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Darkfield are well known for their shipping container immersive experiences. They seamlessly create brand new concepts and they are always exciting, a little fear inducing but ultimately very interesting pieces of theatre.

ARCADE is a little of what it says on the tin. In this container, a small arcade is set up, with rows of retro game consoles. Lining up, we are asked to put headphones on and understand where the main button is, the token dispenser and token slot. In the pitch darkness, we are plunged into a tale where we are an almost alternate universe, playing as a “host” and the soundscape lets us know we are almost sucked into that body. The world we are in is savaged by war and we are given choices along the way, this is where our button comes into play and our token. The story is in our hands.

In past Darkfield productions, there’s been a bit of cold air or vibration to help you fully immerse. This is no different with ARCADE, when water is splashed at you after a gun shot or air gently blown when you’re going outside in the story. It is surprising and a new level that they have reached. However, whether malfunction or purposeful, there were times of short bursts of air directly at you, seemingly with no reason. The person next to me’s machine kept also flashing random colours – unsure whether this was meant to happen but there seemed no rhyme of reason.

The narrative was interesting – the idea that you’re transplanted into a host and follow this world that feels very real. There’s the odd twist and turn and a sense that there is no way out, no ending but it lacked something for me. I was immersed but the story lacked any meat to it and so, when it was over, it was a surprise as I just wanted more than was given.

ARCADE is on the right track to where Darkfield’s other shows have reached. As always, it is an extraordinary and exciting experience but just had something lacking for me.