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cyberpunkonline · 2 months ago

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The Best Halloween-Themed Games on the SNES: Spooky, 16-bit Chills

Alright, ghouls and gamers, it’s time to dust off that Super Nintendo and dive headfirst into the ultimate spooky showdown. This one’s for the #CyberSamhain event, so grab your controller, crank up the volume, and prepare for a night of pixelated terror! The SNES wasn’t just for cutesy plumbers and pink puffballs, nah—this bad boy had some of the creepiest, most spine-chilling games of the 16-bit era. From haunted mansions to demon-infested castles, these gems will have you double-checking under the bed before you turn the lights off.

So without further ado, let’s break down the SNES’ best Halloween-themed games, where the horror is real, the graphics are top-tier (for the 90s, anyway), and the scares come packaged in beautiful 16-bit glory. Ready? Let’s do this.

1. Super Castlevania IV (1991) You wanna slay Dracula? Of course, you do. And Super Castlevania IV is hands down one of the best ways to do it. You’re Simon Belmont, cracking that whip, taking down skeletons, vampires, and all kinds of gothic nasties on your way to Dracula’s crib. The game’s eerie music and creepy backgrounds scream Halloween vibes, with a perfect mix of tension and action. I mean, if you’re not fighting evil in a haunted castle, are you even gaming?

Resource: Hardcore Gaming 101 did a sweet write-up on Super Castlevania IV that’s worth checking out if you need to brush up on your Dracula-slaying skills.

2. Zombies Ate My Neighbors (1993) Look, this one HAD to be here. Zombies Ate My Neighbors is a 90s masterpiece where you and a buddy can team up to blast through hordes of monsters. We’re talking zombies, werewolves, vampires, and yes, even killer dolls. You save your neighbors using everything from squirt guns to bazookas, with some absolutely wild levels. Plus, with those cheesy 50s horror movie vibes, it’s got all the fun and none of the nightmare fuel. Well, unless giant babies freak you out (I mean, who isn’t freaked out by that?!).

Resource: GameFAQs has some killer guides on Zombies Ate My Neighbors if you’re struggling to save all the Karens on your block.

3. Ghoul Patrol (1994) A lesser-known sequel to Zombies Ate My Neighbors, but it’s still got the charm and spooky aesthetic. In Ghoul Patrol, our teen heroes return, this time battling spirits, mummies, and more. The gameplay is pretty similar, but with better graphics and some fresh mechanics. Okay, it’s not as good as the first one, but it still deserves a spot in your Halloween gaming lineup. Plus, how many games let you fight off ghost samurais? Exactly.

Resource: The nerds over at Retro Gamer have a deep dive into the Ghoul Patrol sequel, so give that a read if you’re ready to patrol the ghouls.

4. Demon’s Crest (1994) Forget playing the hero. In Demon’s Crest, you’re the baddie—a gargoyle demon named Firebrand, rising from the ashes to take down anyone in your way. Think of it as a darker, moodier Metroidvania, with gothic environments, eerie music, and a surprisingly deep story. The graphics are pure SNES perfection, with haunting details that will make your Halloween feel like an epic saga of revenge. Plus, who doesn’t want to be a demon with wings and flames at their fingertips?

Resource: For more about Demon’s Crest, go hit up MobyGames, where they’ll take you through the history of one of the SNES’ most underrated gems.

5. Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts (1991) Now, this one’s for the masochists out there. Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts is hard. I’m talking controller-throwing, shout-at-the-TV hard. But that’s what makes it so perfect for Halloween. You’re Arthur, the knight with an awful tendency to lose his armor, running through demon-infested lands, trying to rescue the princess (classic). The game is loaded with zombies, werewolves, and bosses that’ll make your palms sweat. Sure, you’ll die—a lot—but man, it’s all worth it for that sweet victory when you finally beat the final boss.

Resource: For those of you who love pain (aka challenging games), Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts has its very own fan section on Sega-16, where you can read more about how it became a 16-bit legend.

