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: 8.71
How Did We Get This Score?
Final Scores:
(15% of Final Score) Cast: 8.69
(15% of Final Score) Costuming: 9.01
(10% of Final Score) Customer Service: 8.39
(10% of Final Score) Atmosphere: 9
(15% of Final Score) Special Effects: 8.48
(5% of Final Score) Theme: 8.76
(15% of Final Score) Scare Factor: 8.7
(5% of Final Score) Entertainment & Value: 8.65
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Summary:
The Dead Factory has really grown since my last review 2 years ago. They are quickly becoming one of the best haunts in Mid Missouri! From the moment you get into the parking lot, you will be entertained with alarming actors who love their jobs and take it VERY seriously.
With a low price of just $20 dollars, you won’t be able to beat this all too fun experience that will have your heart pounding from the time you get into the parking lot.
Cast: 8.69
How Did We Get This Score?
Cast Scores (15% of Final Score):
(20% of Cast Score) Did it seem like there were enough actors?: 9.2
(30% of Cast Score) How creative, believable and convincing were the actors?: 8.5
(20% of Cast Score) How interactive were the actors (verbally and physically)?: 8.75
(15% of Cast Score) How creatively & appropriately did they use dialogue?: 8
(15% of Cast Score) Was there a good variety of characters?: 9
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The cast LOVE their jobs. LOVE THEM. Not a single crew member broke character or turned away from a good scare. No amount of passion was spared in this intense journey through a maze of your worst fears. I think the funniest moment was when we were in the “waiting room” and we got introduced to two neurotic nurses(one of which has a massive head wound) and when we asked about it, she whacked her head on a clipboard and said, “Because I keep doing that! THATS WHY!” and when I say she was whacking her head, I mean she was HITTING IT. Now that is love for your craft!
The big ol’ boys that play the cannibalistic pig people were bred to play that role. They were so daunting that they took me by surprise when I turned a corner and saw one just standing at the end of a hall just staring at me and my wife… waiting for his next meal.
I can’t give the cast big enough props for what they do and how they keep up such a great tone and attitude during the whole season. Not to mention, I didn’t show up early in the evening and everyone was STILL on point.
Costuming: 9.01
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?: 9
(25% of Costuming Score) How creative / detailed were the costumes?: 9.2
(20% of Costuming Score) Was their makeup creative? Detailed? Realistic?: 9
(15% of Costuming Score) How effectively did they use masks (if used)?: 8.7
(25% of Costuming Score) How appropriate were the costumes for their scene/s & theme/s?: 9
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There are at least 5 or 6 different ‘scenes’ within the haunt and each one offers a wide variety of very high quality and detailed costumes. The attention to detail truly shines as some actors actually have wet fake blood that they use to mark up the floors and walls and smear over the scenery or even on themselves!
One portion of the haunt that stood out to me was the cannibalistic pig men. The masks looked straight out of a high budget movie. Not only did they look ultra-realistic they used the right type of actor; large men who tower over you with their natural size that really captures the scene.
When you visit this haunt, try not to forget to appreciate how every scene is meticulously detailed down to every actor’s costume.
Customer Service: 8.39
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?: 9.25
(20% of CS Score) How easy was it to find their information before* arrival?: 9
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The people who run this haunt know that YOU are the most important part of the haunt industry and they show it. They have friendly staff, one of the owners that I met (Brian) that LOVES his job and takes it very seriously, and plenty of maniacs that make this experience one of the most engrossing and well ran, customer-pleasing operations I have ever been to. That may sound like a bold statement but, it’s more than true. My wife who had to use the facilities was escorted by an actor, who never broke character and had a genuine creepy way of making sure she got to the proper place. The attention to detail all while being helpful AND scary at the same time’ that’s talent.
The location is a little odd to get to. A large sign that’s easily visible from the road advertises the location, but when you turn off of the road, it looks like The Dead Factory could be a hardware store or a smoke shop. The haunt is actually located down a small service drive tucked between and behind the two aforementioned buildings. Once you figure out where it is, it becomes pretty obvious, but I would say that investing in a large lighted sign or two or an actor or customer service person standing out there to help direct would be great.
