The time is close to Halloween, and game developers have hurried to create some of their most gruesome work to date. Here are some newest games that received glowing reviews, or just seem too cool to pass up.

Resident Evil 5 (PC, Xbox 360, PS3) IGN Review: 9.3
This franchise is the king of horror games, no argument in that. They have cemented their position in making the best of this genre, and continue to do so in their latest title. How much innovation can you make fighting zombies? Easy for Capcom. RE5 answered, and definitely did not fail to deliver.

Demons Souls (PS3) IGN Review: 9.4
One of the most innovative, deep and compelling video games ever created. This spawns a totally new genre. It’s no ordinary RPG. What they are doing tying the single player campaign to the multiplayer has never been done before. Best of all, no monthly fees or tricky micro transactions! This makes the decision easier if buying a PS3.

Brutal Legend (PS3, Xbox 360) IGN Review: 9.3
It’s not exactly the scariest, but it sure is gory. Jack Black stars in one of the funnest action-horror games created, involving tons of heavy metal music and demons galore. It’s to be taken a little lightly compared to the other games.

Left 4 Dead 2 (Xbox 360) IGN Review: 9.0
For a while, Xbox had no horror franchise, as RE and Fatal Frame, Silent Hill, Castlevania were all signed to Sony or Nintendo. Not to be “Left for Dead,” Microsoft fights back with their own, exclusive franchise by that title. It scores almost perfect and adds much to the tired zombie genre.

Silent Hill Shattered Memories (Wii, PS2, PSP)
Projected release date: November 4, 2009
Not out yet, but Silent Hill Shattered Memories will be released right AFTER Halloween. Although it’s not out and reviewed, there’s no need to worry. Silent Hill is the true rival to Resident Evil, amongst the Fatal Frame series. This series focuses more on the terror of peoples dreams, and all of their games I played had some of the most eerie things I’ve ever seen. Do expect to be randomly startled, and get nightmares.

Notable Mention:

A Witches Tale (Nintendo DS)
Projected release date: TBD - Fall
Beautiful artwork, intriguing music, plenty of action, puzzles, common legendary creatures we have all grown to know and love, this game looks promising. One of the reasons that makes me want a DS, now.

I know money is tight, so I hope I didn’t make it harder to decide on a new video game to buy, because all of these games look and play good. They didn’t score near perfect for nothing. For you older kids who aren’t excited about trick-or-treating anymore, these games are your answer. Enjoy your Halloween!

Note: Please click on the game titles to see the associated content video.