6. Clock Tower (Japan Only - 1995) Okay, so technically this wasn’t released outside Japan during the SNES era, but it’s so freakin’ good that it’s gotta be on the list. Clock Tower is pure survival horror—no weapons, no powers, just you and your wits against a maniac with giant scissors. You play as Jennifer, trapped in a creepy mansion, trying to escape while solving puzzles and dodging the Scissorman (because scissors are apparently terrifying). This one’s slow, tense, and packed with jump scares, making it the ultimate Halloween game. If you haven’t played it yet, find yourself a translation ROM and thank me later.

Resource: The fine folks at HG101 (Hardcore Gaming 101) have a stellar article on Clock Tower, diving deep into what makes this survival horror classic an unforgettable experience.

7. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1993) Sometimes you just need a game based on a movie—and Bram Stoker’s Dracula for the SNES does a solid job at adapting the gothic horror. You’re battling your way through London, slaying everything from wolves to Dracula himself. It’s got a moody, atmospheric vibe that makes it perfect for Halloween. Is it the best game on this list? Nah, but if you’re looking to scratch that "I wanna be a vampire hunter" itch, this one’s worth a spin.

Resource: Check out The Cutting Room Floor, where they go into all the weird development secrets behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula and more.

Final Thoughts Whether you’re into haunting soundtracks, demon-slaying action, or co-op mayhem, the SNES has a spooky game for you. Halloween is the perfect time to fire up that retro console (or emulator, we won’t judge) and get lost in some 16-bit nightmares. From gory action to ghostly scares, the SNES has it all covered for your #CyberSamhain event. Just make sure you’ve got enough lives… things are about to get scary.

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copiousloverofcopia · 1 year ago

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We are back again ghesties for the next installment of, The Hell Torn Heart featuring Secondo and @ashley-ghuleh OC Marcus!

Thank you so much for allowing me to write for you! Hope you all enjoy!

Commissions are OPEN, please see pinned post for Carrd info!

The Hell Torn Heart

After a recurring dream leaves Marcus, a half-demon/half-hellhound, dealing with the ghosts of his troubled past and visions of a place he has never been. He is unexpectedly thrust into an unknown world. Guided by a mysterious couple to the Ministry, surrounded by ghouls and siblings of sin. The once outcast struggles with what haunts him and learning to find himself—until he meets Secondo.

Chapter 2: The Ritual and the Maestro

Also available HERE on AO3! Haven't started yet? Read from the beginning HERE!

Read more below the cut!

It was a dreary, overcast day. The sun, shunned by the blankets of clouds that hung above them. The crowd, gathering to enter the Olympiastadion in hordes of headbangers and moshers. The lot of them as far as the eye could see. Packed together like grains of sand in glass. All of them beaming for the night's concert.

Metallica was the headliner, Ghost their opening band. Most of the crowd was adorned in the metal legend’s merch. Sporting “Ride the Lightning” shirts and long, thrasher style hair. Marcus could blend in easily. Wearing his “Crowned Crows” black crop top, his favorite black plugs in his ears, and the tuft of blue hair that graced his head—styled up into a mohawk.

As he approached, the sheer size of the place intimidated him. While Marcus had dreamed of coming to shows in a place as grand as this—his meager income barely allowed him a drink at the Hundekeller, let alone top tier entertainment . When he finally reached the box office, he was delighted to see that Aether and Cumulus had kept their word. Waiting for him was an envelope with his name written plainly on the front, handed over by the sweet young woman helming the box office.

When he opened it up he was delighted with what he found inside. A pit ticket with his name on it and a VIP access badge. Marcus couldn’t help but smile as he tucked the envelope into the pocket of his guitar case, still shocked security let it inside, and headed back in line. The energy of the crowd all around him, so palpable and exhilarating.

