Shepton Mallet prison in Somerset holds the title of being the world’s oldest correctional facility. It is not only known for its historical significance but also for being one of the most haunted locations. From its establishment in 1625 to its closure in 2013, the prison housed a diverse range of inmates, including Victorian street urchins, American GIs, and even notorious figures like the Kray twins. Today, it serves as a tourist attraction, allowing visitors to experience a night behind bars. Among those who partake in this unique opportunity are paranormal investigators, adventurous tourists, and in this case, video game journalists with a rather unconventional idea: spending the night playing five recent horror games in a haunted prison.
Armed with only a torch, an electromagnetic field (EMF) detector, and a laptop, the journalists ventured into the eerie corridors of the prison to immerse themselves in these spine-chilling games. Here is a recount of their experience…
The Exit 8
In the unsettling B wing level 3 lies Cell 30, rumored to be haunted by a lingering inmate. This location served as the setting for the game “The Exit 8,” a cult psychological thriller by indie developer Kotake Create. Players navigate through the dark tunnels of a Japanese metro station, searching for anomalies to find their way out. The realistic visuals and eerie ambiance created a sense of unease, amplified by the prison’s stark environment.
In My Head
Located in the execution shed, where condemned prisoners awaited their fate, “In My Head” offered a dread-filled adventure resembling an old VHS horror film. Players explore a dark, ominous building in search of an ancient relic, surrounded by haunting sounds and ruined gothic interiors. The game’s detailed settings and unsettling atmosphere proved to be too much for the journalists, especially given the shed’s heavy, foreboding aura.
Panicore
The exercise yard, rumored to be built over a mass burial pit and haunted by a tragic figure from the past, set the stage for “Panicore.” This game thrusts players into a paranormal investigation within derelict buildings, evading AI-infused monsters in a tense, suspenseful experience. The game’s resemblance to the prison’s decaying structures heightened the horror, making it a truly terrifying encounter.
The Complex: Expedition
The gatehouse, a historic part of the prison with reported paranormal activity, hosted the game “The Complex: Expedition.” Players explore endless tunnels and passageways through the lens of a VHS camcorder, creating a surreal and unsettling atmosphere. Despite the game’s eerie nature, the juxtaposition of modern architecture and the prison’s ancient dungeon offered a bizarrely comforting experience.
Chuxie
In the women’s wing of the prison, known for sightings of the white lady, a convicted murderer, players encountered “Chuxie.” This viral horror game plunges players into an abandoned hospital filled with jump scares and ghostly apparitions. The game’s intense visuals and chilling atmosphere, combined with the wing’s darkness and haunting legends, made for an overwhelmingly terrifying gameplay.
In conclusion, the journalists’ night behind bars proved to be a spine-tingling experience. While they may not have encountered any actual ghosts, the immersive horror games in the prison’s eerie surroundings succeeded in sending shivers down their spines. The blend of darkness, echoing corridors, and the prison’s haunted history created a truly chilling atmosphere. Even after returning home, the journalists found themselves unable to replicate the same level of fear they experienced within Shepton Mallet prison.
Special thanks to Shepton Mallet prison for offering the Night Behind Bars experience, allowing guests to delve into the haunted history of this unique location. For those brave enough to explore its eerie corridors, the guided tour, priced at £70 per person, promises an unforgettable and spine-chilling adventure.