La Cathédrale Oubliée [The Forgotten Cathedral]Escaparium - LavalEscape roomIRLAt the time of writing this game is the fourth best in the world, and it’s easy to see why. From the opening moments which might be my favorite introduction EVER of any game, to the scares, to the gloriously interesting puzzles. Everything clicks here. If you are not good with scary games, play this game still. It’s doable even if you need to close yours eyes every time something is actively frightening. The final section of this game has the single most gorgeous setpiece I’ve ever seen. Bravo Escaparium. Bravo.
Dark LullabyEscape Artist Greenville - Hampton StationEscape roomIRL(Played as Part of The Chimera Corp Saga) The game that made me “get” horror rooms. I am very much not someone who enjoys being scared, anxious, or uncomfortable, and this game made me feel this way fully, while also completely safe. The actors in this game balanced story-driven horror and helpfulness in a way that made me feel safe and excited (though not particularly eager, i mean it was STILL scary give me a break) to engage with it. I went into Dark Lullaby dreading it, and looking back on all three games, this one was unexpectedly my favorite. The puzzles were creative and well integrated. The hint system was excellent too. Amazing job you all at Chimera Corp.
Quest For The Temple of LightThe Keepers of BalanceEscape roomIRLIn a word, Adventurous! Through a sprawling maze of rooms and locations you traverse on your quest to find pure light. A mix of old and new puzzles were present. The set is the star of this game, offering some of the most beautiful and amazing transitions I’ve seen. The actors are fully committed to their roles and have fully fleshed out characters that can “yes and” till the cows come home. Thank you to Josh (in Josh we trust!!!), Jeff, and everyone else involved in making this experience as amazing as it is. The wait was worth it, and The Keepers of Balance have put themselves on the map internationally. Enjoy your TERPCA award WHEN (not if) you get it y’all!
L'Île perdue de la Reine Vaudou [The Lost Island of the Voodoo Queen]Escaparium - LavalEscape roomIRLThis game was a joy, plain and simple. From a puzzling perspective this game had my two favorite puzzles on the entire trip of seven games we played in the greater MTL area. The story was excellent but not as strong as some of Escaparium’s other games, and certain moments felt oddly linear, but all in all this game was amazing.
Crane ManorClue IQEscape roomIRLCrane Manor was a last second addition to a trip up to ClueIQ and my goodness it was worth it. One of the cleanest executions of any escape game I’ve played. The game environment routinely opened or acted in unexpected ways and created an exciting game environment. The 75 minute timer would be necessary to most groups, especially those less experienced. Thank you to the owners! It was a pleasure to meet you and play your games!
Castle FlüffendorEscape Artist Greenville - Hampton StationEscape roomIRL(Played as Part of the Chimera Corp Saga) So, so very clever. From the pre-game to the post-game everything is seamless and incredibly well integrated. The live actors you meet are exquisitely well executed and very convincing, and the WHIMSY of everything in the game from the set to the puzzles to the story is amazing to behold. A very, very creative use of spaces is present, and each challenge feels logical and in its proper place. I will remember moments of this game for years to come.
Help WantedEscape Artist Greenville - Hampton StationEscape roomIRLPlayed as a part of the Chimera Corp Saga. Truly an excellent end to this trio of games. The game began before we fully understood that it had, and ramped up in both hilarious and dramatic moments from there. The actors were truly dedicated to their performances and played their parts extremely well. I honestly can’t picture this game in its form without the bonus content unlocked from playing all three games in order, it really makes the experience in this game shine. Thank you Escape Artist Greenville for letting us into your world for an afternoon, it was truly a pleasure.
Armoire à Vendre [Wardrobe for Sale]Escaparium - LavalEscape roomIRLWhat can I say in praise that hasn’t already been said before? You are a character in an epic story with an appropriately epic set. Everything clicked, from the puzzles to the game masters knowing exactly when to give guidance. It was a beautiful, vast game with an absolutely excellent set of puzzles. Everything flowed exceptionally well, and from top to bottom you could always understand your impact on the world around you. Wonder is the emotion I’d most strongly associate with this game, and one sequence was both an excellent break and the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in any game. I think this will be my favorite game for some time to come.
Projet R.E.S.E.T. [Project R.E.S.E.T.]Immersia Escape GamesEscape roomIRL𓆜𓋘𓄁 𓊛𓇙𓋸𓌤𓌥 𓌦 𓅐𓆢 𓆣 𓀉𓆤 𓆥 𓅑𓆘 𓆙 𓅒𓄙 𓄚 𓄛 𓅓𓃺 𓃻 𓅔 𓅕 𓃕 𓃖 𓃗 𓎷 𓄁𓎸𓅖 𓅽 𓅾 𓅿𓅗 𓅘 𓇆 𓇇𓅙 𓅚 𓁵 𓁶𓂵 𓂶𓃝𓋲 𓋳𓀬 𓅛𓁃 𓂺𓅜 �𓅝𓃄 �𓄁𓅞𓂙 𓅟𓂿 𓆜𓋘𓄁 𓊛𓇙𓋸𓌤𓌥 𓌦 𓅐𓆢 𓆣 𓀉𓆤 𓆥 𓅑𓆘 𓆙 𓅒𓄙 𓄚 𓄛 𓅓𓃺 𓃻 𓅔 𓅕 𓃕 𓃖 𓃗 𓎷 𓄁𓎸𓅖 𓅽 𓅾 𓅿𓅗 𓅘 𓇆 𓇇𓅙 𓅚 𓁵 𓁶𓂵 𓂶𓃝𓋲 𓋳𓀬 𓅛𓁃 𓂺𓅜 𓂨𓅝𓃄 𓄁𓅞𓂙 𓅟𓂿This review contains spoilers.Unscramble𓀗
Le Grand Immersia Hotel [The Grand Immersia Hotel]Immersia Escape GamesEscape roomIRLOur group’s introduction to Montreal Escape rooms and this game set the bar sky high. I haven’t had so much fun in any escape room in a long, long time. The narrative was interesting, and the introduction was truly awesome, and my favorite of the trip! The stakes felt high and the consequences of our actions were felt consistently. Everything flowed very well and the puzzles were excellent.