Sherlocked Mystery Experiences - "The Alchemist"

LOCATION:  Amsterdam, Netherlands

Photo above is property of Sherlocked Mystery Experiences

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

📝  ETR DECODER

• 🔑 GAME: The Alchemist

• 📅 DATE PLAYED: November 4, 2024

• 🎬 GENRE: Alchemy

• 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 6/10

• 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 3-6 ppl

• 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 90 Mins.

• 💰 PRICE: €42 - €114/ pp (depending on # of ppl)

  ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private

• 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

📖 THE STORY

The great Alchemist, Mary, decided after many wonderful centuries that it was time to move on and ascend to the heavens. However, something went wrong during her ritual…her body has disappeared into the ether, but her soul has yet to properly move on. As alchemists yourselves, you’re here to try to complete the complex ritual to successfully bring her the peace that she deserves. However, you only have 90 minutes before the end of the triple eclipse that makes such a powerful ritual possible. Can you help Mary to move on in time?

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

• The setting of The Alchemist is simply incredible. It starts with a marvelous tower in the heart of Amsterdam. And what they've created inside is a masterpiece, crafted with breathtaking magnitude, scientific beauty, and intricate authenticity. You'll want to take time to just pause and take it all in.

• This room utilizes mechanics in novel ways and at a scale that truly brings the story's magic to life. We were blown away by both wondrous dramatic events and smaller moments peppered throughout the experience, culminating in a stunning conclusion that will drop your jaw one more time.

• The gameplay is fairly linear, with specific stages to progress through. While most of the puzzles are quite approachable, each stage remained engrossing, and there were several clever, novel challenges. There is minimal searching and a nice variety of challenges, with some ability for adaptive difficulty.

• While hands-on elements are an escape room mainstay, the specific interactions you will have here are beyond the usual in scope and awe factors.

• The storyline is engaging and refreshingly unique. For those who are looking for more whimsical or magical options, The Alchemist will delight.

• You will walk away with a particularly cool memento from your visit.
  

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

• We unfortunately experienced several technical difficulties during our game. While this is certainly understandable with a game of this magnitude, there could have been some clearer direction and communication from our GM in those moments.

• We appreciate the inclusion of adaptive difficulty elements, and one puzzle was removed for us, as we were low on time. However, we were left feeling that we still needed to complete that element. Ideally, players are unaware when such modifications are made or, if need be, notified that the puzzle has been completed/bypassed.

• There was also some very small text that had to be read in one area that wasn't brightly lit, leaving us wishing for a magnifying glass or something similar. (We’ve got old eyes!)
  

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

We are in awe of the magic and craftsmanship of this game. Despite a few hiccups in our visit, it was an incredible experience that we won't forget. We're hard-pressed to think of anyone who would not enjoy "The Alchemist" if given the opportunity to play, from casual families to devoted enthusiasts. The only reason not to recommend it for new players is that it might set an unrealistic bar for other games…

Hint: Read all instructions completely and carefully.

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

• This location is an easy 5 minute walk from Amsterdam's Centraal Station.

• Players will need to be able to climb steep steps (as in many places in the Netherlands).

• Bathrooms and a box for your things are available.

• Your pre-game materials may recommend a cafe next door, just be aware you should check their hours in advance.

Photos above are property of Sherlocked Mystery Experiences

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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 Sherlocked Mystery Experiences 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.

#KristaJones #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Sherlocked #Alchemy #Amsterdam #Netherlands