“ if you can create something that gets my jaded heart pumping, consider it a success.”
Last Halloween I had the pleasure of visiting Universal Studios Japan for the Halloween Horror Nights event. I have been to many HHN events in the US and I have to say that they do not compare in almost any way. While the scale of the parks and number of haunted houses is limited in the Japanese park, the level of commitment by both the actors and the crowd far exceed what I have experienced in most US parks during this time of year. The event in Japan is more about audience participation than just scare-houses and zones. I will highlight a few of these in future posts but in the realm of storytelling, one item springs to mind. The Biohazard The Extreme Plus installation takes this to a new level. I was lucky enough to experience this twice and on one occasion (the Leon entrance) was alone for most of it. First, I’d like to explain the installation for the uninitiated.
Walking into Biohazard The Extreme Plus feels like stepping straight into the game. The dim, flickering lights and unsettling sounds in the distance transport you into the world and fully immerses you. The setting: the Raccoon City Police station, is so well designed that it feels like the game (Resident Evil 2) has come to life around you. At no point are you “taken out of it” and your choice of maze/character greatly determines the viewing angle of the action inside the station.
From the moment you enter, you’re not treated as a guest, but a survivor. The experience challenges you to think quickly and act decisively, as you navigate through a series of interactive scenarios that test your courage and observation skills. Whether you’re solving a complex puzzle to unlock a door or frantically evading a horde of zombies, every moment is designed to keep constant sense of dread.
The encounters feel very real, with actors portraying zombies in very detailed makeup that bring the creatures to life as well as those being assaulted by the hordes. The experience is so immersive that you find yourself reacting instinctively, as if the threat is genuine.
The storytelling is woven seamlessly into every aspect of the installation. As you explore, you’re drawn deeper into the narrative, uncovering clues and secrets that connect to the larger Resident Evil universe. Familiar characters like Leon Kennedy or Clair Redfield appear (as well as others), guiding you or warning you of impending danger. These interactions add a layer of depth and authenticity to the moment and their engagement with the zombies through vignettes feel real and not staged like many in other ”houses” in the US parks.
What truly sets this attraction apart is the sense of unpredictability. The path you take (Claire or Leon) and the decisions you make can lead to different outcomes, adding a layer of suspense and excitement. Each time you enter, there’s the potential for a new, terrifying adventure, which keeps you on edge and makes the experience feel fresh and allows for replayability.
My two experiences were significantly different. The first episode was with a small group and watching them scream and laugh and engage with the actors guiding us through was fun and exhilarating. I should note that I do not speak Japanese, so being with the group was helpful as I did not understand the directions and just ‘went with the flow”. This made it fun and did not require much effort on my part.
The second experience was completely different one. For some reason I was alone in my grouping. On entering you are met by a police officer that tries to direct you where to go. She immediately noticed I did not understand her and played up to it, shaking her head in disgust and literally dragging me through the police station in an attempt to “save me”. Her performance was amazing, and I actually felt like she was trying to protect me while also letting me feel the peril of the situation. It set the tone and mood and I found myself actually sweating and my heart racing as I rushed from scene to scene.
This level of interaction is what I want out of my interactives going forward and have tried to build it into my future designs. I have been through hundreds of these installations and if you can create something that gets my jaded heart pumping, consider it a success.