Halloween Gaming 2025

[VideoGameCritic]

I'm a little gun shy about preorders (some have taken YEARS to fulfill) but I did pull the trigger on this one:
https://www.retrotainmentgames.com/prod ... -pre-order

That's because the first two Haunted Halloween games (85 and 86) were so good at capturing the essense of the Holiday. I had to own the complete trilogy. Of course, getting it for this Halloween is definitely a longshot.

When thinking about Halloween games, the old Alan Wake (Xbox 360) came to mind. I love that one. I heard there was a sequel made in recent years. Anybody played it?

I checked ebay for availability. Apparently it's only available on disc for the Xbox Series X, and knowing that console, you probably need to be online to play it. That's one of the reasons I never picked up a Series X.

I'm hoping that the game will someday appear in full physical form for another console like the PS5. Maybe Limited Run can do something about it.

[BlasteroidAli]

I am playing Alan Wake 2 now. So more on that when I have played it a bit more. So far superb graphics. Female Character in the lead and so far (again) no Alan Wake. Though given what happened at the end of game one, it might be a bit hard for him to get back. There is also an updated Alan Wake with all of the excellent DLC to get if you are in the mood. Both are on disc.

Both games are out on PS5.

https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail?id=5060760884772&categoryName=PLAYSTATION5-GAMES&superCatName=GAMING&title=

or Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Epic-Games-EGP67211-Alan-Deluxe/dp/B0D6FP8Q4J/ref=sr_1_5

[VideoGameCritic]

Feel free to write up a guest review for the site! Inquiring minds want to know!!

[Retro STrife]

I'm hoping that the game will someday appear in full physical form for another console like the PS5.

For PS5, Amazon seems to have a physical release of Alan Wake II, currently for $40: https://www.amazon.com/Alan-Wake-2-Delu ... P8Q4J?th=1

Apparently it's only available on disc for the Xbox Series X, and knowing that console, you probably need to be online to play it. That's one of the reasons I never picked up a Series X.

I figured the Sony and Nintendo systems were about on par with Microsoft by now, or at least close. But I played Madden on my Series X today, and it allowed me to be offline for franchise mode - and that's an EA game too.

Either way, you can't escape it forever! Ya know, videogamecritic.com forces us to be online to use it and we've never complained once

[VideoGameCritic]

I figured the Sony and Nintendo systems were about on par with Microsoft by now, or at least close. But I played Madden on my Series X today, and it allowed me to be offline for franchise mode - and that's an EA game too.

Either way, you can't escape it forever! Ya know, videogamecritic.com forces us to be online to use it and we've never complained once

Can't escape it forever? Watch me!

But seriously, I think it is a common misconception that the new Xbox consoles only function properly online, and I think it started with this.

Xbox One: “The Worst Generation to Lose”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68MHQyoXepU

I'm thinking about starting an offline version of videogamecritic.com, but I'll need all of your mailing addresses.

[BlasteroidAli]

Writing the review just now. Early days playing it as I have not got to play Alan Wake yet. I am a detective doing an LA Noir type case. Not quite the beginning of the game I was thinking it would have. Beautiful graphics, good in jokes and the start of the novel explaining that you are trapped in a novel. Then back to the LA Noir type game.

[VideoGameCritic]

Someone emailed me today with a Halloween recommendation: Shadow Hearts for PS2
Never heard of it. Anybody played it?

[Verm3]

Shadow hearts is a highly regarded turn based RPG series, albeit with a little real time button work through the judgement ring.

The first game in the series is definitely Halloween material, but the third one not.

Shadow hearts also had a pretty different prequel, Koudelka, on PS1. Also Halloween material if you want an RPG.

[DaHeckIzDat]

I'm really excited to see your review of Faith: the Unholy Trinity, critic.

I've got a couple more games I could do some guest reviews for, if anyone's interested. Off the top of my head, there's Corpse Party on Switch, and Darkwood, Spooky's Jumpscare Mansion, and World of Horror on PS5.

[DrLitch]

Darkwood.

Yes review this one.