It’s not every day you can say you faced off against friend and foe in the Squid Game – and emerged in one piece. Well, not in the television series at least. But, in London’s stomach-twisting new escapade, it’s a much regular occurrence as, thankfully, the only thing at risk of an untimely end are any illusions of superiority. In Squid Game: The Experience, you have five gripping challenges to contend with, putting memory, technique, teamwork, and reaction times to the test. We headed over to see how we’d fare in the lethal world. Spoiler alert: I’m pretty sure I’d be doomed.
Where is Squid Game: The Experience in London?
You can find this action-packed adventure in Immerse LDN, overlooking the waters near Royal Victoria Dock. Just hop on the Elizabeth Line or DLR to Custom House station and it’s a short five-minute wander. There’s plenty of vibrant signage to point you in the right direction. If you want to drive, parking is available but you will need to pre-book.
First Thoughts
First ThoughtsOur trip through the screen began pretty ordinarily in comparison to the dystopian thriller. There was no meeting with a mysterious salesman, just an unassuming Wednesday morning where we willingly headed in to put our lives pride on the line. I should preface this by saying I had not in fact yet watched the series (put down your pitchforks – it’s on my list) so while I had a general idea of the story and what to expect, knowledge of games and methods used would have been a handy weapon in my arsenal. But then again, maybe it’s more fun this way.
I could blame the coffee I hastily downed before things kicked off but rarely has an experience filled me with such a sense of anxiety. Scanning the list of games was worrying in itself – my memory? Goldfish-like. My reaction times? Poor. My skill set? Lacking. My competitive side? Dormant. Things didn’t bode well. So, it was a surprise when we got started and immediately I felt some strange desire to win stirring in the pit of my stomach. I blame the tension-inducing music, the points system and the faceless guards staring me down in some silent challenge. So, if you’re wondering if it is still tense when your life isn’t on the line? Yeah, it pretty much is.
What can you expect?
There are five gripping games in total. You’ll start with a face scan (warning: you only get one shot at this so make it a good one, or at least make sure you’re visible – standing on tiptoes is required for some) before entering a room lined with bunks to get the lowdown on what to expect. Sadly, the bunks were not for a pre-experience nap. Prepare for surprises, as it wouldn’t be Squid Game without a few twists here and there.
As we filed in for the first game I wondered what the characters of Squid Game would think if they could see us willingly diving into their dark world to play a game which spells life or death in their reality. Probably plenty of eye rolls, scorn at our nervous smiles and grim recognition of the oversized bibs that reduced us to a number.
You are guided through the challenges by staff in referee-style shirts who seem to revel in ominous undertones. It’s clear that they’ve seen things escalate a tad with more competitive groups so don’t expect to be unleashed without a few ground rules. The only thing you might need to ask yourself is, will you play the hero, or is it every man for themselves? Hint: there’s only one team game.
Let the games begin
I am pleased to say I started strong, and ashamed to say it quickly went downhill. The games include Memory Steps, Marbles, Tug-Of-War, Red Light, Green Light and the musical chairs-reminiscent Round and Round. Quickly you’ll discover that you have to depend on your wits and simultaneously keep your fingers crossed that the odds will be in your favour – wait wrong dystopian drama – as skill and luck both play a part.
I went from second-guessing every step on an illuminated walkway, to, well, second-guessing every step as I crept towards a certain oversized doll with unsettling eyes. But I also increasingly trusted my gut and even felt my competitive inner child awakening as the games progressed. Not unexpected, as eerie recorder music, chucking marbles and playing morbid reimaginings of party games tend to inspire some school playground nostalgia. I half expected to hear the lunch bell ringing out at any given moment.
After each challenge, you will need to tap into either green, amber or red depending on how well you’ve done and you will see your points on the honeycomb-style leaderboard. There was plenty of movement up and down the board, but by the time we entered the dreaded Red Light, Green Light there was all to play for.
As we lined up before the deadly Young Hee doll silence fell on the room (aside from a few tense chuckles). The experience is no doubt fun, but there are some bouts of stomach-twisting stress at what is to come, even for those of us unfamiliar with the show this game, in particular, is iconic for its ruthless brutality. Obviously, there was no risk of being shot down, but the idea of having to start all over again was not a welcome one. It’s been a while since I’ve been so conscious of every atom in my body. Sticklers for rules will be pleased to know the guards were not forgiving either, as the twitch of my mouth was ultimately my downfall – just one small step from the finish line. Crushing.
By the time we entered the final room, I was pretty sure my fate had been sealed…but there were a few more sneaky tricks up their sleeves and the game Round and Round can be completely down to luck. Also, ruthlessness can work in your favour there. Ok, so no I didn’t win but let’s just say there was still a chance.
Once you emerge, blinking back into reality, there is the chance to dissect your choices in the Korean-inspired Night Market. While death isn’t on the menu, there are plenty of ways to drown your sorrows – or celebrate your win – with soju-infused cocktails and other tempting tipples, as well as snacks. Not necessarily of the squid variety.
Ultimately, Squid Game: The Experience brings all the thrills of the game to life in an exciting fusion of action, code-cracking and quick thinking. It’s a roll of the dice (or should we say marble) as luck, skill and pure instinct all come into play but the losses sting a little less when you embrace it, and winning is never really out of the equation.
I will say that this is a case of the more the merrier, we played with mostly strangers and had a great time but I can imagine a big group of friends and family would relish the drama of it all and a dose of companionable chaos can definitely up the ante. So, while I found myself eternally grateful that death was not on the cards, and bloodthirsty disco-faced billionaires are fictional (I hope), it was a game I was glad to play. It’s all of the thrills and none of the horror.