“Ich kann nicht sagen, dass ich jemals zuvor von Ghost gehört habe. Kennst du sie?” a man dressed in a well-worn black band tee said to the blonde woman who accompanied him. Marcus couldn’t help but stare at it. The man’s shirt faded so much that the only thing recognizable was etchings of white from what at one point must have been a logo. The woman shook her head in response, seeming to be unaware of them as well. Marcus letting out a sigh of relief for having been embarrassed at not knowing who Ghost was before.

When he, and the other pit ticket holders were escorted onto the Olympiastadion floor, Marcus was breathless. The towering building was crested by a large opening that revealed the sky. The stage, lined with metal and decorated in an array of stained-glass art that was flanked on each side by Ghost’s logo colored in marble white. It was the most breathtaking thing he had ever seen.

Though he was towards the back of the pit, he could see the stage clearly. Past the raised lighting from phone screens and rows of hands held up in praise, he could make out all of the band members. Each of them dressed in black and their faces veiled by silver demon-like masks. Their anonymity, intriguing him along with their clear Satanic aesthetic.

Their presence, a welcome celebration of things that Marcus held in secret. His own connection to the darkness—constantly cloaked from all those who surrounded him. Ghost had displayed these things openly as if it was something to take pride in—not keep hidden. Marcus could smell Aether and Cumulus were among those on stage. Unsure which of the masked musicians they were, Marcus kept careful watch. His attention, drawn to the two men at the front with their guitars—one in black and the other white.

When the lights began to flicker—the stage ignited with the haunting sound of music, Marcus felt nothing short of awe. His heart pounding against his chest as the sounds flowed through him. The first chords played, resonating in a deep place within he could not quite explain. It was then as saw him, the man of the hour appearing from the back of the stage. Mustached, commanding, and surrounded in tight, crimson red fabric.

🎵 In times of turmoil, in times like these…🎵

As the man sang, Marcus felt the rush with each of his words. His voice, just as melodic and powerful as the music he sang to. It was only mere minutes into the show, and Marcus knew he had fallen in love. Watching, eyes wide open and heart soaring as the man he came to find was known as Cardinal Copia, continued on his way.

🎵 Them rats! 🎵

Song after song played, Marcus becoming more enticed as they passed. Feeling as if like magic, they cast a spell upon him just from watching and listening. The guitarists’ riffs, painting pictures in his head of the notes and chords as they played. Marcus, unable to control the urge to mime them. Feeling the phantom strings beneath his fingers as he mimicked their strokes.

As fast as they came on, Ghost went. Leaving Marcus and the crowd—absolutely mesmerized. He was almost in tears, welling up with emotion from the experience. The music, somehow making him feel more at home and at peace than he had felt in a very long time.

“This…this is incredible.” he uttered aloud. Wiping the stream of black eyeliner that had managed to trail down his cheek.

“You got that right baby!” said the blonde from before, clapping and screaming as Ghost took their leave from the stage. The promise of Metallica, riling up the crowd. Marcus, however, was devastated. While he knew Metallica from before and was always a fan—Ghost had given him something entirely different. While the stadium geared up for the main event to take stage—He felt overcome with despair. Pained that he might never get to experience them like this again.

His instant depression had clouded his memory. Forgetting all too quickly the VIP pass that lay within his guitar case, when Cumulus joined him within the crowd. No longer covered by her ghoulish mask but appearing as the same bubbly woman he had met the night before. She grabbed him by the shoulder to get his attention, her sweet smile extending from ear to ear.

“So what did you think sweet face…Helluva show huh?” she asked him. Sending him a wink as she stood beside him in the unsuspecting crowd.

“I can’t even find the words—-that was…was…” Marcus stammered as he couldn’t explain just how he was feeling.

“Unreal?” Aether said as he appeared behind Cumulus. “Come on kid, the boss man would like to meet you.”

“The boss?”

“The Cardinal.” Aether explained as he and Cumulus rushed Marcus through the crowd, intent on bringing him backstage.

~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The walk backstage had Marcus’s blood pumping. Passing the packs of security, nervous despite his VIP pass on display that they'd find a reason to toss him. Each hall looked just the same as the last, giving him a sense of unease. And the quick, discreet glances between Aether and Cumulus, as if they knew something he didn’t, had sent him even more on edge.

