Follow these multimedia links for Halloween scares

Have you ever wanted to get into the horror genre, whether that be through books, movies, video games and other media, but didn’t know where to start? Well luckily, this is a guide for those who desperately want to get into the spooky horror mood before this October, counting down to Halloween. Below are five lists containing five points each on horror you should definitely start out with if you want to ease into the horror genre.

Horror Novels:

Need a good horror novel to delve into while shivering at the late midnight hours? Well, here are five horror novels to start out with.

Night Shift by Stephen King:

Night Shift by Stephen King was one the first short story collection of the infamous horror genre master, Stephen King. The collection features some very popular short stories, like “Children Of The Corn” and “Graveyard Shift.” Since it is a collection of his early works, when reading, you can really sense King’s younger imagination within the text. For those who have never read any Stephen King, this is a good place to start.

The Picture Of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde:

The Picture Of Dorian Gray is an excellent novel that is more about the creepy and eerie side of horror than the gore and monstrous side. Written in 1890, Oscar Wilde’s powerful horror masterpiece lives up to this day to be one of the most twisted literary pieces of all time. The Picture Of Dorian Gray tells the story of a man who unloads his selfish deeds and maliciousness into a painting to be immortal. While he reflects his good deeds, the painting reflects his bad deeds, and gets more and more dreary. The farther you unravel the story, the more interesting yet horrifying it becomes. For novices in the horror realm, this is a terrific book choice that will surely make you feel a chill up your spine.

Frankenstein (or The Modern Prometheus) by Mary Shelley:

Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus is a classic gothic horror novel. Many gothic ideas stemmed from this particular novel, and this horror powerhouse developed a whole new side of literature. Frankenstein tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young wealthy scientist who wishes to bring dead organic matter to life after his mother dies. Although, doing this creates a whole new set of unnatural problems beyond Victor’s comprehension. The deep relationship between the characters of Mary Shelley’s world is really what sets this novel apart, and is a true gem of the horror genre.

The Complete Tales And Poems Of Edgar Allan Poe by Edgar Allan Poe:

The Complete Tales And Poems Of Edgar Allan Poe is an amazing testament to the dark poet, Edgar Allan Poe. This collection contains everything from “The Raven” to “The Fall Of The House Of Usher,” and will surely build up your heebie jeebie appetite. Since this collection contains all of the works of Poe, the witty and dark-humor style of his youth, and the more matured, darker tone of his older years.

The Diviners by Libba Bray:

The Diviners is a more unique taste of the paranormal, and is an excellent historical piece. As the first book in a series of four, Bray’s powerful spin on the 1920s is a wonderful departure from classic gothic traits, into the more modern horrific traits. If you aren’t satisfied with the past four novels recommended in this article due to their “classic” feeling, this book should be a hint of fresh air. Even though there is some past language, the book is heavily more suited towards young adult readers of the modern era. The Diviners takes place a hundred years ago (the 1920s) in New York, where a gifted group of people with supernatural powers are tasked to diminish the ghostly creatures terrorizing the city, and murdering its inhabitants. The Diviners is simply a unique twist on the horror genre, and deserves a look.

Horror Movies:

Need something to watch to scare you silly? Well here are five horror films that will make you scream.

The Shining (1980):

One of Stephen King’s most classic horror movies, and a horrific masterpiece of the early 1980s. The movie reinvented the psychological horror trope, and has been terrifying audiences since its release. The movie follows a man trying to overcome his writer’s block in a haunted hotel, and eventually gets wrapped up into insanity and supernatural terrors within the haunted hotel. For movie-goers experimenting with the idea of a horrific film to enjoy, there is no better place to go than the movie classic, The Shining.

Poltergeist (1982):

Another movie classic, Poltergeist was a major influencer of the horror genre, and took supernatural fear to a whole other level. Some of the antics of the movie are slightly outdated, but it is a great movie for those trying to get into horror, and a must-watch for those who love the genre. The plot follows a family who moves to a house filled with, what seems to be at first, harmless ghostly spectors. This is until the adults of the family anger the ghosts, and they kidnap the young daughter of the group. Poltergeist is a perfect movie to watch late at night with a couple friends, or alone if you’re brave enough.

A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984):

The classic horror 80s movies don’t stop yet. But that can be forgiven, since the 80s were basically the rebirth of horror movies. A Nightmare On Elm Street is another classic movie, and was another movie that redefined what horror means in modern times. The plot surrounds a creature named Freddy Krueger, an iconic horror villain, who can enter nightmares and scare children. A rambunctious group of teenagers decide, after years of being haunted in their nightmares, to fight the malicious being, similar to the Stephen King classic, It. Although, It drew large inspiration from the character of Freddy Krueger. Anyways, if you’re a newcomer to the horror genre of theater, A Nightmare On Elm Street is a good movie to start out with.

