From here, we don’t want to give away too many spoilers of what you will be doing when you are within the attraction. There are many different elements to make this a great immersive story and gameplay experience as you travel through the multiple rooms and traps set out. With the story setting prior to going into the experience, it only adds to the illusion and immersion the deeper and further you wonder inside of this mysterious building.

The introduction remains as a group as you all are introduced to billy in a creepy setting. Everything is explained and you find yourself stuck in your first trap. Chaos erupted as every team is trying to solve it for themselves. It was fast paced and put you straight into the game of survival, which was very well done after setting the story. 

Even through the first scenes, fans of the SAW franchise would start to remember key moments and props from the films, adding that extra later of realism to this experience. For guests who have only watched maybe the odd film or not at all, this did not impact the gameplay or your experience, as everything is explained in great detail. 

From the very moment go, the tension was built like how it is in the films and all of the teams were working together within the chilling environment. Whilst it seemed we all smashed the first trap, it seemed Jigsaw had something else in store as we all went a different way forward into the building.

Whilst we continued to do bad in each and every room and puzzle, we did have fun and enjoyed the high detail of theming in each room. Every room you stepped into has quality, scariness and easter eggs in. We loved how it was not done cheaply or had moments where it could break the immersion, it all flowed from the moment go for the full 70 minute experience. 

Some of our favourite moments would be when you had choices that influence the game ahead, which felt very much like a SAW film. Again, we don’t want to say too much as the only way to know what happens inside is to step inside yourself. 

The ending was executed brilliantly. As a team based game, everybody had a part to play in a speed task which even we were too slow for. Or were we? Either way, we failed yet another trap and this had consequences which we won’t forget…

Upon exiting the final trap, you went into The Taproom where you can finally relax and have a drink to calm your nerves. They serve many bottled beers, soft drinks or how about a needle cocktail or blood bag? They have plenty on offer so there will be something for everybody. They were tasty and strong, which was perfect after you come face to face with Jigsaw! 

After you have had a drink and you are about to head out to freedom, maybe you should take a look at the photos taken at the start. They have some machines in the far corner of the bar where you can take a look. You can purchase 2 printed photos and digital downloads depending on what you are after. They have different backgrounds to choose from, so you can all have something different. They also have a small merch shop within the bar, where you can buy your own pig mask or billy the puppet.

Overall, we loved our time at SAW: Escape Experience, from the iconic scenes, terrifying actors and high levels of immersions from the very start. Dean thought; “Having never watched the SAW films, but experienced a few themed attractions, I had a loose understanding on what to expect. I’m also scared of lengthy horror experiences, however was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed this. The blend of challenges, actors and highly detailed scenes really worked well together for so many screams and laugh out loud moments. My personal highlight was the bathroom scene with some clever puzzles and jump scares!”

Austyn said; “As the SAW film franchise being my favourite horror of all time, to be able to step inside my own story and traps was insane. It felt very realistic and managed to get a few jump scares out of me to! I was amazed how clever the whole experience was and how at every moment, you had to keep on your toes to survive. I will be back to experience the other route.”

A huge thank you to the team for inviting us to experience this brilliant new immersive escape room in London. They provided us 4 free tickets during a press preview one evening in March. We were allowed to take videos and pictures within reason to highlight some features you may see on your own journey.

Until next time, let the game begin!