HHN 34: Most Anticipated Haunted House

[UniversalRBLX]

I've learned my lesson from the past years to not build personal hype for a house/zone based on the concept alone as it can be poorly executed (Museum, Shipyard, Spirits of the Coven, etc.). So instead, I decided to rank them into general categories based on how interesting the concept is to me and wait to be surprised.

(Excited, Looking Forward) - Grave of Flesh, El Artista, Hatchet & Chains

• Grave of Flesh sounds like a very claustrophobic dark house, El Artista has that "possessed house" concept, and Hatchet was a great room at Slaughter.

(Cautiously Optimistic) - Terrifier, Jason Universe, Dolls, Galkn

• Terrifier is my most anticipated IP, but I worry it may become too reliant on gore like the SAW houses. Jason Universe I'm skeptical due to its location. The Musuem's ship scene was the only good part of that house, so I'm hoping it's similar.

(Not Personally Interested, Waiting to be Surprised) - Five Nights at Freddy, WWE, Fallout

• Not interested in any of these IPs, but I'm looking forward to treating them as originals. I don't think they're bad concepts, just not something I'm personally invested in.

I don't need all-timers this year, but it can't be a repeat of last year. Last year really bummed me out.

As someone who has lost the passion for HHN after 12-14ish years, I love reading these lists to see that I’ve been replaced by people who are still hyped for the event.

I lost a bit of passion these last few years based on the execution (HHN 33 was embarrassing), but I think this is a redemption year for them. Just walking through USF lately has excited me which hasn't been the case the last 2-3 years.

 

[Andor]

1. FNAF
2. Terrifier
3. Fallout
4. Jason
5. Grave of Flesh
6. Artist
7. Galkn
8. Dolls
9. Hatchet & Chains
10. WWE

Love the IPS this year, what can i say

 

[hunnylvr]

I am happy to see all of you so excited for this year. I do agree with some previous discussions that last year really seemed like a turd in a punchbowl with the exception of Insidious and Slaughter Sinema 2 which I loved. Most of last year just felt way off - especially the zones. With the crazy rumors this year, and the announced IPs, it was the first time in 20 years that I seriously considered cutting back my travel. For me, there isn't any IP where I am losing my mind with excitement. I am hoping they pull off some really amazing houses and surprise the hell out of me and my group. On paper though, all of us are kind of meh about the IPs. I've watched several Jason movies (not all of them as one of my pet peeves is how they milk these franchises to death until they become a parody of themselves). Overall, Jason has never been one of my faves as far as slashers. I prefer more paranormal type horror as opposed to slasher/gore movies., but if I had to pick a "fave slasher', it'd be Michael Myers. Thankfully, I've seen that iteration multiple times at HHN. Nothing beats the original one from 2014 though. My god..

I watched the FNAF movie this past weekend just because it's coming, and I thought it was one of the dumbest things I've ever seen. Not dissing anyone here who loves it - again, you do you. For me, it was just badly written, extremely reliant on overused tropes and pretty much laughable. Nothing "scary" to it at all.

The last several years, it's mostly been the originals that have done it for me, so that's why I am focusing on now.

1. El Artista - this looks to be exactly my kind of thing - love the gorgeous sets and the haunted house vibe

2. Galkn - when I saw the artwork and noticed the wolf in the pic, my first thought was they would bring back the wolf puppets from AWIL. YES PLEASE!

3. Grave of Flesh - this is higher on my list because I'm hoping this is the claustrophobic, tight house with agressive scares. I could be wrong, but that's the vibe I get.

4. Fallout - I enjoyed this show. I could see this one being really fun especially if they use the music (which I'm sure they will), There is a lot of potential with this one I think.

5. Hatchet & Chains - while also not the SS2 room I would've made into a house, I'm curious to see what they do with it. Generally not into Westerns, but this could end up being a fun one.

6. Dolls - I loved Dollhouse of the Damned, but I just wonder if this will be kind of a remix of other doll centered houses they've done before. Not sure what to think on this one.

7. Jason Universe - a familiar slasher with maybe some very large, aggressive actors might keep this from being repetitive and somewhat uninspired.

