ClueQuest: cQ ORIGENES

By | March 20, 2019

by clueQuest - The LIVE Escape Game (website)

169-171 Caledonian Rd, London N1 0SL

+44 7798 772 382

Central London

2-6 players

Team of 2: £40.00pp
Team of 3-6: £35.00pp

Languages: EN

60 minutes

Wheelchair suitable - contact the venue for detailsDeaf friendly - contact the venue for details

Professor BlackSheep seeks to recreate the original genetical experiment that turned him into a sheep. He has launched a cyber attack on our old mainframe in the hope of extracting secret data, along with the genetical research he's missing.

In order to stop the Professor from breaching our firewall, you and your team will have to access Mr Q's old base. The only way in, however, is to shrink down to the size of a mouse with the help of the Shrink'o'Mat.Word of caution, agents: the technology you'll be exposed to is...a bit unstable and still experimental. You'll have only 60 minutes to counteract the cyber attack and secure the mainframe before the Shrink'o'Mat's effect wears off and things get messy.

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Overall rating

Rated between 4 and 5 out of 5

based on ratings from 65 users
combined with 10 pro reviews

Your review

Player reviews

Anonymous rated this:Rated between 35 and 35 out of 5
Played: 8 Apr 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 59 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifuloverpricedfunlessquite difficult
Bogdan Dascalescu rated this:Rated between 40 and 40 out of 5
Played: October 2019 Team size: 6
magicalbacons expert rated this:Rated between 40 and 40 out of 5
Team size: 2 Time taken: 65
hi-techoriginalcleverquite difficult
😺Lianne experienced rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Played: 26 Feb 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 60m Outcome: Successful escape!
originalclevergreat hostingvery difficult

A brilliant room with some very clever and unique puzzles, unlike others that we'd encountered in escape rooms previously. Barely a padlock in sight! I also loved the story concept, and the ways in which the theme had been implemented in the puzzle and room design. 

We knew that this would be a challenge as a team of 2, and it definitely was. We only just squeaked out (excuse the pun) with help and generous time-keeping from our excellent host.

The one downside is that as usual the reception area at ClueQuest is ultra busy with multiple large groups being briefed and chaperoned around, so it was a little difficult to hear and focus on our initial briefing. It'd be great if they separate out some smaller  quieter spaces for each group to get set up.

Team Tonks experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Team size: 3 Time taken: 59.40 Outcome: Successful escape!
value for moneyhi-techstory-drivenvery difficult

One of the more challenging rooms we've done in a while, good job we did it with a third participant. Really good theme, really cool concept and we liked the way all the rooms there seem to have a common story between them.

It wasn't just about finding keys, the use of tech in this room was second to none.

Value wise, the room was very well priced for a London room.

Anonymous rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Team size: 5 Time taken: 49
originalcleverfamily friendly
abooth expert rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Team size: 2 Time taken: 60 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulhi-techimmersive

Sensational room. It looks absolutely flawless, the puzzles are hi-tec, interesting and difficult enough to keep you going for the whole time. The theming is perfect and our games host was wonderful. Probably the best room in London.

Mark Greenhalgh expert rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 14/02/19
Simon (The Overthinkers) expert rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 4 May 2019 Team size: 4 Time taken: 53:48 Outcome: Successful escape!
Ronnie Meade experienced rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
cleverimmersivestory-driven

Great themeing and set design with a clever transition to the main room where the decor is fun and fits the storyline. The puzzles once again will test most skill sets from logic, observation, teamwork and communication. The best room at ClueQuest in my opinion, highly recommended

abunai expert rated this:Rated between 40 and 40 out of 5
Mark Jackson experienced rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Played: 12 Nov 2021 Team size: 4 Time taken: 58:37 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulimmersivegreat hosting

Brilliant room! One of the best I’ve ever done!

Shane Craig Gausden experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Outcome: Successful escape!
cleverimmersiveintense
Escape Enthusiast expert rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalcleverepicquite difficult

Arguably the most unique game i've ever played. The concept behind this escape room is a whole lot of fun and is executed in a really clever way. The puzzles are unlike anything i've ever experienced, balancing logic and physicality. The way you interact with this room is very different to any other room i've done. It's sheer genius and is a must play game. 

jakea256 expert rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
hi-techoriginalclever
🦡cipherdelic virtuoso rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Adam Bravery expert rated this:Rated between 40 and 40 out of 5
Played: 14 Jul 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 57:02 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulhi-techimmersivequite difficult

Great idea and theme for the room which is enhanced by the awesome set. Puzzles are inventive but could often benefit from more signposting - GM was always on hand to point us in the right direction. One puzzle was very faded and hard to see so we ended up guessing part of it but was a cool premise for a puzzle. Best game we played at Clue Quest.

shasha experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Anonymous rated this:Rated between 35 and 35 out of 5
stairs expert rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
PurpleB expert rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Played: Jan 2020 Team size: 4 Outcome: Successful escape!

