The cast members' impressive costumes and makeup are distinct features of the Black Box haunted house. Photo by RODNEY FLEMING/R-JENERATION. The Black Box. a Freakling Bros.' haunted house, will be replaced next year with a new and improved haunt. Photo by RODNEY FLEMING/R-JENERATION.

Halloween is nearly here and haunted houses have risen throughout town. In the mood to be scared, scream and jump ? Then check out some of the valley's most popular fright fests. Here's some of what you can find:

CASTLE VAMPYRE

Freakling Bros. has received a reputation of offering some of the better haunted houses in Las Vegas, and they live up to it with this year's rendition of Castle Vampyre.

When I arrived at the Castle, located at the corner of Smoke Ranch and Rainbow, the usual haunted house characteristics were there -- dark, haunting music was playing as smoke rose through the air. I was greeted by an extravagantly tall executioner with glowing red eyes. He paced back and forth slowly, attempting to instill fear in those waiting in line. He silently crept up behind one woman without her noticing and began to breathe on her neck. After a moment she let out a scream as her family errupted in laughter. Even the executioner let out a chuckle.

When it was my turn, I was led to the entrance of the Castle by a short, stout ogre. There, a rather attractive yet frightening vampire informed me of the safety rules. Her eyes shone a dark red and her stare sent shivers throughout me. It was now time to experience Castle Vampyre.

The imagination in this Freakling Bros. creation took me by surprise. Throughout the Castle there are fascinating and convincing optical illusions that tease the senses and perplex the mind, many of which I have never seen before in my 12 years of haunted house hopping. New ideas and unique visual representations give Castle Vampyre an edge.

Another rare thing about this haunted house was that it was physically demanding, which was a nice surprise, but may be unfortunate for some. At one point, one must bend down to waist level to escape what seems like impending doom.

Adding to the excitement are clever "pop-out" spots one wouldn't expect. Also unique to the Castle is that you can actually speak with some of the actors -- the ghouls and vampires do a fine acting job and are rather convincing.

On the downside, Castle Vampyre utilized what many other haunted houses usually do -- long, pitch-black hallways. They are not terrifying but instead seem more like a challenge to surpass without bumping your knee or foot. Fortunately, Castle Vampyre doesn't overdo it like others do.

One of the high points of the Castle is its ending, which I won't spoil for anyone. They've had the same one for the past couple years. It's unique and unexpected, unless of course you've been in the Castle before.

Freakling Bros. created an excellent Castle Vampyre this year. It successfully terrifies and delights, and doesn't overdo the pitch-black scenario or violence. Castle Vampyre will be open every night, offering chills and thrills through Halloween. Don't miss it.

THE ASYLUM

Screams could be heard from the parking lot. Bloody, disfigured doctors and nurses roamed aimlessly, many pulling off the insane act very well. A strobe light flashed atop the structure, illuminating the dark and gloomy lettering "The Asylum," the name of the haunted house modeled after a psychiatric hospital, located at Jones and I-95.

After the wait in line, a pediatrician with bolts in his head called into The Asylum, "We've got 4 new patients!" I found myself wondering, "What's going to be the treatment?" It was a hearty dose of freak you out.

Enterting the Asylum, we were confronted by hoards of cockroaches all over the walls. The use of strobe lights gave the illusion that they were actually moving.

After this, bloody chambers and doctors' offices were found as well as maniacal patients. The actors at The Asylum did a very good job of instilling fear -- they shouted, screamed, and banged like unruly patients.

Like nearly all haunted houses, there was a long period where you're engulfed in darkness. This continued for quite some time as groups are forced to feel their way through the perplexing maze. The maze was so difficult to pass through that the group I was part of caught up to the group ahead of us because they'd gotten lost.

A cool aspect of The Asylum was that it ventured outside. For a portion of the experience, one is terrified beneath the stars. The ending of The Asylum was a classic in haunted houses. It's been used for as long as I can remember, but it never fails to get a great reaction.

Overall, The Asylum was a very good haunted house. The actors did a wonderful job of terrifying and disturbing and the numerous optical illusions throughout the house were mesmerizing. The long, dark halls were forgivable due to the great performances of the actors. Don't miss the Asylum. It frightens and delights in a unique manner.

BLACK BOX

The final year of the Freakling Bros.' most well known haunted house, The Black Box, has arrived. After this Halloween, a new haunted house will take its place.

I was hoping for a rather extravagant and unique Black Box this year at Sunset Station, considering it's the final one, but I was left slightly disappointed. It left me no more thrilled than the year before.

While standing in line I was jolted by the sound of a mad man slamming a shovel into the concrete. He ran and shouted like a maniac, getting screams out of the younger children. It was unnerving and got my adrenaline pumping for the Box.

The Black Box opened with a very clever beginning. It appeared as if you're trapped in a room of locked doors, but then a ghoul popped out of a very unexpected place to lead you down the correct path.

The halls of the Box were covered with surreal, black light paintings and figures, some of which came to life. It seemed as if one is surrounded by objects of a parallel universe or alternate dimension.

Unfortunately, The Black Box used the clich black hallways common in so many haunted houses, and to add insult to injury, the floor during this period of the house was uneven and difficult to maneuver on. Going over an obstacle course in pure darkness is not my idea of a scary time.

A frightful aspect of the Box is that the actors get very intimate with haunted house-goers. Numerous times I smelled the breath of a ghoul or goblin. Throughout the experience, actors confronted us, asking questions and attempting to intimidate. It went well with the atmosphere.

Another distinct feature of the Black Box were the costumes of the actors. For the first time in my haunted house career, I was actually impressed by the makeup and costumes.

The ending of the Box is rather similar to the ending of Castle Vampyre -- both are equally surprising and unexpected.

Overall, I was hoping for more from the final year of the Black Box. This year seemed no different than last, however, I suggest going. It may not have been great, but it's a decent haunted house.