After yet another identical hall, they finally arrived at their destination. Given away by the taped-up, white 8 x 11 sheet with the Ghost logo printed on it. Marcus held his breath within his lungs as he stared at the double doors. So excited and scared at the same time to find out what awaited him behind them.

"Ready?" Cumulus asked him.

"As I'll ever be." Marcus replied as Aether opened the doors. Immediately Marcus was hit by the same smell carried by Aether and Cumulus, only this time it was unrelenting. Surely it wasn't a coincidence that he was engulfed in it now.

Marcus's eyes took a moment to adjust to the harsh fluorescents. His gaze, drawn to the man at the center of the room. It was the Cardinal, sitting in the middle of a long black couch, the rest of the room filled with the other band members. All of them, still in their black attire.

The Cardinal seemed delighted with his appearance, quickly waving Aether and them forward with his leather gloved hand. “Ah yes, Aether, Cumulus…I see you have brought back the boy, eh?” Copia seemed to cheer. Scooting over to the side, allowing the three of them a place to sit beside him. Marcus could hardly believe he was standing there.

The man who had captivated him on stage, welcoming him into the inner sanctum as if he had known him forever. To Marcus, it almost felt like he had even though he had yet to learn his name. The Cardinal, so familiar and kind. Notes of Marcus's own mother woven into their interaction.

Copia was making polite conversation. Explaining how honored he felt to be welcomed to the area and about how much they enjoyed the energy of the crowd. Marcus tried hard to focus on the words spoken between them. Keeping his composure, if only just enough to prevent from dropping his glamour. The scent, growing harder and harder to ignore.

“Something wrong?” Cardinal Copia asked, just as Marcus caught sight of the ornate details of the patch, embroidered on his jacket. That same shape, an inverted cross with a “G”, he had seen in his dreams.

"I–think I've seen that before. Somewhere."

"A Grucifix? Well, it is a sacred symbol of our faith." Copia explained. Watching as Marcus looked more and more confused.

"We are actual devil worshipers, you know?" Winked a black-haired woman. Leaning over the coach to whisper something into Copia's ear. Her high cheekbones and the most piercing eyes Marcus had ever seen, making her look almost ethereal.

"I—oh is that so?" He asked, unsure of what else to say. He was unfazed, wondering if he should have acted more surprised. His true nature, making him acutely aware of the truth of the Devil and the existence of Hell.

"You sure you're ok?" Cumulus asked, watching his nostrils flaring. The scent, becoming even stronger the more the band crowded around them.

“Yeah…it's just the smell—” Marcus began before realizing the words had escaped his lips. Scared he might have said too much.

"Ah well…about that…" Cumulus began when two other men approached them. One very tall, almost giant-like in his appearance. Broad-shouldered and very impressive to look at. The other, his opposite. Quite small—scrawny even with long blonde hair and his top lip covered in a 70s porn-stache.

“Heh…that's alright, it's probably just Dew.” jabbed Mountain. Tilting his head to signal over to the smaller man at his side. Calling him out as the culprit of the offending scent.

“Pff…ass.” Dew uttered under his breath, rolling his eyes as Aether and Cumulus took their respective spots beside the Cardinal on the couch.

“Don’t mind him too much Marcus, was it?” Copia asked him, drawing back his attention. Marcus smiled and nodded, still standing before them and feeling almost even more ill at ease.

“Yeah it's Marcus. Marcus Kohle. You know, I just have to say before I lose my nerve, Cardinal, well you…you…" he began. Marcus, overcome with the feeling—the need to confess. Wanting to tell all of them about his dreams, about everything. Though he wanted, desperately, to ease the mounting tension. All he could say to finish was. "Ghost puts on a hell of a show.”

“We sure do.” Cumulus said, giving the Cardinal a kiss on the cheek before getting up from the couch. She walked gingerly up to Marcus. Giving him a big hug before whispering in his ear, “Good luck.”

