Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Universal Studios Japan’s “Halloween Horror Nights” has finally gone all out this year to deliver “extreme terror.” At the heart of the experience are the new attractions “Afterimage” and “‘Resident Evil: Requiem’ The Dive.” These two distinct forms of terror will plunge visitors into the depths of hell.
After all, “Afterimage” is the first attraction in the history of Halloween Horror Night to be rated R-18 and require a waiver. It’s set in a “nightmare research facility” located on Stage 18. The story goes that guests visit the research facility as test subjects.
What’s so scary is that it’s already terrifying just reading the consent form. Once you step through that door as a test subject, you’ll find yourself wandering alone, trapped in a fear that creeps closer and closer, with no way to escape…
There is a scene where guests are escorted one by one into private rooms, and it seems the experience varies for each guest. The experience includes loud noises, vibrations, and being splashed with liquid; if you find it unbearable, you can withdraw by giving the signal you were instructed to use beforehand.
The experience is available from 10:00 a.m. until the park closes, but guests 17 years old and younger are not permitted to participate. A special ticket is required, with prices starting at 1,900 yen. If you absolutely must experience the afterimage, purchase the “Universal Express Pass 3+1 – Halloween Set & Afterimage,” which guarantees your spot, and you’ll be able to enjoy it alongside “Factory of Fear” “Jurassic Park: The Ride—In the Dark,” and “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.”
Meanwhile, “Resident Evil: Requiem—The Dive” is an immersive horror maze that can be experienced by a group of players. The setting includes locations such as the ruined “Renwood Hotel” featured in the game.
As a guest follows FBI analyst Grace into the hotel, creatures attack from all directions. You never know where they’ll jump out from, and if you hesitate to choose the next door, the monsters will catch up to you! It’s a heart-pounding experience from start to finish.
It went on surprisingly long, and just as I was thinking, “I still can’t get out (sob),” Leon and Grace’s live-action sequences unfolded right before my eyes, making me feel as if I’d actually stepped right into the game.
This attraction is also rated R-15 and can be experienced at Stage 18 from 10:00 a.m. until park closing. The event runs from September 11 to December 27, which is longer than the main Halloween Horror Nights period (September 11–November 8). An e-ticket is required, and the attraction is also available to Express Pass holders.
© Source travel watch