8. WWE - not a wrestling fan AT ALL, but I did see the pics you've all posted of the masks and makeup used by the characters. If I ignore the idea that this came from WWE and focus on the characters, maybe this will be cool. Also, any time A&D has a lot of passion about something, it often turns out to be a real banger.. so, I will give this a chance.

9. FNAF - I can only base this on the movie I watched which I just metnioned above. I'm sure all of you who played the games have a different take. I hope you get what you want.

10. Terrifier - I absolutely loathe horror movies whose sole existence is just to feature gore and torture. I get that Art the Clown is suddenly ubiquitous, but I'm not going to get sucked in to watching this stuff after learning what it really is. It's not like Art is a new version of Pennywise or something. He's clearly much darker. I'll pass on the torture porn.

 

[malice]

El Artista
FNAF
Galkn
Hatchet and Chains
Dolls
Jason
Grave of Flesh
Terrifier
WWE
Fallout

 

[Brian G.]

@Brian G. are we gonna get yours?

In time. Been extremely busy.

 

[RGMick77]

1. The Wyatt Sicks - The story of the Firefly Funhouse is very personal to the dearly departed Bray Wyatt. First and foremost, it is a horror story, with frightening characters. The fact that he was a professional wrestler merely serves as context for the demons in his mind. I expect references to Exorcist, Poltergeist, and House of 1000 Corpses.

2. Jason Universe - I’m hoping the rights issues didn’t hold them back here because I’ve always been a fan of the big 80s slasher films. The movies are just stupid fun.

3. Galkn - I’m a nerd for mythology, so this gets my imagination going.

4. El Artista - Between the artistic concept and the rumored set design, this could jump even higher on my list later.

5. Dolls - I’m really intrigued by the dollhouse scale and how they pull it off.

6. FNaF - I’m aware of the games, and I found the movie boring, but it’s still a great horror concept. I grew up going to Chuck E Cheese.

7. Fallout - It’s a really fun show, with a lot of opportunity for character moments.

8. Hatchet and Chains - I really like the idea of a western horror, but I’m hoping there is some variety in the characters used. I’m keeping my expectations low for now.

9. Grave of Flesh - I’m having a hard time picturing how this story is going to play out, but I want to be taken by surprise by this house. Let’s see if it jumps up the list.

10. Terrifier - In 3 movies, I couldn’t find any characters I really enjoyed. The sets could be fun, but Art the Clown is not an interesting character to me. It’s the only house I can’t get hyped for right now.

 

[SeventyOne]

10) Jason Un1v3rse – ironic given my name, but never been a fan of this franchise. More into Halloween/Elm Street. And while the Freddie v Jason house was an all-timer, the original F13 house was lame. Not sure what to make of this one, or how much of a throughline it will have, rather than just being a collection of random scenes. Not optimistic this one will be for me. Please let the Jasons be huge.

9) Dolls – putting it this low because I have no idea how it might turn out, feels like we know so little. Probably my best bet for a sleeper hit.

8) Five Nights at Freddy’s – I don’t expect much, the movie was awful, but killer Chuck E. Cheese is such a great idea I hope it works.

7) Grave of Flesh – dirt walls have been done before. Sounds like the monsters could end up same-y. Interesting opening but the question will be if it can sustain itself for eight more rooms. Would be ecstatic to be proven wrong and have this end up in my top three, tho.

6) Wyatt Sicks – never been a fan of the supernatural gimmicks in wrestling, going back to Papa Shango. And Triplets, which certainly showed some influences from this stable, may have stolen some of this house’s thunder. Still, curious to see something new and different at HHN. And it’s clearly a passion project for a lot of the people involved, which always makes for a better house.

5) Terrifier – yeah, the first movie is not good. But I think it will work as a house if only because I swear half the kills seemed to be inspired by 2000s HHN scenes; you can’t tell me the director never visited the event. Will also help if they play up the Temu Halloween/Trick R Treat vibe of the first third or so of the movie, I’m a sucker for that iconography. Clown might be an effective scare tactic, too.