Original room with a really interesting theme.

imrahil experienced rated this:Rated between 40 and 40 out of 5
Team size: 4 Outcome: Successful escape!
Joe Brown expert rated this:Rated between 40 and 40 out of 5
Played: 23/1/20 Team size: 4
Intense puzzles combined with a really unique theme made this one of the most challenging rooms and our favourite yet at ClueQuest. Good for veteran escapists
Mike S expert rated this:Rated between 40 and 40 out of 5
Roory experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 25/01/2020 Team size: 5 Time taken: 49.00 Outcome: Successful escape!
Anonymous rated this:Rated between 40 and 40 out of 5
Spanishfleas experienced rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Team size: 5 Outcome: Successful escape!

Great solid game, slightly lacking on front of house

🌵Juliette B expert rated this:Rated between 40 and 40 out of 5
Played: 09/06/2019 Team size: 4 Outcome: Successful escape!

Very enjoyable with some fun "team" moments as a 4 in terms of working together. Well thought out puzzles. 

Anonymous rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Gavin B rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Miss Geeky rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
c2creviewer experienced rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Mia Rabone experienced rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Team size: 3 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techoriginalgreat hosting

Great room. In my personal top 5. Would highly recommend. Stephen was a brilllliant host! 

nathgreen21 rated this:Rated between 35 and 35 out of 5
Played: 8 Mar 2024 Team size: 3
hi-techbroken techpoor hosting
The room is very well designed, sadly when we entered the room there was a clear issue with the 'control' software not starting, which meant nothing we touched or did had any effect for the first 7 mins, which was rather off putting. I got the impression they thought we had not noticed the technical errors.
It felt like a share of the puzzles were overcomplicated for the sake of it. I would say there are now 'better' rooms on offer around the country. 
The use of walkie-talkes was frustrating with the rather loud soundtrack.
This isn't negative, and there were great positives just our opinion on the room!
dave470003 rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Team size: 3 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulhi-techoriginalquite difficult
Dan Getliffe experienced rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Played: 28 Feb 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 58.45 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulhi-techcleververy difficult
I think this is one of the harder rooms out there (especially for 2) and maybe a little bit too hard at points. The logic makes sense, but I feel like for some things your mind wouldn’t go there without a clue, but when you do get one it seems obvious! However that aside, this is a really good room with awesome theming and attention to detail, and not a padlock in sight! Very tactile with many interactive elements, and all worked seamlessly. Very thematic tasks as well if you are paying attention! Made us feel a bit thick coming out with all the things we missed but it gave us some things to learn from. Really good fun! 
A Blacksmith expert rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Played: 13 Feb 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 54:09 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techimmersiveepicquite difficult
Undeniably an epic room, great theming and some rather tricky puzzles. A must for any Escape Roomer.
Ratchel experienced rated this:Rated between 30 and 30 out of 5
HazelChester rated this:Rated between 40 and 40 out of 5
Stevie Davies expert rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: December 2021 Team size: 2 Time taken: 55m 12s Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techoriginalclever
Ellie Jay Ch rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Played: 4 Oct 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 74 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techimmersivegreat hostingvery difficult

Absolutely great theming here. You are shrunk down and that plays a huge part in the story. We have done all the rooms here this year as a team of two, they did say to us at the beginning that two was going to be extremely challenging for us and it was. We did need extra time but they gave it to us. The gm was brilliant and we enjoyed solving the puzzles. 

Webbcam rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Team size: 6 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techimmersivestory-driven
ShellH experienced rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Team size: 6
hi-techoriginalclever
Anonymous rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Team size: 4 Outcome: Successful escape!
elfgrunge experienced rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Played: 10 Sep 2023 Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techintensevery difficult
Ashyr33 rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
hi-techoriginalfunny
oliviaxx rated this:Rated between 35 and 35 out of 5
hi-techcleverimmersive

Lovely hosts. Set was great. Some good puzzles. Some tech was just a bit too fiddly to use though and a bit frustrating 

Chris Metcalfe experienced rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Team size: 3 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalfunnyepic
StaceyF expert rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 27/02/2019 Team size: 4 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techoriginalepicquite difficult
kman expert rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Played: 04 May 2019 Team size: 4 Time taken: 56m 12s Outcome: Successful escape!
Anonymous rated this:Rated between 40 and 40 out of 5
cleverquite difficult
TheEscapeBoomers expert rated this:Rated between 35 and 35 out of 5
Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulgreat hostingfamily friendly

Whilst i did enjoy this game - We felt sometimes the game is a little ambiguous at times. I understand the game is supposed to be hard, but sometimes there's a fine line between a hard game and enough subtle signposting.  

Anonymous experienced rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Played: 16 Feb 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 54:10 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulhi-techoriginalquite difficult
TeamDOT rated this:Rated between 40 and 40 out of 5
Played: 25 Feb 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 59.55 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techoriginalclever

This room looks incredible and we really enjoyed the theming! The room is plugged as CQ hardest game.  I think there's a fine line between a difficult game and ambiguity. The puzzles themself we flew through and spent a good portion just wondering what we had to do next. 

Our host was amazing and we enjoyed the game but we left with the overwhelming feeling the game wasn't just for us. 

