Escape Coalville: The Coal Mine

A very unique concept, executed brilliantly. Very enjoyable game 

We absolutely loved this room! Communication is one of our team's strengths so we found the puzzles in this room fairly easy, having found 5 lanterns in about 15 minutes and all 8 by the end. However, it's probably one of the most fun rooms we have done. It is really unique and makes you think in a very different way to your standard room. It's worth mentioning that this is not a scary room; there is nothing at all in this room that is meant to be even remotely creepy other than for anyone who would have a fear of the dark.

We had a lot of niggles which almost ruined the experience for us. 
We had the brief, where the host unenthusiastically read from a crumpled A4 piece of paper.

We then entered the room and to start off with, the room WAS completely dark, you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. But then over the hour, your eyes have time to adjust and you start noticing even the slightest bit of light, which kind of ruined the immersion slightly. 

During the brief, we were told not to touch the wooden panel on the wall, which is hard instruction to follow when the game consisted of feeling around in the dark. At one point during the game, he kept telling us off for touching it, but we still have no idea which one of us was touching it, so every time we were told, we just kind of all had to stop what we were doing. 

Then a little LED kept illuminating on the ceiling, which we thought we were making happen so we focused on it for a while until the host told us to ignore it because it was just the microphone or something. (How hard would it be to disconnect the LED). 

While trying to avoid spoilers, there was this 'type' of puzzle we've seen often enough, usually quite a pleasant and fun puzzle (and the perfect puzzle for a fully dark room), however, this version of the puzzle had us all gagging. It was not pleasant at all. 

The venue was easy to find, with free parking right beside it, which was very handy.

This is such a unique concept. It's not spoiler that this game is played in the complete darkness - and it really is darkness! Your eyes do not adjust at all. It heightens all your senses and forces you to visualise the room and remember where you have "felt" things previously etc. A very clever concept, not the easiest thing to do, not being able to see but absolutely acheiveable. You need to communicate and trust yourself and your team mates. I really enjoyed this challenge. 

Unique game with some interesting puzzles that worked very well, except some smells that were far too similar. Liked that it tied to history of Coalville, but otherwise the story was barely mentioned by our host or included in game. The end was also a bit underwhelming, perhaps a separate exit door would add to the experience.

I had a great time in here nonetheless (the gripes above are fairly minor in the scheme of things) and I'd definitely recommend playing!

This truly is a one of a kind game. 

Utilising every sense in your body other than sight is a unique concept and one that was executed very well. Communication is the key to this game.

The puzzles were all perfectly logical, but the challenge comes when you can't see a single thing and you have to variegate your way around in the pitch black. I would highly recommend trying this experience

Fun, new room. One or two teething issues, but a very cool concept and very disorientating.

What an interesting experience! Not scary in any way and makes you rely on all the senses you don’t use as often in escape rooms. Also puts enthusiasts back on the same page as someone new to the hobby as you explore the space without being able to see your hand in front of your face! The puzzles are very varied and are adapted perfectly to the surroundings - physical, logical, search and themed brilliantly around Coalville’s mining history. Lots of fun!