clueQuest: Operation Black Sheep (the satellite one)

cluequest-unit-operation-blacksheep[1]

[Note: clueQuest has since relocated again, so most of this write up is out of date. I recommend reading the most recent clueQuest review to get a better feel of where they are now.]

Outside the room

Things had moved on since I first visited clueQuest – quite literally. Not only had they opened up a second room, but they’d changed location down to the much more accessible Liverpool Street. The entrance was tucked down a side alley, and while the area was by no means quiet, we were still a little nervous.

Once inside though, it was a whole different experience. They had a large central space, with corners tucked away for the host to brief you. And what a host – she managed to spin the spy story well, with just the right amount of admonishment if any of the party weren’t taking it seriously.

Background

Same as the other clueQuest game – you’re auditioning to be one of Mr Q’s secret agents and this time (if I remember right) you have to stop a nuclear bomb going off.

Inside the room

I thought Plan52 was good, but this one managed to be even better. They’d reduced the number of combination and padlocks, and come up with a whole host of new puzzles to solve. There were two “wow” moments in the room, where the puzzle mechanics were just brilliant, and plenty of really nice puzzles to solve.

The game itself was large, with plenty of room to move around, and everything was well maintained. My only complaint was that it was a little linear – I’d have liked a little more freeform play.

Result

We got out with plenty of time to spare. We didn’t need many clues, but that wasn’t because the room was easy – we just seemed to work well as a team. I went with my best friend and our wives – and there was just the right balance of puzzle solving, leading, communicating and memory between us. I was the only one who’d done an escape room before, but they jumped straight in without any trouble.

Verdict –

I rate clueQuest as the best escape room provider in London, and of their two rooms, this is a little better (as you’d hope from a second room!). If you think you’ll only ever play one game in London, then for me you’d have to choose between this and Escape Rooms’ Room 33. If technological wowing is important, then Room 33 probably edges it, but if London Bridge isn’t convenient, or you’d like the puzzles to be part of the storyline, then I’d probably choose Operation Blacksheep.

Eating

I really, really fancied an Oreo milkshake, so we headed over to the Gourmet Burger Kitchen down the road for dinner. It’s exactly what you’d expect, and we even managed not to use the big Scrabble letters on the walls to spell rude words…

Detailed Room Ratings

Venue
Host
Wow! factor
Immersiveness
Difficulty

4 Comments


  1. // Reply

    Played this last night – wow. Easily the best escape room I’ve played (and I’ve already done Room 33). The sheer variety and ingenuity of puzzles was astonishing, there were a good 3 or 4 genuine “wow” moments and a couple of puzzles really needed multiple players working together which is a great feature.

    We got a couple of hints at just the right times (both of which made us kick ourselves – the puzzles were all genuinely fair) and got out with 9 mins on the clock.

    My only criticism was that it was possible to let yourself out of the exit door without completing the game – which we did at one point, mistakenly thinking we were finished – personally I prefer to feel properly trapped, to be that bit more immersed in the game!


    1. // Reply

      Surprised you could let yourself out early. I don’t remember that, but it would be in keeping with the story – you needed to defuse the bomb, not escape the room. That said – if they leave the door open, it should be very obvious. You should be briefed, because walking out a room by mistake ruIns the immersion.

      I played this room relatively early on in my escape room career, before I started blogging, so I could believe I’ve underplayed the wow moments. Do you disagree with Room 33 being better for the technology factor?

      BTW – clueQuest are opening a new room, probably in December. Having played one of their games at a popup mini escape room event, they’ve still got the touch for creating clever multi player puzzles. looking forward to it!


  2. // Reply

    I think Room 33 had bigger *technology* wow factors but the most impressive of those disappointingly didn’t actually feature in a puzzle – a missed opportunity!

    Perhaps the technology aspect is less important to me than to you – e.g. one of my favourites in Blacksheep was an ingenious wooden mechanical lock, and it also had two reveals of big puzzles that were, until that point, hidden – which is probably my favourite kind of ‘wow’!

    I’ll keep an eye out for ClueQuest’s new room – I’d be very keen to play that. And I’ve still got Plan 52 to look forward to!


  3. // Reply

    Managed to fit in a visit last week before the upcoming opening of their new room Revenge of the Sheep, and loved it. As a team of 3 we were kept busy throughout, escaping with a little over 7 minutes to spare. It was clear that a lot of thought and inventiveness had gone into the theming, artwork, puzzles, props and gadgets, making a satisfying whole. There were plenty of moments of wonder, both of the “wow” kind and the “how did we miss that” kind (for the 3-odd clues we got).

    The venue near Kings Cross, while a little tricky to find, is very nice and have to say that our host was great – enthusiastic and setting up the theme (saving the human race from professor Blacksheep’s mind control satellite) nicely.

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