LOCATION: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
Photo above is property of 13th Gate Escape
Photos above are property of 13th Gate Escape
📝 ETR DECODER
🔑 GAME: Cutthroat Cavern
📅 DATE PLAYED: March 26, 2024
🎬 GENRE: Adventure, Pirates
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 5 ppl): 8/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 4-10 ppl
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: $32.00/ pp (Min. 4 ppl required)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes
📖 THE STORY
While vacationing in the Caribbean Islands as Mayan historians, your group is particularly interested in exploring the island of Isla Mujeres. Rumors have it that the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte hid his most priceless treasure there. A local tour guide points you in the right direction but warns you about the difficulty of reaching the island and the imminent threat of high tide. After hours of searching, you finally discover a cave that matches the descriptions you've been looking for. However, as you enter the cave, you realize that high tide is approaching fast and the cavern will soon be flooded. Can you find Jean Lafitte's hidden treasure before the rising waters seal your fate?
Video above is property of 13th Gate Escape
🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE
The physicality and scenic design of this room are on a grand scale. Everything about this experience is big, from the puzzle design to the set design. It truly lives up to its reputation as one of the largest escape rooms in America. Each area of the game feels meticulously detailed, making it feel as close as possible to a Caribbean island despite being housed in a warehouse.
Due to its size, there are some epic physical puzzles in this game, both in their solutions and in their sheer scale. One such puzzle was so surprising that our entire group was filled with giddy excitement and laughter
🧩 MISSED THE MARK
During one of the largest reveals in this game, it seemed that due to age, the doors opened very unevenly. Instead of providing a grand view as intended, the experience fell short of expectations when one side opened much faster than the other.
The ending of the game also caught us off guard. We didn't feel like we were close to the conclusion, and the final interaction felt somewhat random within the world. This abrupt ending detracted from the overall immersive experience, leaving us wishing for a more cohesive and satisfying conclusion.
🏹 TAKE A SHOT?
"Cutthroat Cavern" is one of the premier escape rooms in the United States, consistently making top-tier lists. The sheer size and scale of the room, combined with decently well-designed puzzles, create an experience that most players remember. The grandeur of the set design is truly something to behold. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a world that feels immersive and authentic. The intricate details and large-scale props make the environment as close to a real Caribbean island as you could get in a warehouse.
However, there isn't much of a story to engage with. As you progress, you learn a little about the world, but not enough to make you truly care about the narrative. The game feels more like a series of puzzles strung together rather than a cohesive story-driven adventure. This lack of a compelling storyline might leave some players feeling disconnected from the overall experience.
Communication is crucial in this game, and some puzzles, in particular, involve impressive physical elements that keep players engaged. These physical puzzles are not only fun but also add a layer of excitement and interactivity that many other rooms lack. This is a more challenging room, suitable for escape room enthusiasts who should be able to complete it without too much trouble. However, it might pose a bit of a challenge for general public players who are less experienced with escape rooms.
One of the enjoyable aspects of this game is the hint system, which is integrated into the room itself. This clever integration keeps the immersion intact, although due to the room's size, it can sometimes be difficult to hear the hints. Additionally, there was a minor issue with lighting—one of the puzzles needed a bit more illumination to be solved effectively, which could be frustrating for some players.
Overall, "Cutthroat Cavern" is a fun game. It has garnered a lot of hype within the escape room community, and while it is a good game, it may suffer from being overhyped. The scenic design and puzzles were clearly top priorities, and the scenery works well, creating a visually stunning environment. The puzzles are okay but not exceptional. Despite this, the game is filled with "wow" moments that are sure to impress players. It is highly recommended for any escape room enthusiast looking for a challenging and visually impressive experience.
Photos above are property of 13th Gate Escape
ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO
4 Player Minimum due to puzzle design
Free Parking Lot across the Street
Beverages for sale
Lobby with Lockers for storage during games
Photos above are property of 13th Gate Escape
(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)
Disclosure: We thank 13th Gate Escape for providing a media discount on the tickets for this game. Although discounted admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever.
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