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Writer's pictureChikako Omura

Studio Escape - "Shadow Zen"


LOCATION:  Osaka, Japan
Studio Escape
Studio Escape - Dark Zen

Photo above is property of Studio Escape

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers


📝  ETR DECODER

  • 🔑 GAME: Shadow Zen

  • 📅 DATE PLAYED: August 22, 2024

  • 🎬 GENRE: Mystery, Sci-Fi

    🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl): 5/10

  • 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-4 ppl

  • 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.

  • 💰 PRICE: ¥9,900 (2 ppl), ¥13,860 (3 ppl), ¥17,600 (4 ppl)

  • ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private

  • 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes


📖 THE STORY

In the 1920s, a notorious Japanese monk, Bonta Nakamura magically disappeared from a closed chamber in Osaka. What happened? Where did he go? Your investigation begins at a shopping alley about a century ago in Osaka. Track Bonta's pathway and solve the mystery of Shadow Zen!



Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers


🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

  • I enjoyed the whole experience a lot. I loved the opening video, which set a nice tone for the game. I enjoyed the flow of the game, which progressed whimsically from the beginning to the end. The story was unique and original.

  • The decoration of each room was impeccable. I admired the details of the sets in each room. Many of the decor showed the essence of authentic Japanese culture in different eras. I felt like I was in the old times in Osaka, Japan.

  • Most of the puzzles were straightforward. All of them fit well with the theme of each room. There were various types of puzzles in each part of the game. Although most puzzles in this game might be easy for escape room enthusiasts, those were fun and exciting to solve with teammates.


🧩 MISSED THE MARK

  • Since the space for "Shadow Zen" is relatively large, I wish we could've explored more and interacted with other parts of the experience.

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

Shadow Zen” was a unique escape room that took us to Japanese scenes from different times. The decor of each room was magnificent. There were delightful puzzles to work on with teammates. This game is enjoyable for everyone who likes to be immersed in Japanese scenes. If you visit the western part of Japan, I strongly recommend the game at Studio Escape in Osaka!


ℹ️  ADDITIONAL INFO

  • Studio Escape Oasaka has two locations available.

  • Shadow Zen” is a 7-minute walk from "Daikoku-cho" station of the Osaka Metro Midosuji line (Exit 2).

  • There is no lobby area.


Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

 

(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 Studio Escape 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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