by Gureviewer: rachelklepadlo

Game Played On: Friday, 20th September 2019

Recommended Team Size: 4-6 Players

Kid Friendly: Yes

Game Duration: 60 Min.

Booking Method: Online

Start Time: On Time

Who is this for: Families , Enthusiasts , Beginners , Searchers , Thrill Seekers

Live Actor: No

Public Transportation: N/A

Parking: Venue Free Parking

Parking lot directly across the street

Overview Notes:

13th Gate has mastered the ability of making an Escape Room that is challenging for seasoned players, without being unapproachable by beginners. While I wouldn't recommend this room as a first-time player, the game elements are very approachable within this experience.

Venue / Lobby Info:

Things are not always as they appear. From the outside, 13th Gate looks like a plain warehouse in the middle of nowhere. Oh.. But it's so, so much more. Upon entering the lobby, there is a reception desk along the left side for check in, with several tables and games lined up on the right side. There's plenty of room for multiple groups to wait at the same time.

Public Restrooms: Yes

Refreshments: Yes

Notes for People with Disabilities:

From 13th Gate's website, "It really depends... some health conditions may pose considerable safety risks. If you have a pace-maker, severe heart conditions, epilepsy, claustrophobia, are pregnant, or have a physical disability which makes standing, crawling, or climbing difficult we may politely ask you to not participate".

Game Introduction: Being led from the hallway into the game was the biggest 'shock' I've ever experienced. The set design is unreal, immediately transporting you into a tomb. An introductory tape is played, letting us know that we ended up in an ancient trap of sorts...

Operator Intro: Exciting - takes you into the story

Theme: Adventure

Narrative: Escape a Specific Unpleasant Place

Main room first glance: Wow!

Just... Wow. This is the closest I've ever been to experiencing an actual tomb. From the sand on the floor to the wet tomb smell.. It's unreal and unlike anything I've ever experienced before. A few moments into the game, the space changes in an impressive way.

Flow: Not that good. A bit confusing

It was difficult to discern the flow of this room at times. During certain moments, we had to use a hint to figure out what to do next. There is a notebook guiding your journey, which means one player is spending most of their time with their nose in a book.

Puzzles: Some of them were great (matched promised level)

Most of the puzzles remained on theme and were an equal amount of fun and frustrating. Some had a physical element that tactile-seeking players will truly enjoy.

Game Strengths:

Immense, immersive playing field - multiple puzzle paths to follow - varied range of puzzle types and difficulty - beautiful set pieces and props

Game Weaknesses:

QR code hint system breaks the immersion - unclear flow at times - heavy reliance on the journal

Method: Other

Quality: OK

Closure & Debrief: Excellent (Catharsis)