#room66

Room 66 II was an emotional roller coaster like no other, seamlessly forging an undying mark on our memories. If you're seeking a spooky adventure that will push your boundaries and evoke feelings you've never experienced before, look no further.

Way back in 2014 when I had no idea what escape rooms are, my besties texted me about an experience that they claimed was seemingly custom-made for me (to clarify, it's the opposite of what I'd enjoy, absolutely out of my comfort zone and they'd pay good money just to see me react to whatever evil was in there). I was still in London so all I had to do was visit them in Sofia and find someone crazy enough to walk in voluntarily with me so I could check if they were exaggerating.

Room 66 I had prepared us for the game beginning with the very arrival, so when we heard the familiar creepy voice of the game master, we were ready. Or so we thought. I bravely entered the room but was ready to leave in the first minute and leave my girlfriend to survive on her own. I have watched a demonic plethora of horror movies to know how it goes in rooms shrouded in pitch cold darkness (COLD DARKNESS BY VALENTINE RAIN IS NOW ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE LOL). I just glued myself to the wall and waited for Ilianka to find a source of light while covering my ears.

The level of fear induced was so intense that I found myself screaming like a little girl – a testament to the room's spine-chilling atmosphere. I was constantly on edge, anticipating a jump scare lurking around every corner. There were moments when I even let out a shriek at the sight of my own shadow, only to burst into laughter at my own jumpy reaction; this blend of fear and amusement added an extra layer of excitement to the already immersive experience.

The attention to detail in the decor also deserves high praise. Every inch of the setting was meticulously crafted to transport us into a world of grimness and suspense. From the eerie lighting that cast haunting shadows to the unsettling props strategically placed throughout the room, the decor was a masterclass in creating an atmosphere of dread.

It wasn't just about visual elements either – the incorporation of harrowing sounds and textures added to the overall sensory experience, leaving no doubt that we were immersed in a realm of terror - it was truly as if we had stepped right into the heart of a horror movie. The decor unequivocally played a pivotal role in shaping the macabre ambiance that kept us on our toes and heightened the overall intensity of the escape room. The flawless blending of reality and fiction was uncanny.

Furthermore, the riddles weren't mere brain teasers; they were integral to the storyline, effortlessly pushing us forward while enriching the narrative. The way they were intricately integrated with the horror-themed setting heightened the sense of urgency and also made us feel like active characters in a movie about... I guess if Samara and Regan MacNeil had a possessed child in dire need of an exorcist? 😂 You know, the standard.

I’ll try not to give away anything from the plot, but the actress who embodied the main character deserves special commendation. Her portrayal was immensely compelling, creating a level of fear that felt almost tangible. Adroit at conjuring up a sensation of petrifying shivers, she fully submerged us in a demonic domain. Her performance was a standout, encapsulating the heart of the experience and enhancing the overall intensity.

Even if horror is not your cup of tea, it's almost paradoxical how the very elements that evoke fear and trepidation also possess a magnetic pull, enticing those who have experienced the chilling thrill to willingly subject themselves to it repeatedly.

After we escaped (just a minute earlier than the devoted time for the game), I was shocked to see the actors reveal themselves as actual human beings. My mind couldn’t comprehend how quickly I was plucked from a horror movie setting and dropped back into reality.

When it was time to take photos, I wanted to get the cross and flip it; nevertheless, it turned out that just before we played, representatives of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church had contacted the owners regarding photos involving it, so we didn't use it as a prop (nor did we display the bible, haha).

Honestly, this room beckons me to bring new souls to it again and again, just so I can experience everything anew. There was a game that was dedicated only to larger teams that I didn't get to try, so there's the incentive (as if I needed one).

Room 66 had promised to transport us to a different time and dimension, and I must say, it truly lived up to its claims. The sense of immersion was tremendously engrossing and I now understand why previous reviews expressed a desire to wipe their minds clean and relive the experience anew. The journey into the dimension-defying experience began intriguingly before we had even set foot in Sofia. A cryptic email set the stage for the game, enhancing the immersive nature of the entire experience.

I had booked Room 66 and 66 II almost back to back keeping in mind that the latter is supposedly the horror one; alas, just minutes before playing I struck upon the wonderful idea to read some reviews and came to the realisation that the former involved actors too. Deciding to put a brave face on, I crossed over the threshold and exclaimed:

'Hello, guys... oh, it's so dark; is the power out?!' - I guess I expected a gregarious response based on how effervescent their tone sounded on the website. Nothing could prepare me for the fact that the game had already started. Even though I'm not drawn to high-adrenaline activities, I was ready(ish) to give the room a chance.

The performances of the actors were commendable, exhibiting a high level of professionalism that seamlessly integrated us into the storyline. Their commitment to their roles elevated the experience to a cinematic level. I think initially I screamed myself into falling on the floor and maybe even scared the actor a little, hahahah.

Moving on to the puzzles, their intellectual depth added an enriching layer to the experience, making every challenge engaging and thought-provoking. This synthesis of fear and humour in the gameplay, where screams and laughter intertwine, offered an awesome dynamic. The linear game style was a brilliant choice, preventing chaos and allowing for a seamless progression through the challenges. What also stood out was the game master's expertise and patience. The hints he provided were not mere solutions, but clever nudges that directed us toward solving the riddles ourselves. This approach enhanced the sense of achievement when we overcame each obstacle.

While apprehensions may arise concerning team size, our experience as a duo was surprisingly gratifying.

Random fact: The escape room is set in the very house where Georgi Parcalev once lived so this fused more intrigue and history in the experience.

By and large, Room 66 comes with my highest recommendation – it's a captivating adventure that will remain etched in your memory for a long time to come. If you're planning to explore multiple escape rooms, I highly recommend starting with this one before moving on to Room 66 II. Building upon the adrenaline buildup generated in the first room, the second chapter ensures an even more heart-pounding and exciting journey.