Best Ghost Games That Are Not Horror

Key Takeaways

Some incredible ghost games aren’t horror, with certain dating sims and detective thrillers being prime examples.
Gamers can explore ghost management titles or solve puzzles as ghosts themselves.
Ghost games like Love, Ghostie and Spiritfarer offer emotional experiences of managing spirits and matchmaking.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I must say that these ghostly adventures are simply enchanting! Each game offers a unique take on the spirit world and its inhabitants, from solving mysteries to becoming a matchmaker of adorable creatures.

Most ghost-themed video games gamers encounter generally belong to the horror genre, with players either investigating the supernatural occurrences in a haunted site or battling against vengeful spirits for survival. However, it’s worth noting that not all ghost games adhere strictly to this format; there are some exceptional titles where ghosts are presented outside of the horror context.

There’s an impressive variety of non-horror games featuring ghosts, ranging from charming management titles where players aid spirits in transitioning, to games where you play as a spectral detective solving mysteries. Here are some standouts.

8 Speed Dating For Ghosts

Meet Ghosts, Date, And Fall In Love

Platforms: PC and Nintendo Switch
Released: 2018-02-13
Developer: Copychaser Games
Genre: Simulator

Kicking things off with a playful twist, “Speed Dating for Ghosts” lives up to expectations. In this charmingly hand-drawn game, players embark on multiple dates with an eclectic mix of ghosts who could potentially win their heart. Along the way, they are swept away by the absurd humor that comes with navigating a dating simulator.

In this game, you’ll find that everyone seeks affection, and with a dozen potential spectral dates for the player, it’s guaranteed that one will leave a lasting impression. Additionally, the varied dialogue choices offer numerous exciting possibilities to anticipate.

7 Haunt The House: Terrortown

Possess Furniture And Scare Guests While Solving Puzzles

Platform: PC, PlayStation Vita, Android, and IOS
Released: 2013-01-09
Developer: SFB Games
Genres: Action, Puzzle

In most horror games, players are often the ones being spooked. However, in the charming puzzle game Haunt the House: Terrortown, you get to switch roles and become the haunter instead! Your primary objective is to figure out ways to scare off guests from different areas of town and maintain these locations as ghostly hideouts for yourself.

In these games, players can expect their hearts to brim with glee as they make an endearing specter dance and take control of assorted items to scare the wits out of visitors at places like museums, hospitals, theaters, and cruise ships. The terror they inflict will undoubtedly be etched in the memories of these unfortunate souls forever.

6 Murdered: Soul Suspect

A Supernatural Detective Thriller Where The Player Is Dead

In “Murdered: Soul Suspect,” players delve into an extraordinary ghostly adventure where they unravel a chilling detective mystery with a haunting twist. In this blend of action and exploration, you assume the role of a slain detective who finds himself mysteriously trapped in the town of Salem as a spirit.

As I delve into unraveling the enigma behind my own demise and identifying the elusive murderer, I’m bound to cross paths with a host of spectral beings. These encounters often present opportunities for me to assist them by tackling various ancillary tasks.

5 The Outbound Ghost

Battle The Past To Help Ghosts Ascend To The Afterlife

Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PS5
Released: 2022-09-20
Developer: Conradical Games
Genres: RPG, Adventure

Role-playing games (RPGs) have also welcomed a handful of games centered around ghost themes, and one of the standout examples is “The Outbound Ghost.” In this RPG adventure, players are assigned with assisting diverse spirits to transition to the afterlife. However, this can be achieved only by confronting the past through manifestations derived from the player’s own psyche.

In a spectral town overflowing with ghostly entities, the game’s protagonist must tackle a series of problems stemming from their earthly past while assisting these spirits in departing from the haunted locale named “Outbound.

4 Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

Another Great Ghost Story About Solving One’s Own Death

A captivating detective game much like “Murdered: Soul Suspect” is called “Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective“. Similar to its predecessor, this game starts off by revealing that the main character has passed away.

Instead, let’s consider Sissel, your playable character, who finds themselves mysteriously resurrected as a spirit with no recollection of their past life, their killer, or the motive behind their demise. As you progress through a series of brain-teasing puzzles and temporarily take control of different objects, you unravel the enigma that surrounds your character in this humorous detective story.

3 Love, Ghostie

Become An Adorable Ghost Matchmaker Of The Manor

In the game titled “Love, Ghostie“, players take on the role of a matchmaker within a charming manor, where numerous endearing creatures reside. Your objective is to unearth a myriad of heartwarming romances, each with their distinct narrative that you’ll unravel in your quest to find the ideal partner for each inhabitant.

The idea of being a friendly ghost who aims to unite others rather than frighten them is intriguing and likely to appeal to fans of dating simulators, as showcased in the game titled “Love, Ghostie“.

2 Spiritfarer

Help Ghosts Passover To The Afterlife

Apart from the collection of humorous ghost-themed titles, there are also some deeply emotional games featuring spirits. One such game is Spiritfarer, a management simulator created by Thunder Lotus Games. In this game, players take on the role of assisting diverse spirits as they journey towards the afterlife. However, before they can move on, these spirits must confront and reconcile with their past lives.

As a devoted fan, I find that in this captivating game titled “Spiritfarer”, the spirits aren’t your usual white-sheeted specters. Instead, they take on forms of diverse animals, each one mirroring the personality of the spirit itself. The climax of every journey on our shared boat is a poignant farewell where each spirit bids adieu, offering a heartfelt hug before they move on.

1 Luigi’s Mansion 3

Explore And Hunt Ghosts In A Haunted Hotel

As a die-hard fan, let me tell you about my favorite non-horror ghost game from recent years – none other than Luigi’s Mansion 3. You see, Luigi has quite the knack for ghost hunting, and even though those spooky specters within the mansion give him goosebumps, he bravely pushes past his fear to rescue his beloved friends.

In contrast to its horror-like counterparts, this Nintendo game offers a unique experience as an action-adventure. Instead of being confined to specific areas, players are free to roam and explore various levels within the haunted hotel, each level showcasing distinct themes.

2024-09-25 16:34