LOCATION: Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Photo above is property of Improbable Escapes
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
📝 ETR DECODER
🔑 GAME: Undersea Overthrow
📅 DATE PLAYED: March 15, 2023
🎬 GENRE: Adventure, Deep Sea Expedition
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 Players): 7/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 3-14 PPL (Recommend 3-8PPL)
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: CAD $29.95/PP
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: YES
📖 THE STORY
You are part of a submarine crew slated to journey to Atlantis to recover a priceless artifact. However, the captain, Reginald Ripemoph, just fired you all and replaced you with a bunch of ne’er-do-wells intent on selling the piece to the highest bidder on the black market. You have come to hijack the vessel to try and recover the treasured object in order to put it in a museum where it belongs. Reginald and his crew will be there in 60 minutes, so you’d best make it quick!
Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE
The video clips introducing and progressing the story are humorous and well-produced, adding depth and fleshing out the backstop of the scenario. There was an unexpected element to the outro that brought you back to the central goal of the mission and your role in rescuing the artifact.
You progress through three distinct environments, each impressive in its own way and evoking its own feel. There is crisp, clean design in the sub with a bit of a cartoony spin, a refreshing departure from the typical grungy tin can (though that can have its own appeal). The second section was intricately beautiful, and takes advantage of the ceiling height, with multiple levels. We particularly enjoyed one element that gave you a shift in perspective and another opportunity to work cooperatively.
This is a very tech-heavy room without any traditional locks. There was one element that we found particularly fun and a bit futuristic.
When it comes to the puzzles, there is a lot of effective signposting. We didn’t perform well in this game, but most of that was squarely on us and some poor observational skills. There was a nice variety of puzzles, with a different feeling in the submarine versus the later environments. They included both cooperative puzzles and one that focused on the sense of touch, which we always enjoy (when done well).
🧩 MISSED THE MARK
The middle environment had extensive set dressing, which contributed to the immersive atmosphere but was more challenging to sift through for necessary puzzle elements.
The early part of the game has an adaptive AI element to help people who are struggling to progress through the game. We appreciate this in theory, but for us it created a rough start to the experience. We got distracted early on and missed a key (and obvious) instruction, leading to a late start to the AI-regulated section. What ensued was then a confusing and frustrating sequence where we would start to solve something only to have it immediately shut off and something else be indicated. We can see how the AI could be an advantage, and our situation was likely a rare one. However, it was a miss in our case.
Many of the puzzles in the first section related to things that you might actually need to do in a submarine – or so we imagine! The puzzles in the middle section had components that fit the scenery, but the mechanisms or underlying goals were not as thematic. While this is not uncommon in escape rooms, it was notable in comparison to the first section and some of their other games.
🏹 TAKE A SHOT?
There is a lot to appreciate about The Undersea Overthrow! While our poor start set us behind and influenced the remainder of our game, we can definitely see it being a fabulous experience if you avoid that early issue. There is a lot to do, and we wished we would have had another person or two, though we know some enthusiasts are certainly far faster than us! However, it would be family-friendly and suitable for larger groups. The game excels at drawing you into the mission, engaging you in each unique setting, and integrating much of its tech very smoothly. If you’ve ever dreamed of being a deep sea explorer, now’s your chance!
🔎 HINT
Be sure the video instructions are finished before you being searching!
ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO
This game is located at Improbable Escapes’ Headquarters. The lobby is quite spartan, with minimal decor and no seating. There are lockers for your valuables, a coat rack, and a bathroom two flights up accessible by stairs or elevator. They do have a number of tabletop and escape games available for purchase (discounted when you purchase in conjunction with a room). Parking is paid, on-street (HONK mobile app) or in nearby lots, and was readily available on the Sunday afternoon we were there. Staff is very friendly and welcoming!
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
(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 Improbable Escapes for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.
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