Games in Manchester by Lucardo Manchester
Most recent ratings & reviews
A great set and some interesting well-themed puzzles. The game was let down a bit by the last puzzle though, which was lacking proper constraints and required you to make assumptions which didn't fit with the story.
A decent room but a couple of puzzles had multiple interpretations which isn't itself a problem but, when coupled with no indication of which puzzle belongs to which lock, leaves you having to try so many different combinations it becomes a bit tedious.
Sorcery on a Sunday!
I came here for my final (at least for now) Lucardo challenge with a few friends.
Story
Secure your place at the University of Magic by finding a wand and mixing a potion.
Puzzles
There were some truly unique, ‘magical’ tasks closely related to the theme/story. We required two or three hints, but none of them were overly complicated. The previous group had written the answer to the penultimate puzzle down, and this wasn’t rubbed off prior to us going in. While we still effectively solved it, the information we shouldn’t have had made it obvious we were doing it correctly. Since the answer didn’t become accessible until right near the end, it wasn’t too big a deal.
Mise-en-scène
A quirky, close-packed room that utilised every inch of available space for brooms, wands, quills, creatures and potions. I identified a fair few of Poundland’s Halloween wares as props, but if you don’t know, some of them do look authentic. There was one item that struck me as impressively Harry Potter-esque, but not quite as interactive as it perhaps should have been. As a whole, the room did feel part of an immersive, wizarding world.
Final Comments
An impersonal brief was saved by another bouncy Game Operator who welcomed us into the room in-character. I wouldn’t take more than 4 people, or else you’ll be struggling for puzzles to solve.
Fugitives!
I was excited to try Lucardo's newest room. In our brief, we were advised that there would only be one code to solve, and all the other puzzles would be hands-on...interesting!
Story
As convicted criminals, your fellow inmates are staging a riot, giving you one precious hour to escape. A common storyline, but executed brilliantly. Wait to see how it unfolds during your endeavours!
Puzzles
They were all practical, encouraging us to think like prisoners, utilising whatever tools were at our disposal. We struggled with a couple of them: without locks to work out codes for, sometimes it was tricky to ascertain what to do next. This kept us guessing and thinking creatively, though!
Mise-en-scène
The journey was impressively portrayed as a real prison-break through the equipment, clothing, props and decor. It was delivered like a piece of immersive theatre. Very, very good!
Final Comments
This was a funny, inventive and engaging room. Highly recommended!
Bank Burglary
As I’d enjoyed my previous visits to Lucardo, it was soon time for another!
Story
Steal a big shiny diamond from a bank. Heists may be like the most common escape room scenario ever, but hey, some have got to be them!
Puzzles
There were many visuals, and lots of things to be implemented. We all really liked one of the last tasks…just like a calculated criminal, be mindful of what could be of use around you!
Mise-en-scène
The big counter almost entirely contributed to making the surroundings feel like the inside of a bank. The other furniture and props were good and right, though.
Final Comments
Escaping with three seconds to spare meant for a very stressful final challenge, but we made it! A team of three to four is ideal for this one.
Over Enemy Lines
Another wartime operation, and my third visit to Lucardo.
Story
Infiltrate an enemy bunker to retrieve classified documents stolen from The War Office, but get the job done before the guards change.
Puzzles
They maintained a connection to the theme of the room throughout and ranged from child’s play to one that was fiendishly difficult without the help of a hint!
Mise-en-scène
Decent props, mundane surroundings. A bit of camo netting wasn’t enough to sell me WW2 bunker realness.
Final Comments
One of Lucardo’s weaker rooms. It’s generic and unremarkable, but we still had a good time. Our group didn’t pay as much as this on our visit, but is it worth the current price tag of £25.00 per person? Absolutely not.
Speedy Sleepy Sleuthing
I slipped in a visit to The Dream as, because it was closing, a 20% discount code was being offered.
Story
Get out of your dream with four winning lottery numbers before they're gone forever. And there was something about everything not being as it seems. Weird, but not in a bad way!
Puzzles
There was so much to do with just a team of two. A few we nailed with ease, but others took a lot more thinking (and the odd hint). I was grateful for my friend getting her head around the last one, because I struggled. A lot of visual-based puzzles in this room.
Mise-en-scène
Perplexing. Strange. Alice-in-Wonderland-esque. This was a very peculiar dream, one inspired by rubber ducks, upside down furniture, Simon Says and balls. Lots of balls. I didn't hate it, though!
Final Comments
The most stressful escape for me, ever! When I jumped out of the room, I accidentally left my friend behind in The Dream...whoops.