LOCATION: Prague, Czech Republic
Photo above is property of MindMaze Prague
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
📝 ETR DECODER
🔑 GAME: Nautilus
📅 DATE PLAYED: May 8, 2024
🎬 GENRE: Steampunk Adventure
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl): 6/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-6 ppl
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE:
Off-peak: 2090 CZK (2-3 ppl), 2390 CZK (4-6 ppl)
On-peak: 2290 CZK (2-3 ppl), 2690 CZK (4-6 ppl)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes [33:57]
📖 THE STORY
Professor Baron Emmanuel von Katzenstein und Kartoffelberg is a genius - an inventor, an adventurer, an explorer, and a madman. Very rich by the way. His letter reaches you, wherein the Professor asks for your help. Will you get to drive the submarine that the Professor used to hunt sea-monsters with? Or perhaps he wants you to continue his experiments to find a way to scientifically measure magic? Either way, you can be sure, an adventure awaits!
Video above is property of MindMaze Prague
🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE
Without doubt, this is my favorite Nautilus/submarine game to date… and I’ve played a fair few! The primary reason for making such a bold claim is down to the storytelling and adventure sequence. In all other submarine games I have played, we always seem to magically start in the sub at the bottom of the ocean; I’ve no idea how we got there! Here we begin in the professor’s office and have to figure how to get in the sub, then we have to actually ‘drive’ … ‘sail’ (?) the sub to our destination, and then get back in to finally make our way back home. It is a complete story with thoughtfully and successfully carried out transitions between each of the different spaces. For us, this was the game’s biggest success and I instantly threw out a ‘hallelujah’ when I saw it!
The plotlines were not the only immersive feature; the room’s construction was also incredibly well done. An extensive number of authentic props were used, especially in the professor’s office, and very high-quality materials, which combined to give an excellent steampunk adventure.
There wasn’t a large number of special effects (there could certainly have been more), but the ones implemented worked well and enhanced the experience.
We found the sequence of puzzles to be well themed and played along with the story, particularly when we were inside the submarine itself. The game wasn’t always linear and it did provide ample opportunity for players to collaborate with one another when completing tasks. We particularly enjoyed trying to steer the ship through the treacherous ocean.
The intro video was fun and well produced, the actor did a good job playing the zany professor. We also enjoyed the way he introduced us to the hint system, which was unique and quirky, in keeping with the rest of the game.
🧩 MISSED THE MARK
Our biggest grievance was that there weren’t enough puzzles, we wanted more! Particularly in the final room (no spoilers) which is kind of the climax of the whole story and yet it only had a couple of quick to solve puzzles. We wished there was more inside to see and do; I think we only spent about five minutes (or less) inside before rushing back on board the Nautilus.
🏹 TAKE A SHOT?
This is a wonderful family weight or beginner’s room. The puzzles were engaging and logical to complete, coupled with a compelling story. Experienced players may find many of the puzzles to be too simplistic, however the set design and sequence of events should still make it a worthwhile adventure.
ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO
Parking is not available on site. However, there is street parking in the surrounding area and a tram stop close by.
There is a lobby area with comfortable seating and drinks for sale.
Photos above are property of MindMaze Prague
(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 MindMaze Prague for providing a media discount on the tickets for this game. Although discounted admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever.
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