Yesterday I went to an escape room as a test escapee. It was an interesting and fun event.
The business is being opened by Tiffany, a close friend of my GF’s and her business partner Joe. The front area was the definition of functional. The smell of fresh paint still clung to the walls. White walls devoid of decoration and freshly carpeted floors. A glance down the hall reveals a section of the rented or leased building still without carpet with a fold out table stacked with paint and tools. Cords fall from the wall behind the front desk that connect directly to a camera and small monitor in the other room.
The first test group is leaving and exchanging pleasantries with the two owners. All the test groups they have today are made up of friends, family, and close coworkers. The first group leaves and Tiffany runs down the scene. Apparently we are detectives and we visit our friend who is one of the greatest detectives in the city and has just been murdered.There were five of us in our scrappy detective group, Me and my GF the seasoned crime fighters that we are, Tonya a buxom no nonsense investigator, Nelva a go getting sleuth and her boyfriend the quiet and observant Jose. We have to follow the clues left in the room to get out and discover the identity of the murderer.
Tiffany mentions the camera and screen that will deliver minor clues as needed. “We’ll be watching” she leaves us with. We walk in to see the scene. I won’t be giving away any spoilers or clues so you can stop worrying about that but the scene was reminiscent of a low rent Film Noir. Minus a few locks that had gone askew or slightly confusing clue wording the whole thing worked pretty well. Our group worked together (something we were told the first group failed at) and the stress was tangible but exciting. Sometimes we over thought clues and skipped a few steps ahead of the planned course but we got out with about a minute to spare.
Afterwards we broke it down with the owners. We discussed what clues worked, what didn’t, what we would have changed and how little sleep they have gotten in the last couple days. Apparently to make sure they met the date of the scheduled tests they worked non stop for three days painting and scrutinizing the clues as best they could without fresh eyes. It’s interesting being part of a test group for something, especially something driven by passion that leaves one of the partner standing by will and red bull alone after days of work.
I think as a concept escape rooms are a fun and interesting afternoon. I think they can serve the purpose of team building as well, a fun corporate exercise if paintball is out of the question. I’d say the name of our friends’ new place but they are currently trying to come up with a new one since the one they chose has to be changed per a cease and desist order. Apparently a similar facility in North Carolina already has that name.
Can’t escape city hall I guess.
The New Sage 