Delusion (Event #2)
My friend got a press pass to this sold-out event and was able to bring a guest. This was my first time experiencing an interactive haunted attraction. Not knowing what to expect, we got to a dilapidated mansion, checked in and waited around the lounge (drinks available for purchase, but we each got a free one courtesy of the press pass) for our group to be called. Populated by real actors (with lines and strong improv skills), we were told the story we were about to be thrust into. As the grown children of the owners of the house, we received a letter from our now-deceased father telling us to find our mother in the house and help save her. The story was dependent upon us to move forward. We had to hurry when needed, interact with the actors, and figure out a few puzzles. The actors mostly guided us through the amazing, well thought-out sets, but for a little while we were left alone to figure things out. This is where it dragged a little because of technical glitches that I won’t begrudge them for. Once sorted, the story moved along quickly. The ending was a little anti-climactic and the “boss” battle(s) was more talked up than actualized, which was a bit of a let-down.
Unfortunately the group I went in with wasn’t very gung-ho about interacting with the actors to move the story along, so it dragged in the beginning, but once we got the hang of it, things moved better. I had a fun time getting singled out to do a few tasks for the actors/group. Needless to say, I got slightly (fake) bloody, which was a little badge of honor for me. The story of the attraction wasn’t that scary a concept for me and it’s not a jump-scare-type thing anyway, but I did let out a yelp during one moment in the basement! The action sequences were also really well-done and impressive, and I have to give credit to the actors for working (well) with a slow crowd in the beginning. I’m looking forward to see what concept(s) the group explores next year!
