Look, I have nothing against AAA horror games. Some of the best horror games around are made by storied developers who have been in the field for years at this point. But there's something raw and passionate about diving into a fresh new story by a talented indie developer. From first-person adventures to classically styled horror games, there are so many amazing titles to look into. We already know that games like Resident Evil: Requiem are going to go absolutely bananas, but there are so many smaller games that deserve an equal amount of love and adoration.

If you're hoping to get your pants scared off this Spooky Season, I've curated a list of three utterly brilliant games that you should be looking into. One of them even has a multiplayer option that you can con your friends into playing with you for no extra cost! More on that later. For now, grab a flashlight, some green herbs, and a fresh pair of underwear, and prepare yourself for the spookiest games of the season.

If You’re Looking for a Stylish Horror Game To Haunt You, ‘One-Eyed Likho’ Is My Personal Choice

I love it when a game commits to a particular theme. One-Eyed Likho, developed by Morteshka, brings the Slavic folklore beast to life in a beautiful monochrome world, and is one of the most haunting games I've played in quite some time. There's no combat here, only a few chase sequences, and a singular black-and-white world that springs to life before you. But the vibes are impeccable, the scares are pointed and poignant, and the world feels just as dark and depressing as one could only hope. It doesn't matter if it's Halloween or any other day of the year; One-Eyed Likho is a game that is bound to put the chill down the spine of anyone jumping in it.

If you're a fan of anything creepy? I strongly implore you to jump into this one as soon as possible. But the star of the show is the titular one-eyed Likho itself. A gargantuan beast of folklore legend, this beast leaps off the screen any time it's around. The overarching story is utterly brilliant, and the game just oozes charm and style. One-Eyed Likho is one of those hidden gems that hasn't gotten the love it deserves.

‘One-Eyed Likho’ Is for the Story Sickos, and Has a Great Cast of Memorable Characters

My wife, on the surface, is one of the most bubbly and happy people that I've ever met. But underneath that shining surface lies someone who loves the macabre. Horror games are her favorites to watch, and during our playthrough of One-Eyed Likho, she had a smile on her face the whole time. The game is creepy, making the player and anyone watching feel a creeping level of fear unlike any other game I've played in quite some time. The art style isn't the only thing that's sick here by any means. If you've been craving something different, this is sure to fit the bill. Oh yeah, and just like Alan Wake 2, there's a musical number... but it may not be what you're expecting.

‘Post Trauma’ Got Overshadowed by ‘Oblivion’, but I Think It Deserves Its Flowers

It doesn't matter if I'm writing for the Hot Dog Place or for any other publications in the world, I think that Post Trauma is a game that deserves the love it's received. But it could always use a bit more love, if you ask me. Post Trauma is a quintessential horror game that uses the classic style to breathe new life into the genre. Ironic, seeing as most of the folks in horror games are dead. But, I digress. Rather than conforming to the new-fangled over-the-shoulder style of horror that we've seen popularized during the last decade or so, Post Trauma goes right back to the roots of what made horror.... well, horror.

It's gross, disgusting, and can be sometimes confusing and cumbersome. But if you're craving that deliciously old-school horror experience that has been missing since the early '90s, there are few that do it better. In fact, I think that Post Trauma may be one of the best examples of what makes these classically styled horror games more horrifying than their modern contemporaries. But you'll have to check it out yourself to believe me.

‘Post Trauma’ Looks to the Past for Inspiration, but Brings Modern Flair

Looking past the flashy graphics, Post Trauma brings that PS1 style to a new generation of players. Those who crave the good days of Tank Controls and somewhat corny dialogue should look no further. Or, if you do want to look even further, you could always consider Crow Country for a follow-up playthrough. But for anyone craving puzzle-heavy horror, Post Trauma may be their GOAT. It's a phenomenal experience, and one that I hope gets a follow-up in some way, shape, or form.

‘Whisper Mountain Outbreak’ Is Multiplayer Chaos, and You Can Bring 3 Friends Along for Free

Horror games don't always need to be about a singular person walking down a hallway, getting jumpscared by anything that moves. Honestly, I think they're more fun when you can include your friends in the terror. Before I get into the nitty-gritty about Whisper Mountain Outbreak, I have a few questions for you. Do you like absolutely gorgeous pixel art? What about multiplayer horror shenanigans? Perhaps even some puzzles that are bound to make you feel like you're meant to be eating crayons instead? Well, then, do I have the perfect game for you to drop a disturbing amount of hours into?

Whisper Mountain Outbreak has all of these things, and so much more. Procedurally generated levels, tons of zombies to mash into a fine, red mist, and plenty of roguelike elements to make it engaging for every run you partake in. It's the perfect way to welcome in the Halloween season, either on your own or with a few friends along for the ride. Oh yeah, remember how I mentioned that there was a slick multiplayer horror game that you could play with your friends for no extra cost? It's Whisper Mountain Outbreak, and an amazing "Friend's Pass" system that opens the door for bloody good fun.

Bring Your Homies Along for the Ride Without Spending Another Dime… But Maybe Support the Devs if You Like the Game

Whisper Mountain Outbreak is a cheap game. It's only $7.99 on the Steam marketplace, but it offers one of the most tremendous values in multiplayer gaming. The Friend's Pass system allows you to bring 3 additional players onto your Squad for no extra cost. It's an absolutely mental value. But if you enjoy the game, do me a solid. Buy a few copies to support Toge Productions for putting together something so good and charging as little as possible for it. AAA developers could NEVER.

Regardless of whether you're looking for some multiplayer mayhem or single-player scares, there are plenty of amazing horror games to dip your toes into. The best part of it all? Even when Halloween comes to pass, you can still dive into these games. Who said that Thanksgiving couldn't be the most horrifying holiday of them all?