Paradox Project 1: Η Έπαυλη [The Mansion]

Once we got into a rhythm the game flowed extremely well. Due to the space being so big it was difficult to know where to start initially so we needed a small nudge to point us in the right direction. I’m very much like a bull in a China shop in rooms, spot something, immediately think I know what to do with it and jump to the next think. You have to take a step back in this room, take it all in as there are so many details, and missing something means wasting a lot of time, as we found out. The story is original, unfolds as the experience progresses with twists and turns and the gameplay mimics this beautifully.

You really do feel like you are entering someone’s house, and mooching through their possessions and secrets. Special effects take a back seat in this experience but they aren’t needed - this escape room has a more traditional feel with multi-layered puzzles. There are several clever uses of set as the game progresses, including the ending.

Communication before the game was fantastic. We didn’t meet our GM until the end, which is part of the experience, but communication and hints throughout via screen and smart phone were spot on. Extra brownie points for the use of gifs to confirm we were on the right path.

The fact the game takes place across a whole apartment is novel, as well as the deliberate lack of information about the story before you start to play. My husband asked me before we got there ‘what’s this game about then?’ (as I sort out our bookings and itineraries and he just turns up and joins in). I couldn’t tell him much at all, and this adds to the intrigue. You know you are going to your Uncle’s house but not much more. The story unfolds as you play and it is essential to pay attention to the story and not just think ‘puzzle, puzzle, puzzle’ as we did in the beginning. Looking back after the game in various debriefs, more details that we missed at the were able to be joined up.

The story is original, mysterious and slightly dark, it unfolds well along with the game and leads perfectly to the next game, The Bookstore.

This isn’t a game for novices - despite being 3 hours long there is a LOT to do and the puzzles are multi-layered. There are always several things to solve and piece together before getting an answer, and there were several things that really made us think. As an experienced team, we have seen most things in escape rooms before but there were some bits in here that really got us thinking.

Lots of padlocks, physical movement.

We played as a two and there was a lot to do. One puzzle in particular is tricky as a two but we were told to ‘think like you are three people and you should be okay’. We did, and we were, with much giggling. The number of players very much depends on the level of experience - the room could easily house 6-8 less experienced players, but I’d say 3-4 experienced players would be ideal.

It was well lit, spacious, not scary at all.

There is nothing unsuitable or inappropriate for young people, but the puzzles are on the trickier side. There are still lots of things young people could do to get involved with though, with guidance.

Considering the game has been around for several years now it is still in very good condition. Nice and clean too, which for a big space like this could be tricky!

Contrary to many of Athens’ games, this company focuses on puzzles rather than horror, which I am very happy about.

There was lots of movement between the different rooms and spaces, stairs to climb, a small bit of crawling and one section where flexibility and thinking outside the box is required! The room will give you a decent work out.

One puzzle involved colour and there were a couple of elements where at least one member of the team has to climb stairs or crawl. It also has to be said that the game is on second (?) floor of a building accessed by stairs - I can’t recall if there is a lift.

Super easy, directions sent via message before hand really helped too.

We travelled via metro and walked 5 minutes from the stop so parking wasn’t an issue. There did seem to be street parking available.

The gm was very welcoming and attentive

3 hours, great story and interesting/novel puzzles

Pretty 50/50. Good use of mechanical puzzles but also good use of interesting tech as well. Could honestly go either way here

Lots to do for multiple players

Steep stairs and some tight spaces between rooms but not bad overall.

Some minor issues for someone with severe mobility including stairs in. A few color puzzles as well but only a few

It did flow and kept flowing. Just when we thought we had finished it kept going.

Very immersive and creative use of everything.

Thank goodness we had a great game master.