Shrewsbury, Mar 2024
Our second room at LevelUp was Operation Overload, a World War II setting where your mission is to find some critical intelligence in the streets and shops of wartime Britain before an incoming air raid destroys it. When we visited this room was brand new, having opened just a few weeks earlier.
The physical layout of the room is immediately interesting, though in a way that means the long-suffering hosts will have to caution every team not to get too athletic. The impressive set is backed up by audio effects and some authentic-looking decor and items, to create a very convincing environment. There are other funky effects too, which I won’t mention here but which are listed in their website room description if you want minor spoilers.
Of the two LevelUp rooms we played, for the puzzles I’d probably give the edge to Mission Abducted, by a small margin. However, Operation Overload is definitely ahead on atmosphere and story. Various nice small touches contribute to that, and the hint system will be a particular highlight for anyone who likes the back and forth of chatting in-character with actors.
The ending was nicely thematic too, more story-led than simply unlocking a door back to the lobby. It’s a stylish and entertaining take on a WW2 scenario, and you should definitely try it if you’re in the area. 