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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Beginning from the moment we got out of our cars to the time we got into line and all the way back to our cars to leave the property, we felt like we were about to endure being scared. Actors stand like statues and stare at you from the second you pull in; will they move? Are they real? Are they actually actors? You won’t know until one of them moves towards you.
When standing in line, they have music and fire dancers, who were not there at the time of the review, along with that they have a spooky light show of ghosts and goblins displayed on the side of their huge building. While you wait in line, there is a creepy fortune teller who will taunt you on your way into the ‘Grand’ hall of the waiting line. The ‘Grand’ Hall (I like to call it that because it’s where a lot of the pre-show begins) feels like if Friday the 13th, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Saw were all roommates and in charge of decorating. With its super high ceilings, a caged exit ramp, and TV’s showing ‘victims’ lining the walls, it heightens all of the suspense before you get into the main attraction.
Special Effects: 8.48
How Did We Get This Score?
Special Effects Scores (15% of Final Score):
(20% of SFX Score) How effective were the sound effects?: 7
(20% of SFX Score) How creative / original were the scenes & props?: 8.6
(20% of SFX Score) How well were the scenes detailed?: 9
(25% of SFX Score) How well did they achieve & maintain the suspension of disbelief?: 9
(15% of SFX Score) How effective were the SFX at providing scares / entertainment?: 8.75
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I called this a ‘Low Budget’ haunt a few years back. Back then, it was true, but they have put some serious money towards their actors and the environments and all that it entails. Every room hits on a different phobia people have and some of these include giant egg-laying spiders, doctors with screaming patients asking for help that are strapped to gurneys, CLOWNS and worse of all GIANT SNAKES that seem to be moving through the wall. Every inch of this place is covered with details and leaves little room to relax at all.
There does seem to be some point that could use some animatronics in place of some static figures. In a few of the halls we see some skeletons that look great, but don’t hide anything or act as any transition. I think this is the one spot that needs a little work, an animatronic in some places would really make these segments stand out and keep the stress level at a solid 10.
Theme: 8.76
How Did We Get This Score?
Theme Scores (5% of Final Score):
(30% of Theme Score) Could you tell what the theme was?: 9.2
(50% of Theme Score) How well was the theme carried throughout the attraction/s?: 8.5
(20% of Theme Score) How well does their location authenticate the theme?: 8.75
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Are you scared of something? Anything at all? They probably have something to make you nervous in this place. I could list everything I remember seeing but I don’t want to ruin anything for any fellow haunt enthusiasts. However, if you’re looking for a storyline or a conclusive story, this does not have it. However, its narrative is driven by each room conjuring up the fears you may have acquired as a child.
Scare Factor: 8.7
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?: 9
(25% of Scare Factor Score) How predictable were the scares?: 8.25
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How well did they provide a wide variety of scares?: 9
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How strong was the ending / finale?: 9.25
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What makes this a stand-out haunt in Missouri (yes all of Missouri) is that it wears its size, its budget, and the passion on its sleeve like a badge of honor. This is one of the few haunts that I can honestly say brings me stress, and that’s a good thing. The actors have a love for the haunt and want/accept nothing more than to make you feel uncomfortable. Each scene is dripping with the love only a true haunt lover can create.
There is something else that I can’t put my finger on. Something existential that makes this haunt something truly special and terrifying. The location, the sounds, the sights, the way every step feels like a haunt that has been purified like something out of a movie makes this an attraction that can only be experienced in person.
Entertainment & Value: 8.65
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?: 7
(30% of E&V Score) How appropriate is/are the ticket price/s?: 9.25
(15% of E&V Score) Have they effectively used their available space?: 9
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It took my wife and me about 30 minutes to complete the haunt and at $20 dollars this is a steal! That puts their minutes of entertainment received per dollar spent at 1.5 which is above average!
The amount of content and entertainment you will get within this time is enormous. And with plans to expand, I’m excited to see what happens in the future!
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!
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