V
VeganGameGuy
344 escape rooms
Really fun red herring and puzzle-packed room. The plotline is (sadly) inconsequential and the first room isn't up the same standard as the main room (a hint/tip below...), but the main room's non-linear "playground" atmosphere well made up for it! While I usually hate red herrings, they actually make sense in a museum theme, with a LOT of things to see and shuffle through. A big part of this room is figuring out which items matter and which do not, which can be fun. If you take this on as part of the meta game, then the room should be a blast! ( just stay organized :) ) **[ Hint/Tip/NO SPOILER to enjoy this room more. Others commented they don't like the first room. We had fun with it, but we also agreed it is not the highlight - I recommend speeding right through it TO give yourself time to finish the secOnd room...you might need it :) ]
Gameplay
Super fun! The first room is silly and good if you don't spend too much time there...don't overthink it - just get to the main room where the puzzles really shine. It's nonlinear, largely physical locks with some cool magnet puzzles and a surprising fogged window/glass effect I'd never seen in a room before!
Atmosphere
Very good. Some components are showing their age, and the attention to detail isn't always there (if you lift up a banner on the wall, fir example, there's a random colored painted wall which has nothing to do with anything; there's a storage closet in the first part which has nothing to do with anything: etc.) This room would benefit from a revamping of some of the components and a re-painting of the walls, because the puzzles are awesome, and the refinement does bring down the overall effect, sadly.
Customer service
GM was great. We had some newer escapers so we accepted nudges. The GM got us through and knew exactly the best way to give a hint without giving away the puzzle!
Particularly interesting or different
Yes
Very. A history museum might seem like an obvious escape room theme, yet it's the first one I've actually seen or done. The Chinese-themed puzzles were a blast. They are tricky so be willing to ask for hints.
Story
The story was interesting but unfortunately didn't carry all the way through. There's a time travel back story which is fun but ultimately has no effect on the gameplay. I think it's just missing something to pull it together. (What if we were given Chinese armor, swords or some aspect of Chinese clothing to wear into the room so we actually feel like we have time traveled from the era?)
Difficulty
Hard
The puzzles were fair but tough. However the toughest part of the game is that there are a LOT of puzzles, so it's important to attack. It's likely one puzzle or the other will throw you so just keep pushing through and ask for hints if you need them.
Game tech
Mechanical
Mostly mechanical
Ideal number of players
5
Scary
Not scary
Minimum age
8
The first part would be very fun for kids, but the main room may be quite difficult for younger players.
Was anything broken?
No
Everything work. Just felt a little run down.
Live actors
No
GM gives you the backstory ahead of time. If she had played a character while giving the backstory this could've added to the experience.
Physically active
Somewhat
The most physical activity is ultimately optional (Just run... ;) ) but you do have to crawl once.
Accessibility
It requires crawling. The GM may be able to let anyone with mobility issues enter from the back door
Easy to find location
Yes
Parking
Easy
Not sure. Took the train.