4) Fallout – only know the show, but greatly enjoyed it. I am worried that “futuristic” houses never seem to work for me, but if it can capture some of the humor from the show, could be an effective dark comedy house.

3) Hatchet & Chains – late 1800s houses tend to work better than any other era, and I still have fond memories of Lightning Gulch. And the scene from SS2 I thought was best suited to its own house. Only concern is that lava zombies (?) might become repetitive but hoping for a fun time here. House most likely to generate this year’s top meme.

2) El Artitsta – comparisons to Gothic and Dead End set the bar high, and I do love traditional “ghosts” in a haunt setting. Looking forward to the new effects. This isn’t really “2” so much as “1A.”

1) Gálkn – Norse mythology. What sounds like a variety of unique monsters. And a cold setting. Really can’t ask for more in a house, high hopes for this one.

 

[Boodini]

10. Fallout - I like the games and thought the show was fun, and I’m happy to see another video game franchise represented, but I’m just not excited about it. I’m sure I’ll be surprised going through it but as of right now it’s kind of a meh for me.

9. Terrifier - Only a little higher than Fallout because of the water effects, otherwise I’m lukewarm on it.

8. Jason Universe - A tribute to a classic slasher icon in a claustrophobic environment sounds like a solid haunt to me.

7. Galkn - I’m not too sure what to expect here. It sounds ambitious for sure so I’m curious.

6. Wyatt Sicks - It’s a complete love letter to Windham’s legacy so I feel this’ll be something special.

5. Hatchet and Chains - Reading about some of the house details in the recent blog post elevated my thoughts. Sounds like it could be more intense than I initially expected.

4. FNAF - A long-awaited property for sure but could fall short. I hope to see some creative liberties like they do with some IPs because this could be a real fun one if they let loose.

3. Dolls - I like the idea of being small and everything being giant-sized, I feel like it’s not often seen at this event. There’s potential for lots of variety and creepy visuals.

2. El Artista - A&D are really talking up this house so it’s hard to ignore the hype. Above everything I’m glad to see another original ghost house.

1. Grave of Flesh - If it’s anything like the first few rooms of Poltergeist then it’ll be great. I expect something really dark and brutal here and I hope it brings the scares (and dirt smell)!

 

[Acandrews12]

1. Dolls: Let’s Play Dead - One of the features I most look for in a house is a story. I want to know what is happening and not just get pushed through a house trying to figure out a story. This seems like it has a very complete story. The idea we are shrinking into a toy in a Sid from Toy Story type bedroom is a great idea. Really excited to see it fleshed out.

2. Five Nights at Freddy’s - Before I knew this existed, I thought Schittie's Kidz from Slaughter Sinema would have made a FUN house. I was then told about this. So I am very excited for this concept.

3. Terrifier - Very much anticipating this one. The movies have a lot of source material to use. Very excited by the dry/wet side options.

4. Gálkn: Monsters of the North I’ve loved the yeti houses of late. I’m hoping for something similar (minus the comedy, which I don’t expect in this house).

5. Grave of Flesh - Really hoping it’s in a similar vein to Graveyard Games, my all time favorite house.

6. El Artista: A Spanish Haunting - Very intrigued by this one. Could be a sleeper for me.

7. Jason Un1v3rse - Could be fun. Could be a snoozer.

8. Hatchet and Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters - One of the least memorable section of SS2 (in my opinion).

9. WWE Presents: The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks - If this list was most intriguing houses, this would be #1. I’m intrigued, just not anticipating it.

10. Fallout - Never really was able to get into the show. Seems like it’ll be similar to the Last of Us for me. A tribute house to a show I don’t know much about and couldn’t get into.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

10. Fallout - Never really was able to get into the show. Seems like it’ll be similar to the Last of Us for me. A tribute house to a show I don’t know much about and couldn’t get into.

Obviously your ranking is your opinion - but I just want to say that I don't expect Fallout to be similar to Last of Us at all really!