AubreyB expert rated this:Rated between 40 and 40 out of 5
Team size: 5 Outcome: Successful escape!
Steph Norchi experienced rated this:Rated between 40 and 40 out of 5
Played: 1 Oct 2022 Team size: 4 Time taken: 57:11 Outcome: Successful escape!
Laura McGill expert rated this:Rated between 30 and 30 out of 5
Played: 15 Oct 2021 Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techimmersive

We did get out, but for some reason this room didn't gel for us.  Amazing set design though!

EmmaSmiley rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Time taken: 60:05 Outcome: Failed 🙁
hi-techoriginalepicquite difficult
ClueQuest: cQ ORIGENES has the best tech in an an excape room we have experienced. This is in my top 3 escaperoom because it is so immersive! The puzzles were challenging and original . So much to do we didn't finish in the time limit but they let us play to the end.   
roberts0502 experienced rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Played: 13 Dec 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 60:00 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifuloriginalimmersivequite difficult
Brandon experienced rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Played: 16 Dec 2022 Team size: 5 Time taken: 42:46 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techoriginalgreat hosting
Wesley Mead expert rated this:Rated between 40 and 40 out of 5
Played: 24 Nov 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 61m Outcome: Failed 🙁
beautifulhi-techimmersivevery difficult
Aloadofbs rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Played: 9 Nov 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 58.26 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techimmersivegreat hostingquite difficult

Good room with a good theme behind it. 

benwood44 rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Team size: 4 Outcome: Successful escape!
value for moneycleverimmersivequite difficult

Just excellent. One of the best we’ve done. This newer game is a step up in technology and theme without taking away from the focus on great puzzles that makes cluequest among the best there is. 

TheSinger expert rated this:Rated between 40 and 40 out of 5
Played: 20 Sep 2022 Team size: 4 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techimmersivestory-drivenquite difficult

great theming! Immediate immersion but I fell into the trap, like I always do with fully technological rooms, of not knowing what to do with what. There wasn’t enough signposting for me… without hints from the GM telling us how to interact with props… or to tell us what had actually happened once the puzzle had been solved.  I’d have still been in there days later. Not a criticism of the room, just a reflection of my own preference when I comes to tech. 

The game was fun, i can see why it gets the reviews it does. Our GM was friendly enough, but I felt the pre game experience was a little lacklustre. We felt like we “the next group to play” and until the time came to actually play no one really gave any attention to our existence. Which was a shame. 

Randy Hum rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: Team size: Time taken:

Reviews by escape room review sites

A new game from Cluequest is a rare and much-anticipated thing. One of the very first U.K. operators, they took the approach of running many copies of their games in parallel rather than churning out lots of different games, and when they do release something new, each time it’s easy to see that they’ve put a lot of work into making it a clear step up from the last, not just more of the same.

All their games share a secret agent theming with players being recruited for a super spy agency run by...

A game that more than lives up to clueQuest's reputation with great story, decoration and puzzles. If you're in or near London - play this game.
clueQuest is one of the oldest providers in London. They released four escape rooms and apparently upped their game significantly with each following one. The latest one is cQ Origenes, which is apparently the best escape game in London (rated #125 and #87 in TERPECA 2020 and 2019) not being far behind the best TERPECA rated UK game - Loot the Lanes. All of their rooms follow one prevailing theme, where cartoon mice and sheep are the main characters. A rather cryptic name is actually a wordplay connecting words "origins" (as story-wise this game is a prequel to the previous ones) and "genes".
This room has almost everything I look for in an escape room: beautiful set design, clever puzzles, enough narrative to drive the game forward, and just a bit of humour

We absolutely loved the concept of this room, it was so simple but designed incredibly well. We had so much fun exploring all the props and clever, special touches in the space. The props were well designed and pretty much everything really ‘worked’, meaning a great deal of exploring the room pays off, not only for progressing the story, but also for the wow-factor of discovery!

I love the concept and was very intrigued, as this is a very ambitious theme for a game – presumably they weren’t REALLY going to shrink us down…?

Easily ClueQuest’s best game, and hence the best extant game in London for me at the time of writing, I highly recommend this to anyone in or visiting London.
Another visit to clueQuest, another dastardly plan to foil. We volunteered to be shrunk to the size of our murine hero, Mr Q, to enter his old lab and counteract Professor BlackSheep's heinous cyber-attack…

cQ Origenes has been at the top of our escape room wish list for a while now, after a previous excellent visit to ClueQuest it was time to play...

Lists

This game is part of the following user-created game lists:
  • Best UK escape rooms 2022 by Escape the Review virtuoso
    These are the 100 highest rated escape rooms in the UK, as of 31st Dec 2022, based on combined ratings from enthusiasts, bloggers and experts - every game here comes highly recommended. 
  • Best UK escape rooms 2021 by Escape the Review virtuoso
    These are the 100 highest rated escape rooms (out of 1600) in the UK, as of 31st Dec 2021, based on combined ratings from enthusiasts, bloggers and experts - every game here comes highly recommended. 
  • Best UK escape rooms 2023 by Escape the Review virtuoso
    These are the 100 highest rated escape rooms in the UK, as of 31st Dec 2023, based on combined ratings from enthusiasts, bloggers and experts - every game here comes highly recommended. 

See also