What does a chess board, UV lamp and gas mask have in common? Well, not much really, unless you are at the Escapade Puzzle Games Escape Room in Ballarat.
Just a few moons ago our team of four ventured up the highway to give an Escape Room a go, something I have wanted to do for some time.
On arrival, we were greeted in the office by Vaughn and a wall of Polaroids, showing the various teams that have attempted and succeeded within the 60 minute time-frame allowed. I’m sure the other three were thinking the same as I; we will do it and get ourselves on the Wall of Fame. A brief description of the background story (an Espionage theme) was given and we were split into two groups of two. Two were whisked away and two of us were left with a computer and a quick puzzle to get started and off we went.
Now I can’t reveal too much, but we were reunited without too much work, but it got harder from there. Looking for codes, trying codes (mostly wrong), trying to find out how to get into a suitcase, looking for keys, and making sense of clues and working out what is for what.
We gradually made our way through the various challenges, but the countdown clock was keeping us on edge. Whenever we thought we were onto something, the excitement levels built, only to be regularly struck down and having to think of a new idea.
Time did get us by a smidgen, but we did get it done just outside the time limit (thanks Vaughn!). Looking back, we may have made it in time if we slowed down, and worked as a team. We all had our own ideas, and only came together when anyone got a bit excited!
Anyone who loves a game or puzzle, this is right up your alley, but unlike anything else you would have done before! I thoroughly recommend it, and whilst this is apparently a slightly more difficult Escape Room for a newbie, don’t be scared off. Just think it through, work as a team, and don’t rush!
Generally it is played in teams of up to five. I recommend a team of 3-5, and I think it would be a great team building exercise for some, and purely challenging fun for other.
The Escapade Escape Room can be booked seven days a week on 0411 491 008 and can be found at 19 Albert St, Ballarat. For more info, check out the website.
Written by Glenn Lynch