 

[Pixarfan96]

I normally don’t want to make a hype list after learning the last couple of years to NEVER overhype a house (Monstrous, Museum, Dueling Dragons, Spirits of The Coven, etc), but because I am bored with nothing else to do, here are my Most anticipated houses (from least to most):

10.) Fallout.

9.) Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks.

8.) Jason Universe.

7.) Grave of Flesh.

6.) Gulkin: Monsters of the North.

5.) Terrifier.

4.) Hatchet & Chains.

3.) Dolls: Let’s Play Dead.

[NOTE: both 2 and 1 are tied for #1]

2.) El Artista.

1.) Five Nights At Freddy’s.

P.S at the end of the day though, all of these houses sound very fun, and I am excited for all of them.

 

[Acandrews12]

Obviously your ranking is your opinion - but I just want to say that I don't expect Fallout to be similar to Last of Us at all really!

I didn’t mean it would be similar in substance or even ambiance, I meant more as a tribute to a show I didn’t really get into. I feel like if you liked the show or game Last of Us, you would have enjoyed the house. I feel the same about Fallout. If you enjoy the show, you’re going to enjoy the house.

So I probably won’t enjoy it as much since I’m not familiar with the source material.

 

[TheGentTrent]

1. Terrifier-If only because I'm curious to see how much they are truly allowed to get away with on this one.

2. Fallout-Never played the games but enjoyed watching the Amazon series over the summer, so I'm optimistic about this one (even if the show didn't really feel much like horror to me).

3. Jason Universe-This franchise has never done much for me, but I think I'll enjoy it if the sets are done right and they get physically imposing actors for the titular character.

4. Five Nights at Freddy's-Also never played these, and was thoroughly underwhelmed by the movie (a killer robot flick that needed a lot more killing IMO). Knowing how Chucky 2023 turned out, the puppets are going to make or break this one. It will probably be a lot better in Hollywood.

5-9. The Originals-Y'all know where I stand on original houses regarding the hype meter.

10. Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks-My days of watching wrassling are long gone, so I don't know what to really expect from this one. Definitely the dark horse this year for me like The Weeknd in 2022.

 

[kingmantis]

This is a fun year! There's not a whole lot I'm excited about per se, but almost every house I'm intrigued by and can't wait to see their execution. Way more potential for surprises, which is a nice change from last year. Went a bit long so I hid my list behind a spoiler tag so it won't take up the whole page:

Spoiler: Most Anticipated List

10) Jason Universe – Always nice to see one of the big slashers at the event, especially after such a long absence/legal battle for Jason. The vibe I’m getting though is this is more of brand extension than a passion project. There hasn't been much a pitch so far beyond “Jason’s Back!” and the location has me nervous too.

8) Fallout – Love the games, but convinced the house is going to lose something in translation as a as an adaption of an adaption. It’s not a horror property and the show, while fun, didn’t have time or scale to get into the weird sideplots and characters/creatures that you stumble upon in the game that really make the world shine. A haunted house narrows the scope even further in a way I think is going to do the wasteland a big disservice. Fallout would really shine as a zone at Fan Fest Nights where you can explore and interact with characters beyond jumpscares.

9) Hatchet & Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters – Loved Ghost Town: The Curse of Lightning Gulch in 2016 for just how gorgeous and massive the sets were. Walking down Lighting Gulch’s main street in a rainstorm was unreal. Excited to revisit a western theme but nervous about losing that sense of scale in a tent. The Slaughter Sinema 2 scene doesn’t inspire confidence either, I thought it was one of the weakest in that house.

7) Five Nights At Freddy’s – Faces the same challenge as every giant costume-based house; impressive to look at but too bulky and cumbersome to actually generate scares consistently. Going in expecting this to be a dud in the horror department but a delight in getting to walk through the pizzeria after more than a decade of following the games.

6) Gulkin: Monsters of the North – Vikings/Norse mythology usually doesn’t do a whole lot for me, but the wrinkle of the creatures mutating and combining until you’re potentially walking through one is way more up my alley. Will depend on how hard this leans into the body horror element.

5) Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks – Do not care about wrestling, so we brought one of our friends over to give us a five-hour crash course in Bray Wyatt and the Wyatt Sicks. Didn’t really change how I feel about the WWE but I can see there’s definitely enough material for a house. More importantly, the passion the design team has shown for the house is infectious, so even I’m finding myself excited for an IP that I would have ranked 11 out of 10 a few months ago.

4) Grave of Flesh – Complete wildcard, every new thing I hear about this house flips my excitement back and forth. Stranger Things 2-esque tunnels and potentially more bulky costumes? It’s so over. Funeral parlor façade and scenic detailed enough it’ll be a highlight of the behind-the-scenes tour? We’re so back. Not my most anticipated, but certainly the one I’m most intrigued by.

3) El Artista – Love me an effects-heavy, classic haunted house. Ghost houses tend to always be beautiful and surprisingly scary, and we haven’t gotten one since The Haunting of Hill House. The Goya influence is also a great wrinkle on things, can only imagine how beautiful this will be to walk through and jealous it’s on the six-house behind-the-scenes tour. Feels like it’ll be extremely timing dependent, so just praying for a good run and it’ll be one of my favorites probably.

2) Terrifier – Another one where the passion from the design team and Damien Leone just oozes out every time they talk about this house. Unlike the Wyatt Sicks, it gets a boost from the fact I actually like Terrifier 2 (3 was fine, I couldn’t make it through 1). I think a haunted house is a perfect fit for the series; HHN houses have a similar level of gore to the movies but shuffling through scenes in a conga line tempers how drawn out and queasy the kills can be. Art running around the event is also hilarious.

1) Dolls: Let’s Play Dead – Creepy toys, mutated and merged body horror, playing with size changing and scale. Everything about this one is my jam, and a dollhouse is such a perfect fit for the tents. Claustrophobic, but depending on the use of screens and oversized props and puppets, it might actually feel safer than what lurks out the windows. Disturbing horror sticks to me more, so Terrifier and Dolls is a perfect one-two punch.

 

[Legacy]

Eh… why not?

I wouldn’t call it hype. It’s an interest list.

1. Grave of Flesh
2. Galkn
3. El Artista
4. J@$0n Un1vr3?3
5. Dolls: Let’s Play Dead
6. Fallout
7. Hatchet and Chains
8. WWE
9. FNAF.
10. Terrifier

 

[HHN Maddux]

Eh… why not?

I wouldn’t call it hype. It’s an interest list.

1. Grave of Flesh
2. Galkn
3. El Artista
4. J@$0n Un1vr3?3
5. Dolls: Let’s Play Dead
6. Fallout
7. Hatchet and Chains
8. WWE
9. FNAF.
10. Terrifier

Just curious, why WWE so low? I might me misremembering but didn't you say you were thinking along the lines of the scrapped Billie Eilish house in terms of it being psychological and deeper?

 

[Legacy]

Just curious, why WWE so low? I might me misremembering but didn't you say you were thinking along the lines of the scrapped Billie Eilish house in terms of it being psychological and deeper?

Because it’s still WWE.

My interest is largely flat across all the houses. There’s no real drop-off until Terrifier.

 

[ladiesman217]

Personally, here's my anticipation list:
1. FeastOut
2. El Duende: Una Aparición en el Banquete
3. Five Feasts at the Goblin's
4. Goblin and Feast: Human Bounty Hunters
5. Grave of Goblins
6. WWE: The Horrors of the Goblin's Feast
7. GOBLIN UN1V3RS3
8. Goblifier
9. Goblins: Let's Feast
10. Gálbln: Goblin of the Feast

 

[TheCodeMan95]

Personally, here's my anticipation list:
1. FeastOut
2. El Duende: Una Aparición en el Banquete
3. Five Feasts at the Goblin's
4. Goblin and Feast: Human Bounty Hunters
5. Grave of Goblins
6. WWE: The Horrors of the Goblin's Feast
7. GOBLIN UN1V3RS3
8. Goblifier
9. Goblins: Let's Feast
10. Gálbln: Goblin of the Feast

Jason Gooniverse?

 

[ladiesman217]

Jason Gooniverse?

Personally, I fancy the name 'Goonifier' more.