This is by far the hardest time I've ever had putting together an anticipation list. I am genuinely super excited for all of these house and think they all have potential to be HOTY. But after much deliberation, I think I've figured it out:
1. Bugs: Eaten Alive - This was my 2nd most-anticipated for a while, but the 50's aesthetic and setting gave it the edge. This house sounds like it is going to be the perfect balance between being super campy, and also being the most terrifying and disgusting house ever. Add the description from the Universal Podcast about the mutated bugs having maggots and other small bugs within them and crawling out of them, and you also have a match made in heaven for, dare I say it, potentially the greatest creature design in HHN history.
2. Dead Man's Pier: Winter's Wake - Ever since the first speculation map dropped, this was at the top of my hype list. I love seaside settings, and we don't have nearly enough horror games or movies with a good harbor setting. Add the great atmosphere the original scare zone had, the beautiful set design that'll be in here, how cold it's gonna be, the talk from the podcast about how one of the feelings oozing throughout the house is a tragic and somber one, and you have another another perfect-sounding house.
3. Descendants of Destruction - I was a massive fan of Seeds of Extinction, to this day it is still one of my all-time favorites. When I saw Seeds of Extinction 2 on that speculation map, I was one of the happiest people alive in that moment. Now add in the more claustrophobic setting, the even-further mutated creatures, and that beautiful artwork from the house description, and you got an awesome-sounding sequel (or prequel?) that could outdo the original.
4. Spirits of the Coven - I'm going to be honest, when the rumors started suggesting this was going to be a witch house, it was near rock bottom on my early anticipation list. I've just never been too hyped with witches, as I feel that out of all the 'traditional' Halloween monsters, they're the weakest... And then the description dropped. 1920's setting, we're being turned into potions to be served for prohibition?! This sounds friggin' awesome! Very much hoping it's set in New Orleans as well.
5. Hellblock Horror - SCP is one of my favorite pieces of horror media, and I've wanted to see it as a house for years. This may be even better though- A prison facility where all hell has broken loose, but with HHN creatures?! HELL YEAH, JACK! As someone who's a big history buff with HHN, I cannot wait to see all of the callbacks and easter eggs, as well as get to encounter all the creatures I never got to see in-person! However, I am slightly skeptic, seeing as how this is a bit of a last-minute house. Still though, I'm very excited to see how this plays out!
6. Monsters: Legends Collide - Wolfman vs Mummy was an immediate yes from me after that first map. Add in Dracula, and you get an even bigger yes! I cannot wait for the Egyptian-themed sets in here, and for a good bloody battle between my three favorite Classic Monsters.
7. The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare - Been getting into Abel's music, and it really is fantastic. Add in the grimy, unsettling feeling from his music videos, as well as the fever dream aspect, and you have a perfectly chaotic, fun-sounding house! Holding out for the first ever Daniel Craig scare.
8. The Horrors of Blumhouse - Liked Freaky quite a bit, and The Black Phone was a fantastic movie. I'm also very curious to see how this house is going to be pulled off, and I'm not talking about the Grabber's basement, I'm more referring to the absolute Frankenstein's Monster approach they took with putting this in the F&F queue, plus a tent or two? Also cautiously optimistic due to the quality of the previous Blumhouse's, but nonetheless, I'm still looking forward to this!
9. Fiesta de Chupacabras - I love cryptids, but Chupacabra was never really one I was that interested in. I'm more excited for the setting, lots of potential for more beautiful sets. I am very happy though for A&D finally getting to do this house, ironically on the 10th anniversary of when it was supposed to be done! Hoping this brings in more cryptid houses in the future (Jersey Devil please).
10. Halloween - Listen, I love the Halloween franchise. I love Michael Myers. Hell Comes to Haddonfield is my favorite house of all time to this day... but I've seen enough of Michael at HHN. Please just give him a break, let him rest for a while. I am excited to see the soundstage upgrades to the original and still overall excited for this house, but yeah, please let Halloween take a good long break from the event after this year.