Escape Reviewer

Puzzles: ✭✭✭✭✬ 4.3

     Challenge: 4.5

     Logic: 4.5

     Abstract: 4.0

The Apocalypse is Escape Manor's largest and most immersive game to date, where your team must uncover the cure to prevent the extinction of the human race before it's too late! Right from the start, we knew that this was going to be something special, as our group slowly made our way towards the dark crevices of the start. Before entering, we were treated by an excellent thematic opening sequence involving special goggles and a lot of awkward shuffling. Inside, details were well done creating a very immersive experience. The game area is very large (1800 square feet), involving several different sections. The design of certain places stood out more than others, but everything fit together nicely within the theme. One area (which was a little harder to find) was quite empty, which was a bit unfortunate given its seemingly high potential to create a stand-out moment during the escape. The staff mentioned to use afterwards that they are actually planning on remodelling that section, so I look forward to seeing what they will come up with in the future!

 

Puzzles quality has, and continues to be, one of Escape Manor's greatest strengths. The Apocalypse is no different. The puzzles found throughout this escape were very unique and fun to play. We found a large variety in puzzle types which proved to be beneficial for the larger group size (The Apocalypse has a maximum of 12 players), since there always tended to be one person who was better at certain tasks more than others. On the flipside, it became a little difficult with too many people hovering around us when only a few puzzles remained. It might have been nice to see a puzzle or two near the finale that would incorporate multiple players at separate locations, working together all at once. Nevertheless, everything was an appropriate level of difficulty and very logical. There was one puzzle a couple of us thought was a bit more abstract than others, but it definitely wasn't a game breaker.

 

The Apocalypse is a showcase of just how much Escape Manor has improved in thematic design and puzzle quality over the past year. This is definitely their best room to date and one of the finest immersive experiences that we have played! We recommend all people in Ottawa looking for something fun to do with friends, check out The Apocalypse!

Reviewed by Mitch on September 15, 2015