Off the Shelf Media

This year, we are lucky enough to have Halloween fall on a Friday. I, as I am sure many others are, am in the midst of preparing this year’s festivities with family and friends without the worry of clocking in on time the following day. 

Our team realizes many of you will find yourselves far busier with the ease that comes with the weekend setting. To be sure you don’t miss any hot Halloween titles, here’s our list of releases and deals you don’t want to miss out on while rushing to finish the last additions to your costume. 

*This is not a sponsored post 

R.E.P.O

Released earlier this year, R.E.P.O. drops you and five friends in the dimly lit corridors of horrific monsters, all while you try to extract as much valuable loot as possible. The physics-based game has you running for your life as a semibot, all with the hope of not damaging the valuables you manage to find along the way. 

The simple gameplay loop, unique enemies, environments, and loot make this the perfect game with friends, so long as you can keep the noise down. You can find this title on PC and right now on Steam on sale for $6.49. You can also test this game out for free through November 3. 

Sons of the Forest

The sequel to the instant classic The Forest, Sons of the Forest, has you in a much familiar setting, but as Mirakuru said, it is “What felt missing in ‘The Forest.’” The more in-depth story, loot, and enemy types will keep you and seven friends on the edge of your seats for hours. 

The constant threat of attack from any of the mutated abominations that might wander into your base delivers urgency. The seemingly tedious type of crafting actually gives a greater sense of accomplishment, compared to other games of the genre, and far more dread at the thought of being overrun. The game is by no means reinventing the wheel, but it is an example of mastery of form as the story manages to drive gameplay without forcing it. You can find it on sale on Steam for $9.59 through November 3. 

Phasmophobia

Like R.E.P.O., this game is another title on the ever-growing list of survival co-op horror games. Phasmaophobia is a bit of an older title that had a heavier hand in creating what our team has started to define as the Occupational Thriller. These types of games use a newer game theory that removes the player as the main character in a terrifying world and more of a grunt in a growing workforce. 

Games like The Headliners probably wouldn’t be around without Phasmophobia. In it, you and up to three friends must combine your tech and skills in trying to identify the cause of the supernatural forces each round. It is incredibly customizable in terms of settings, allowing almost any player to find a comfortable balance. You can find it on Steam for $14.99 through November 3. 

MISERY

Just released barely a week ago, MISERY has received great reviews so far. You and up to four more friends will find yourselves trying to survive in the aftermath of a nuclear disaster. Another title in the long list of survival crafting genre, it separates itself by dialing back the graphics (looks like Goldeneye 007 quality) and turning up the weird in a procedurally generated Soviet-stained package. 

It’s the type of game we like to see that comes from an indie developer pushing gameplay above visuals. It is also great to see a development roadmap and positive reviews so early since the game’s launch. You can find it on Steam for $8.99 through November 6. You can expect a more in-depth review from our team on this title later. 

Bendy and the Ink Machine

It became an instant classic in the horror genre and for good reason. Bendy and the Ink Machine has you investigating Joey Drew’s Studio through the lens of 1930s-style comics. 

The unique story and visuals make it impossible to forget and are worth a playthrough if you have never picked it up. Need a better reason? It’s free on Epic now through November 6.

Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit

While you pick up Bendy, you might as well click add to library for Into the Pit. A newer release in the cult classic series, this game features 2D gameplay as you navigate time to uncover the horrors surrounding Jeff’s Pizza. 

Halloween is a time for frights and fun. What games will you be picking up on sale?