take on the role of a ghost trying to scare off new tenants by strategically placing furniture and other objects within the haunted house. Each successful scare earns the ghost more supernatural abilities, making it easier to clear areas in the future. Although the storyline isn’t convoluted, this game offers a fun and immersive experience for players seeking a Halloween-themed title without the usual frightening elements often associated with the holiday.

2 Costume Quest

A Typical Trick-Or-Treat Run Gone Wrong

Two siblings go out trick-or-treating during Halloween and one is kidnapped by monsters
Players must collect candy, items, and companions to progress through the game

In the spooky setting of Halloween, the game titled “Costume Quest” unfolds the tale of siblings Reynold and Wren, who are given the mission by their mom to socialize in their latest neighborhood. Players get to pick between playing as either Reynold or Wren, with non-player characters dressing up as a candy corn character that catches the eye of a monster, leading to its kidnap of one of the siblings. The objective then becomes rescuing the sibling before curfew to prevent any trouble for themselves. With party-based and RPG gameplay mechanics, Costume Quest provides a delightful Halloween experience, free from the fright of coming across a homicidal maniac or a malevolent supernatural entity.

In order to advance in the game, players need to gather items to complete their costume, acquire additional items, and make other characters their allies. The more items they accumulate, the less challenging it becomes to confront the monster’s leader and save their sibling. Fans of this world will be pleased to learn that a sequel titled “Costume Quest 2” is available, as well as a DLC expansion for the original game called “Grubbins on Ice“.

1 Night In The Woods

A Beautiful Side-Scroller With An Immersive Narrative

Beautiful art style that fits the game’s concept well
The narrative is very personal and gives each conversation a cozy feeling

In the game “Night in the Woods,” we follow Mae, a young woman who has dropped out of college and returned home with a sense of failure. The game boasts a captivating art style that perfectly complements its themes of simplicity and unrestrained enjoyment. During the town’s autumn festival, known as “Harfest” (similar to Halloween), Mae witnesses a mysterious figure snatch a teenager in the dead of night. As she and her friends delve deeper into the mystery, they encounter an enigmatic hooded group who pursue them, leading to a series of events that add intrigue to the game’s narrative, making it a delightful journey.

In “Night in the Woods”, players encounter captivating side-scrolling gameplay that harmoniously intertwines with its deep and relatable storyline, enhancing the overall appeal of the game. For those seeking a Halloween-like adventure without frequent jumpscares or heart-pounding moments of terror, “Night in the Woods” offers an engaging experience worth exploring.

2024-10-10 05:14