John Carpenter is famous for being a horror movie icon, having directed everything from Halloween to The Thing. But he loves his video games, too, and has even put his name in front of one: John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, a co-op first-person shooter that recently launched across PC and consoles.
So, we thought we’d ask John himself what his favorite video games of all time are, plus a few he’s really looking forward to. As you’d expect, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is among them, but there’s also mention of the likes of Fallout, Borderlands, and the odd surprise.
John Carpenter’s favorite video games of all time:
Borderlands 2, Gearbox Software, 2012
Borderlands 2 stays with you, it has teeth, the characters are strange in exactly the way great characters should be. The whole experience carries this pulse that keeps running in the back of your mind. It’s a ride.
Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Team, 1991
Sonic is where it all started for me, fast and bright and had that early gaming energy where you always felt like something might go wrong at any second. I still go back to it, its very nostalgic.
Fallout 76, Bethesda Game Studios, 2018
I am still spending a lot of time in Fallout 76 and honestly having a great time with it. The world is big, messy, complicated, and full of strange corners with things that want you dead around every turn. It is dense, there is a ton to discover, and I keep finding reasons to come back.
Horizon Zero Dawn, Guerrilla Games, 2017
Horizon Zero Dawn is one of those games where the first thing that hits you is just how beautiful the world is. It feels alive and dangerous and incredibly immersive.
Assassin’s Creed, Ubisoft Montreal, 2007
The Assassin’s Creed series has always done something that I appreciate as a player, which is dropping you directly into these incredibly detailed historical worlds and letting you move through them like a shadow.
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, Naughty Dog, 2001
Jak and Daxter is simply one of those games that is pure fun from beginning to end. It is a colorful adventure that knows exactly what it is and never tries to be anything else.
Video games John Carpenter is really looking forward to:
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, Saber Interactive, 2026
I am very excited about Toxic Commando. Watching our commandos tear through zombie hordes, crushing them under the wheels while blood is flying everywhere, makes for a loud chaotic kind of fun that is even better when you are playing with friends. It has been a real pleasure being involved with this project and seeing it come together, and I think people are going to have a blast with it.
Halloween, IllFonic, 2026
A Halloween game just makes sense and it was probably only a matter of time before it happened. This is a strong entry that knows it has a lot to live up to. I can’t say too much yet but the diehards will be pleased.
The Next Fallout Game, Bethesda Game Studios, ???
I have loved the Fallout universe for years so anything they do next, I’m ready for it.
Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
