Lulu's Temple

At heart, Lulu's Temple is a basic platformer - run through a pyramid, collecting keys to unlock doors while avoiding monsters and traps. The central gimmick is light and the lack thereof. The player carries a torch and can light torches in the pyramid for more light, but it will never be enough - use only that light, and you will blunder into hazards in the dark. Fortunately, your little explorer can hurl his torch ahead to light the path before him, and he even has a little scarab helper to fetch it for him. Mastering the torch is key to finishing Lulu's Temple. Aside from flinging the torch to ignite distant light sources, you'll also use it to trigger traps and solve certain puzzles. But being apart from your torch carries risks - some monsters will exploit your vulnerability and only attack you in the dark, while others can grab your dropped torch and run away with it. The most remarkable part about Lulu's Temple might be how creepy the game is, despite - maybe even because of - its MSX throwback graphics. The slightly dissonant music and sound effects are properly ominous, and the monster designs are properly weird. Whether it's the glow of red eyes in the darkness above you or the guttural battle cry of a giant scorpion bearing down on you, there are plenty of memorably spooky moments.