Michael Meyrs – Chapter 2
On our very first Escape Trip to Rome, we quickly realized just how incredibly popular horror-themed games are – and it seems that trend has only grown stronger since then. Under the label The Black Door, players can experience an impressive lineup of horror classics: The Exorcist (Chapters 1 & 2), Michael Myers (Chapters 1 & 2), The Ring, Paranormal Activity, The Slaughterhouse, Asylum, The House, with even more currently in development – such as IT. The only title that truly breaks away from this horror-heavy collection is Frankenstein Jr. – a lighthearted, comedy-leaning escape game that still remains one of our personal favorites in Rome.
We kicked off the evening with Paranormal Activity. While it wasn’t exactly mind-blowing, it did set the mood perfectly and eased us into the right mindset for something scarier. Naturally, that only made us more curious about what Michael Myers had in store. To get the full experience, we booked both chapters back-to-back, turning the night into a 150-minute horror marathon. And let me say right away – we were anything but disappointed.
The story transports you to Smith’s Grove, the psychiatric facility where our former classmate and infamous killer Michael Myers has been locked away for years. What begins as a daring Halloween night visit soon unravels into a desperate fight for survival.
Compared to Paranormal Activity, the Michael Myers rooms felt far more dynamic and diverse. That’s largely because Michael isn’t the only psychopath lurking in the shadows. The facility itself is sprawling, with an unsettlingly authentic atmosphere – you can clearly see the scars of rage and chaos left behind by past inmates. The characters are not only convincing but also impressively performed, which elevates the immersion to another level.
One particularly unique feature of Michael Myers is the life-point system: every player wears a belt with two Velcro straps. Once both straps are gone, it’s game over. These straps even come in different colors – red or blue. More anxious players, or those who would prefer to avoid physical contact, can opt for a blue strap and, at least in theory, the actors will then leave them alone. This mechanic adds an extra layer of tension to every encounter – forcing players to either attempt a strategic (though safely controlled) escape or to find a clever place to hide.
Of course, there were puzzles along the way, but it’s clear – as the term Survival Game already suggests – that the true focus lies on action and endurance. And honestly, that’s exactly what made it so much fun.
