Top 10 Spooky Halloween Themed Video Game Levels
#10: Nina’s Nightmare
“Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled” (2019) To commemorate the Spooky Grand Prix, this kart racing remaster introduced a brand new track that screamed Halloween. The track shines a spotlight on Nina Cortex, Neo Cortex’s gothic niece… or is she his daughter? Either way, Nina’s Nightmare is a gateway into the character’s warped imagination. Literally, the race commences with a levitating key unlocking a gate, sending racers on a petrifying path made up of decrepit windmills, dark woods, and a mansion modeled after Nina’s twisted personality. Also present is the Pumpkin Lord, who will squash you with his treelike legs if you’re not careful. With the excitement of a rollercoaster and an appropriately spooky atmosphere, Nina’s Nightmare delivers the thrills in more ways than one. All that’s missing is a hearse.
#9: Level 7
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“The Simpsons: Hit & Run” (2003) Whenever Kang and Kodos show up, you know that the Simpsons are in store for a scare. In the seventh and final level of this game, Springfield is given a “Treehouse of Horror” makeover. Taking place on October 31, Homer must thwart the aliens while also dealing with a zombie apocalypse. As fun as the missions are, the best part of this level is simply exploring this unique version of Springfield, which has become littered with Halloween-themed references and visual gags. Krusty Burger is now Zombie Burger, the Kwik-E-Mart has been revamped as the Spook-E-Mart, and on one house you can even find graffiti reading, “No T.V. Make Homer Go Crazy.” It’s every bit as memorable as Homer’s last trip to the third dimension.
#8: Ghostly Garden
“Pac-Man World” (1999) Ghosts have been a staple of the “Pac-Man” franchise ever since his arcade days. So, when the character made a leap to the 3D platformer genre, it only made sense for the game’s final world to possess a haunting vibe. While we could’ve singled out any of the four levels that make up Toc-Man’s Mansion, Ghostly Garden is the most notably Halloweeny. Ghosts aren’t the only obstacle that Pac-Man has to worry about in this graveyard-like setting. Giant bats, skeletons, and floating coffins are also scattered throughout. The falling leaves in the air also give the level a genuine autumn feeling. While you won’t find any candy, you’ll come across plenty of fruit, which Pac-Man prefers to munch on anyway.
#7: Pumpkin Hill
“Sonic Adventure 2” (2001) You can run, but you can’t hide from the ghosts that occupy Pumpkin Hill. On his quest to collect the Master Emerald’s missing pieces, Knuckles finds himself gliding through a mountain range where the hilltops are shaped like jack-o’-lanterns. The setting sun in the background and the illuminated pumpkin heads give the level an atmosphere that’s creepy yet cool. The same can be said about the level’s theme song, “A Ghost’s Pumpkin Soup,” which compliments Knuckles’ fearless attitude and the eerie sentiment of Halloween. For whatever reason, though, King Boom Boo doesn’t attack Knuckles until later in the game.
#6: Subcon Forest
“A Hat in Time” (2017) This nostalgic gem recaptured the magic of classic 3D platformers with several themed worlds to explore. One of the areas that Hat Kid travels to is Subcon Forest, which is crawling with creatures right out of a campfire story. The scene-stealer is the Snatcher, a mysterious figure who always has a contract ready. You’ll have to make a few deals with this devilish character to progress, requiring Hat Kid to do a variety of tasks, the creepiest of which takes Hat Girl to Queen Vanessa’s Manor, where you’ll be hiding under furniture in fear. It all culminates in a boss battle against the Snatcher, who should’ve worn his thinking cap when he messed with Hat Kid.
#5: Creepy Castle
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“Donkey Kong 64” (1999) Second only to the “DK Rap,” Creepy Castle is the most horrifying part of this N64 game. Everything about Creepy Castle has an old-school horror vibe to it, right down to the perpetual dark and stormy night. The level comes complete with all of the hallmarks you’d expect from a haunted castle, including a library with flying books, a ballroom with a giant chandelier, and a museum full of macabre items. Of course, the best parts of “Donkey Kong” games are always the mine cart rides and this is where Creepy Castle truly shines. With gravestones popping up and a giant Kremling demon trying to snatch you around every turn, this challenge only amplifies everything that makes a traditional mine cart ride great.
#4: Mad Monster Mansion
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“Banjo-Kazooie” (1998) Before there was Creepy Castle, developer Rare took us to Mad Monster Mansion. Considering that Gruntilda is a wicked witch, it makes sense that one of the worlds in her lair would have a Halloween theme. This haunted mansion is overrun with strange creatures, such as a slumbering ghost, living gravestones and a ghostly hand that plays the pipe organ. It’s not all gloom and doom, however. Mumbo Jumbo gets to try out arguably his most adorable transformation spell, turning you into a pumpkin that’s small enough to flush down the toilet. Pumpkin Banjo-Kazooie would fit in well with the Pumpkin Bros. from Moodymaze Marsh in “Yooka-Laylee.”
#3: The Lich Yard (litch)
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“Shovel Knight” (2014) “Shovel Knight” is a love letter to side-scrolling platforms of the 8-bit era. The Lich Yard level, in particular, feels deeply indebted to “Castlevania” on the NES. Instead of Simon Belmont’s whip, though, you use a shovel to fend off the ghosts and ghouls that go bump in the night. This level is at its most intense whenever Shovel Knight finds himself shrouded in darkness, relying on flashes of lightning to guide the way. Instead of menacing music, the Lich Yard features an electrifying track that makes you want to charge headfirst into an army of Tadvolt and Boneclangs to take on the Specter Knight. It’s a level that really brings out the fun side of being scared.
#2: Halloween Town
“Kingdom Hearts” series (2002-) Of all the Disney worlds in the first “Kingdom Hearts,” none stand out quite like Halloween Town. Although Halloween Town is computer-animated here, the programmers capture the stop-motion style of the 1993 animated feature. As Sora, Donald, and Goofy team up with Jack Skellington, they come across a few familiar locals, from Halloween Town Square and Dr. Finkelstein’s Lab to the Curly Hill. All the while, we’re treated to a catchy instrumental version of “This Is Halloween.” Plus, there are two Oogie Boogie boss battles, one in his torture chamber and another that sees him fuse with his manor. In “Kingdom Hearts II,” we not only get to revisit Halloween Town, but also follow Jack to Christmas Town, bringing together the best of both worlds.
#1: Big Boo’s Haunt
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“Super Mario 64” (1996) Luigi may be the expert on haunted mansions, but Mario was the first to boldly venture into Big Boo’s Haunt. Although Mario games are known for being colorful and lighthearted, this level has an unexpected creep factor to it. The chilling music makes it feel as if a ghost is hovering right beside you, whispering into your ear. The level is remembered for many things, such as the ghost hunt, the merry go round room, and those giant eyeballs that won’t stop staring at you. Yet, there’s one particular element that secured Big Boo’s Haunt our top spot: the Mad Piano! We’ll never forget the first time that seemingly ordinary piano moved, breaking out those razor-sharp teeth. Forget Bowser, this is what terror looks like!
