Hair raisers
11/1/2005
This time of the year - when nighttime television has you knee deep in zombies and psycho killers - it's a constant temptation to shout out at the TV screen, to try and keep those young camp counselors from doing something stupid and out of harm's way. Maybe that's why scary video games are so much fun, because you are able to take full control over the characters and face the demons . Here are my scariest game picks of the season - a collection of hair-raising thrillers that will have you shining the flashlight under the bed.
(XBOX, PS2, GBA)
Why this game: OK, this may not be a game that sends chills down your spine, but it is a fun ride with the underfed Halloween gang from Burton's cult classic film. (Rated E)
(XBOX, PS2, PC)
Why this game: This immersive paranormal thriller will have your fingers and mind working overtime as you try to make sense of a crimson-coated world your character has awoken to. Amazing drama! (Rated M)
(PSP)
Why this game: A strange virus has appeared in New York City, turning citizens into insanely violent, unkillable "infected." You'll have to wait until Nov. 15 to check this one out on the small screen - plenty of time to get your shots first. (Rated M)
(PS2, Gamecube)
Why this game: Resident Evil defined the current trends in survival horror gaming and continues to get better with each installment. Back on the PS2, RE4 looks and plays great - and the zombies are BACK. Thumbs up to Capcom as well for not just repackaging the Gamecube version that's been out for a while. (Rated M)
(XBOX, PS2)
Why this game: I didn't get a lot of time with this one prior to publication, but it certainly deserves a look as it has the George Romero stamp on it. Count on LOTS of zombies. (Rated M)
(XBOX, PC)
Why this game: This expansion pack sports new demons (you can never have enough demons), and a new arsenal of weapons. Resurrection continues to wow me with its' ultra spooky 5.1 soundtrack and no-nonsense, non-stop action. (Rated M)
(XBOX, PS2)
why this game: Not out until Tuesday, but long overdue on the consoles, Darkness promises an entirely new storyline that takes the central character deep into Dracula's lair to avenge his slain girlfriend. (Rated M)
(XBOX, PS2, PC)
Why this game: Even though the feeling of "been there, done that" is pretty strong in Ties, the creep factor and sense of impending doom is quite high. Chock full of nasty demons and superb voice acting, this gory shooter is a solid sequel. (Rated M)