Jul 5, 20224 min read

Hourglass Escapes - "Evil Dead 2"

Updated: Apr 6

Location:  Seattle, Washington, USA

Photo above is property of Hourglass Escapes

Check out our interview with the creator to understand more on the development side of these games:

Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

📝 ETR DECODER

🔑 GAME: Evil Dead 2
📅 DATE PLAYED: June 8, 2022
🎬 GENRE: Occult, Cult Classic, Comedic Horror
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl): 5/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-6 PPL (Ages 13+)
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 70 Mins
💰 PRICE: $40-55/PP (pending on group size)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

📖 THE STORY

Your team of paranormal investigators has been called in to the mysterious Knowby Cabin, where there have been some strange happenings… can you banish the evil spirits before disaster strikes?

This is a licensed Evil Dead 2™ game, based on the cult classic film from 1987. While fans will definitely recognize and appreciate many details (large and small) from the movie, it can just as easily be enjoyed by those without any pre-existing knowledge!

Video above is property of Hourglass Escapes

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

The first word that comes to mind for this game is theatrical, in the best possible way! Videos are integrated in short segments across the whole experience, from the pre-game rules and introduction, to points throughout the game, where they contribute to puzzles, story development, and general atmosphere. And these are incredibly high-quality, well-produced, entertaining videos that are integrated in creative ways!
The whole set also contributes to this feeling of theatricality, with really atmospheric decor and some awesome effects. It really embodies the campy horror feel of the movie. They also make it really clear what is usable from a game perspective, versus what is set dressing.
While this was not a particularly difficult room, the puzzle designs were both really clean and creative! There were a number of cases where we thought we had an idea of what something meant before we had all the info, only to discover that they were being used in a more unexpected way! There was also some really fabulous thematic interactions that were awesome whether you were doing them or just watching your friends. Given all of the other elements of the game you want to be able to appreciate, it is actually really nice to be able to relax a bit and take your time (further facilitated by the fact that this is a 70 minute game).
As you are paranormal investigators, you have an entire suitcase of potentially useful items at your disposal. This was a great touch to give us some standard helpful things (like a tablet to take notes) in a way that actually made sense in the game world. Beyond some of the more standard objects, there were cool specialty ones, like an electronic spirit-detection device (PKE meter)!
Whether or not you’re a fan of the movie, Hourglass Escapes’ "Evil Dead 2™" creates a really quirky and immersive theme that stands out from a lot of other “horror” rooms. Like the movie, it really falls more on the campy side, not scary, and the fact that it is a licensed IP particularly allows them to recreate that feel in an authentic and elevated way (thankfully minus all of the colorful bodily fluids!). Given how entertaining the room experience is, I suspect that it inspired some previously unfamiliar players to go out and watch the movie!

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

You can tell that this room has been out for a long time by how smoothly everything runs! (And NOT by how the room looks… there was no sense of broken objects or where you can see the faded parts of the key pads or clue pages or whatever where a million players before you have touched them. It looks awesome!). Given this, and the level of the entire design and implementation of the room, I have to reach a bit to come up with some critiques… There was one puzzle where we were a bit disappointed to discover in the end that most of it was actually irrelevant. There were also a few times that I wished the video audio was a bit louder (particularly once when there was also some overhead music). This could be more challenging for folks with hearing loss, though the audio primarily contributes to story and atmosphere, so I wouldn’t expect it to actually impede solving the room!

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

Honestly, I’m not into horror. I had heard great things about this game in the last few years but wasn’t totally sure how I would feel about it based on the genre (I only just watched the movie, so I also didn’t realize at the time that it is really more of a satire/comedy to begin with). Yet, I loved it! While there are some elements you would expect to find in a horror game, and some creepy things, the overall vibe is just way more campy and entertaining. The quality of implementation is also stellar! From a production quality perspective, this would feel right at home in something like a Disney or Universal Studios. In fact, I just learned that the creative director, Seth Wolfson, did previously work at Universal, among other places! It is such an immersive, theatrical experience, with clean, but rewarding game design and fantastic integration of story and fun tech. I was blown away. Whether you’re fans of the movie or not, enthusiasts or beginners… assuming you are 13+ and not completely averse to paranormal themes, I have a hard time imagining that you wouldn’t have an incredible time playing Evil Dead 2™!

Photo above is property of Hourglass Escapes

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

"Evil Dead 2™" is at Hourglass Escapes’ main office at 3131 Western Ave Suite 422B. There are bathrooms available, a small lobby with seating, and an area within the game where it is easy to leave any personal belongings. Street or lot parking is available nearby, and the location is also accessible via public transportation.

🔎 HINT

You might need to risk your fingers…

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(If you do decide to try this experience, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)

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