The Sixth Sense (1999):

Now, jumping from the cinema scene of the 1980s, we head towards the 1990s era of horror movies. The Sixth Sense is a prime example of classic 90s horror movies. The plot is also an amazing example of a “twist ending.” The plot follows a child psychologist who is studying a child who can see the dead, that don’t know they are dead, or lost souls. Hence the title, “The Sixth Sense.” The movie perfectly represents another branch of horror, known as psychological or mind-bending horror, which every horror movie watcher should get accustomed to. This is due to modern cinema reintroducing this style of movies. Anyways, The Sixth Sense is worthy of your midnight hours, and is certainly going to give you chills.

Saw (2004):

Being one of the most successful horror franchises in the late 2000s (expanding into a seven-part series as of currently), Saw is a puzzle-filled horror beauty. It defines horror within the early 2000s, and develops the psychological horror idea mentioned under the last headline. The plot follows two men competing in a tournament set up by a serial killer. They must solve puzzles for survival, and adapt to the twisted logic of Jigsaw, the name of the serial killer. Overall, Saw is an amazing film, and deserves to be on your terrifying-movie radar.


Horror Retro Games:

Need more immersive horror action? But you want specifically the classic horror for video games? Well here are five retro horror video games, from the 8-bit generation to 32-bit CPU generation!

Shadowgate (NES):

Shadowgate was one of the earliest horror games, being on the first North American Nintendo console, the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game has supernatural elements, but also RPG elements to spice up gameplay. It is also a classic point-and-click adventure game, like many of its time period, like Deja Vu, Uninvited, and Maniac Mansion. The game sets the player up with limited information on their identity, and the player must explore the environment known as Castle Shadowgate and discover why they are there, who they are, and why the creatures of the castle are so evil. Shadowgate is a complete classic of the many genres it is representing, and is an amazing find for any retro gamer.

Splatterhouse 2 (Sega Genesis):

Splatterhouse 2 is an early 16-bit horror game, filled to the brim with gore like another popular game on the Sega Genesis, Mortal Kombat. It’s part horor, part classic beat ‘em up, like the game Double Dragon and Streets Of Rage. The plot follows a violent vigilante named Rick, who must save Jennifer, his girlfriend, from the vicious Terror Mask, a demon terrorizing the area in which Rick lives. The second game is way better than it’s Japanese-exclusive counterpart, due to it’s graphics improvement and gameplay mechanic changes, which elevate the entire gameplay as a whole. In the game you are able to use a variety of attacks to vehemently slash through supernatural demons, and it’s a freeing feeling for a retro game. Splatterhouse 2 surely won’t disappoint retro gamers, and is a good pick-up from any retro store in the area before Halloween night.

Silent Hill (PS1):

Silent Hill is a horror game masterpiece. A revolutionary title, basically changing the formula at which we play horror games. Silent Hill is almost as amazing as the Resident Evil series, but due to its lack of the continuation of the series, it falls a bit short. Anyways, the plot of the game revolves around a man named Harry Mason, who is driving to a mysterious town with his daughter Cheryl. In a sudden car crash, Harry comes out of unconsciousness and realizes Cheryl is missing. The quest for Cheryl begins as you explore the mysterious abandoned town and find out it’s twisted and horrifying secrets. As one of the best horror and survival titles on the PS1, Silent Hill is a gothic gem, and should definitely be on your retro game wish list.

Geist (Gamecube):

Geist is a hidden gem of the Gamecube video game library, but is an excellent title for anyone who owns a Gamecube or Wii (most Wii models have backwards compatibility with the Gamecube, but not all models). The game is a horror first-person shooter, and a decent one at that. The plot follows a scientist named John Rami, who must investigate the Volks Corporation and save some agents who are stuck inside. After entering, Rami discovers that one of the agents has been possessed by a poltergeist, and is murdering the rest of his team members. The player must control Rami and eliminate the powerful poltergeist terrorizing the Volks Corporation. Geist has an interesting narrative and great gameplay mechanics for the Gamecube, and is a worthy candidate for hard-earned cash to spend on horror games.

Resident Evil 4 (PS2):

Resident Evil 4 is one of the most classic games of the Resident Evil series, and is often recommended to be played first when jumping into Resident Evil. The PS2 version has been often said to be the best version due to the PS2’s controls and graphics (when compared to other systems like the Gamecube). Anyways, Resident Evil 4 changed the grounds in which horror-survival first-person shooters were created, and is a massive title, remade many times on modern consoles. Although if you want the authentic experience, the PS2 version is the way to go. The plot surrounds the character Leon S. Kennedy, who must save the U.S. President’s daughter from abduction from an eerie cult in Spain. Not wanting to go any further in case of spoilers, the game has an amazing plot that will captivate you into playing more, and the action within the game is beyond the expectations of it’s time. Resident Evil 4 is something any horror-player should be out on the hunt for.

Horror Modern Games:

Need more immersive horror action, but you’re not into the old stuff? Well here are five modern horror games, on a variety of consoles.

