Before the last trip to Athens, I knew relatively little about Zoe from XII Divisions. I knew the teaser image and the short description. I didn’t know exactly what to expect. But we had been told beforehand by other groups that although it was a horror experience, the drama and storytelling were the main focus. So went there, full of anticipation and excitement.

Our first impression of Zoe was totally unspectacular and perfect. We weren’t greeted by an actor or a game master and the whole thing didn’t remind us of a typical horror scenario or a lot of action. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a relaxed and calm start to an experience in Athens. And it just totally suited the story, the setting and the whole atmosphere. It was all incredibly immersive and coherent and we were gradually introduced to the story. It was a really great start, one of the best I’ve seen. Even if it was really totally unspectacular. But to sum it up, it simply couldn’t be more fitting.

The whole setting is immersive from start to finish. What really impressed me about Zoe is the variety of different settings. You live through different stages of the story in very different places, which are nevertheless somehow connected again. Of course, there were also dark, foggy passages, but all in all, the setting was definitely part of the story, quite the opposite of some pure horror spaces. What I liked best was the transition at the end of the game, where I came into “contact” with Zoe. Overall, this was one of my favorite moments of the whole Athens trip, but the setting also contributed a lot to this. The only thing missing to make it perfect was the smells. But apart from that, it was near perfect.

The scare factor in Zoe is not quite as high as in many other experiences in Athens. However, this is also due to the fact that the focus of the room is not on jumpscares or creating fear. Instead, the focus is on storytelling. Of course, this is not a children’s fairy tale, but an eerie story full of horror, but I would still place the scare factor here in the midfield – at least for the level in Athens.

The intensity increases over time, but then drops off from time to time. There are phases that definitely build up pressure and intensity, but overall it is a rather calm storytelling for a horror experience. The intensity here is also in the mid-range, even rather low for a horror room.

One of the main aspects of why we had so much fun with Zoe and why this room is also so great is the perfect acting to the point. We got to meet different characters on our journey through the story, all of whom had very different roles. All of these characters were portrayed with great attention to detail and this was the only way the story could be told so well. Not only with Zoe, but also with many other rooms on this trip to Athens, I realized once again what I unfortunately miss so often in Germany or the Netherlands. Emotions can be created much better through the use of actors, especially when there is as much direct interaction as with Zoe. The final phase of the experience is also one of my absolute favorite sequences and sections in escape rooms because of the acting.

Overall, Zoe didn’t have the most difficult puzzles, but there were definitely one or two interesting ones. Of course, it’s easy to argue that there are many rooms with more challenging or exciting puzzles. But I want to make it clear here that it’s not just the creativity, difficulty level or similar that counts for me, but in particular whether the puzzles fit into the flow of the game and whether they take you further in the story. And that was almost always the case here. The tasks didn’t always make sense, but the content of the puzzles led us to the actual core of the story. So here, too, almost everything was done right.

I can say very little here, except that Zoe’s story was really impressive and dramatic. Overall, we got a little closer to the story every minute and got to know more and more aspects of it. It’s one of the scariest, but also most beautiful stories I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing in an escape room. Similar to Molly’s Game, for example. And what really blew me away was the grandiose finale. We got to experience some really great final scenes in Athens this time and Zoe’s is definitely one of the best. Here you realize that it’s much more of a drama with horror elements than a classic horror experience.

We were helped again and again during the game in a very interesting way, so that we never had the feeling that we were being left completely alone. And even after the game, the game masters and actors took a lot of time for us and we were able to talk about one or two scenes. All in all, the whole experience was really great. Just the way you want it to be every time.

Even if I am now anticipating my conclusion a little: This room is suitable for almost everyone and should be played by almost everyone. As I said before, Zoe is not a very intense or overly scary room. There are lots of quieter phases and the occasional scary moment. Overall, the room can also be played well by (Athens) horror beginners, as the story is clearly in the foreground here.

What is important is that you get involved with the story and the interactions with the actors. Because this is exactly what this experience is all about. You live through a drama full of different emotions and if you approach it too rationally and too detachedly, you might miss some very beautiful moments.

There is no physical contact and the other physical requirements are also limited. There is no need to crawl or climb and even the scaredy-cats among us don’t have to do anything on their own. Here, too, the focus is clearly on the experience and the story, not on your own abilities.

I can recommend the room for all group sizes. Of course, with larger groups you run the risk of missing out on parts of the story, but as it’s a rather quiet room, you’re in control by always waiting for everyone.

Zoe was one of the highlights for me during our trip to Athens. It’s now one of my absolute favorite rooms and I think it has some of the atmosphere and story of Molly’s Game, but with a little more creepiness and of course the great actors. And Molly’s Game is, after all, one of the top rooms in the world. And that’s exactly where Zoe belongs in my opinion. A must-play experience without question.