Hacker House *Official* Reviews 2011

[Slappy]

Hacker House
Submitted by: k2quiere
Visited: 9/30

Scare Factor: 3.5/5 I'm always excited to go to Hacker House because there is never a dull moment and it's always a lot of fun! This first run-through, however, wasn't very scary. There were a couple of spots, like when our group was purposefully separated that a few got scared, but not the normal make-your-skin-crawl scared...just some great fun having all of the monsters around us at the end of the night!

Actors: 5/5 Inside, outside, it doesn't matter, the Hacker House actors are always the best and never lose character when interacting with the customers, even at 11:30 when everything is shutting down. The bushman is always one of my favorites because I never know he's there until I almost step on him or trip over him, and he gets me at least twice each go around. The new doorman who stuttered his way through the rules was an interesting addition, but where was Jonas???

Sets/Props/FX: 4.5/5 I'm always impressed with the use of space at Hacker House because they make the haunt feel like it goes on forever. I dropped the rating slightly because the maze hasn't changed any and so it has gotten too easy for us to get through. Yes, we were surrounded by monsters and yes, one of our group members was separated from us, but we were in and out of the maze in less than 5 minutes. I couldn't, however, drop the rating any lower because that bog/swamp room was phenomenal! Holy Cow...I didn't know whether to climb up, sink down, and then you get in there and feel like you're getting stuck. The lighting is perfect and the effect...well, it's one of the best rooms I've seen in a while!

Length: 4.5/5 Like I said earlier, they make the best use of the space they have, and I never feel like I was rushed through. In fact, while not as long as some of the bigger haunts, I never feel the need to look at the time after we get out of this haunt because I know I've gotten my money's worth! And the show never ends, even once you get outside.

Overall: 4.5/5 Hacker House is one of our Must Sees every year because there is always some little tweak or major change that just sets the tone for the season, whether we go at the beginning or the end. In fact, we occasionally go twice just because it's worth it! And if you're the last group, you get to “play” with all the monsters...how fun is that!?

[Slappy]

Hacker House
Submitted by: packbacker
Visit date 9/30

Scare Factor: 3.5/5
I'm hard to scare so don't interpret this as a low score.  I find that the Hacker House experience ends up being more unnerving for most people rather than scary.  There were some very well placed pop scares but what they do best is invade your personal space.  It's disturbing to have someone less than an inch from your ear or crawling three inches from your feet.  Groups are small going through such that scares aren't lost on the front or the back...everyone gets some personal attention.  It also was a great idea to separate people at one juncture in the haunt....always adds to the scare factor to not know where the rest of your group is.

Actors: 5/5
The past two years I've visited Hacker House I've caught actors breaking character...one of my biggest haunt pet peeves.  This year they were ON.  From the queue actors to the denizens of the house these guys gave it their all on a slower part of opening night.  I can't imagine what they'll bring later in the season when the frenzy really hits.  The biggest thing I've found at this haunt is that it becomes very interactive with a verbal back and forth with characters.  The actors ad-lib better than many comedians.  They portray a beautiful maniacal glee in what they do...very few give up after a pop scare.  They keep after you either in your face, screaming, or verbally coming after you.  Special props to the Easter Bunny, the "fishsticks guy", and everyone crawling on the ground.

Sets/Props/FX: 4/5
There are some fantastic props here.  I really wanted to slow down simply to look at them at times.  There are a few gruesomely delicious medical scenes.  The airbag/laser set was amazing.  The house feels very claustrophobic with a touch of disorientation.  The truck prop probably needs a little more darkness as it was a bit too obvious before coming up to it.  The tree "sculpture" out front is also just fantastic....it always makes me smile to walk up and see it grinning malevolently.

Length: 5/5
It seemed just right.  The perfect mixture of indoor/outdoor that gives you all your money's worth.

Other:
The haunt was slightly hard to find.  I think I heard correctly that the light shining on the sign out front was out...so this should not be an issue later in the season.  We hung out a bit after making our way through and saw all the performers pile out afterwards.  They continued to terrorize some folks but otherwise just were cutting up and having fun.  You can tell that these folks take their job seriously but have a heck of a fun time doing it.  It gave the whole place a family vibe....a lovely, demented family vibe.

Overall: 4.5/5
All of the problems I've encountered before at Hacker House were gone on this trip.  It was a great way to start the season and other haunts have a lot to live up to at this point.

[Slappy]

Hacker House
Submitted by: Radiant_Red
Visit Date:  09/30/2011

Scare Factor  4/5- My best friend screamed at the top of her lungs once and that made my night! I started out separated from my group and got separated a few more times, which creeps me out anyway, being alone. Several scares from below eye level, which I was not expecting.

Actors 5/5 - Some new creepy faces, some old favorites. They were on top of their game. Inside it seemed like actors were everywhere, no corner was safe. I can still hear my name being whispered or screamed.  I remember an actress literally breathing down my neck. Everyone in my group was cornered at some point. The banter at the entrance was fun with the stutterer and a familiar wench.

