LOCATION: Frederick, Maryland, USA
Photo above is property of Clue IQ: An Escape Room Experience
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
📝 ETR DECODER
🔑 GAME: Excalibur
📅 DATE PLAYED: June 4, 2024
🎬 GENRE: Medieval
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 5.5/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-10 ppl (Recommended 3-6 ppl)
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: $92.00 (2 ppl) - $280.00 (10 ppl)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes
📖 THE STORY
Step into a bygone era filled with magic, wizards, knights, and kings. King Arthur and his loyal Knights of the Round Table have dedicated themselves to safeguarding Camelot. However, the moment has arrived for a fresh champion to assume the throne. Merlin, the wizard, has been tasked with returning the sword Excalibur to its stone. A set of trials has been arranged to determine the deserving individual who will follow in Arthur's footsteps. Are you able to guide your team of knights through the obstacles, seize King Arthur's crown, and free Excalibur from its confinement?
Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE
The ambient lighting in this room created a magical atmosphere. Additionally, there were "redirect" lights strategically placed by the creator for certain puzzles, effectively guiding players in the right direction.
The clues were presented in a clear and easily understandable manner, helping players identify which puzzles to focus on and which clues to consider. If all necessary information was not yet gathered, players knew they couldn't proceed with certain tasks.
Despite not being a new room, the props were well maintained, and everything was in excellent condition.
A variety of puzzles, including visual, riddle, and deduction challenges, were presented.
Hints were provided by a knight character in the room, aligning with the theme, rather than through typed messages on a TV screen.
The gameplay flowed smoothly, allowing players to collaborate and solve tasks efficiently.
The grand finale included a magical reveal, providing players with a victorious and satisfying conclusion.
🧩 MISSED THE MARK
If I had to be critical, I would have preferred the ending to place more emphasis on showcasing the strength of a single player capable of wielding Excalibur.
This is our inner desire speaking as enthusiasts, we would have loved some bonus puzzles to prolong the play time.
🏹 TAKE A SHOT?
This beginner-friendly escape room provides an ideal introduction to the world of escape games. For novices in the realm of escape rooms, this particular room offers an immersive experience that is both engaging and enjoyable. The puzzles within the room strike a perfect balance - challenging enough to provide a sense of accomplishment upon completion, yet not overly difficult to discourage newcomers. The absence of red herrings ensures that players can focus on the main clues and tasks at hand, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
One of the standout features of this room is the clear sense of direction it provides, guiding players towards the ultimate goal of victory. This clarity not only helps players progress smoothly through the game but also adds to the satisfaction of reaching the final outcome. The room's design and execution reflect a deep understanding and passion for escape room games, indicating that the creator is not only skilled but also a true enthusiast of the genre.
ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO
There are a couple of free assigned parking spaces right outside the facility marked "Clue IQ".
Garage next door $1/Hr as well as metered street parking.
Lobby area with seating.
Merchandise available for purchase.
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, an interview with the owner, the room(s) (no puzzle spoilers) and more:
Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
(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 Clue IQ: An Escape Room Experience for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.
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