Hall of Shadows Escape Games - "The Shadow Menagerie"

LOCATION:  San Bernardino, California, USA

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📝  ETR DECODER

• 🔑 GAME: The Shadow Menagerie 📅 DATE PLAYED: November 9, 2019

• 🎬 GENRE: Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi

• 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 5/10

• 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-10 ppl

• 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.

• 💰 PRICE: $30.00/ pp

• ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private

• 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

📖 THE STORY

We are part of a secret organization called the "Hall of Shadows" that examines any and everything that’s strange around your everyday life. S.H.A.D.O.W. protects the world from threats that fall outside the realm of established science. Today, our team has been sent to an abandoned storage facility to examine objects with dark histories which are believed to be possessed by paranormal forces. For some reason they have began to grow “restless” so we need to stop these dark forces before they unleash their powers upon the Earth.

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🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

• Great use of the facility space to create the story around the setting. We truly felt like we were entering a secret underground lair, especially with "added" security for the entrance. 

• We liked how most of the items that were strictly for decor was bolted down and the quality of the props were well-made and true to the storyline. 

• The game was very clear and easy to follow once you had the starting piece. 

• One particular prop was very visually satisfying and added great value to the ending .

• The hint system was clear and fit well with the storyline. We liked it better than walkie talkies.

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

• The game master could be more engaging at the story telling. 

• Maybe a few props or attire could be given to the players prior to sending them in as special forces going on a mission. I.e. S.H.A.D.O.W. vests or badges.

• Since this escape room is operated mainly on technology, it was quite interesting in terms of game play for us. There are clues around the room which can be interpreted but could not be activated until "step 1" was complete. At some point it was confusing to us as we spent a good amount of time not understanding why a certain puzzle would not work because it wasn't in the correct order.

• One point in the game there was a video message where we couldn’t capture the message very clearly. Perhaps another note elsewhere as an alternative or adjusting the volume may help.

• We would’ve loved to see some more “surprising” moments since the majority of the game is in the main room. Not sure if the crate boxes can be of any use, but it would be great to utilize them if they can be opened.

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

This is a great game for family. The searching part of the escape room would be really fun for the kids. The puzzles are not extremely hard but definitely will get you thinking as a team. Since this game is quite linear, it really forces you to work together. It could be very fun for team building as well. From a puzzle difficulty level, it’s great for beginners. If you want to see the set design and experience the underground world of S.H.A.D.O.W., experienced players may also enjoy this game. We can’t wait see what the new game “The Signal” has to offer as we would love to see Hall of Shadows Escape Game create a less linear and more challenging game for experienced players. 

🔎 HINT

There's a lot of hidden spots. Search carefully!

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BOOK NOW

(If you do decide to try this room, please remember to let them know that "ESCAPETHEROOMers" sent you!)

Disclosure: We thank Hall of Shadows 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.

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