Escape Reviewer

Design: ✭✭✭✬✩ 3.3

     Idea: 3.5

     Details: 3.0

     Features: 3.5

Creativity: ✭✭✭✭✩ 4.0

     Novel: 4.5

     Comprehension: 4.0

     Surprises: 3.5

Puzzles: ✭✭✭✭✩ 4.2

     Challenge: 4.5

     Logic: 4.0

     Abstract: 4.0

The Great Escape is Improbable Escapes' first room. It's 60 minutes long and is decorated nicely. The idea of trying to find the 'Golden Record' was unique but the plot could have been developed a bit more. The background music and items around the room were nice and added to the theme integration. There was a small problem with a bit too many props (most of which were breakable). This necessitated the skill of our best ballet dancer impersonation as we tiptoed through to avoid stepping on things. We recommend fewer items and to use less glass for those objects that will be moved around. There were not many "wow" factor moments. The ideas are there, but the unpolished essence of them took away from the full effect that they could be.

Puzzles were the highlight of The Great Escape. There were many novel and unique puzzles that were very comprehensive. I really liked the way the escape began, with having to work as a team to solve the first couple puzzles. Many items were used unconventionally and we really needed to think outside the box several times. Nothing was too difficult and no prior knowledge was required. One of the last puzzles was a little abstract and we had a good discussion with the staff about ways to make it more logical. Being a new escape company, I'm sure that Improbable Escapes will find ways to improve the experience in the weeks to come. Overall, we had a fun time and with a couple of tweaks Improbable Escapes is poised to become a great escape company in Kingston! We look forward to playing their other rooms in the future!

Reviewed by Evan and Mitch on July 9, 2015