Singapore Halloween 2020 games, activities, and parties to enjoy.
Have to say I’m pleasantly surprised.
With the country still in Phase 2 of the reopening, and Phase 3 without any confirmed date, I thought Halloween in Singapore this year would be a very subdued, if not forgotten affair.
Not the case at all, it seems. While social distancing measures would still be prevalent, there’s no shortage of fun and games to enjoy this spooky October. In fact, I personally feel there’s more to have fun with this time around, with the bulk of Singaporeans now accustomed to home-based and virtual entertainment.
Anyway, here’s a rundown of what you can look forward to for Singapore Halloween 2020.
1. Free Scary Video Games
For a long time, worldwide game developers have been releasing free games every month.
Most of these aren’t exactly “free,” in the sense you need to have some sort of membership; for example, A PS Plus subscription.
Still, what’s available is usually attractive. In many cases, also themed according to the months they are released.
Here’s a link to a full list of what’s available in October 2020. (Note that some might not be available in Singapore because of regional restrictions)
Looking through the link above, I think what’s perfect for (the nights leading to) Halloween are:
- Vampyr (For PS Plus members. You play as a vampire-turned-doctor in London during the Spanish Flu. How salah!)
- Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs (At the Epic Games store. Free to download and keep once you’ve registered an account. This is a creeplicious first-person horror adventure)
- Ultima 4 (Free at GoG if you have an account. Not exactly Halloween horror. But hey, it’s a classic that was once considered demonic by some Singaporeans in the 80s)
- SNK Classics (Free if you have Amazon Prime. Again, not exactly horror but there’s a long list of games; some of which older guys like me have previously obsessed over)
The Book of Red Shadows
Apart from the above, and if you’re really, really looking for “FREE,” consider playing Singapore’s very own The Book of Red Shadows.
Organised in conjunction with the Singapore Writers Festival 2020, this text-based, escape room adventure is completely conducted via email and is happening between Oct 30 and Nov 10. (Registration is already open, with limited spaces)
Heard of the game Wishbringer? One of those 80s PC legendary games where there are no graphics but just well-written text, and in which you play by typing in A TEXT RESPONSE? Well, this game reads and feels the same, but without annoying syntax error issues. In other words, it’s like an interactive novel conducted via email.
I was invited for the sneak peek and so far, it’s pretty absorbing. The text sent each day is also, well, uniquely Singaporean and not without a dash of parody. If you like classic CYOA adventures, I strongly encourage you to give this dark saga a try.
2. Scary Movies
Are horror movies and series nowadays a staple of Halloween? Just as candy and costumes are?
Well, there aren’t that many noteworthy horror releases this month. On the other hand, if you have streaming services, rejoice! There are so many horrific gems on these, no night of yours, till Halloween and beyond, would be free of terror.
Suggested Netflix Halloween Binge
- The Haunting of Bly Manor: Based on Henry James’ famous 1898 novel. The story has been adapted several times for the big screen, with this latest series described as having “heart,” meticulous and perfect for Halloween viewing.
- The Haunting of Hill House: A serialized re-imagination of The Haunting. Described as having plenty of “chilly payoffs.”
- Ju-on Origins: Is any introduction even needed? Makes you think thrice about renting cheap AirBnB when visiting Japan.
- Bloodrider: Twilight Zone alike stories, but grimmer.
- Psycho: Probably amusing nowadays, but still one of the most skilful horror movies ever made.
- A Quiet Place: This is famous, isn’t it? A terrifying tale anchored by creatures you seriously do not want to go up again. Or speak badly of.
- Hostel: Err … one of the movies that officiated the notorious “torture porn” genre. A personal favourite of mine. Ahem.
- Stephen King Movies and Series: There’s quite a number. You could have a look at classics like the first Pet Sematary movie, and Stanley Kubrick’s legendary The Shining. Or you could enjoy series like Castle Rock and The Mist.
- Devil: I dislike M. Night Shyamalan’s newer films but I thought he did pretty well with this one. Stupidly, I didn’t guess who the ***** was when I watched in 2013.
Suggested Amazon Prime Halloween Binge
- Shutter (2008): I skipped this one back then because the review in the newspapers was already too scary.
- The Thing: Classic body horror classic! Classic!
