By Jessica Poon, Staff Writer
Although we, as students and adolescents alike, may have trick-or-treated as kids, we are inevitably getting older, and no longer can. So what should we do after? Aside from partying, here are some movies and games recommended by other teens to watch and play with or without friends during this spooky season.
There are several horror games, but the one that is a co-op game and fit for almost anyone is none other than Phasmophobia (2020), a game based on the popular idea of ghost hunting. In the game, you and your friends are given materials to search for and collect information on the said ghosts at a certain haunted location. There are a total of 12 maps available with the number of players per game being 1-4. Erica Zhao (10), a sophomore at Mills, states, “ The graphics are really nice, and it’s not so bad because there’s not a lot of blood. The variety of ghosts is also really wide, so the game isn’t repetitive.” The game is available on Steam for Microsoft Windows at $13.99. However, if you can’t afford or don’t want to spend money on games, there’s also a game that has copied Phasmophobia on Roblox called Paranormica. But, in my opinion, the Roblox version is a little more laughable.
Another game that I recommend is OMORI (2020). This game is a psychological horror game that is cute, yet creepy. OMORI is a story game, but it is also an open-world role-playing game and single-player. Chloe Ho (11), a junior, states, “The visuals are cute and the storyline is really charming.” The game surrounds a boy who is going to move in three days, and you, as the player, have the ability to choose whether he will reconcile with his friends or not. The game moves him back and forth between a colorful fantasy world and the real world, which is in a pixelated cartoon style and has many unique characters. Although it is cute, the storyline has a lot of dark undertones such as self-harm and PTSD. I would highly recommend reading ratings before playing. This game is available on Steam for solely Microsoft Windows at $19.99.
Aside from games, there are also several movies I would also recommend to audiences seeking some Halloween fun this month, one being the recent release, SMILE(2022). Although there is a sizable amount of controversy about the quality of the movie, specifically concerning the writing, on social media, the general consensus is that it is enjoyable. However, if you are a seasoned viewer of horror movies, many avid fans online seem to believe that the movie’s writing is predictable. Sophomore Arrex Pendon stated, “SMILE was enjoyable for me. It kept me really entertained and a lot of the jumpscares were gore or someone screaming at you, and it was more disturbing and scary!” SMILE is rated R.
There are also several classic movies that are worth the watch, such as The Conjuring (2013). This franchise features paranormal movies about paranormal activity with monsters, such as demons and possessed trinkets. Abby Chai (10), states, “I really like how the movie and the ones after in the series have a happy ending but hint at sequels.” Although the movie is rated R, there are significantly less content warnings than movies more commonly found in the genre.. The movies also feature less gore, opening them up to a wider audience.
Another movie I would personally recommend is Train to Busan (2016). This movie is a Korean zombie apocalypse thriller. I’ve rewatched it several times, ever since elementary school. Although it is unrated online, from my perspective it is decently gory and violent. The standout point would definitely be the makeup and effects as well as the unique storyline. Instead of starring a group of random high schoolers, the movie depicts a father bringing his daughter to Busan to see her mother for her birthday. The characters are really likable, and more than a few scenes are heartbreaking so I would consider it a tear-jerker as well. However, since it is pretty bloody and graphic, I would say that it is better to look at reviews first.
Most of the films featured so far have been psychological or action horror films, but slasher films are also an important category around Halloween season. Another classic that has been recommended frequently is Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). Junior Max Ngan (11), , reveals, “Nightmare on Elm Street was one of the first horror films I watched. Considering how old it is, the stunts were really impressive and I recommend it.” This film is about a mysterious killer who can only murder people in their nightmares. The movie is pretty graphic and bloody considering it’s a slasher, so people who are sensitive to gore and blood shouldn’t watch.
These games and films are something that I recommend watching with friends near Halloween, it undeniably sets the mood for the holiday. Even so, I think it is best to spend Halloween however you want whether it’s with people or not. Happy Halloween.
