It's that time of year again where we embrace all things morbid and macabre in preparation for All Hallows' Eve. And what better way to get into the spirit of the season than by taking a look at the ghosts that haunt our video games. Though ghosts are a frequent staple of video games as characters or enemies, some stand out more than others. Here's a look at some of gaming's most memorable spirits and sprites.
Originally released in 1980, Pac-Man is no doubt one of the world's most famous video games, which, in turn, probably makes the title's villainous ghosts pretty noteworthy. Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde are the original awesome foursome famous for taking on Pac-Man as he attempts to munch his way through the world. With an indomitable spirit and persevering nature their legacy is firmly cemented alongside other great groups of four such as The Beatles and NSYNC.
Spelunky is an open source indie platformer in which you roam around caves dressed as an adventurer who, has an uncanny resemblance to Indiana Jones . Spelunky punishes you for your own stupidity, and does so frequently. However, it's most brutal aspect comes in the form of an apparition, who if you hang around a level too long, will appear, chase you down and instantly kill you. In essence, to avoid death, be quick and efficient or else what started as a fun expedition could end as your last crusade.
The adequately named Boo rose to fame appearing consistently throughout the Super Mario Bros franchise. Paired with a cheeky grin, there aren’t many enemies across the Mario universe as pervasive as this not so friendly apparition. In Mario Kart, Boo acts to steal weapons from other players highlighting his love for mischief. Occasionally though boos may appear in a far more sinister form. Broozers are large, grey Boos found in the ghost house levels of New Super Mario Bros. Sporting a set of bright red boxing gloves these larger variations of Boo certainly pack a punch.
The fifth installation of the Elder Scrolls Series, Skyrim, is known for its vast lands and wide range of characters. Travelling across the fantasy realm certainly has its hazards. Soldiers tell tales of such dangers, retelling stories about how they once too travelled the land. Many of them though curiously ceasing their escapades due to unfortunate encounters with knee targeted arrows. Perhaps there’s a Dwarven bowman amidst the Dark Brotherhood we’ve yet to meet. However, it’s a headless spectre that wanders the land who truly confirms that crossing Skyrim isn’t for the feint hearted. Appearing anywhere in the world between 10pm and 4am, the horsemen exuberates an eerie presence. Performing no actions, the horseman wanders through the night, a constant reminder of the treacherous path his living body once rode.
Grand Theft Auto V is known for its range of easter eggs. From UFO’s to the infinity killer there are a huge range of hidden gems, each with their own backstory. One such easter egg comes in the form of a ghostly apparition that can be found between eleven and midnight on the peak of Mount Gordo. Further digging reveals that the ghost floats above a rock sporting the word “Jock” painted out in large bloody letters. The female figure appears to be that of the late Jolene Cranley-Evans, who accordingly was murdered by her husband, John Cranley. Speculation suggests that the killer pushed his wife over the peak of Mount Gordo, however a lack of evidence ended with Mr. Cranley walking free. Details of the entire story can be found using your in game phone, using the browser and visiting the url: www.WhokilledLeonaraJohnson.com, from here players should click on the link “Blood on the Rocks Mystery” for further information.