Set Design/Props/FX 4.5/5 - I'm used to seeing some of the same sets, year to year, but everything was darker this time or different. Which made me pay more attention to walking and being careful, which leads to me being less alert, and easier to scare. I always think HH has some of the coolest lighting effects and this year was no exception.
The swamp was the most clever thing I have seen in awhile, our group had to stop in amazement. The strobey forest outside is cool as well.  I like that HH relies more on actors than props for scares.

Length 5/5- It seems a bit longer every year. We had enough time to see the details, and never that rushed feeling that you can sometimes experience at larger haunts. I didn't want it to end.

Overall Impression 4.5/5 - Great opening night!! We had so much fun screaming and laughing (out of nervousness or being uncomfortable) . I feel lucky being located close by. It's always on the top of my list of recommendations for haunted houses. It was also nice meeting lots of Frightseekers.

[Slappy]

Hacker House
Submitted by: handfulofrubies82
Date attended:  09/30/11

Scare Factor: 4/5 I didn't know Hacker House could get darker, but it did. I love, but  cringe when walking through dark places, and there were plenty. Many startles and screams came from being separated from my group, thinking an actor was part of my group only to see the face and realize they weren't.

Actors: 4/5 Actors were great. From the start, Bacon greeted us and was funny as ever. Actors at the front of the house were engaging as well. There were some old, and some new. Inside the haunt, the actors definitely had their "creep" on. They did a great job separating our group at several diff. places. I was in front for most of the time and I screamed several times confusing actors for my group in the dark. I loved the creepy crawling girl, and the crawling people in the forest/tree area. The bunny is always funny, yet scary at the same time. Oh, and it was super creepy hearing my name called out, and whispered all throughout the haunt.

Set/Props/FX: 4.5/5 Hacker House always changes things up a bit. I love the new "water" feature. I won't ruin it, but I hesitated going into it; so cool to look at it. I wanted to go through again just to look. The pole room was cool too, one of my faves, but the strobes went out halfway through (I don't know if that was supposed to happen, but it's much more confusing with them on. I could get lost in there. I'm going to chalk that up to opening night.) I love the outdoor graveyard scene, very creepy, and the forest scene is also a favorite. They make you work to find your way through that place. The new part is interesting; don't touch the button.

Length: 4/5 The length is always good. We went in a group of three and pretty much set our own pace. It may be diff. when they are super packed later on, but that's why I like to hit my favorites early. I like to spend time in my favorite places. However long it takes you will depend how quickly you make it out of the maze.

Overall: 4/5 I had a great time. I genuinely screamed, which is difficult to get me to do. I've come several years in a row and it hasn't gotten old. There is always something new and always new characters to interact with.

[Slappy]

Hacker House
Date Attended: September 30, 2011
Submitted By: sissyhaunt

Scare Factor 5/5 – Hacker House has come through again! We started out nervous because of how they traumatized us last year. We quickly found out that we were right to be nervous. They were continuously in our faces. Several times I had to stop and stick my face into the wall so I didn’t have to look at the monsters surrounding me. They quickly assess what scares you and then use it against you. They sometimes would whisper in my ear and other times scream in my ear, they would breathe on my neck and even grabbed at my feet. They chased us in the parking lot and even managed to get into our car again this year while others reached into our windows. Yes, we left traumatized again!

Actors 5/5 – The actors in this haunt start getting you pretty much from the time you step out of your car. They are very in your face and never break character. You know that they love what they are doing because every one of them gives it their all. So much so that you start to wonder if they are actors or the real thing! They manage to have a scare for everyone. No matter how brave you are they will find something to make you jump.

Set Design/Props/FX 5/5 – They improve on their sets every year. My favorite one this year was an area that had lasers that made it look like you were wading through a swamp. I couldn’t see anything from the waist down and could feel things touching my lower legs. It was extremely effective in freaking me out which made it worse when monsters suddenly appeared in front of me. The maze is even more confusing this year and I started to think we wouldn’t find our way out. In fact, we found a small section in the maze and hid there for about 5 minutes just so we could catch our breath.

Length 5/5 – The length of this haunt is perfect and worth the 2 hour drive I make to get there. I am not sure how long we were actually in there but it seemed like hours to me. Also, the haunt starts from the time you get out of the car which makes it even longer. They have plenty of monsters to entertain you while in line as well.

Overall 5/5 – I love this haunt! I don’t think I scream or laugh quite as much at any other haunt as I do here. I have been lucky enough to meet several of the actors without their make-up and thought that this would help me be braver. What I found is that it doesn’t matter if you know who is behind the make-up, once they put it on it is still very scary. This is a must see haunt and if you don’t go then you are missing out on the best part of the haunt season. They are quick at figuring out your fears and then taking it further to really frighten you. This is a shockingly horrific experience!

