Adventures of Intrigue - "Save the Queen"

LOCATION:  St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Adventures of Intrigue - "Save the Queen"

Photo above is property of Adventures of Intrigue

📝 ETR DECODER

🔑 GAME: Save the Queen
📅 DATE PLAYED: December 1, 2024
🎬 GENRE: Fantasy
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 4/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-6 ppl (Ages 13+)
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: $35.00/ pp (Min. 2 ppl)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

📖 THE STORY

After being summoned by the king to undertake a royal quest, you and your friends are tasked with finding his beloved queen, who has mysteriously disappeared. Your journey takes you across the kingdom, embarking on an epic fantasy adventure filled with intrigue, danger, and hidden truths. As the king’s trusted party, it is up to you to search far and wide throughout the realm, piecing together clues, solving intricate puzzles, and decoding the mysteries surrounding the queen’s vanishing.

🎭 THE EXPERIENCE

Adventures of Intrigue takes the concept of escape rooms to a whole new level with what they call an open-concept escape experience. Set within a massive 9,500 square foot facility, the space is divided into numerous themed sections, each offering a unique adventure to embark on. With nearly 12 distinct adventures to choose from, every storyline and setting feels fresh and different, ensuring a diverse and exciting experience no matter which path you select.
The overarching story behind Adventures of Intrigue is that it is a magical library where the stories from the books come to life. Each story has found its home within the library, and now it is up to you and your team to step into these tales, reliving the adventures they hold. The immersive nature of the space transforms it into a living, breathing storybook, making you feel as though you’ve walked directly into the pages of a fantastical novel.
Throughout the experience, you'll uncover puzzles, clues, and props that are marked with stickers featuring symbols or pictures unique to your chosen adventure. This clever system helps keep the gameplay streamlined, even amidst the multitude of stories and puzzles spread across the facility. It allows each group to focus solely on their mission without getting sidetracked by elements from other adventures.
These experiences are designed to be completed in approximately 60 minutes, but the pace is entirely dependent on your group’s problem-solving skills and puzzle comprehension. While some adventures are designed to challenge even seasoned enthusiasts, others cater to families and younger audiences, making it a fantastic destination for players of all skill levels and ages.

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

The open-concept escape room experience was an absolute blast. It felt much more like a scavenger hunt, but with an added layer of discovery and engagement, as every clue or puzzle led to something exciting and unique to interact with. This open-world design gave the game a refreshing and exploratory feel, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the adventure while constantly uncovering new surprises.
One of the standout aspects of this format was its inherent addictiveness. While working on our specific case, we frequently stumbled upon other puzzles, clues, and stickers that belonged to different adventures. This added an extra layer of curiosity and temptation, sparking an interest in what else the facility had to offer. It’s hard not to want to come back and try one of the other storylines when you see glimpses of their potential throughout your own journey.
The use of themed areas and spaces enhanced the experience. For "Save the Queen", a fantasy-themed adventure, we stayed primarily in the fantasy section of the facility, which was a delight. The puzzles, environments, and physical interactions we encountered felt completely in line with the story, creating believable and immersive locations for us to explore. Each task felt like a natural part of our quest, seamlessly integrating into the game world without feeling out of place or forced.
The hint system here was particularly inventive and immersive. Instead of relying on technology or breaking the flow of the game, Adventures of Intrigue incorporated in-universe characters called "librarians" (staff members) stationed throughout the space. These librarians were always available to lend a hand if needed, staying in character and contributing to the experience. Additionally, there was a "research desk," stocked with various cards and tools to help players who might be unfamiliar with certain outside knowledge required to solve puzzles. This clever feature not only kept players immersed in the game but also eliminated the need to rely on phones or external technology, keeping the experience firmly rooted in the story.
The finale of our adventure did not disappoint, delivering a few jaw-dropping moments that brought the entire narrative together. It felt incredibly satisfying to see the story wrap up in a way that made us feel like we had accomplished something significant. The conclusion was a perfect mix of excitement and closure, leaving us with a strong sense of triumph and fulfillment.

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

A notable drawback of "Save the Queen" is that at times, the experience leans toward feeling like a blend of a scavenger hunt and worksheet puzzles rather than a fully immersive escape room. In certain instances, players are required to rely on minor signage or environmental clues to solve the initial part of a puzzle, which then transitions into completing the puzzle on a dry erase sheet of paper. While the puzzles themselves are creative and well-designed—some offering unique challenges not commonly seen—the reliance on this format can disrupt the immersive flow of the experience.

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

Adventures of Intrigue is a truly remarkable concept that transforms the escape room experience into something entirely unique and magical. The interconnected themed areas, inspired by stories and books that come to life, create a sense of wonder and excitement that is rarely found elsewhere. The open-concept design allows for exploration and discovery at your own pace, fostering a childlike curiosity as you uncover secret passages, unlock new adventures, and delve into the possibilities of the space. The opportunities for creativity in this format feel nearly limitless, giving the space a significant edge over traditional escape rooms.

One of the standout features is the relaxed, untimed nature of the experience. This design choice makes the space more approachable for a wide range of participants, including those who might not normally consider themselves escape room enthusiasts. It fosters an enjoyable and stress-free atmosphere, ideal for families, beginners, or anyone looking to learn and improve their puzzle-solving skills without the pressure of a clock. While the space does cater to enthusiasts and experienced players with challenging games, it is also built with families and younger audiences in mind, offering options specifically designed for children aged 10 and under.

The staff at Adventures of Intrigue enhances the experience significantly. They strike the perfect balance between being attentive and allowing groups the freedom to explore, ensuring that everyone feels supported without breaking the immersion. Their enthusiasm and dedication contribute to the welcoming and engaging atmosphere of the space.

What sets Adventures of Intrigue apart is its innovative approach to escape rooms. Instead of relying solely on high-tech gadgets or extravagant scenic design, this experience focuses on creating a layered, immersive world that encourages exploration, storytelling, and collaboration. The effort and passion poured into crafting the space are evident in every detail, making it a standout example of how escape rooms can evolve and innovate.

For anyone in St. Louis—or even beyond—this is an experience worth seeking out. Whether you're a seasoned puzzle solver, a family looking for a fun outing, or someone new to escape rooms, Adventures of Intrigue offers something for everyone. It’s one of the best immersive experiences in the area and a shining example of how escape rooms can inspire creativity and wonder. If you enjoy solving puzzles or simply exploring imaginative worlds, this is a must-visit destination.

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

Free Parking
Party and Event Room
Quiet/Sensory room part of the open concept

Photos above are property of Adventures of Intrigue

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Disclosure: We thank Adventures of Intrigue for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.