Immersia Escape Games - "Weekend at the Shack"

Updated: Apr 22

LOCATION:  Laval, QC, Canada

Photo above is property of Immersia Escape Games

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

📝 ETR DECODER

🔑 GAME: Weekend at the Shack
📅 DATE PLAYED: March 12, 2023
🎬 GENRE: Horror
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 Players): 6/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-6 PPL (Ages 13+)
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: CAD $32.99/PP
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: YES

📖 THE STORY

To celebrate your friend's 30th birthday, you and your friends plan a weekend getaway at a cabin in the secluded woods up north. However, upon your arrival, something feels off. Despite receiving a message from your friends urging you to join them quickly, the cabin appears deserted.

As the unsettling reality sinks in, you receive a chilling message: your friends' lives are in imminent danger, and you have only sixty minutes to rescue them before the kidnapper carries out their sinister plan. What was supposed to be a peaceful and enjoyable weekend has transformed into a high-stakes battle for survival.

Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

The hint system in "Weekend at the Shack" is seamlessly integrated into the storyline, adding to the immersion and enjoyment of the game. To receive a hint, players must call the neighboring cabin and engage in a conversation with the sweet old lady across the street. By staying in character and fully embracing the experience, players not only receive valuable assistance but also contribute to the rich narrative world of the game. It's an interactive and memorable way to enhance both the gameplay and the overall immersion.
Throughout "Weekend at the Shack", there are several standout moments of horror that effectively create jump scares and elicit genuine fear from players. These well-executed moments add an exciting and thrilling element to the game. However, it is worth noting that the game strikes a balance by allowing the players to delve into the psychological aspects of the experience. This emphasis on psychological challenges contributes to the puzzle-solving aspects of the game, creating a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

As the game progresses, there are instances where the focus on puzzles takes precedence over the plot and immersion. While the puzzles themselves are enjoyable and well-designed, there may be moments when they feel disconnected from the overall storyline. This deviation from the immersive experience can create a sense of merely solving puzzles for the sake of it, rather than being fully integrated into the narrative. It's important to note that while these puzzles may not align seamlessly with the rest of the room, they can still be entertaining and engaging on their own.

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

"Weekend at the Shack" takes you on a thrilling adventure as you and your friends arrive at a cabin in the woods for a birthday celebration, only to find yourselves in a race against time to save your kidnapped friends. The game expertly blends horror elements with psychological challenges, creating moments of genuine fright and suspense. The hint system is cleverly integrated into the storyline, adding to the immersion and enjoyment. However, as the game progresses, there are instances where the focus on puzzles outweighs the plot, potentially detracting from the overall immersive experience. Nevertheless, the game still delivers enjoyable puzzles and manages to keep you engaged throughout. "Weekend at the Shack" is a thrilling and memorable escape room experience that combines horror, psychological twists, and engaging gameplay.

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

Free Parking
Located on the 2nd floor
Lobby space with seating area
There is a large area to host events
This game can be played in either French or English

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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

Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

BOOK NOW

(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 Immersia Escape Games for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.