Little Nightmares: Complete Edition (Nintendo Switch):

Little Nightmares: Complete Edition was one of the creepiest games released in the late 2010s. It has been said that the Little Nightmares series is an eerie combination of Tim Burton movies (like Beetlejuice and A Nightmare Before Christmas), and Coraline.  Many of the characters are completely clay-animated, which makes the game a wonder. The original game follows a young girl named Six, who goes to a mysterious place called The Maw, and must find a way to escape the guests that terrizozie the vessel. The survival-hide-and-seek aspects of the game are quite fun to play, and every haunting moment when sneaking around will give you the chills. Little Nightmares: Complete Edition is a great way to get into the series, and is a great game to get on your fear-nerves.

Bloodborne (PS4):

Bloodborne is a great example of what is known as gothic horror, a mixture of death, supernatural, and horror elements. It has a unique twist on an RPG style, and will surely test your skills, because it is often said that the game is as challenging as Dark Souls. The plot follows a character simply called The Hunter, who must explore the Victorian-era town of Yharnam, as well as a dream world called the Hunter’s Realm, and fight mysterious creatures to find out who you are, and what you are doing there. Bloodborne is eerie and spine-chilling, with a deep plot and interesting characters. The game will give you a lot to think about psychologically, and is a perfect game to binge in October.

Dead Space (Xbox 360):

Dead Space is part science fiction game, part horror. It’s filled with strategic weapon orientation, and glorious alien-slashing. In the game, the player is a character named Isaac, who’s team has crash landed on the site of an invaded colony. The invading creatures are called Necromporhs, and are dangerous exteterrisials. Isaac must explore the area, collecting video logs, and must discover what happened to the colony, and how he can escape from the treacherous Necromorphs. The game is a great example of exploration and survival horror, and what a critical success series on the Xbox platforms. If you love the Alien movies, or shows like Stranger Things, this game is an amazing complimentary experience. This game is a great introduction to science fiction horror.

Amnesia: The Dark Descent (PC):

Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a little wishy-washy to play today, but is still a fantastic game, especially the port versions on modern consoles. The game’s strategic sense and control over mysterious elements are key to the game’s formula, and really immerses the player into the game. The plot follows a character who has amnesia, and who has forgotten who they are. They wake up in an abandoned castle, and must find diary entries to discover information about themselves and their situation. Although, horrid creatures roam the castle, and the player must make his way to the heart of the castle to escape. For psychological horror games, this is one of the best examples; really bending the minds of players as they play. If you want a terrific game filled with puzzles, mystery, and powerful character development, Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a great choice.

Dead By Daylight (PS4/Xbox One/PC):

Dead By Daylight is an amazing competitive multiplayer horror game, designed to spook and hype up players by incredible standards. In the game, you can either play as a survivor with a group of survivors, or a monster, acting alone. Each character has different roles. The survivors must survive the attack of the monster, and the monster must destroy all survivors. You even get to design your character to match your liking, and decide what abilities, and strengths each character has through traits,  and items. Dead By Daylight is a creatively fun and horrifying title, and will surely test your competitive multiplayer skills, whether you are the survivors or the monster. If you want to play a horrifying game capturing the essence of the battle royale and competitive multiplayer scene, Dead By Daylight is a good game for your tastes.

Horror/Halloween Music:

Need something to listen to to get in the spooky mood? Well here are some music recommendations from a variety of music genres to get you in that mood.

Halloween Music (Album) By Halloween Sound Machine:

If you need classic, cheesy Halloween tunes, Halloween Music has you covered. It has everything from classics like “Monster Mash” and “Thriller” to horror movies themes like the theme from “The Exorcist” and the theme from “Halloween (the movie),” and even rock classics in the spooky theme like “Highway To Hell” and “Don’t Fear The Reaper.” The album will surely set you in the spooky mood, and prepare you for the spooky season of October.

Halloween Howls: Fun And Scary Music: Deluxe Edition (Album) By Andrew Gold:

The Halloween Howls: Fun And Scary Music: Deluxe album is more of Halloween Music by Halloween sound machine, but includes more original tracks by Andew Gold. If you enjoy the first recommendation on this list, this album will be a great complimentary dish to your feast of Halloween music.

Headbanger Halloween (Playlist) By Spotify:

For those of the more hardcore music, like rock and metal, Headbanger Halloween is a great recommendation for you folks. It has tracks from bands like Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Rob Zombie, Slayer, Pantera, Avenged Sevenfold, and even Slipknot. For those who want to headbang to horrifying hits on Halloween, this playlist should do the trick.

Stranger Things: The Soundtrack From The Original Netflix Series Vol. 1 (Album) By Various Artists:

From the very popular science-fiction horror series, Stranger Things, all of the tracks from the original first season are combined in this one playlist! Hear those scary beats, and think of Demogogrons as you take a spin with this album.

Halloween 2021 (Playlist) By Filtr US:

For those who wish to party on Halloween night, Halloween 2021 has a combination of classic and modern tracks to boost your party’s mood and raise the roof. It contains tracks like “Ghostbusters” and “I’ll Put a Spell On You,” as well as more pop and electronic party genre tracks like “I Want Candy” and “You Spin Me Around Like A Record.” Halloween 2021 has got you covered on the Halloween party music scene, and is a special selection to put on at any Halloween celebration.

Take these recommendations beginner horror delvers, and enjoy your Halloween month!

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