December 2019

- Overall rating:
Athens Escape Review: Paradox Project - The Bookstore

One of the best games I’ve experienced. Over three hours of gorgeous set, interesting puzzles and an overarching narrative that flows through from their opening game. Go to Athens and play this game.

- Overall rating:
Athens Escape Review: Paradox Project - The Mansion

A three-hour game that feels so different to your average experience and not just because of the ample space and time. With a strong narrative via video segment and plenty of enjoyable puzzles, it’s a game that you should definitely book if you head to Athens.

Christmas Crossword

A tough cryptic crossword to provide some Christmas challenge

- Overall rating:
HintHunt (London): The Safe

A portable escape experience that HintHunt market alongside their other, more conventional, games. We found it a huge letdown – poorer decoration, fewer puzzles, a lack of exploration and on top of that some red herrings and tech failures left this a disappointing game.

- Overall rating:
HintHunt (London): Golden Share

It may not be the most elaborate of themes, but it’s delivered well. With some of the stronger puzzles I’ve come across in London games and solidity in most other areas, this is definitely a game I’d recommend for enthusiasts in the capital.

- Overall rating:
Cannock Chase Escape Room: The Bunker

In the middle of nowhere and not much to look at, once you’re in the game itself, there’s actually plenty to enjoy. Sure, some of the puzzles weren’t perfect but we really enjoyed this ninety-minute experience.

- Overall rating:
Escape Nation (Stafford): The Citadel

A fun, sci-fi-themed game with good theming, really enjoyable puzzles and moments of humour. If you’re in the area then it’s well worth dropping in.

- Overall rating:
Lucardo (Manchester): The Prison

Lucardo continues to improve, and The Prison probably ranks as the best of the Manchester experiences. I may have had more fun in their University of Magic game because of its theme but, objectively, I think this is a more impressive experience: the puzzles fit the theme, there’s a better-than-average overarching story, and the moments of theatre deliver a coherent game that’s well worth playing.