Rating: 3/5 stars
A rust-bucket ice cream truck. A chainsaw-wielding madman. Countless teenagers shrieking in fear.
This is just a regular experience at FrightWorld.
Since Sept. 21, Sheridan Drive has been home to FrightWorld Screampark, an indoor scream-a-thon guaranteed to frighten and thrill guests. From 6:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends until Halloween, FrightWorld hosts a spooky atmosphere that will amaze lovers of the grotesque with its fanatic attention to detail.
There are five haunted houses to add to the terrifying adventure: Wicked Woods, Grindhouse, Raven Hill Asylum, Deathtrap and Phobiaz. Unfortunately, though, the scare is left for the younger audience.
Though the houses are creepily decorated,nothing in the houses compare to the high-pitched screams of cracked voices resonating through the smog. Speed walking is just not fast enough to escape from that teenage horror.
Phobiaz gives those with the courage to confront their deepest fears an opportunity to face them.Due to the adrenaline high many feel when afraid, employees make sure to point out a sign near the doorway that reads, "If you punch our monsters, you will go to jail," before allowing patrons to enter.
One of the few flaws of the experience is how the over-inflated walls of Phobiaz limit moving space for customers. The inner tube walls push the patrons back and forth, causing hearts to panic - claustrophobic or not.
Haunted Woods is another masterfully crafted house. Patrons are made to feel like campers lost in the wilderness as they walk through elevated tree houses, across bridges and through a corn maze while being chased by the walking dead. The handcrafted environment alone is impressive enough to enjoy.
The Grindhouse and Deathtrap houses are filled with the smell of diesel fuel as the fan-favorite chainsaw-wielding man runs around, swiping and revving his chainsaw around the contours of screaming bodies.
The Asylum is more disturbing than scary. An elevator ride, creepy walk-through bathroom stalls and a frustrating mirror maze showcase FrightWorld's dedication to authenticity. The designers spared absolutely no expense to creep out the unsuspecting clients of Buffalo.
The experience at FrightWorld is worth the money - $23 for five houses is not much considering the actors within each house are dedicated and costumed well enough to match their character.
Email: arts@ubspectrum.com
