There are some deliciously evil enemies in video games, and now Halloween is here it’s time to revel in these beings that keep us on the edge of our seats. Coming many shapes and sizes, some may hunt you from the darkness, while others lash out wildly, backing you into a corner. Be it the outright gruesome or sheer psychological terrors, these horrible creatures add a dynamic to games that nothing else can: fear.

Here’s a look at ten of the worst, scariest, most evil and gruesome beings in video games. So turn the lights down low, prepare a hiding place - a safe haven, if you will - and come on a journey to the dark side...

10. Psycho Mantis (Metal Gear Solid)

A truly warped individual, physically and mentally scarred, Psycho Mantis hides behind a gas mask that instantly sets you on edge. Using psychic energy to attack, he launches items from the surroundings at you while you run for cover, but then - darkness. Your television has turned off, panic sets in: what happened? A fear for what’s gooing on behind the black screen sets in as you frantically tap buttons trying to get back to the fight. Of course, this was merely one of Mantis’ games, as he then toys with your fears by telling you what save games are on your memory card, using his mind to shake your controller violently. Psycho Mantis was a terrifying addition to classic mind-bending video game.

9. Hunter (Left 4 Dead)

Zombies were pretty scary, then they began running and they became incredibly scary. Then along came the Hunter and everything changed. Its one thing to deal with swarms of zombies clawing at your flesh, it’s quite another to fend off a Hunter at full ferocity. There you are, part of a team working towards your destination, blasting reanimated corpses left and right, then a piercing screech fills the air. Nothing can be seen; perhaps a shadow darts into darkness in the corner of your eye. Then all hell breaks loose and that scream closes in like a gunshot. You’re pinned to the ground, a Hunter on top of you clawing at your chest with speed, your life bar depleting rapidly. You couldn’t shoot him out of the air, he was too fast, and there was nothing you could do. Oh look, there’s the respawn screen.

8. Cyborg Midwives (System Shock 2)

Guarding the eggs of The Many, taunting the player with phrases such as “babies need meat”, “I’ll tear out your spine” and “I can smell you”, the Cyborg Midwives from System Shock 2 are horrific creatures. Humans with cyborg parts fused to their bodies, they stalk around the player’s environment, using their voice to make your skin crawl and your blood chill. Not only can they crawl into your subconscious and screw with you on a deeper level, but they are incredibly tough to kill. Vicious blasts from their laser arm will have you running for your life, pumping endless amounts of ammo into them before they simply wipe you out.