“Ah, well thank you. That was the intention.” Copia laughed. Marcus couldn’t help it. Compelled to explain further. To let them know that he wasn't just a fan…there was more to it than that.

“No…you don't understand. The music, the lyrics…they just…just... I am pretty sure I could even play the riffs already. I loved them so much.” he explained.

“Oh?” Copia said, surprised and flattered by Marcus's candor.

“Well then, go ahead and show us. Dew, give him your guitar.” Aether teased. Dew immediately scowled and hissed back at him. Such an odd behavior for a mortal, that it immediately made Marcus suspicious.

“That's ok, I have my own.” he explained, confused when the smaller man looked even more irritated. As if his refusal to play with his guitar, somehow disrespected his instrument.

“Well go on then…play.” Dew snipped, waiting to smirk at what he assumed would be a feeble attempt, only to be floored when Marcus was able to play multiple sections of both Rats and the solo from Dance Macabre . The rest of the room too was speechless. The young man from Germany, able to play songs that took some of them months to perfect—and after only one listen. When Marcus was finished the room erupted with applause, with the exception of Dew who sat in a stupor.

Cardinal Copia began smiling wide at him. Letting out a pleasant sigh before crossing one leg over the other as he relaxed back into the chair. The sound of the leather as it shifted, filling Marcus's ears. Marcus almost panting from the rush of adrenaline as he lowered his hand down the neck of his guitar.

“Aether, I believe you are right…we can’t leave without him now.” he explained, as all the color drained from Marcus’s face. What did he mean by that, what have I gotten myself into? he asked himself as Aether stood up before him.

“Marcus, we owe you an apology.” he began, the rest of the room falling silent as they waited for either Marcus’s response or for Aether to continue—only for Cardinal Copia to cut in.

“You see, we are no typical metal band…things in Ghost work a little differently. We know what you are.” he explained. Marcus could hear ringing in his ears. His ears aching, reminiscent of his damn alarm. Scared that they did indeed know the truth.

“You see friend, we are not what we seem.” Aether said, as the image of his masculine appearance peeled away. Like paper burning and curling within a fire. Revealing the Hell spawn ghoul that lied underneath. His tail twitching back and forth behind him, and the horns standing proudly atop his head.

“Oh fuck.” was all Marcus could get out. Watching as the rest of the band member’s own glamours faded away. Their gray-skinned, white glowing-eyed truth, all that remained.

“No one here will judge you Marcus. We are all born of Hell fire here…well except for the Cardinal.” Aeth said, smiling as Copia shrugged in response. “Come back to Italy with us. Come meet the rest of the Abbey. Come home.”

“Yes piccolo, come back with us and we will be your family. You will no longer need to hide what…who you really are.” reasoned the Cardinal. Marcus stood in complete silence, confused and flooded with the emotion of everything he had just seen and heard. Feeling his glamour slip for a brief second as the words of the Cardinal and Aether resonated inside him. All of them were like—him.

“Home.” Marcus asked, his eyes glazed over, still swimming in his own thoughts. The Cardinal stood up and placed a gloved hand on each of Marcus’s shoulders. Pulling him close enough to see the unholy glow of his left eye as he spoke

“That's right piccolo—home.”

Notes:

Olympiastadion- Concert venue in Munich, Germany The Hundekeller- Hound Cellar (The bar in our little story) Ich kann nicht sagen, dass ich jemals zuvor von Ghost gehört habe. Kennst du sie?- I can't say I have ever heard of Ghost before. Do you know them?

#Thank you so much for letting me write for you ghestie!#Secondo x oc #Secondo x hellhound oc #secondo x brother of sin #Secondo x male OC #Secondo #papa ii #papa emeritus ii #ren writes #ghost #the band ghost #ghost fic #ghost fanfic #ghost fanfics #ghost fanfiction #the band ghost fic #the band ghost fanfic #the band ghost fanfiction #commission fic

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