Sweet Home (1989)

Often considered the granddaddy of survival horror, Sweet Home was a Japanese RPG for the Famicom. Its creepy mansion setting and limited resources heavily inspired the Resident Evil series.

Castlevania (1986)

This iconic platformer combined gothic horror elements with challenging gameplay. As Simon Belmont, players battled Dracula and his monstrous minions in a chilling Transylvanian castle.

Friday the 13th (1989)

Based on the popular slasher film series, this NES game put players in the shoes of camp counselors trying to survive Jason Voorhees' relentless attacks.

Altered Beast (1988)

While more of an action game, Altered Beast is steeped in supernatural horror, featuring werewolves, zombies, and demons. Its eerie visuals and sound effects left a lasting impression on players.

Haunted House (1982)

One of the first horror-themed video games, this Atari 2600 classic tasked players with navigating a pitch-black mansion, avoiding spiders, bats, and ghosts.

Maniac Mansion (1987)

A groundbreaking point-and-click adventure game, Maniac Mansion was both funny and creepy. Its quirky characters and haunted house setting made it an instant cult classic.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1982)

One of the earliest video game adaptations of a horror movie, this Atari 2600 title let players control Leatherface as he hunted down victims—a controversial twist for its time.

Splatterhouse (1988)

A bloody arcade brawler, Splatterhouse saw players donning a haunted mask to battle grotesque monsters in a gory, horror movie-inspired setting.

Shadowgate (1987)

This macabre puzzle-adventure game for the NES was filled with deadly traps and creepy environments. Its atmospheric storytelling still resonates with fans of the genre.

Zombies Ate My Neighbors (1989 Prototype)

Though officially released in 1993, early prototypes of this campy horror-comedy gem began in the late '80s. Its tongue-in-cheek humor and references to classic horror were unforgettable.

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