Friki Escape Room: Punalada

If a horror game can be classed as joyful, then that is certainly a word I would consider using to describe Puñalada. Like the film it was inspired by, Puñalada doesn’t take itself too seriously, giving an adrenaline fuelled experience, as filled with humour as it is terror, not to mention some pretty decent puzzles. A word to the wise though, definitely heed the warning to wear comfortable clothes that you’re not worried about getting dirty.

Puñalada by Friki Escape Room in Madrid is a nostalgic yet modern tribute to the slasher genre, inspired by the iconic Scream films of Kevin Williamson. We played the Survivor mode with four players and escaped in 94 out of 100 minutes, and were more or less the last official playtest in English before the room was announced as officially playable in English. The experience immediately draws you into a cinematic setting that feels like walking onto a movie set where the line between player and victim starts to blur. The tone is suspenseful but playful at heart, making it approachable even for those who aren’t big fans of horror.

The space is cleverly designed with varied environments, keeping each transition dynamic and visually engaging. Lighting and sound play an essential role in building tension and guiding the emotional rhythm of the game. Just as in the Scream universe, a phone call can change everything here – the telephone becomes a key piece of the experience, heightening suspense and pushing players to stay sharp. While some sections evoke classic suburban slasher scenes, others deliver unexpected twists that reflect both love and irony for the genre. The creators clearly know what they’re doing: the references to pop culture, movie tropes, and Scream’s narrative patterns are everywhere without ever feeling forced.