Your Escape - "The Non Believers"

LOCATION:  Leiden, Netherlands

Photo above is property of Your Escape

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

📝 ETR DECODER

🔑 GAME: The Non Believers
📅 DATE PLAYED: November 6, 2024
🎬 GENRE: Thriller
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl): 6/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-5 ppl (Ages 18+)
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 120 Mins.
💰 PRICE: €229/ Group
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

📖 THE STORY

The small village of Pittleburg is devoutly Roman Catholic. As such, the local pastor and his family are very beloved and respected. Yet, last week the children were mysteriously absent from Sunday’s service, and the village is abuzz with speculation…

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

Your Escape excels in construction. The craftsmanship of the set (as well as deft misdirection) is incredible! Each space is interestingly unique while fitting in the same world and reflecting the developing narrative, for a diverse yet cohesive experience.
The scale of the mechanics is something we've only seen in a few other top tier rooms, creating lots of surprises and serious WOW moments. Several of these take their time developing into breathtaking reveals…just enjoy!
The storyline is clear and develops smoothly as the game progresses, with a beginning, middle, and end. The voice acting does a great job of both relating the narrative and contributing to the game's vibe.
Your Escape effectively cues puzzle completion and progression via lighting, reducing confusion.
If you struggle with small dark spaces, the GM is willing to work with you and make accommodations so you can still enjoy the story. We encourage you to try to make it through this fabulous game.

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

We enjoyed many of the game's puzzles, but a few could have been tightened up with a bit more signposting, a shorter sequence, or resolution of minor technical glitches.

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

There are quite a few immersive horror and thriller rooms to explore in the Netherlands, let alone other countries. While not as intensely puzzle-focused as some games, for fans of narrative development, dramatic transitions, and set and sound design, there are few rooms that can match the feeling of being transported that Your Escape has created in "The Non Believers". The subject matter is definitely dark and will be troubling for some; as a thriller room, we found it to be more spooky and creepy than terrifying. The game's arc is truly well constructed and the journey mesmerizing. This is a real experience where the culmination is even greater than the sum of its parts and certainly one we won't forget!

🔎 HINT

If you are unsure of what to do, pull something. If that doesn't work, push it.

Photos above are property of Your Escape

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

There is free parking near the well-marked building, which was easy to find via GPS.
You do need to go up some stairs, where they have a tasteful waiting area, as well as drinks, bathrooms, and lockers. (Perhaps the swankiest bathroom I’ve seen in an escape room!)

Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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 Your Escape 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.