Escape My Room New Orleans - "Smugglers Den"

LOCATION:  New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

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Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

📝 ETR DECODER

🔑 GAME: Smugglers Den
📅 DATE PLAYED: March 27, 2024
🎬 GENRE: Mystery
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 5 ppl): 4/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-6 ppl (Ages 16+)
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 45 Mins.
💰 PRICE: $32.00 - $50.00/ pp (Depending on group size)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

📖 THE STORY

Back in the DeLaporte Mansion, your assistance is urgently needed to uncover a long-lost smuggler's ring that once operated within the mansion during the prohibition era. With the mansion's funds running dry, rumors abound of a hidden treasure tucked away in the 100-year-old speakeasy somewhere on the property. The authorities are set to arrive in just 45 minutes to collect taxes owed on the mansion, and time is of the essence. Can you unravel the secrets of the speakeasy and secure enough wealth to satisfy the tax bill before it's too late?

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🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

From the moment you step into The Speakeasy, the atmosphere is palpable with anticipation and mystery. The requirement to stow away all light-emitting devices immediately heightens the sense of immersion, signaling that this will be no ordinary escape room experience. As you venture deeper into the darkness, the initial room reveals itself with intricate details and captivating decor that transport you back to the prohibition era. Every element of the setting feels authentic, from the vintage furnishings to the subtle hints of clandestine activity lurking in the shadows.
Once the hidden speakeasy is discovered, the real challenge begins. With sight rendered obsolete, you must rely on your other senses to unravel the puzzles that lie ahead. The absence of light adds a thrilling layer of complexity to the gameplay, forcing you to listen closely, feel your way around, and trust your instincts as you navigate through the darkness. Each puzzle presents a unique and thought-provoking challenge, cleverly woven into the fabric of the speakeasy's clandestine history.
Despite the initial disorientation of playing in complete darkness, the experience quickly becomes exhilarating as you adapt to the sensory deprivation and immerse yourself fully in the game. The adrenaline rush of solving puzzles without the aid of sight adds an extra level of excitement and engagement, making every discovery feel like a triumphant victory. And as you progress through the speakeasy, the intricate storyline unfolds, revealing secrets and surprises that keep you captivated until the very end.

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

The puzzles played in complete darkness provide a distinct challenge, prioritizing sensory engagement over a linear storyline. While the primary objective is to enjoy the immersive experience of solving puzzles without visual cues, the lack of structured narrative may be noticeable to some players. Nevertheless, the ambiance of the room adds an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay, enhancing the overall thrill of the experience.
Additionally, communication becomes crucial in the echoey chamber, especially for larger groups. The reverberating sound can make it difficult to hear and contribute effectively, requiring participants to maintain clear and coordinated communication throughout the game. Despite this minor inconvenience, mastering teamwork and ensuring everyone's voices are heard can enhance the enjoyment and success of the escape room endeavor.

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

Entering the "Smugglers Den", our group was initially unaware of the unique challenge that awaited us: navigating the room in complete darkness. However, any apprehension was quickly dispelled by the immersive storyline presentation by the game master. With great enthusiasm and in character, the game master set the stage for our adventure, providing context and adding depth to the experience. Once left to explore the room in darkness, our senses were heightened, and every sound and touch became magnified. Despite the initial disorientation, we quickly adapted to our surroundings, communicating effectively and working together to unravel the room's mysteries.

While the darkness added an exciting and immersive element to the experience, it also posed challenges in aligning the puzzles with a cohesive storyline. The overarching goal of finding hidden silver dollars provided a sense of purpose and direction, but some puzzles felt disconnected from the narrative. Nevertheless, the ingenuity and creativity of the puzzles were evident, offering a variety of challenges that catered to different skills and abilities within our group. From tactile puzzles to intricate riddles, each puzzle presented a unique opportunity to test our problem-solving skills and teamwork.

Despite the occasional disconnect between puzzles and storyline, the sheer enjoyment derived from navigating the darkened room and uncovering its secrets made Smugglers Den an unforgettable adventure. The sense of camaraderie and excitement that permeated our group throughout the experience speaks to the room's ability to captivate and engage players. With its innovative approach and immersive atmosphere, Smugglers Den offers a refreshing twist on the traditional escape room experience, promising hours of excitement and enjoyment for all participants.

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

Ample street parking, some free.
Merchandise and board games for sale.
All guests will be in complete darkness for up to 30 minutes of gameplay.
Crawling for a short distance is required.

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Disclosure: We thank Escape My Room New Orleans for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.