The Asylum

As a disclaimer, I don't love horror games - I'm fine with them, they're just not my favorite. The Asylum feels to me like a normal Greek horror game - dark/tense setting, avoid an actor while solving puzzles. Given that it's actually located in the Netherlands, it's probably very scary in local terms. The set and creepiness is well done, though like many horror games, there's less light than I would prefer (to the point of being more annoying than scary). Also like many horror games, puzzles aren't the main focus, but mainly an excuse to make players go back and forth. Players must stick together, which IMHO limits the potential scare factor (but also means you get to be there if a teammate freaks out). I thought it was neat that after the game, you get to see footage of key moments.

Our group of four, who love horror rooms, had an unforgettable experience at The Asylum in Silent Town. From the very beginning, the atmosphere pulled us in, setting the tone with a well crafted introduction. Even handling our personal belongings felt immersive. We were so caught up in the setting that we hilariously missed the entrance right in front of us and ended up walking back unnecessarily! The asylum theme was executed flawlessly, maintaining a high level of tension throughout. The balance between scares and puzzles was spot on, with challenges that encouraged exploration and discovery. The actor interactions were intense, perfectly blending fear and immersion. A fantastic bonus was the ending, getting to relive the best moments on a big screen while relaxing on a comfy couch with free drinks. Joel (Actor/GM/Owner) was incredibly generous with his time, walking us through our experience and sharing insights from his perspective via the video recap. An absolute must-play for horror fans, but be ready to stay on edge the entire time!

Had a fantastic time at Asylum! From our initial entrance until our final escape the team at Silent Town did a wonderful job immersing us in their creepy, haze-filled world. This is a more intense horror escape room than most, but it always felt safe and professional. There is a live actor villain who will get real close but not intentionally touch, grab, or drag you. If you are only in this hobby for the puzzles, this won’t be your game. There are puzzles but the difficulty comes mostly from the tension and the atmosphere. Normally I hate Darkness As A Puzzle or not providing enough light sources for each player but it absolutely worked here. This is a bit of a drive from Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands but I am absolutely glad we made the trek. If you like horror rooms, you won’t regret coming here.