Chernobyl

The experience may hit differently for some, especially if they haven't done this type of "don't say a word" horror before, but this can't compete with the unique fun of Harbor Hotel for me. Most of the puzzles are underwhelming, particularly at the beginning, and the actor interactions sometimes overstay their welcome - getting in the way of active puzzling and story, rather than enhancing it. That said, one of the most interesting logic puzzles I've ever done comes about 3/4 of the way through this game, and it's still a good time - enough to earn the heart!

Chernobyl by The Start was the second room of the day and the 8th game of our NL/BE Escape Tour 2026, played with the same team of three. My wife was genuinely hesitant going in because of how intense the experience is known to be. In the end, she was relieved, and actually enjoyed it a lot. A big reason for that was the acting. Richard, who has been part of the experience since the very beginning, performs as the actor, and does a remarkable job at it. What stood out even more was how attentively the actor calibrated the fear factor. He clearly sensed my wife’s comfort level and adjusted accordingly, maintaining tension without directly overwhelming or targeting her. That level of awareness and control takes real skill. The waiting area is comfortable and welcoming, and it was quite busy when we arrived, proof of how successful and established this location is. The experience lasts over two hours and is intense from the start. The opening sequence immediately places you inside a dangerous mission scenario. The immersion is sustained through strong sound design, lighting, props, and acting, all working together to maintain a constant feeling of urgency. As expected in a horror-driven experience, the puzzles are on the easier side, allowing the focus to remain on atmosphere and adrenaline rather than complexity. We came out exhausted from the intensity, but in the best possible way. Highly recommended for players who enjoy immersive, high-tension experiences. Not for the faint of heart.

I was very excited to play Chernobyl espcially after enjoying Harbor Hotel so much, unfortunately It fell a bit short for me. Big part could be the unluckines of my group combined with some technical dificulties, resulting in a broken flow in the first half. Unlike in Harbor Hotel the actor in this game lacks a bigger purpous for the strory or gameplay, He was really good in his role but felt like an afterthought. Really good energetic intro to build the world, cool inveroment, the puzzles were mostly fine.

As a disclaimer, I don't love horror games (I don't hate them, I just don't seek them out). Having said that, I thought Chernobyl did a very good job at creating a tense atmosphere, delivering on that tension, and challenging us to deal with it. Puzzles were fine, though like many horror games, they're not the focus. Like many horror games, Chernobyl is dimly lit, though it didn't bother me as much as in some other games. I liked getting to watch a highlight video after the game, as it gave us the opportunity to relive key moments. It also gave a better appreciation of what the actor was doing.

A larger chase game. Multiple live actors. Junk in rooms and a slower start, but an exciting second half.

Sadly, I was a bit dissapointed after this room. I think that, because of the high price and the amazing reviews I expected too much. The atmosphere and the actor are amazing. The beginning was perfect. I thought the ending was a bit of a letdown. Suddenly the room was just done. The actor does his job very well.

we had fun :) terrific staff

We enjoyed all 3 experience at TheStart, but Chernobyl was their strongest offering by a mile. Our actor's performance was sublime, with a distinctive and highly athletic movement style. Great set design with some fun physical exploration, and we loved that the actual control room was nicely decorated as a Chernobyl control room for team photos. (Hot tip: if you find the Chernobyl post-apocalyptic aesthetic compelling, I recommend exploring Google Earth's extensive coverage of the area.)

Ein sehr gut gemachtes Escape Game mit sehr immersiver Erfahrung die Gms machen einen sehr guten Job.

Loved it! Great actor, great room, perfect vinbe