LOCATION: Azusa, California, USA
Photo above is property of The Ministry of Peculiarities
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
📝 ETR DECODER
🔑 GAME: Hope End
📅 DATE PLAYED: April 25, 2024
🎬 GENRE: Ghosts, Murder Mystery, Early 20th Century
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl): 7/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 4-12 ppl (ages 12+)
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 90 Mins
💰 PRICE: $45.00 - $67.00/ pp (depending on day of the week and # of ppl)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes
📖 THE STORY
What is the story? It might well be an elegant ghost story. It could be a classic murder mystery. Or it might just be a simple real estate transaction. You'll have to take us at our word that it is worth coming in to decide for yourself. While there will be some spooky moments, there won't be bloody gore, loud noises, or other ham-fisted attempts at jump scares. Instead, the live actors will be your guides as the story unfolds and deepens, and you will need to ponder who you believe to be trustworthy, and who you believe to be…something else. As the story evolves and changes based on the group itself, each experience will be unique and the exact storyline will vary (though I assume some of the key points are likely to remain).
🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE
Immersive theater is an oft-used term; sometimes it just means 'there's a live actor'. In this case, the entire experience was truly immersive, from before entering the building until after your evening's concluded. While the live actors are certainly a key component of this, there are many other contributing factors.
The actors were excellent, staying in character regardless of our actions and moving seamlessly between improvisation, poetry, and script.
The set and setting were thoughtfully intricate in every aspect. It seemed that no detail had been overlooked and each component had been designed and placed with utmost care. There was clever use of space that led to an expansive feel and some excellent surprises.
The experience has excellent use of tech in a way that works within the old-timey context, and it all ran smoothly for us.
The puzzles were varied - some requiring a bit of use of props and tools, others requiring a keen eye and sharp wit, all of them requiring a flexible mind. There was something for everyone in our group and enough parallel activity to keep us all busy. All the puzzles also made sense. There was never a sense of having to guess what the designers were thinking or intending. At the same time, they were reasonably challenging and intricate to keep even the most experienced members of our group engrossed. At times, we were so engrossed in our own tasks we didn't know what our fellow participants were doing, hardly even noticing whether they were still in the same room.
The story and puzzles themselves were truly one in the same. There was never a sense that the puzzles were extraneous, or the story unnecessary. Such a seamless blend is truly rare, and always wondrous to experience.
🧩 MISSED THE MARK
I think our daughter said it best: “How are you going to come up with anything for “Missed the Mark” for that one??” I suppose the fact that it had to end was unfortunate; although, the ending itself was both fully satisfying as well as a bit mysterious. If we had to come up with something, one or more players will need to make a choice that could feel fun or uncomfortable, depending on your team dynamics.
🏹 TAKE A SHOT?
I can think of few better ways to spend 90 minutes than in the company of the Ministry. Hope End is suitable for everyone 12 and up. While there is little that would be considered truly inappropriate, the subtle but spooky atmosphere, intentional pacing, and delicate nature of the decor requires a certain level of maturity. Unless your appreciation comes solely from completing speed runs and topping leaderboards, we are certain you'll find Hope End to be an unforgettably involving, entirely entertaining experience. We certainly hope we get to participate in another of the Ministry’s investigations at some point in the future!
ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO
Even before you enter, it's clear this is not your ordinary escape room. The website itself is full of character; be sure to have a look through their FAQs.
Once you arrive, there is a flashing Billiards sign above the entrance. The only indication you are in the right place is a small Ministry of Curiosities sign on the door itself, as the Ministry needs to keep a low profile to prevent random passers-by from accidentally entering with the intention of getting a manicure or something similar.
The Plaza in which it is located has plenty of free parking, and the waiver QR code is conveniently on the door so all necessary paperwork can be completed prior to entering the building (if you missed the email they sent or forgot to fill it out).
The lobby is mysterious and magical, with countless antiques (as well lockers for your things). We appreciated the card catalog with info cards for many other area escape rooms - it is a credit to this industry that businesses are still cooperating to lift each other up, rather than competing to run each other down. Once you are greeted by your host, you'll find your adventure has already begun!
🔎 HINT
Take your time. Look around. Interact with the characters. This is an evening to be savored, not conquered.
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 The Ministry of Peculiarities 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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