Want some spooky apps for the holiday?  We’ve got you covered. From tower defense to high strategy, below are five Halloween-appropriate games that should get your mobile device in the spirit. So, charge up your phones and get ready to drain those batteries.

PLAGUE INC (Android /  iOS)

Like The Walking Dead or Contagion? Then you’ll love Plague Inc. This game is terrifying.  You’re about to spread a deadly, worldwide disease that pits you against the rest of mankind. As humanity searches for a cure, you must do everything in your power to ensure no one survives.  Beyond its freaky simulation is a killer strategy game.  Thanks for the nightmares, Ndemic Creations!

THE MANSION: PUZZLE OF ROOMS (Android / iOS)

Once a Nintendo DS title, Com2Us brings The Mansion back with a legendary series of locked rooms in a world that feels haunting, magical, and a little bit steampunk. Both Indicade and IGF awarded the game top honors this year.  Your objective is to help our tiny protagonist, Anne, escape through the creepy “toymaker’s” mysterious mansion.  It’s really beautiful and engaging.  Definitely a game you can become committed to.  Note: Currently there’s a glitch at level 18, but developers have said they are working on the fix.  You have plenty of time to puzzle through this haunted house before that anyway.

FIST OF AWESOME (Android / iOS)

Grizzly bears are scary, and therefore I deem this game “on-theme” for Halloween. FIST OF AWESOME (yes all caps) is about disaster survivor Tim Burr, who in the midst of chaos has grown the Mjölnir of fists. You see, several species have developed homicidal behavior, and it’s up to you, as Burr, to fight ’em off with superior uppercuts, jump kicks, and stomps.  Surprisingly, the entire game, including the controls, are extremely smooth.  I say suprisingly, because I bought this game strictly off its own description.  They had me at “It’s a bit like Quantum Leap but with more bears and lumberjacks”:

 “Have you ever wanted to punch a bear IN THE MOUTH?

When Tim Burr’s family disappeared and his house spontaneously burst into flames he thought his day was as about bad as it could get. That’s when his hand became self-aware and broke the horrific news that the world was now ruled by bears. Join Tim as he embarks on an epic battle across time and space, unravelling the bear-ridden damage to Earth’s timeline. It’s a bit like Quantum Leap but with more bears and lumberjacks.

FIST OF AWESOME is a heartfelt love-letter to golden classics like Double Dragon, Streets of Rage and Final Fight. Prepare yourself for the most epic time-travelling-lumberjack-em-up OF ALL TIME!”

LIMBO (iOS)

Disturbing, eerie and covered in shadows is the remarkably beautiful Limbo.  Starting on consoles, this game moved to mobile. Although only available on iOS, there are talks of an Android version soon.  Due to the immersive nature of this game, I personally find the experience better with the intimacy of a tablet.  Critically acclaimed, with most major outlets rating it 10/10, it’s also won a slew of awards including “Best Indie Game” by Kotaku.  It’s a puzzle game you don’t want to miss.

ZOMBIESMASH (Android / iOS)

ZombieSmash has been out for a long time, but it’s fun to bring back and play this time of year.  It’s classic tower defense, but with the zombies!  Four game modes (Campaign, Endless, Sandbox and Night) up the replay value and intended humor.

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Happy Halloween! Are there any apps you would add to this list? Follow me on Twitter @michelemorrow and sound off in the comments below!