- Black Box (2020): Not sure how this is but I’ve read several glowing reviews. I intend to give this PkD-like story a go later in the week.
- The Exorcist (2016): Not the original pea-soup galore film but a serialized remake. William Friedkin’s 1973 masterpiece will always be my favourite horror movie, but I thought this remake does justice to its inspiration.
- The Walking Dead: World Beyond: IMO, an imperfect spin-off. But nonetheless still entertaining. And probably good for watching with friends.
Outside of the streaming world, some cinemas and attractions in Singapore are also hosting horror-movie related events.
ArtScience Museum
ArtScience on Scream: From now till Nov 6, the ArtScience Museum is offering limited screenings of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, as well as lesser-known David Lynch short movies. These gems are like, must-do-tutorials-for in cinematic studies, if you know what I mean.
The Projector
The Projector has a couple of artsy scary movies on show this month too, as part of their Halloweenie! event.
3. Themed Celebrations for Singapore Halloween 2020
Back in September, or was it August, there was some news about Universal Studios Singapore cancelling its annual Halloween party.
Well, it’s on, after all; as in a scaled-down version. Steps away, the S.E.A Aquarium is also having its own celebration. With some planning, you could have one helluva ghoulish day at Sentosa.
USS Halloween Fun for Everyone 2020
It’s already happening since Sep 17 and will end on Nov 1. Most of the programmes target kids but there are some, err, eye-catching festive scary meals on sale. Besides, there are also Elmo and Minion masks packaged with online sales.
Deep BOO Sea! At S.E.A. Aquarium
I have to admit, I didn’t know the S.E.A. Aquarium celebrates Halloween. Again, most of the activities are targeted at children but they do welcome guests to come in costumes. And oh, free masks with tickets purchased online too. And happening till Nov 3.
Asian Civilisations Museum After Dark 2020
On Halloween night itself, a “motley crew of heroes and villains” will be haunting the galleries of the ACM. The good thing about this event is that it is virtual. Meaning you don’t have to go all the way down to the civic district to be spooked, or educated.
4. VR Adventures
Okay, back to games. That is, a different sort of video game.
Virtual reality games!
There are quite a few VR establishments in Singapore nowadays. Pertaining to Singapore Halloween 2020, I think the following are noteworthy.
Stay Alive This Halloween at Bugis/Bras Basah
These are 3 VR competitions and experiences organised by the National Heritage Board, and happening at Bugis Junction and Bugis+. All require you to spend at least SGD 20/- at the malls to participate. (The “sunshine” zombie experience sounds intriguing. Sunshine?!)
VR World Singapore
I’ve been seeing a lot of adverts for this VR arcade at Chinatown, and so far, what they have on offer feels really inviting.
For Halloween 2020, I guess their Survive the Apocalypse campaign would be the most appropriate. Oh, I should highlight that many of their games permit solo players too. And so if you have nowhere to party on Oct 31, like me, these would be the perfect scary adventures to spend the night with.
5. Halloween 2020 Food
There’s a bewildering plethora of Halloween-themed recipes online; from monster cookies to eyeball dishes, to “brain-stews.” On the other hand, there doesn’t seem to be that many Singaporean eateries offering set meals this year. Actually, I only managed to find one themed buffet at Shangri-la Hotel after a whole hour of searching.
As for home delivery and takeouts, there’s a couple of options, mostly in the form of snacks and cakes. Here are five that caught my attention.
- Butter Studio: That Spooky Nutella Cakelet sounds really sinful!
- Locaba: Yikes! Hannibal Lecter would be coming for dinner with those brain cakes.
- Annabella Patisserie: If you prefer your Halloween delights cute instead of terrifying.
- Drips Bakery Café: Scary cupcakes. I personally love that pumpkin one with the green “moss.”
- Raffles Hotel Singapore: Their seasonal cake is on the pricey side, but wonderful if you’re looking to splurge on an artisanal creation.
Update Oct 17: Looks like Alkaff Mansion is hosting a swanky Halloween feast too. Themed after Netflix’s Money Heist, diners would be served by robbers in Dali masks and red jumpsuits. Even the menu is themed after the show.
If you have any Singapore Halloween 2020 event to add to this list, please email me! (Please prepare a good picture in advance)
My Other Geeky Lifestyle Posts
