Screeching Halls of Terror

Ethan, who lost his mother when he was 8, carries a painful past due to an abusive father. His father, Mr. James, struggled with the loss of his wife and dealt with his depression by locking Ethan away in a dark wooden closet. These tough experiences left Ethan deeply scared, tormenting his childhood and trapping him within the nightmarish realm of his own dreams.

 

In "Screeching Halls of Terror," Ethan finds himself trapped in a nightmarish version of a mansion that mirrors his haunting memories. The mansion's walls are engulfed in darkness, and the creaking wooden floors echo the symphony of his past fears, tied to the traumatic experience of being confined by his father. As he navigates this eerie world, Ethan realizes that his only way out is by discovering a scattered 6-number combination hidden throughout the mansion. This combination serves as the key to unlocking the mysterious lock that binds him to this distorted reality, granting him freedom from the horrors he faces.

 

Armed with nothing but a wind-up torchlight, Ethan embarks on a journey that reflects his struggle to conquer his inner demons and confront the traumatic events that have haunted him. Within the mansion, certain rooms hold pieces of the key representing challenges he must overcome in order to piece together the key that will set him free and help him heal.

 

As Ethan explores the mansion, he encounters three ghosts that embody his fears and traumas. One ghost is drawn to light, symbolizing the hope he clings to. Another is attracted to sound, representing the haunting whispers of his past. The third is a patrolling spirit that embodies the lingering presence of his childhood memories.

 

Solving the puzzles and facing the ghosts becomes a voyage of self-discovery and healing. With each puzzle conquered, Ethan gains a deeper understanding of his trauma, fortifying the strength he needs to push forward.

  The title "Screeching Halls of Terror" captures both the external horrors of the mansion, and the internal terrors Ethan must confront. Guiding Ethan through this psychological journey, players witness the profound impact of abusive trauma on a young mind, as well as the resilience required to confront and overcome it. The mansion becomes a metaphor for Ethan's path toward healing, closure, and ultimately breaking free from the screeching chains of his past.