When most people think of Nintendo, harmless images of Mario, Kirby and Donkey Kong spring to mind. We can't blame them, since the publisher has spent over two decades cashing in on its kid friendly characters. Other companies, however, have no qualms releasing violent and scary games on Nintendo systems.

To get you in the Halloween spirit, we partnered up with GoNintendo to list the ten best (and scariest) games to appear on Nintendo's platforms.

5. Doom (SNES, GBA)

For a while, id Software's Doom was the hottest game on PC. It became so popular that it was ported to just about every system, including the Super Nintendo and Game Boy Advance. In this timeless first person shooter, an unnamed space marine (that's you) explores a Martian base overrun with demons. Although the game provides some scares (especially when an imp sneaks up behind you), having a shotgun, machine gun and rocket launcher makes it significantly less horrifying.

4. Dead Space: Extraction (Wii)

Last fall, Electronic Arts terrified us with Dead Space, a chilling sci-fi tale revolving around a spaceship populated by the reanimated corpses of miners. Dead Space: Extraction, a light gun shooter for Wii, serves as that game's prequel. Taking place on the Aegis VII colony, the game chronicles the lives of several characters as they attempt to escape from an alien invasion. With plenty of grotesque images, disgusting monsters (aim for the limbs) and lots of dark places for them to hide, this spine-tingling blast fest will keep you hooked and perhaps unable to sleep.

3. Resident Evil 4 (Wii, GameCube)

If you consider yourself a hardcore gamer, then RE4 needs no introduction. Capcom's masterpiece captured millions of players' imaginations across the globe with its gorgeous visuals, intense battles and gripping story. Everything about it, from the new (at the time) over the shoulder perspective to the cool looking monsters screamed high quality.

If you never experienced this game (a shame, really), then we strongly suggest playing it on Wii or GameCube. Leon Kennedy's journey through a twisted European village has everything you'd expect from a high quality action adventure game, including chainsaw wielding maniacs, a giant lake monster and a pint-sized nut job with an obvious Napoleon complex. Plus there's a lot of blood, a bunch of cool weapons and some incredible boss fights. Bottom line, you need to experience it.

2. Resident Evil (Wii, GameCube)

No offense to Resident Evil 4, but the critically acclaimed remake is much scarier. Capcom took the PSOne original and revamped it with jaw dropping graphics and monsters; they even included additional content, including the much faster Crimson Head zombies.

The story, of course, remained the same. You still control Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine, two members of S.T.A.R.S., who set out to investigate a strange mansion owned by the greedy Umbrella Corporation. After most of their teammates become snacks for the game's monsters, both police officers do whatever it takes to make it out alive, even if it means solving bizarre puzzles. With cool lightning affects, realistic looking zombies and the infamous dog through the window scene, Resident Evil will keep you glued to the couch.

1. Eternal Darkness (GameCube)

If you laugh at Resident Evil, give Eternal Darkness a try. Silicon Knights' entertaining game takes you through different time periods as characters attempt to harness the power of the Tome of Eternal Darkness. Lots of chanting and monster hacking ensues, but the game's biggest draw are its sanity effects. During play, random and strange things happen. One moment, your character's head will explode, and then the screen will go dark, suggesting the console shut itself off. This has a profound affect on the game's protagonists, as they slowly start to lose their marbles. Play it with the lights off.