Stay in the Dark

This is a review of the Escape Room “Stay in the Dark” offered by DarkPark in Vlaardingen, Netherlands.
  • ⭐️ 9.5/10
  • 🌡 Medium
  • ⏳ 150 Minutes
  • 👥 2 – 6 Person

DarkPark is a synonym of quality games in the Netherlands and with The End they left the comfort zone of what was more frequently found in this country and created a quite different concept. With Stay in the Dark they went one step (actually many steps) further and created an unforgettable experience in a completely different direction.

I would like at this point to put the stress on the word experience, as calling it an escape room, might not be the best description. Not only due to its size and length, but also due to the very nature of the game, which has very few activities that can be considered to be puzzles. If something can be objected this is the only point, I can personally find.

Nonetheless, the immersive character of the experience will certainly appeal every escape room player out there, with the exception maybe of some hardcore riddle lovers, which would rather have a Sudoku than theatrical or tension elements or those who are too terrified to venture into an abandoned factory, after all, what can go wrong?

I was extremely curious about the way they would manage, given that Netherlands is not known as being a stronghold for horror games and they did not disappoint me. It’s a game that manages very well the tension and has a nice flow with quite remarkable and spectacular moments that are certainly unique.

The acting plays a very important role, and I really appreciated some narrative details, both before and during the game, particularly the latter being very subtly embedded into the game to show that even this aspect was carefully considered.

Last but not least, high quality technique and lighting round up an overall satisfying experience, that in spite of its “limited in time” nature will hopefully remain available for many of you to play.

Stay in the Dark by DarkPark in Vlaardingen
Santiago Onel

Santiago Onel