This 1983 release from Wizard Games was every bit as controversial as its Texas Chainsaw Massacre counterpart, but for some reason, this game gained more acceptance and sold more titles. It is one of the rare horror games out there, and it at least follows the storyline of the original film. The premise of the game is that, as babysitter Laurie Strode, you go from room to room and try to find your kids and keep them safe. However, Michael roams throughout, and you never know when he is going to pop up. It is one of the more original games from that time period, and wasn't really derived from another game, although there is an influence from Space Invaders.

Michael randomly appears and slowly ambles toward you or the child. Should you be slow on the draw when grabbing little Tommy, the poor kid will end up stabbed (and never make it to take Michael out in Part 6). After you save the kids, however, they will run away and run away fast. But fear not, Michael always seems to find them. If you get too close to Michael without inflicting any damage, and he will behead you, causing blood to squirt out all over the place. You can protect yourself and score some extra points should you find a knife and jab Michael with it. This will temporarily take him out, but not permanently stop him. Remember, you can't kill the boogeyman!

After a while, this game gets tedious, as all you really do is run around, save the kids, and stab Michael (or be stabbed). It still amazes me to this day that the gamesmakers got away with this much gore in the heyday of the MPAA and R-rated movies that were butchered (no pun intended). Oh well, I guess that doesn't apply to video games. This game is very slow-paced and not addictive at all. In fact, it gives you the feeling that you are running around in circles and gives you a headache real fast. It does, however, contain snippets of John Carpenter's original theme, which is a small bright spot to look forward to. Overall, it's nothing to write home about, but much better than other Atari 2600 titles of the day.

HALLOWEEN...THE NIGHT HE CAME HOME!