Escape Hunt Kingston: Blackbeard’s Treasure

Positives first: The room looked brilliant and the theming was great. Our games master was responsive and helpful. Some of the puzzles were interesting and innovative and very satisfying to solve.

BUT several elements were broken, and the structure of the game was quite illogical. Quite a few things in the room we never figured out what they were for or how to use them and we completed the room without them. It’s not clear if they were red herrings or just broken so not in use. But it’s frustrating to have spent ten minutes trying to work out how (for example) to move two balls through a maze on the wall only to ultimately complete the room without ever doing it. There were a few things like this. Also there was one puzzle which required us to use our sense of smell but only 1 of the 5 smelly things actually smelled of anything so it was impossible. We got there in the end but only by random chance.

On the whole a mediocre experience and not very satisfying because the room just didn’t seem to follow a logical route to completion. 

Another visit to Escape Hunt! Yet again the theme is really immersive!  I did prefer the other two rooms I’ve done here, a few things felt a bit worn out or broken even though the room was new, but it is still worth a visit!

Well i just know where to start. Im not sure if i nearly walked out of this room due to the room itself or due to the Game Master operating the game. Perhaps a bit of both 

On first impressions, the theming and decor of the room was great. Lots to look at, some puzzles immediately available and a great sized space. After about 20 mins of progress we got to a sticking point. We knew exactly what we had to do but we couldnt execute it. Sadly, it was an Aural puzzle and both me and my teammate are tone deaf so we literally had not a hope in hells chance of ever being able to complete it. The games Master saw us struggling for several minutes and then asked if we wanted a clue. we said yes and she started waffling on about another puzzle that wasn't related and didn't need solving yet. 

15 minutes later she is still on the intercom trying to give us clues but quite frankly, they were abysmal. Tried telling us there were 3 notes only we needed, turns out there were 5. She even tried walking us through it by telling us to start with the 4th. turned out to be the 8th. She gave us 12 instructions, turns out only needed 7. If you are not able to complete sound based puzzles, then you're sc**wed in this room, especially if you have a Games Master that clearly hasn't got a clue. 

As for the room itself, so many props were damaged or broken. I know that a sinking pirate ship is not going to be perfect, but when there is a difference between being with the theme or plain broken then there is an issue. 

At the end of the room (thankfully we got out without walking out) i told the GM about things being broken. I even took a supposed "fixed" item to show her and was greeted with her response of "well thats your opinion". Clearly not when im holding the prop in question. 

I would not recommend this room

**DISCLAIMER - The assistant manager overheard our displeasure after the game, apologised on behalf of the GM (who we found out is actually leaving, and offered us to play another room Free of Charge, of which we found to be a good room. See my review of Our Finest Hour***