10 Scariest Game Boy Games

As one of the most iconic technological devices from the 1990s and one of the best-selling consoles of all time, the Game Boy is a significant part of video game history. Created in 1989, the handheld’s strong durability, long battery life, and a large library of well-made games led to the console remaining relevant years after the release of the Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance.

But, while many games were released over the years, there are not many horror titles on the Game Boy. Despite this, the 8-bit portable console does have a couple of horror games worth checking out for any player who likes a little scare in their video games.

10 Bubble Ghost

Originally released on the Atari ST in 1987 and later ported to the Game Boy in 1990, Bubble Ghost is a puzzle game where the player controls a cute 8-bit ghost who controls a bubble by blowing on it. The goal of the game is to avoid popping the bubble as the player guides it through the many rooms of the haunted house to the exit. Each room has different traps that the player must learn to navigate through.

While the game has a simple premise, it is still entertaining because the puzzles are interesting and the controls are not frustrating. The game gives the player plenty of lives and continues to get through to the amusing ending.

9 Beetlejuice: Horrific Hijinx from the Neitherworld!

Based on the Beetlejuice animated series, Beetlejuice: Horrific Hijinx from the Neitherworld! is a 1992 action game where the player controls Beetlejuice as he tries to get rid of the ghosts in the Deetz’s house and rescue Lydia Deetz from the evil Astoroth. Throughout the game, the player navigates through several levels, completes a couple of minigames, and beats some unique bosses.

Although the game does not have the best art style, the gameplay is interesting and varied. The minigames are actually enjoyable and some of the level mechanics, such as using a minecart, set the game apart from other generic media-based titles.

8 Alien 3

Another media-based title that is worth mentioning is the top-down survival horror shooter Alien 3, the rare threequel that’s better than the original. After the release of the 1992 film, Acclaim Studios London released the video game on most major consoles of the time. While the graphics and music were good, the gameplay itself was as terrible as most licensed games. But, there was one version that Acclaim did not work on that actually has intriguing gameplay, which is the 1993 Game Boy version by Bits Studios.

This game has the player control Ellen Ripley as she navigates through the Fiorina 161 prison colony. As what is possibly the only survival horror game on the Game Boy, the player must manage their inventory, conserve their ammo, solve puzzles, and mostly avoid the aliens.

7 Megami Tensei Gaiden: Last Bible

Megami Tensei Gaiden: Last Bible, released officially in English as Revelations: The Demon Slayer, is a medieval fantasy RPG that is the first installment of the Last Bible subseries of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise. Since this game was created for younger and more casual audiences, it is not as intense or dark as other Shin Megami Tensei games. But similarly to other titles in this franchise, the player must save the world from Demons by battling them and even recruiting some of them.

Although the game is fairly lighthearted, it still keeps the creepy demon designs and the idea of using demons, which was still scandalous at the time. While the graphics are bland and the story is a little plain, the gameplay is still fun and the music is excellent.

6 Castlevania: The Adventure

Released in 1989, Castlevania: The Adventure is an action platformer where the player controls Christopher Belmont, who is an ancestor to Simon Belmont, as he goes on a quest to defeat Dracula. With only three lives and no continues, the player must complete four levels to beat the game.

Since the gameplay is frustrating and there is a lack of franchise staples such as certain items and enemies, the game itself has not aged well. But, it was released at the start of the Game Boy’s life span, which means it is significant for laying the foundations for the better Castlevania game on the console. Also, the soundtrack is still great and it did lead to the remake Castlevania: The Adventure ReBirth.

5 Dr. Franken

Released in 1992, Dr. Franken is a difficult Metroidvania game where a Frankenstein’s Monster, named Franky, explores a large mansion in order to find the missing body parts of his girlfriend named Bitsy. The mansion has multiple floors, lots of different enemies, and even a place where the player can restore their health.

Although the game is absurdly difficult, it has a certain creepy vibe that makes it hard to put it down, especially with the haunting 8-bit version of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata playing in the background. Also, there is a password feature if the player really is struggling to finish it.

4 Kid Dracula

While the 1993 comical platformer Kid Dracula is a simultaneous remake and sequel of a Japanese exclusive Famicom horror game, this Castlevania spin-off is a fun parody that can easily be played without ever touching the first game. The player controls Kid Dracula as he goes on a journey to regain the spells he has lost in order to defeat Garamoth and reclaim his minions.

Despite this game being a parody, it is not meant to be taken lightly. The gameplay is challenging, the level designs are interesting, and there is a wide variety of spells and enemies. With the cute art style, amazing soundtrack, great humor, and surprising references to other games including Mario and Splatterhouse, this game is a hidden gem that is worth a try.

3 Gargoyle’s Quest: Ghosts ‘n Goblins

Released in 1990, Gargoyle’s Quest: Ghosts ‘n Goblins is an action-adventure platformer RPG and the first installment of this Ghost ‘n Goblins spin-off series that focuses on an enemy from the main games named Firebrand. In order to fulfill his destiny as the mythical Red Blaze, Firebrand must explore the Ghoul Realm and strengthen his powers so that he can defeat the Destroyers and save the realm.

As a game that was released only a year into the console’s life cycle, Gargoyle’s Quest went above and beyond other games released on the system and showed exactly what the console could do. The sprites were detailed, the gameplay mechanics were unique, and the music was phenomenal. This innovative title paved the way for both Gargoyle’s Quest II on the NES and the scary Demon’s Crest on the SNES, which are both horror sequels that also pushed the boundaries of their consoles with their then-graphic violence and gore.

2 Deadeus

Similar to the scary Sacred Line Genesis for the Sega Genesis, Deadeus is a modern horror game made for this old console. Created in 2019, this atmospheric adventure game follows an unnamed protagonist who has a strange dream about a creepy monster saying that everyone in the town will die in three days. Depending on the player’s actions in response to this dream, the player will get one of three endings.

This game, which can be played by either using an emulator or by using an original Game Boy, is truly an experience where the player’s choices really do matter. With a creepy premise and beautiful sprites, this game is a must-play, especially without any spoilers.

1 Castlevania II: Belmont’s Revenge

After Castlevania: The Adventure set the foundations for the franchise on this console, the 1991 action platformer Castlevania II: Belmont’s Revenge was able to build on that foundation and become one of the best games on the console. Taking place 15 years after the previous title, Christopher Belmont must once again go on a quest to defeat Dracula after he kidnapped his son Soleil and turned him into a demon.

Compared to the previous entry, this game has more levels, better gameplay, and iconic items and enemies. Also, it has improved graphics and an even better soundtrack, which enhances the scary locations the player encounters such as haunted castles and foggy swamps.

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