Vortex Events (Formerly Fantasy Escape Games) - "The Dark Tower"

Cici Cao

Aug 12, 20202 min read

Updated: Apr 27, 2024

Photos provided by Fantasy Escape Games

Company: Fantasy Escape Games

Game: The Dark Tower

Country: USA 🇺🇸

Language: English

Type of Game: Audio Escape Room 👂

Genre: Fantasy

Date Played: 8/13/2020

Difficulty (based on 2 players): 5/10

Size of Team: Up to 7 players

Time: 60 Minutes

Price: $14/ pp (Mon-Thurs/ 10am-9pm PST), $15/pp (Fri-Sun/ 10am-10pm PST)

Fantasy Escape Games is a brand new audio escape company but the creator has been a veteran in puzzle and escape room design. He's also involved in theater production so we are eager to try out his new project.

"The Dark Tower" was played over Zoom. Our roles in the game were wizards trying to stop a dark sorcerer from completing his foul ritual. A visual image was presented followed by an intro story explaining the location, character and tools. There were several choice options presented during the game play. It made us felt closer to the characters and the situations when the decision was in our hands (similar to a RPG). We really enjoyed this concept. It would be great to see if each character could have their own choice moment instead of a team decision. This way it would give each player a moment to shine.

The story line pulled us into a fantasy world right from the beginning. On the adventure, we encountered ogres, fairies, wizards and many other mystical creatures. The beautiful and detailed artwork helped us with bring this fantasy world to live. The puzzles were challenging yet entertaining (even humorous at times). This was probably our favorite puzzle set that we've done in an audio escape room. Our only suggestion would be to add some video and audio component to the game to enhance the immersion. Perhaps different characters could have different voices. It would be great to be able to feel the transport from one area to another.

We've played many audio escape games by now and the one thing we always emphasis on is the importance of the game master. Jack did a great job leading us through this adventure. He was cunning at creating scenarios and comebacks. We had given him a few solutions to the puzzles that he haven't seen other players use before but was able to quickly adapt it to the story. Since there are no limits to imagination, game master's readiness to interact with players suggestions will make- or-break a game. Of course having players that are more open to interacting with the game master could make their jobs easier. Fantasy Escape Games did a great job at making this fantasy a "reality". We can't wait to meet again in their second room - "Ghost of Carvan Manor" in September!

Check out our interview with the creators to understand more on the development side of these game:

Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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(If you do decide to try this game, please remember to let them know that you heard it from"ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)

Disclosure: We thank Fantasy Escape Games for comping our tickets for this game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.