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.
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!
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.
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.
Παρεκκλήσι & Κατακόμβες [Chapel & Catacombs]Lockhill - Nea IoniaEscape roomIRLGame 11 of 17 of Our Athens Tour - Where do I even begin? This game is GIGANTIC, with varying sets that morph and change and progress with you as you work on the story. The story is clear despite the chaos the actors make sure ensues around you. I have nothing but respect for everyone at Lockhill for this absolutely out of this world experience. Of the full horror games we’ve played in Athens so far this one was by FAR the most fun. The cinematic portions were gorgeous with payoffs WAY, WAY down the line. The other scares (of which I will be intentionally vague) were perfect and held their purpose perfectly. The puzzles were simple, and frankly not the point of this behemoth of an experience, but they solved cleanly when we were calm enough to put them together. This was my 100th game, and it easily ranks among my favorites from beginning to end. Thank you Lockhill for an unforgettable experience.
Don't Take A BreathVerone Live Action Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLGame 16 of 17 of our Athens Tour - Really, really unique! I’ve never played a game that felt like this. Don’t come to this game expecting hard puzzles, it’s much more an experience than a puzzle room. Definitely among our favorites from the trip. The actor/owner and our GM played their roles perfectly, leaving us completely immersed in their massive, massive world. The set is immaculately detailed and full of much more polish than most any other game I’ve ever played. Thank you for sharing a corner of your mind, Verone. See you again in some years for Cocaina and 50 Shades of Pork ;)
El Exorcista [The Exorcist]No Exit IlioupoliEscape roomIRLGame 15 of 18 of our Athens Tour - Wow! The actress is STUNNING. So many practical effects and so much physicality is present in her role. The set of the game is impressively realistic and unsettling in equal measure. The plot is easy to follow. The scares are AMAZING, and we’re not entirely sure multiple weeks later how some of them were done. It was excellent. The fact this game came out in 2020 when it holds up today is mind boggling.
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.
![La Cathédrale Oubliée [The Forgotten Cathedral]](https://res.cloudinary.com/mortyapp/image/upload/c_limit,w_260/f_auto/v1/store/s/2c2890dd-87b6-4712-8136-8403e436ec72.jpg)
![L'Île perdue de la Reine Vaudou [The Lost Island of the Voodoo Queen]](https://res.cloudinary.com/mortyapp/image/upload/c_limit,w_260/f_auto/v1/store/s/ea8040b8-d20c-48b1-a683-d874c1ae6eb1.jpg)
![Παρεκκλήσι & Κατακόμβες [Chapel & Catacombs]](https://res.cloudinary.com/mortyapp/image/upload/c_limit,w_260/f_auto/v1/store/s/0855dcf0-1ad4-496c-abdd-f8f4e681ba4a.jpeg)
![El Exorcista [The Exorcist]](https://res.cloudinary.com/mortyapp/image/upload/c_limit,w_260/f_auto/v1/store/s/f6c7b10d-2679-47f4-b95c-49e681349784.jpg)