[Slappy]

Hacker House
Submitted by: mjones
Visit Date: 9/30

Scare Factor: 3.5/5
First off I'd like to applaud the line management - small groups, wouldn't even hear of 6 people - totally appreciated that.  We never saw a another group on the trail, and even the three of us were split up at one point.  The best fright of the trip was the room with the laser field at waist height and the airbags.  I was in the front, so I think this mostly worked best for me, but when the hooded guy just rose up out of the laser like water, yeah...I yelped a little, I'm not gonna lie.

Actors: 5/5 Here's what I'll say about the actors; we hung out in the parking lot for a bit after going through the haunt, and I saw monsters terrorizing people all the way into their cars, following up on back-and-forths from throughout the haunt, and one guy never would take his mask off while terrorizing one of our group, and he was totally off duty!  First night of the season (well, my season, anyway), light crowd, these guys to a monster brought their best.  I'm actually tempted to go back when there's a bigger crowd just to watch them interact with more people.

Sets/Props/FX: 4/5 Loved the catacombs, the swamp was big and detailed, and a a nice blend of inside/outside sets.  As I said, the laser room was a real highlight for its originality and effectiveness. I was also a fan of the factory set, we pressed the guy's buttons for him.

Length: 5/5 Felt long to me!  I think the length is helped by how much back-and-forth the monsters do.  I'm used to exchanging comments with them, but we were having full-on conversations.  All in character, all awesome.  It really helps to drive the mood home when the actors can roll with their characters.

Overall: 4.5/5 I've missed the trip to Hacker House for the last two years, and I must say the place has improved by leaps and bounds in the last few years.  There needs to be much better signage and lighting, but I heard there were electrical problems on the night we went, so I'm sure that'll get fixed up in a hurry.  But from the giant smoking jack-o-lantern man straight through the dude licking that girl's car window, I was thoroughly impressed.  I'm so glad we started with this one, I'm really ready for a nice, full season of haunting now!

[Slappy]

Hacker House
Date Attended: 9/30/2011
Submitted By: Waya

Scare Factor 4/5 – Hacker House is one of the haunts I attend every year and have for the last several. It is located in a perfect setting in the woods which lends to the eerie fun. Every year is an improvement over the last and this year was no different, you will find a scare around every corner and be taken from haunted houses to swamps and thru mazes
that will have you all turned around. You never know where someone will pop out at you, above, below, or from the side, you never know. This is a great haunt and you should make sure it is one you attend.

Actors 4/5 – The actors did a great job in their particular areas and stayed in character with no problems from the demented Bunny to the swamp creatures and of course you can’t forget the Bacon! You will have to attend to understand but trust me you’ll love it. You will be entertained from standing in line through the entire haunt.

Set Design/FX/ Prop 4/5 – I found that a lot of time and thought went into the design of the set and the special f/x this year and the details were excellent down to the use of lasers and a maze sure to get you turned around. My favorite area was the swamp, had you feeling like you were in a marsh and lots of great places for the actors to hide.

Length 5/5 – The length of this haunt is just about right, not too long and not too short, and every second is packed with something going on all the way down to your wait in line you will be entertained.

Overall 4/5 – This is definitely a haunt I would advise to have on your list to attend this year. So grab someone you want to be grabbed by because at some point they will be using you for cover. So go and enjoy a night of fun.

[Slappy]

Hacker House
Date Attended: September 30, 2011
Submitted by: Bethyboo
 
Scare Factor 5/5- This is the scariest haunted house that I have ever been to! I tried to convince myself that I would be braver this year, but all that went out the window as soon as we pulled into the parking lot. From the time we got in line we were approached by monsters, (who noticed our fear right away, even though we were trying to act brave). I immediately knew we were in trouble once inside. It didn’t matter who was in the lead for our group, we were attacked by monsters throughout the attraction. I tried to become one with a wall several times in hopes they couldn’t get me. That didn’t work at all. The scares are in your face and loud. I never knew what was lurking around the next corner, and
had to be pushed forward several times by my group.
 
Actors 5/5- These actors have a lot of energy! They know what is scary and use it to their advantage. I was hoping that the monsters would get tired and I could make a break for it, but that didn’t happen. I was beginning to wonder if we would be able to escape the Hacker House. They monsters come after you, even if you make it out of one room, they are always close by.
 
Set Design/Props/FX 5/5-The set design is incredible! All the rooms have such detail and originality. This just adds to the scare factor which is already incredibly high due to the actors. There was one room in particular which was very dark below the waist and there were lasers in there making it look like water. We were hesitant to enter at first because you couldn’t see what you were walking into. Let’s just say this room scared me so bad I almost took out my entire group! This was a really scary effect and I’ve never seen anything like
it before.
 
Length 5/5- I think the length of this attraction is great. It seems to last a long time. (Especially for someone scared like me). There is a maze that is very disorientating and at one point I thought we were actually going back through the attraction backwards! Once outside, we had a few monsters that tried to follow us home!
 
Overall 5/5- I love this haunted attraction! It is so scary, I start getting nervous before we begin our drive to Pilot Mountain. I think it is the best value for your money. You won’t leave disappointed if your desire is to be terrorized, chased, and scared to death. I hope to visit again before the end of haunt season.