Escape from prison with Prison Escape

Last week, bloggers Sonja and Ester got to experience once again what it is like to be locked up. And no, not figuratively. This time we were challenged by Prison Escape Utrecht, where everything revolves around one goal. Escape from the infamous Pieter Baan prison. A few years ago they managed to escape from the Koepel prison in Breda, but will they succeed this time too? You can read it here.

From prison bus to prison gate

It all starts fairly innocently. We were picked up at the meeting place by a bus and transported to the Pieter Baan prison. There was laughter, jokes and everyone was visibly enjoying themselves. But that soon hushed up when we were led into the prison itself. It suddenly felt real.

Staff fully in their roles

Upon entering, it quickly becomes clear that the staff are fully in their roles. Anyone still looking a little too relaxed is sternly addressed or given a penetrating stare down. I did not escape it either. Head guard Maas caught me looking around curiously for clues. That was not appreciated. The tone was set.

From visitor to inmate

We are led in rows to the lockers, where we have to leave our own clothes. Then comes the moment when you definitely become part of the game. The prison clothes go on, a mugshot is taken and suddenly you are no longer standing there as a visitor, but as a prisoner. As if that were not enough, there also follows an assessment by a doctor that is anything but reassuring. Slightly uncomfortable, slightly terrifying and completely convincing.

And then the game really begins

Once inside, we are instructed to take a seat in our cell. We may only leave it if we have a very good reason. And right there the game really begins.

From that moment on, everyone is on their own. Or not. Do you go solo, or do you seek cooperation? Do you join a gang, or do you get a job collecting information? While you are making plans, your department may suddenly be evacuated because of a brawl, a bomb threat or some other unexpected event. Chaos is constantly lurking and nothing goes according to plan.

Strategy, trust and chaos

This is precisely what makes Prison Escape so special. You are constantly in the game. Strategy, double-dealing, manipulation and deception are the order of the day. You have to make choices, trust or not trust people and switch quickly when the situation changes. How you eventually find the right way out in this chaos is different for everyone.

Unfortunately, we cannot give you any tips. Nor do you want us to. This is an experience you really have to experience for yourself, without prior knowledge, without a manual.

Our escape

What I can tell you is that we managed to escape this time too. And we were genuinely proud of that. Last time, it was mainly with a good dose of luck that we were suddenly outside. This time we were completely in it from the first minute. We played the game consciously, made choices, took risks, and that made the escape all the more satisfying.

Review by Sonja

As a non seasoned escaperoom player, I really love this concept: an escaperoom in a former prison, how cool is that? Breda’s Koepelgevangenis was especially impressive, but I found the Prison Escape at the Pieter Baan Center much more fun. This way we were not broken up as a team and immediately had a nice click with the other “inmates.” You really play the game together and the actors are great. They really stay in their roles, but you can always call “exit” if it gets too intense for you. The fact that you are picked up from the meeting place with a villain bus makes it extra fun.

Of course I’m not going to give anything away here, but what I liked most about this Prison Escape is that we were given a role in the game. This really made you part of it without having to look for gangs to join or jobs to get privileges on your own. Through cooperation, cunning tricks and a little bit of luck, we managed to escape within time. I really enjoyed this experience and will definitely recommend it to others to do sometime!

An outing to remember

Prison Escape Utrecht is not a standard outing. It is intense, immersive and surprisingly realistic. Perfect for those who love excitement, teamwork and an experience you won’t soon forget. One thing is certain. This is not a game you play for a while. This is one you experience.

Credits image credit: OpstapmetLisa and Prison Escape