Paralysis – Phobia

Paralysis – Phobia
Location: Hanley
Game Date: 28/12/2019
Team: Amy & Ian

Theme:
“You have decided to investigate the cellar of Riser Kane.

The insane psychologist, who drove himself mad by pushing the boundaries of human fear, has been detained for his crimes.

So your time is now.

You need to find out what’s been happening to the missing townspeople. And if the rumours of the hellish experiments happening down there are true.

Just as Kane drove himself mad by delving deeper and deeper into the human psyche, you must delve deep into this dark mystery.

You must enter the cellar.

But can you face your phobia?”

The game itself was set in a dark, low ceiling (I brushed the top of the ceiling at 5ft6!) cellar, highly immersive and very creepy.
The space itself wasn’t small but impacted by the low ceiling it felt oppressive and dank. Perfect for the theme!
An impressive aspect for Paralysis is that the stage is set from the moment the door opens, as its setting is an old, Victorian house there is an air of foreboding even before the door opens, add to this the creepy foyer with real haunted artefacts and incense creating a suitable atmosphere from the get-go, add into this paranormal expert Damon and the spooky, scary and downright creepy atmosphere is created wholly and with gusto!

From a H&S standpoint, the lighting is dim and there are moments that could be claustrophobic, dark and scary. Hats are provided for protection but be aware if you’re taller than me you’re gonna have to crouch!

Game Play:
A linear game that had its focus on the story, immersion and scares rather than the puzzles. It felt whole and complete though as if the puzzles are there to compliment the overall experience rather than dominate (as is so often the case with horror rooms)
The puzzles were all logical and interesting, testing the senses and your nerve at the same time. The had good ah-ha moments when completed.
Signposting was ample, yet subtle with everything pointing you in the correct direction, albeit the fear may take over you and then it becomes hard to pick up on.
Flow was good, with us moving freely throughout the game.
Where “Phobia” shines though is its interaction, suspense and story. It is a game that is created in your own psyche, so everyone is likely to have an experience very personal to them.

Clue System:
Clues were delivered via a creepy disembodied voice

Game Host:
Damon was our gamehost and he was great delivering a fantastic brief and good clues throughout

Did we escape?
Yes, in about 40 minutes

Website: https://paralysisescaperooms.co.uk/
Price:
2 Players £40
3 Players £54
4 Players £68
5 Players £80