Arcade games can be stressful. Watching the timer tick away in the top corner as players shoot their way, or fight their way through levels, can create an exhilarating sense of excitement. This excitement is often heightened even further by playing some classic arcade horror games, which heightens the thrill exponentially.
Fromco-op light gun shooters, to gruesome brawlers, these horror games can create the ultimate arcade experience. Spanning across decades, arcade horror game releases aren’t slowing down, and remain ever popular. From vampires and ghouls to zombies and goblins, arcade horror games put players' worst nightmares up against their patience and reaction skills. Players know they’re always in for a fun time with these titles.
9Evil Night
Gamefaqs User Score: 2.5/5
Released in 1998 in arcade cabinets around the world,Evil Nightis agreat light gun shooterthat will put players' reaction skills to the test. This is an incredibly graphic title, featuring dismemberment and a lot of blood, but it’s an innovative shooter that fully leans into its horror roots.
Players will go up against chainsaw-wielding zombies and some cheesy-looking skeletons as they explore a variety of levels in a haunted mansion and attempt to complete the game. It’s quite difficult, but its legacy should be noted for its gruesome approach to the arcade experience and its destructible objects.
Originally intending to release with aHouse of the Deadtagline,Zombie Revengeis a spinoff from the popular arcadefranchise. However, instead of becoming another generic light gun shooter,Zombie Revengeis a great 3D beat ‘em up game that feels like all the good parts of the originalResident Evilmashed into an arcade format.
The story is ridiculously convoluted, but it’s the gameplay that excels here. Players will fight their way through hordes of zombies with a variety of weapons, often interacting with the surrounding environments. The boss fights are great, and the general level designs are also awesome.
At the time of release in 2001,Vampire Nightreceived mostly positive, but slightly mixed reviews. However, looking back on it today in comparison to newer arcade experience,Vampire Nightis actually pretty great. It’s got one of the best settings in any arcade horror title and includes an interesting variety of enemies.
The gunplay itself is fun, albeit a little difficult to master. However, it’s the story that really shines here, especially for an arcade game. It’s a simple setup -two vampire huntersenter a castle to take out all threats - but the way it plays out feels like an arcade version ofDevil May Cry. It’s just a super fun, horror arcade experience, and gamers can even get it on their PS2.
CarnEvilis an arcade light gun shooter which consists of four action-packed levels. Released in 1998, gamers all around the world were put off by the game’s creepy atmosphere containing a number of psycho clowns and haunted amusement parks. It dives into a niche but prominent fear and is definitely one to avoid if players have a phobia of clowns!
However, for those looking to jump into a creepy, horror-filled, light gun experience,CarnEvilwon’t let players down. The arcade cabinet featured a pump-action shotgun for gamers to arm themselves with, and its incredibly satisfying shooting down the various ghouls and enemies. Just be warned that it might put some players offvisiting an amusement parkanytime soon!
The best thing aboutDark Escape 4Dis its entire arcade cabinet. When it was released to arcades in 2012,Dark Escape 4Dwent above and beyond expectations to immerse gamers. This is an arcade experience that included 3D glasses, a surround sound system, seat vibrations and even air fans, which created the ultimate,most realistic jump scare experiences.
It all ties in to create a genuinely terrifying arcade horror game. The beginning of the game feels like a setup from aSawmovie, and the environments feel extremely unsettling. It’s not often that jump scares are effective, but this is an arcade game that pulls them off like no other.
4Splatterhouse
Gamefaqs User Score: 3.5/5
Splatterhouseis anarcade beat ‘em up, sidescroller which released in 1988. Players assume control of a machete-wielding lunatic wearing a hockey-mask. It garnered a lot of controversy when it was released both in arcades and on home consoles due to its violent nature and satanic themes.
However,Splatterhouseincludes one of the most satisfying approaches to 2D arcade gameplay ever, as every swing of the weapon in-game feels heavy and feels like it has a real impact. The graphics were great for its time, and it still holds up well today, creating an effectively spooky arcade atmosphere.
Night Slashersis like a cult-classic horror film in arcade video game format. It’s aclassic side-scrolling, beat ‘em up adventure but with added horror elements that all merge into a super fun experience. The combat is entertaining, to say the least, and players can literally punch hordes of zombies to death.
It’s got some memorable music, which pairs well with its scenic environments and action-based gameplay. It feels like a 1980s, cheesy B-movie horror experience and it’s well worth playing.
Of course, the best arcade horror games fall under theHouse of the Deadfranchise, but it’sThe House of the Dead 2that takes the cake for the best entry in the franchise. A huge improvement from the original,The House of the Dead 2is one of the best light gun games ever made. It’s visually great, the gunplay is solid, and it’s the perfect length and level of difficulty.
Released in 1998,The House of the Dead 2is set in Italy and continues the story of AMS Agents from the original game, who are attempting to stop the spread of a zombie infection. If gamers have to pick one arcade horror game to play, then this should be the one. Sure, it’s quite camp and goofy at times, but what arcade game isn’t?
Ghouls ‘n Ghostsis a 1990 arcade horror title that built on the success of its predecessor,Ghosts ‘n Goblins, to create one of the best side-scrolling arcade games ever made. The visuals were incredible for a 1990 arcade title, and the gameplay was solid and surprisingly deep.
Developed by Capcom,Ghouls ‘n Ghostsalso featured a great soundtrack, which perfectly resembled the games’ haunting atmosphere. Throughout the short game, players play as Sir Arthur, traversing a haunted village and taking out any enemies along the way. Throwing spears at some ghouls has never been more fun.
