You cannot survive alone
With civilisation, as we know it, in its final days, you still have the instinct to live forever. But you’ll never stay alive on your own – you need a team to help you survive, writes Michael Holland.
The End is an escape room experience set over several rooms in an underground bunker, where the key to living forever dwells in old documents, computer files, and messages from one doomed and dying human who had succumbed to The Darkness, a disease dreamt up in the lab that was eating away at his body. We were there to find a cure.
Our team of six had one hour to find a way out before the clock ticking down set off a bomb, so there was lots of panic, shouting, and searching for clues to solve puzzles and unlock each of the rooms in order to move to the next space and the next challenge.
When phone numbers were found, we called for extra information, but the voice at the other end was not always helpful. Sometimes they did not even answer… Had they died? Was anyone else left alive out there?
Teamwork is essential, whether that be helping each other get into the unlit bunker, cracking codes, opening safes and security boxes or doors that move you on. You cannot survive alone.
In the computer room, we had to sync up the three terminals, ensuring we did not crash them. Sweat hit the brow as warning lights flashed and the seconds digitally dropped away.
In the science lab, we discovered the antidote, that we all quickly downed like a life-saving shot.
Hazard suits were donned for the final room where we linked up to see The Light. Hallelujah, we cried as one. When we realised we were safe and had managed to escape with minutes to spare, which led to a real sigh of relief, because we all love it when a plan comes together.
Our three teams of two found clues about who to trust amongst the staff that previously worked here; their love lives, who was trustworthy, and who was a traitor. We read about a Major Problem, and it wasn’t the virus, that was his name and rank.
At one point, while seeking clues on a desktop, I stumbled across an old Space Invaders game. It didn’t lead us to safety, but it was a nostalgic distraction from the trepidation and fear around me.
The End is the latest from the excellent game-makers Colab, who find unused spaces and utilise them for high-functioning fun. Designed by Colab’s Artistic Director, Bertie Watkins, who says, ‘The End is about human instinct, creativity, and connection under pressure, letting players explore strategy and morality while having fun doing it. It’s survival, teamwork all rolled into a great night out.’
I agree with Bertie.
Colab Tower, Lower Ground Floor, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, 54 Park St, London, SE1 9HB
Booking and full details: www.theendishere.co.uk
