(featured image from Zombie Infection’s website)
Firstly, a huge thank you to Zombie Infection for letting me review one of their events.
Any and all companies making 5* reviews claims have to be taken with a pinch of salt, but after visiting Zombie Infection’s Sheffield event – I can confirm it was fantastic.
To provide a brief overview, “The Factory 2.0 Sheffield” is the first installment in a series of events ran by UK based “Zombie Infection”, spanning across the country. The narrative follows a UK wide outbreak of a zombie virus, and your group being responsible for securing a breached ‘Harvertech’ defense outpost.
Location
Zombie Infection hold a truly impressive roster of events based on locations alone. “The Factory 2.0” is set within Magna Science Adventure Centre; part of the now disused Templeborough Steelworks. Home to events such as HorrorCon (and previously GNG Entertainment’s Bunker 13), the sheer size of the venue is extremely imposing.
The event caused you to move over several different levels of the centre, most being extremely dark. Running on the upper levels of the centre was terrifying and atmospheric. Every area we moved through felt like it was straight from a horror game.
We opted for the latest time slot for maximum spoopy potential; 9pm start time, 11:30pm finish time.
To say this ran over 2 hours, it zipped by and was completely seamless from start to finish. To quote Zombie Infection’s website, “you’ll never know where 2 hours flew to”.
Zombie Infection’s Gameplay
The event started with a general safety briefing & then an introduction into the story from a ‘Corporal’ character. As we were unable to bring phones into the venue for safety reasons, I would estimate the running time was about 90 minutes in total (excluding the briefing & intro).
Similar to the last zombie event we attended (Zombie Uprising), our group was tasked with searching for items and ‘black boxes’. For one task you were allowed to search for items independently, which was the only time you had the option of forming smaller ‘groups’. Otherwise, group size did not really affect the experience; you all go through the event as a collective, completing missions and activities.
We upgraded our weapons on the night for £10pp, for the addition to of a “UV” torch and laser pointer. Unfortunately the laser on my gun wasn’t working for about 3/4 of the event. On the plus side, weapons were not airsoft as I had previously thought – meaning no trying to ‘reload’ while zombies were running at you.
Actors
All the actors involved did an absolutely terrific job of keeping us all on edge. Our group size did not overwhelm the amount of actors on the night. It felt like a zombie was always catching you off guard or lurking close by.
There was a good balance of both having a rep to guide us and a ‘free-roaming’ portion where we reported back; this made the event flow really well. I’d also say this helped ease into the experience better for those (like myself) who are relative newbies.
How attendees were made to interact with different tasks was also a fantastic touch.
Health and Safety
With the absence of any airsoft pellets, obviously this is a huge step up from airsoft in terms of health and safety.
However, my partner got hit (‘pinged’) in the face with a blank shell at the very end of the event. Blanks were used by actors at different points for theatrical effect, as mentioned on the website FAQ’s. We’re not entirely sure what happened as he wasn’t aimed and fired at by anyone, but a mock ‘grenade’ was set off near the group when this occurred. Something for the company to be careful of.
The standard ‘rifles’ you are given are slightly heavy to carry around while running. One of the upgrades you can buy is a pistol with torch, for a lighter alternative.
With the event taking place over 4 floors, you are traversing stairs and some uneven floor. Applying common sense is the most important thing here. The zombies aren’t actually real and you needn’t break your leg trying to get away from them. That being said, were they real, you would still have to be wary of your surroundings. When it comes to certain areas of Magna Science Centre, i.e. the “water” level, you would need to pay attention to where the floor may be damp or slippery.
Overall these hazards did not end up being a problem – but it is purely down to your own personal risk assessment and being careful.
Customer Service
Communication with the customer service team was great. All of the staff were super professional and explanatory, regardless of being in character.
In the scheme of things, Zombie Infection is on the pricier end of events but was well organized. Taking into consideration the venue, admin & acting costs – it’s fair for the fantastic & immersive experience you’re getting. Zombie Infection also offer for you to pay in instalments and offer discounts for larger group bookings.
Improvements?
When we arrived outside the venue, we were told the restrooms were pitch black, and there would be no toilet breaks after the event began.
For such a physical event, the addition of a 5-10 min break for water etc. could be beneficial for both attendees and actors (though I can appreciate not wanting to break immersion). Or at least, ensuring the lights are on in restrooms before the event.
Using a different method of simulating gunshots than blanks would be a good idea. Thankfully my partner was not hurt, but having a blank/pellet ricochet near your eye without any eye protection is concerning.
