DarkPark (Zoetermeer)

LOCATION:  Zoetermeer, Netherlands

Photo above is property of DarkPark

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

📝 ETR DECODER

🔑 GAME: The End
📅 DATE PLAYED: May 20, 2023
🎬 GENRE: Thriller, Horror
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl): 7/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-6 ppl (Ages 16+)
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: Є124.00 (2 ppl) - Є165.00 (3-6 ppl)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes [42:00]

📖 THE STORY

It’s never a pleasant experience when a beloved family member passes away, but

unfortunately these things can’t be avoided and now it is time to prepare for the funeral. Your adventure begins when you arrive to finalize the last few details at the old coffin shop.

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

I am so glad that I knew nothing about this game before going in. The surprise twist to the story is masterfully done. The further we progressed the more the story developed and the ending was sensational.
A little goes a long way’ is the sentiment we felt when it came to the acting experience we had. We didn’t interact much with the actor, but just her presence was enough to raise the heart rate and keep us on edge. The quality of the acting was also to a high standard, we felt that her role was critical to your own emotional connection to her character and the overall story.
The puzzles were well balanced, they knew when to be heavy and when to be light enough that players could appreciate more the atmosphere and action taking place around them.

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

It’s too short! We wanted more … much more! I hope a second chapter comes out or they find a way to turn this into a longer room because when we couldn’t quite believe that it would end so abruptly, actually just as we were thinking “S*%t, this is getting intense!” … we were just getting warmed up!

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

Not only a must play for Dark Park, but also a must play for the whole of the Netherlands.

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

Parking: There is free public parking very close to the escape room, less than five minutes’ walk.
There is a waiting area with seating, drinks, snacks and games for purchase, and a bathroom.
This game can be played in English & Dutch

Photos above are property of DarkPark

Update - January 23, 2025

Mike Schnurr and his team also visited DarkPark to play "The End".

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

As with many DarkPark experiences, The End excels in atmosphere and sound design. The custom soundtrack is carefully crafted to complement every moment of the game, dynamically shifting to match the tension and emotion of each scene. The immersive audio, combined with striking visual elements, pulls players deeper into the unsettling mystery at hand.
The journey this game takes you on is nothing short of inventive. Each area feels distinct and, at times, almost disconnected—yet, as the story unfolds, everything comes together in a beautifully orchestrated way. The game’s progression is unlike anything we’ve seen before in an escape room, culminating in a thought-provoking and memorable ending that will leave your team discussing its implications long after you’ve left.
While escape rooms are often a shared experience, The End introduces a fascinating system that identifies and engages players on an individual level. This mechanic adds a personal touch to the game, ensuring that everyone feels immersed in the unfolding narrative. The way it was implemented left our group impressed and satisfied, elevating the experience to something truly unforgettable.

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

After much consideration, there are no substantial drawbacks to this game when taken as a complete experience. The End is an artistic and narrative-driven escape room that prioritizes immersion over traditional puzzle-heavy gameplay. Every detail, from the set design to the audio cues, is meticulously crafted to transport players into its haunting world.

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

"The End" is an experience that pushes the boundaries of what an escape room can be. From the moment you step inside, you are met with an unsettling sense of curiosity, where every object, every sound, and every subtle detail feels like it could be a crucial piece of a larger mystery. It masterfully blends psychological storytelling with hands-on interaction, ensuring that every player is not just a spectator but an integral part of the unfolding narrative.

What truly sets The End apart is its ability to create an atmosphere that is both eerie and mesmerizing. The sound design alone is an achievement, perfectly shifting with the intensity of each scene, amplifying moments of tension and revelation. Every space within the game feels like its own world, disconnected at first, but later woven together seamlessly into a cohesive and unforgettable journey. “This is a game where the further you go, the deeper you’re pulled in—until reality itself feels like it’s starting to blur.”

Then there’s the way The End personalizes the experience. Unlike traditional escape rooms that focus solely on group problem-solving, this game finds a way to acknowledge each individual player, making the experience feel uniquely tailored. It’s a brilliant touch that left our group amazed at how well the system recognized and incorporated each of us into the story.

DarkPark has never been afraid to take risks, and The End is proof of their mastery in crafting emotionally charged, deeply immersive experiences. “It’s not just a game; it’s an exploration of the unknown, a psychological thriller wrapped in an escape room format.” With its unconventional storytelling, unforgettable moments, and a finale that will leave you speechless, The End isn’t just something you play—it’s something you feel.

BOOK NOW

(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)

Disclosure: We thank DarkPark for comping our tickets for this game. Although discounted admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever.