Nyctophobia Haunted House
1508 Main Road
Jamesport, NY
(Long Island)
Triple Feature Friday continued with a drive to Long Island for Nyctophobia Haunted House. Nyctophobia requires that you enter alone or in pairs. It is almost entirely dark and the people inside will touch you. It also has a safe word.
Twenty-year-old creator Eric Striffler is a member of Blackout Haunted House's exclusive survivor's club, but he is quick to point out that his inspiration for Nyctophobia didn't come from the Vortex theatre's haunt. In fact, he came up with the concept for Nyctophobia three years ago as part of a high school project, but at 17 he was unable to really put his plan into action. Until now.
As a fellow member of the survivor's club, I can attest to the fact that while there are some similarities between Nyctophobia and Blackout they each provide completely different experiences. Nyctophobia avoids the sexual and violent themes used in Blackout and instead relies on a physical structure that creates a dark sensory fun house. The actors touch you, but they use an intentionally light touch as you make your way through the dark obstacle filled labyrinth.
Is it Scary?
The official answer on their website: "Yes. Very. This is an intense and unique experience unlike any other haunted house on Long Island."
The Raven & Black Cat says: Fear is subjective. Some may find this terrifying. (They have had many people scream out the safe word.) If being touched in the dark while navigating a maze of tunnels, hallways, and sets makes you squirm then you will definitely enjoy this.
The Rules
What I Loved
The opening was fantastic. Each group of 1 (or 2 ) is forced to wait in a dimly lit holding cell. A fluorescent light with poor wiring sputters and struggles to stay lit occasionally going out completely for a second or two. In the distance you can hear retro children's music so creepy it will make your skin crawl. When an actor finally brings you into the house they explain the premise and then use a simple sensory tactic that made me want to jump out of my skin. The opening set the scene perfectly and was great for building tension, but the highlight of the haunt is only experienced by those who walk through alone. There is an amazingly chilling simulation burial that scared-y cats walking through in pairs will miss.
What Could Be Better
Eric Striffler's Nyctophobia is brimming with potential, but there are a few things that keep it from being truly terrifying. The first is that there are a lot of missed opportunities where they could take things further and intentionally don't out of concern that their Long Island audience won't attend if it is too scary. I believe very strongly that a haunted house can never be too scary. Instead of catering to the fearful they should offer 2 completely different versions. From 7-9 p.m., allow people to go through in pairs for a toned-down version and then from 9-11 p.m., don't hold back and only allow people to walk through alone. If you are doing something different and really scary people will come.
Final Thoughts
Nyctophobia is a haunted fun house with moments guaranteed to give you goose bumps. It is shocking that it was produced by someone so young. I look forward to future incarnations of Nyctophobia and wonder how the haunt will change and grow as its young creator matures.
Nyctophobia Runs
October 6th - 22nd
Ticket Discounts
Full Price Ticket Prices
General Admission: $18
VIP Premium: $23
- All tickets must be purchased online. No tickets will be sold at the door. Click Here to buy yours now! (They are nearly sold out for their last weekend.)
- General admission ticket holders will get $3 back if they go through alone and make it all the way to the end.
Age requirements
No one under the age of 14 will be admitted.
Additional Info
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