It's my favorite time of the year once again. Orange and black smatter the storefronts, and Spirit Halloween is back in full force. That's right: it's Halloween once again, baby. You know what, though? There's something even better than perusing through storefronts in search of the perfect Friday the 13th mask: indie games. Some of the most deranged titles that I've ever played have come from the minds of those who love the macabre, and October is the perfect month to dive in.

Here's the thing, though: just because it's time to get spooky, it doesn't mean that these indies need to be filled to the brim with guts and gore. They may get some bonus points in my book if that's the case, but they can also be the most adorable little game to ever exist. That's why I'm here. To help push you in the right direction and make sure you get an ample amount of both tricks AND treats.

'Costume Quest' Is the Most Adorable Little Turn-Based RPG imaginable

Okay, yes. I know what you're thinking. "SHAUN, DIDN'T YOU SAY THIS LIST WAS GONNA MAKE OUR SKIN CRAWL?" I promise, after I talk about my love for Costume Quest, I'll start talking about the spooky shit. But sometimes, you just need an adorable, wholesome little adventure to kick off the Halloween season in full swing, you know? Costume Quest is an oldie, but a goldie in my eyes. Originally released in 2011, this was one of the first indie games that I remember diving into and just adoring beyond words. And for good reason, too! The game is fantastic, bringing the childlike whimsy of the world to the forefront, all while utilizing that very particular humor and game feel that Double Fine has been producing for years.

Costume Quest is a turn-based RPG with a really fun and creative Costume mechanic. Any costume that you find in the world will allow you to transform into a massive Kaiju-esque creature in the midst of battle. From the Statue of Liberty (insert an Eagle holding an AK-47 here) to a big-ass mech, you can pound the crap out of anything that gets in your way. It's easy, sure. The graphics may be a little dated overall, compared to its more modern contemporaries, too. But Costume Quest is one of those games that I love to revisit during the Spooky Season.

But Shaun, What Makes ‘Costume Quest’ a Must Play?

Sometimes, escaping into a colorful world, where a kid can be a kid, is all you need. The nostalgia for Trick or Treating, especially the tricks, comes into full play here. It's just a super cute little game that can be banged out in a weekend, and typically goes on sale for just a couple of bucks near the Halloween season. Look around on the internet, and you'll find a slew of Costume Quest fans that pour out of the woodwork and talk about how good the game is. I'm part of that exclusive club. And you can be, too.

Don’t Let the Simplistic Graphics Fool You: ‘Faith: The Unholy Trinity’ Is a Game That Will Haunt You

If you're looking for something that will disturb and perturb you, look no further than Faith: The Unholy Trinity. You're going to need to go into this one with a bit of an open mind, especially if you're a Graphics over Gameplay type of person. But, if you've been searching for a game that is going to haunt your dreams after you've finished it? You've come to the right place. Faith: The Unholy Trinity tends to go viral at least... a couple of times per year for a few different reasons. Be it the terrifying rotoscoped enemy introductions or the MORTIS game-over screen, it's a game that has stuck with me through the years.

I'm a '90s boy, so seeing something that looks like it came to life initially on the Apple II or Atari 2600 isn't enough to drive me away. In fact, it's kind of a selling point to me. Airdorf Games can bring one of the most hauntingly original takes on the horror genre to life using graphics like this, so imagine what they could do if they upgraded to the SuperFX chip. We wouldn't be able to sleep for months if that were the case.

How Can a Game That Looks Like ‘Faith: The Unholy Trinity’ Even Be Scary?

Well, I'm glad that you asked. Even though every portion of the game is blocky, bitcrushed, and crunchy, it's genuinely terrifying. You never know what is hanging out around the corner. You never know when the Purple Girl is going to show up. Even walking through the woods, taking crunchy and crispy steps through a sea of inky blackness, can lead to jumpscares beyond your wildest dreams. The rotoscoping used in Faith: The Unholy Trinity, though? That's where things get messed up, and I love it for that.

Characters that appear to be nothing more than just a few blocks on the screen suddenly turn into realistic-looking amalgamations of pure terror. They're fucked up, and they're ready to fuck you right up, as well. Exactly what I want from a horror experience. Using only the crucifix in my hand, I promise to deliver the light of GOD to these vile demons. But maybe I should look in the mirror first before anything... if you know, you know.

Yes, Even if ‘Slitterhead’ Was Created by the Person Behind ‘Silent Hill’, It’s Still Technically an Indie

Keiichiro Toyama is a name that more people should know. There are plenty of influential game creators, but in my eyes, Toyama is one of the pioneers of the horror genre. He created a small, relatively unknown game called Silent Hill for the PlayStation 1. Followed that up with another masterclass in horror, Siren, Forbidden Siren 2, and Siren: Blood Curse. Finally, he ended this generational run with the newest game in his portfolio: Slitterhead. While Bokeh Game Studio Inc. has some generational talent behind the wheel, it's still considered an indie studio. It's not backed by a massive AAA budget, and I think that this team deserves the shoutout.

Slitterhead, in my eyes, is that perfect game that is either going to be a 10/10 or a 3/10 in your eyes. There is really no in between for something like this. It's weird, it's wacky, and it's just a blast and a half. Swap between bodies, beat the everliving shit out of a demon as a grandma, and laugh yourself into a stupor. It's a fantastic game, but one that I would suggest waiting until it goes on sale before picking up. Yes, I love the game for what it is. But it costs just a little too much for what it offers. It's an incredibly solid game, and one of the most memorable horror titles to come out in the past... I don't even know how many years.

But Shaun, Why Would You Recommend ‘Slitterhead’ Over Something Like ‘Silent Hill’?

Honestly, I'm glad that you asked! I love weird shit. I've talked before, even here on Glizzy, about my love for the weird and wild. Slitterhead fits the bill perfectly. It's got some funny moments, it's got some of the coolest body horror stuff you'll ever see, and most of all? It's got heart. Sure, it may not be your heart or my heart, seeing as you can swap between bodies on a dime, but it's still got heart.

If you're looking for something to do through Spooky Season, or Halloween for those with a less whimsical spirit, these are some of the best games you can jump into. Costume Quest brings the spirit of Halloween front and center. Faith: The Unholy Trinity feels like it was created with Halloween in mind. And Slitterhead? Well, you can jump into different bodies, wearing them just like a Halloween costume. They're all spectacular in their own ways, and these are a great way to kick off the season right.