Sherlock: The Game Is Now Review

After what feels like the longest wait, ONIN.London finally got to review Sherlock: The Game Is Now. Our team of 5 have definitely been excited about this fully immersive escape room for months.

The Official Sherlock Live Experience is a 100 minute immersive escape game for teams of 4-6 people. The new mystery was created by series creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, in collaboration with Time Run. As soon as you enter you are immersed into the Enter into the world of Sherlock and you actually feel like you’re in the middle of an actual TV episode. Especially as the game contains original content from the stars of the show including Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.

I won’t go into too many details about the game as not to spoil it for future guests but the game starts in Doyle’s Opticians before you get taken for your ‘eye exam’ and the game begins. You’ll get to sit in the 221b Baker Street which has been built to the exact dimensions as the one on TV, with all the furniture, decorations and design recreated right down to which books are in the bookcase. It’s all pretty impressive and goes to show that no expense has been spared. This is where the game really takes a hold of you and with our adrenalin racing we began working together as a team to solve the clues to stop the evil Moriarty.

We managed to come 32^nd out of about 49 teams that played during the three day press launch so we’re pretty impressed with ourselves. We definitely could have done better if we hadn’t been panicking so much and designated roles to each team member, rather than running around like headless chickens at times.

After the game concludes and we saved or at least mostly saved the world, we were allowed entry in the Mind Palace. A secret speakeasy only available for guests who complete the game. All the cocktails on the menu are named for Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock stories including A Scandal in Bohemia, The Red Headed League and The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle. We recommend The Boscombe Valley Mystery though. It was delicious and came with its very own Deerstalker Hat that we were allowed to keep.

Tickets start at £54.99 per person and while this price may deter all but the most hardcore Sherlock fan, it is worth it. As I’ve already said, the production value is huge and no expense has been spared to ensure that this game is authentic. It’s challenging but not too challenging that you won’t be able to complete you mission and join the network. So what are you waiting for, get your tickets now. Gift vouchers are also available.