This attraction was reviewed on October 4, 2019 by Team Hauntarama.
How Do We Get These Scores?
Our Rating System
UPDATE FOR 2022: Our former “Atmosphere” and “Theme” categories have now been combined and renamed “Immersion.” Our intent with this is to give more appropriate credit to attractions that have shown a clear focus on achieving and maintaining better customer experiences (both inside and outside the attractions) and developing creative storylines.
Each of the category scores in this review are calculated using a weighted average of several questions that we rate on a scale of 1 to 10.
The following breakdown explains what these scores typically mean. All of our Teams use this as a reference for providing accurate ratings:
10: “Peak Performance”This score is treated as if it has a chastity belt on it. “10’s” are reserved for the best of the best; those that we feel could not possibly improve on what they’re doing.
9: “Innovative and Groundbreaking”It rocked! Nearly everything seemed to go as planned and it was one of the best we’ve ever seen! These guys are leaders in the industry, and attractions like this are truly hard to come by.
8: “Solid”A high score on our scale. They had a good handle on it and, overall, they knew how to use it well. Most attractions can learn from what these guys are doing.
6 to 7: “Good”We could tell that a good effort was made. However, we’ve seen this done much better at other places, or can detect areas where significant improvements can be made. This is about the top end of what we’d call “Family Friendly.”
5: “Average / Fair”Compared to the competition, they weren’t the best, but definitely not the worst. Scares and Special Effects in this range are usually considered “Family Friendly.”
3 to 4: “Below Average”We could see that a clear attempt was made, but most other professional attractions are doing a much better job at this.
1 to 2: “Poor”It appeared that very little time, thought or effort was contributed to this aspect.
0 (Zero): “Non-Existent”No apparent effort was made to make this a significant contributor to the attraction.
Afterword:This rating system is standardized across all of The Scare Factor’s official haunt review teams. However, keep in mind there will always be minor differences between Teams, as we all have varying levels of experience. Regardless, we do our best to remain true to our core values, which is to promote all haunted attractions!Perhaps the biggest thing to remember is: sometimes the score – in and of itself – doesn’t tell the whole story about an attraction’s merits. This is why we provide detailed explanations for each category… to help you better understand how and why we chose the score/s that we did.We do our best to not let feelings or emotions rule our judgement, while also viewing the attraction through the lens of the typical haunt-goer. But, because all reviews with ratings are inherently subjective, this is nearly impossible to completely prevent. Though, when in doubt, we tend to give slightly lower scores than our original “gut feelings” to account for this, and also give the attraction more room to improve over time.We also do our best to be fair and consistent across all of the haunts that we review. We know that you’ll be looking at these scores and comparing them to other attractions, so we hope this review helps you out in that aspect.Do you have some feedback about our review system? Contact Us Here to let us know what you think!
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Final Score: 8.61
How Did We Get This Score?
Final Scores:
(15% of Final Score) Cast: 8.76
(15% of Final Score) Costuming: 8.79
(10% of Final Score) Customer Service: 8.41
(10% of Final Score) Atmosphere: 9
(15% of Final Score) Special Effects: 8.3
(5% of Final Score) Theme: 8.95
(15% of Final Score) Scare Factor: 8.16
(5% of Final Score) Entertainment & Value: 8.79
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Summary:
Located in the heart of Colorado Springs, Hellscream is, without a doubt, one of Colorado’s top haunts, rivaled most closely by its sister attraction just down the road, Haunted Mines. Although this review is solely about Hellscream (but don’t forget to click over to our review of Haunted Mines after this), we would be failing hauntgoers if we didn’t strongly suggest visiting both attractions.
In any case, Hellscream is premised upon the twisted tale of Dr. Von Helton, a Victorian era doctor turned mad scientist, and his collection of creations that still lurk within his mansion. And the Hellscream team has been working for months to bring that story to fruition while keeping the haunt fresh, boasting new changes to around 40% of the experience.
Cast: 8.76
How Did We Get This Score?
Cast Scores (15% of Final Score):
(20% of Cast Score) Did it seem like there were enough actors?: 8.75
(30% of Cast Score) How creative, believable and convincing were the actors?: 8.75
(20% of Cast Score) How interactive were the actors (verbally and physically)?: 9
(15% of Cast Score) How creatively & appropriately did they use dialogue?: 8.5
(15% of Cast Score) Was there a good variety of characters?: 8.75
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There was never a dull moment at Hellscream, from the ticket counter through the end of the haunt. Creepers taunt and jeer at customers in line, while the Team Wildlyfe fire dancers spun flames opposite a movie screen showing a seasonal classic. Even Dr. Von Helton himself, accompanied by his quick wit, strolled about, welcoming new guests.
The cast inside the haunt took that same interactivity and supercharged it! From the moment the front door swung shut behind us, we were inundated with [SOMETHING]. As we worked our way through, treated to a slew of aggressive ghosts, writhing wretches and other undead inhabitants trapped in Von Helton manor, the off season changes became obvious, but it was the cast that brought those set pieces to life. Each different area was fully stocked with unique characters, complete with dialogue to match their various surroundings. Although there was the occasional spot where an actor merely screamed or screeched as we passed, most seemed well prepared to progress further than a simple jump scare. One roaming scene, in particular, was a tremendous addition, as we were witness to a familiar character tracking down a cowering, hospital gowned patient in real time right before our eyes.
Costuming: 8.79
How Did We Get This Score?
Costuming Scores (15% of Final Score):
(15% of Costuming Score) How complete / finished did the costumes appear to be?: 8.85
(25% of Costuming Score) How creative / detailed were the costumes?: 8.8
(20% of Costuming Score) Was their makeup creative? Detailed? Realistic?: 8.5
(15% of Costuming Score) How effectively did they use masks (if used)?: 8.75
(25% of Costuming Score) How appropriate were the costumes for their scene/s & theme/s?: 9
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The costumes at Hellscream are nothing short of wonderful, generally showing some of the highest quality we’ve encountered at professional haunts. Those actors whose costumes weren’t necessarily believable in their appearance (the very hungry victim in the basement, for instance) seemed to embrace the fun. Likewise, the makeup and masks were superb! Although there was the occasional misfitting mask or overly-simple airbrushed face, they were rare. The combination of quality costumes, magnificent makeup and masks, and awesome actors created a tremendous experience!
Customer Service: 8.41
How Did We Get This Score?
Customer Service Scores (10% of Final Score):
(25% of CS Score) How easy was it to locate the attraction, park, and navigate the premises?: 7.5
(30% of CS Score) How safe was the attraction?: 8
(25% of CS Score) How professional, helpful and friendly were the staff members?: 9.75
(20% of CS Score) How easy was it to find their information before* arrival?: 8.5
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As with the cast, the customer service personnel at Hellscream leaves nothing to be desired. We were greeted with friendly smiles, warm welcomes and fast answers to any questions we had. Given Hellscream’s social media, regular media and general internet presence, there were no problems gathering any necessary information. The only real oddity is the parking situation, where there seems to be an unspoken understanding that hauntgoers park in the dark lot of a neighboring strip mall. The darkness and unlevel surface of that lot could cause some issues, particularly for over-enthusiastic haunt fans. With respect to the haunt itself, though, possible tripping hazards were adequately marked for the most part that even the most terrified guests would be safe.
Atmosphere: 9
How Did We Get This Score?
Atmosphere Scores (10% of Final Score):
(60% of Atmosphere Score) How obvious was it that you were at a haunted house before entering?: 9
(40% of Atmosphere Score) How well did the atmosphere prepare you for what you experienced inside?: 9
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The atmosphere at Hellscream begins before you ever step foot on the property. Two giant spotlights emanate from the top of the building, beckoning visitors like the Batsignal. Although the view from Fillmore Street is a bit tame, the flickering strobes set the stage for what is to come. As guests approach the ticket booth, the full scene, complete with spinning fire and creeping creatures, comes into view, entreating folks to a preview of what awaits inside Dr. Von Helton’s house of horrors.
Special Effects: 8.3
How Did We Get This Score?
Special Effects Scores (15% of Final Score):
(20% of SFX Score) How effective were the sound effects?: 8
(20% of SFX Score) How creative / original were the scenes & props?: 8.5
(20% of SFX Score) How well were the scenes detailed?: 8
(25% of SFX Score) How well did they achieve & maintain the suspension of disbelief?: 8.5
(15% of SFX Score) How effective were the SFX at providing scares / entertainment?: 8.5
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Hellscream definitely boasts some great special effects, but it is not what we would consider a high-tech haunt. Most of the special effects played supporting roles to the cast, which allowed the cast to truly shine. Ambient audio floated through the path, including warning bangs and clangs from further ahead, pairing perfectly with the strobes and spotlights highlighting the horrors below beautifully. The pathway winding through the haunt is it’s own masterpiece, allowing the creative cast to bring forth scares from its many shadowy crossings. The environmental effects that existed were very well done, with one exception. A particular room on the top floor of the Manor, as mentioned in our 2018 review as well, fell flat. While it could conceivably fit within the haunted manor theme, it seemed to bear little resemblance to the areas before it and after it. It was also quite unadorned, leaving little to the imagination and laying bare some home haunter’s tricks. Suffice it to say, we were not fans of that room no matter how hard we tried to noodle it into something more fitting.
Theme: 8.95
How Did We Get This Score?
Theme Scores (5% of Final Score):
(30% of Theme Score) Could you tell what the theme was?: 9
(50% of Theme Score) How well was the theme carried throughout the attraction/s?: 9
(20% of Theme Score) How well does their location authenticate the theme?: 8.75
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Dr. Von Helton’s story is set out on the Hellscream website in a clear yet entertaining manner, but it fully sets in when visitors are met with the ‘real’ Dr. Von Helton just inside the gates. As the actor paces the queue line, guests are treated to his dark humor, a bit of his history and an introduction to some of his more heinous experiments. Although one of the big changes made at Hellscream renders part of the back story inapplicable, speaking with Vince Stites of Hellscream Entertainment, it is clear that the haunt is working to truly embrace the Victorian mad scientist’s menagerie theme, and it does so quite well. As interesting as Dr. Von Helton’s story is, however, the building itself apparently has a long and storied history involving medical mishaps, which heightened the authenticity of Dr. Von Helton’s sordid estate.
