"A Mystery at Magic Academy" created by SCRAP

LOCATION:  Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

Photo above is property of SCRAP

Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

📝  ETR DECODER

• 🔑 GAME: "A Mystery at Magic Academy"

• 📅 DATE PLAYED: May 9, 2023

• 🎬 GENRE: Self-guided Outdoor Puzzle Game

• 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 5/10

• 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 1+ ppl

• 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: Unlimited (Approx. 60-90 Mins.)

• 💰 PRICE:  ¥1,2,00/ pp

• ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Public

• 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

📖 THE STORY

You are excited that today is your first day at the legendary Magic Academy! You are so looking forward to the event to eat the celebration cake prepared by Auntie Marilla, the head chef of Magic Academy’s cafeteria. Yet, you and your classmates find out the celebration cake has vanished. First, students accuse Davey, a prankster in this academy, but is it really his fault? Who is responsible for the missing cake? Can you find the truth?

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

• Exploring Kabukicho with puzzles was fun, especially when the weather was great! The instruction of the game kit was easy to follow. I appreciated that walking was not too much, just the right amount. The puzzles and tasks were not overly complicated. I thought those were also just right for joyously exploring the vibrant town of Kabukicho.

• I loved that the story and design of the game kit were so cute and charming. I thought the story and characters had a nice contrast to Kabukicho.

• I appreciated the way to play this game. It required only the game kit. We did not need to use anything on smartphones like watching videos or downloading apps. It is convenient for visitors who do have limited access to the internet in Japan.

• The paper that shows a hint for all puzzles was included in the game kit. Again, I appreciated that we did not need to access their website. Just be careful not to look at the paper to avoid spoilers unless you need a hint.

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

• Unfortunately, there was a special event at one of the places where we needed to search for a clue for one of the puzzles on the day we played. It took several minutes for us to find the clue since it was hidden under the tent built for the event (this is not SCRAP’s fault, but it is good to be aware a thing like that happens occasionally).

• Japan is a safe country to explore, but Kabukicho is the red-light district in Tokyo. So be aware while you are playing, especially at night time.

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

"A Mystery at Magic Academy" is a great way to explore the lively area of Kabukicho in Shinjuku with a charming story and joyous puzzles of Magic Academy. The puzzles are mostly straightforward. This game is perfect for everyone who wants to do sightseeing in Kabukicho with fun challenges! So, why don't you join the magic academy in Shinjuku when you visit Japan? Just check the weather forecast before you play. It is better and easier to walk around the city when the weather is right.

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

You can buy the game kit at the Goods Shop on the 1st floor of Tokyo Mystery Circus.

You can play the game at your own pace within TMC's opening hours.

Do not bring any large items with you. There is no storage available in this game. You can store your luggage at the reception on the 1st floor of TMC. (It costs 500 yen.) Or, there are coin lockers at train stations nearby.

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Check out our visit to Tokyo Mystery Circus (by SCRAP) and our exclusive interview with the manager to understand more on the development side of the game:

Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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

#ChikakoOmura #PuzzleHunt #TokyoMysteryCircus #SCRAP #Japan #Magic