Paradox Project 3: Το Ωδείον [The Music Academy]

We have never had a tougher time rating a room. We can’t even put it on our normal scale because this is something so completely different than anything else out there. This review does not contain blatant spoilers, but provides some thoughts on things we would have liked to know going in. These guys are seeking to build the master level of escape rooms. They have a vision and we respect the hell out of what they are doing. They are escape room purists, and believe in traditional locks (used in new ways), difficult puzzles and elaborate stories. They felt that one hour is simply not enough for a room (we agree) and have gone for a whopping three + hours, which *may* be a bit too much for many. We were absolutely brain dead by the end. We have our own opinions about how hard a room should be throughout, but they believe in a wave. If you can only do one room with them, do this one. For the Bookstore, you absolutely need to do the Mansion first. There are delightful twists and turns in this one and some super creative puzzles. Unfortunately there were a couple mechanical issues, resulting in the game master having to enter at one point (cardinal sin). Finally, the construction of this place is damn impressive. Mad respect for these guys. We have been wanting “expert level” rooms, they delivered. We just wish we had known that going in, so we could have framed ourselves accordingly. 😂 Escape Couple rating: 🤯🧐🤓 (we use a 1-6🗝️ rating scale, but this room defies normal ranking) In short, it absolutely delivers on what it set out to accomplish. Depending on your love for escape rooms, you will love it, hate it, or have complicated emotions as we do. Regardless, we recommend if you’re true escape artists (ie nerds).

I'm in the minority, I know, but I didn't enjoy this game much. There are a ton of puzzles, but some of them feel like there isn't enough information to solve them without intervention from the GM, which takes some of the fun out of it for me. Also, I feel that the games are too long. With clearer signposting, I'm guessing you could shave an hour off the game time, which would, for me, make it far more enjoyable. By the end, I was just exhausted. That being said, if you want puzzles, this is the game for you. They also make interesting use of the space which, to me, is the biggest strength of the Paradox games.

Amazing room with incredible design and theming. Definitely worth the visit. So many clever puzzles and story elements that we were talking about for hours after. One of the best rooms we have ever experienced

This game is focused on puzzle solving. Puzzles are mostly clever, nicely layered and challenging and though there is not that much focus on immersion and "forgetting that you're in a game", the atmosphere still captures you. After a long time I really enjoyed that satisfaction from solving puzzles and that heuréka feeling. I didn't enjoy one of the last rooms where we were supposed to think "paradoxically" though. For me the game could definitely be shorter - there is no reason to have it that long - especially when there are a bit frustrating puzzles at the end from my point of view.

Well…WAU. My first game from Paradox Project and the name of the company explains a lot. If you want to enjoy almost 3 hours of full on puzzles that this is perfect game (and company) for you. I loved it! But be prepared, it is quite hard and you will need a lot of energy for your brain. I must say that at some point some puzzles were so much paradox puzzles that I didnt know if to laugh or cry when finding out the solution. But still I have enjoyed the game very much! Recommended!

This was a solid experience! When I read that this escape room was 3 hours long, I was a bit unsure if I would be engaged for the entirety of the game, but the gameplay and the puzzles were extremely captivating, which made the time fly by! You also have the choice to take a break partway through the game to drink water and use the restroom. I found the puzzles extremely thoughtful, and most of them tied into the music theme quite nicely. There were a couple of narrative choices that were questionable, as well as some puzzles that I found were a bit of a stretch, but neither of those severely affected my ability to play and enjoy the game. The Music Academy is an extremely fun and satisfying experience. If you are in Athens, this escape room is definitely worth checking out!

The absolutely mind-blowing riddles are worth the 180+ minutes needed for the room! No spoilers I will only say no music needed for the room!

I had such a great time. I am still not sure if this or the bookstore are my favourite rooms ever. Love the paradox team and looking forward to chapter 2. I would suggest to go for it if you have some experience with rooms or you won’t appreciate it at its entirety.

Amazing experience! One of my very favorite so far.