Mission: Escape - "Murder on the Orient Express"

LOCATION:  Dietikon, Switzerland

Photo above is property of Mission: Escape

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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📝  ETR DECODER

• 🔑 GAME: Murder on the Orient Express

• 📅 DATE PLAYED: December 21, 2024

• 🎬 GENRE: Murder Mystery

• 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl): 7/10

• 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-6 ppl

• 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.

• 💰 PRICE: 100-195 CHF

• ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private

• 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes (41:46)

📖 THE STORY

A murderer is loose on this train... One of the passengers has been missing since yesterday! The renowned detective, Mr. Hercule Poirot, instructs the conductor and the police officer to assemble all the passengers in the main dining car. However, just as the doors are about to be locked, you receive a discreet message from Poirot:

"Stay out of the dining car with the others. If my instincts are correct, the murderer is among them, but the evidence of their guilt is still hidden. I’ve left you a letter detailing everything I know so far. I’ll stall for time by interrogating everyone for an hour. Use this chance to uncover the truth and find the proof! Good luck!"

Video above is property of Mission: Escape

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

• Immersive Introduction: The game begins with a short, well-acted video that provides a concise yet thematic introduction. Displayed on an interactive screen that also serves as the clue system and timer, the video strikes a perfect balance—it’s detailed enough to set the tone but brief enough to keep things moving.

• Seamless Clue System: True to Game Over's signature style, the clue system is quick and intuitive. There’s no frustrating wait for a GM to notice you need help; a simple tap on the screen delivers ready-made hints tailored to your progress. The game’s tracking system ensures the clues are always relevant. If you still need assistance, the option to call the GM remains available.

• Authentic Setting: The game’s design captures the essence of an old train carriage. You’ll explore a range of thematic spaces, including a passenger’s quarters, the dining car, a crew cabin, and the luggage room. These areas are used dynamically throughout the game, encouraging frequent movement and exploration.

• High-Quality Decor: The attention to detail is impressive. From authentic props like bottles and passenger belongings to dynamic TV displays simulating a moving train, the environment immerses players fully. This is one of Game Over's most atmospheric experiences.

• Engaging Game Flow: The open design ensures you revisit spaces multiple times, keeping the puzzles spread out and interconnected. For instance, solving a puzzle in the dining car might require information found in another room. This interconnected gameplay emphasizes communication and teamwork, key elements of a great escape room.

• Diverse and Challenging Puzzles: As expected from a murder mystery, deduction plays a significant role, but the game also incorporates a variety of other mechanics, such as analyzing music, searching for clues, and process-of-elimination challenges. The puzzles offer varying levels of difficulty, ensuring that even seasoned players encounter a challenge.

• Accessibility Considerations: Thoughtful design ensures accessibility. While some areas require crawling, these spaces always have an alternative entry point, allowing all team members to participate comfortably.

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

• Lacking Special Effects: Although the setting is immersive, the addition of subtle effects—like a vibrating floor to simulate train movement—could have elevated the experience even further.

• Missed Outro Opportunity: The game’s conclusion feels abrupt, marked by a loud buzzer. An outro video would provide a more satisfying resolution, perhaps showing the murderer confessing or being taken away by the police. This added touch would give players a stronger sense of narrative closure.

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

This is undoubtedly a standout experience and arguably the best escape room at this location. It’s accessible for players of all skill levels, though the theme may be less captivating for younger audiences. If you’re a fan of immersive environments, dynamic gameplay, and a touch of mystery, "Murder on the Orient Express" is well worth the time.

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

• There is one free parking spot available on site. In the immediate surroundings there are multiple other parking options, which need to be paid for.

• There is a lobby area with comfortable seating and a small selection of cold drinks for purchase

• This game is wheelchair accessible

Photos above are property of Mission: Escape

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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 Mission: Escape for offering us a media discount for our tickets to this game. Although a media discount was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.

#RyanDriver #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #MissionEscape #MurderMystery #Dietikon #Switzerland