Hourglass Escapes - "Mystery at Innsmouth (an Arkham Horror Escape)"

Updated: Apr 6

Location:  Seattle, Washington, USA

Photo above is property of Hourglass Escapes/ Arkham Horror™

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: Mystery At Innsmouth
📅 DATE PLAYED: June 8, 2022
🎬 GENRE: Arkham horror, Lovecraftian
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl): 7/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 4-8 PPL (Ages 13+)
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 70 Mins
💰 PRICE: $45/PP
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

📖 THE STORY

You are investigators who have been mysteriously summoned to the Gilman House Hotel, an old inn located at Innsmouth, supposedly for the reading of a stranger’s will. However, something doesn’t seem quite right...

This is a licensed Arkham Horror™ game, set in H.P. Lovecraft’s world detailed in “The Shadow Over Innsmouth” and built upon by the well-loved tabletop game. While fans will certainly appreciate specific details in how they have integrated aspects of the game and some of its characters, those who have never played Arkham Horror will have no problem following the story and enjoying the room!

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

Hourglass takes every opportunity to enhance the immersion and entertainment value of this game through fabulous voice-overs and videos. Voice-overs included the hilarious introductory rules, delivered like a radio PSA (public service announcement), clips throughout for story progression, time warnings, and hints (if needed). There was also one substantive and beautifully-crafted video that explains much of the story behind the game, and an integral part of the overall story-arc you get. All of the media was incredibly professional (with some famous voices you might recognize, such as Cecil Baldwin, Persephone Valentine, and Yuri Lowenthal) and served to further immerse you into the "Mystery at Innsmouth".
As with the multimedia components, the high-quality set has been created with incredible attention to detail. There were a few integrated tech aspects that really enhanced the ambience and made you feel the unease of being in that gloomy hotel on a stormy night.
Even if you have never heard of Lovecraft or Arkham Horror™, this is a very cool theme that is excellently brought to life through all of the above. It combines a bit of an old-timey noir, detective vibe with an unsettling, otherworldly, occult component. This is not a scary horror game, but it does evoke a sense of creepiness and unease in parts, as if something horrific might be lurking right outside. Those in our group who have never played Arkham Horror™ still loved the room, but the fact that it is a licensed game for that IP (intellectual property) means that fans of the tabletop game may find particular joy in experiencing that world come to life! And it may well inspire some new tabletop players… I am afraid I have a copy that has been sitting unplayed on my board game shelf of shame and this has definitely spurred me to bring it to the top of the pile!
Encased within all of these incredible immersive elements, of course, this is at heart a puzzle game, and the challenges were well-designed and fair. There were a few puzzles that may feel a bit familiar to enthusiasts but also a number of creative enigmas and cooperative elements that we really enjoyed!

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

This game had been open for less than a week when we played, and they were still finessing a few things as they observed these early plays. For instance, there was one moment when two audio tracks were vying for our attention (one indicating we had 30 minutes remaining, and the other a clue), and there was a (very cool!) video at one point that was perhaps a touch long. These were both incredibly minor issues, but the owner and designer was actively observing and noting these as tweaks to adjust.

** NOTE: We have just been updated that all of these issues have been resolved as of today, June 13th, 2022. His dedication to perfecting even minor issues and passion for creating a seamless experience is very evident (as seen with his other rooms as well).

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

Hourglass Escapes has done it again! Much like "Evil Dead 2™", "Mystery at Innsmouth" does an excellent job of bringing to life a beloved IP in a way that I think will appeal to hardcore fans and the general public alike. If you are ages 13+, ok with mildly creepy and occult themes, and looking for an immersive, theatrical experience, I think you will really appreciate this game for its incredible production value, well-crafted story development, and some satisfying gameplay! And, of course, this is a must-play for Arkham Horror™ fans (also, keep your eyes out later this year for “The Road to Innsmouth” - a digital escape room prequel from the perspective of Stella Clark, a beloved Arkham Horror™ character, that can be supplemented with a box of physical, collectible artifacts! I’m very intrigued…)!!

Photos above are property of Hourglass Escapes/ Arkham Horror™

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

"Mystery at Innsmouth" is located at Hourglass Escapes’ new satellite space at 159 Western Ave W A256, just a short walk from their main office. There are bathrooms available 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

The doctor certainly knows where to listen for a heartbeat.

BOOK NOW

(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.