Scare Factor: 8.16
How Did We Get This Score?
Scare Factor Scores (15% of Final Score):
(30% of Scare Factor Score) How scary was it?: 8.5
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How well did they provide scares to the entire group?: 7.75
(25% of Scare Factor Score) How predictable were the scares?: 7.75
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How well did they provide a wide variety of scares?: 8
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How strong was the ending / finale?: 8.75
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Even to seasoned haunt fans like us, Hellscream is frighteningly fun! Between the wending paths for the haunters to pop up in new and unexpected spots, and the changes made during warmer weather, the haunt layout was familiar enough to lull us into believing we knew where actors would emerge only to be proven wrong. One room in particular, which was fairly unremarkable in and of itself, gave the impression that we were entering a scene from a scary movie, triggering an instinct to get out as soon as possible, which is a rare thing for us. While there were a few times when the scare was given away by the visible slits or holes in the walls, they didn’t detract from the experience overall. Likewise, the cast’s preference for going after the screamer in our group, while perfectly sensical, did leave a few scares unrealized for the rest of the group.
Once again, the finale at Hellscream was a gem! Four actors combined to give one of the best performances at the haunted attraction. Beginning with the raucous hangman, and continuing through the cavernous entrails of the Von Helton manor with a monsterous miner and killer clown working in tandem to give fleeing guests one final buzz, the finale added just enough of a twist to give a somewhat cliche conclusion a second life!
Entertainment & Value: 8.79
How Did We Get This Score?
Entertainment & Value Factor Scores (15% of Final Score):
(30% of E&V Score) How satisfied were you with the entertainment received during the main attraction/s?: 9
(25% of E&V Score) How satisfied were you with the entertainment that’s available with* the ticket price, excluding the main attraction/s?: 8.75
(30% of E&V Score) How appropriate is/are the ticket price/s?: 8.5
(15% of E&V Score) Have they effectively used their available space?: 9
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Despite being one of the premiere haunts in the nation, Hellscream keeps its rates very reasonable, with a general admission price of $22.00. The real savings, though are in the combo pass for just $36.00, which grants access to both Hellscream and its sister attraction just down the road, Haunted Mines! For those low prices, haunt fans get an evening’s worth of entertainment, complete with a pizza coupon to boot. One would be hard pressed to find a better time this haunt season, especially for such a great price. Make sure to make time to visit Colorado’s fan selected reigning top haunt for the second year running, Hellscream!
How Did We Get These Scores
Our Rating System
Each of the category scores in this review are calculated using a weighted average of several questions that we rate on a scale of 1 to 10.
The following breakdown explains what these scores typically mean. All of our Teams use this as a reference for providing accurate ratings:
10: “Peak Performance”This score is treated as if it has a chastity belt on it. “10’s” are reserved for the best of the best; those that we feel could not possibly improve on what they’re doing.
9: “Innovative and Groundbreaking”It rocked! Nearly everything seemed to go as planned and it was one of the best we’ve ever seen! These guys are leaders in the industry, and attractions like this are truly hard to come by.
8: “Solid”A high score on our scale. They had a good handle on it and, overall, they knew how to use it well. Most attractions can learn from what these guys are doing.
6 to 7: “Good”We could tell that a good effort was made. However, we’ve seen this done much better at other places, or can detect areas where significant improvements can be made. This is about the top end of what we’d call “Family Friendly.”
5: “Average / Fair”Compared to the competition, they weren’t the best, but definitely not the worst. Scares and Special Effects in this range are usually considered “Family Friendly.”
3 to 4: “Below Average”We could see that a clear attempt was made, but most other professional attractions are doing a much better job at this.
1 to 2: “Poor”It appeared that very little time, thought or effort was contributed to this aspect.
0 (Zero): “Non-Existent”No apparent effort was made to make this a significant contributor to the attraction.
Afterword:This rating system is standardized across all of The Scare Factor’s official haunt review teams. However, keep in mind there will always be minor differences between Teams, as we all have varying levels of experience. Regardless, we do our best to remain true to our core values, which is to promote all haunted attractions!Perhaps the biggest thing to remember is: sometimes the score – in and of itself – doesn’t tell the whole story about an attraction’s merits. This is why we provide detailed explanations for each category… to help you better understand how and why we chose the score/s that we did.We do our best to not let feelings or emotions rule our judgement, while also viewing the attraction through the lens of the typical haunt-goer. But, because all reviews with ratings are inherently subjective, this is nearly impossible to completely prevent. Though, when in doubt, we tend to give slightly lower scores than our original “gut feelings” to account for this, and also give the attraction more room to improve over time.We also do our best to be fair and consistent across all of the haunts that we review. We know that you’ll be looking at these scores and comparing them to other attractions, so we hope this review helps you out in that aspect.Do you have some feedback about our review system? Contact Us Here to let us know what you think!
