Breakout Manchester: Frankenstein

Was really disappointed by this game. There were multiple locked boxes and padlocks that never came into play, not sure if they were red herrings, if the room had been poorly reset or we only got to play half the room. The first puzzle as you enter the room was frustrating as the only clue found turned out to be a red herring and never came back into play. It would’ve benefited from more narrative elements as more than once we found a three digit code and just had to try on all available locks until it worked, would’ve been more satisfying if we knew which lock we were trying to tackle - especially as not all locks were opened by the end. 

It felt like they had simplified the game as we were a team of two, which is disappointing as we paid £60 for half an experience. The host was very quick to give us clues, but unfortunately the clues were just a plain text solution to the puzzle- except for one clue which seemed to be for a puzzle we never had to solve. 

All in all we left a bit deflated and felt like we’d wasted our money. 

The graveyard and laboratory of Dr. Frankenstein are the setting for this escape room. The two environments provide a backdrop for the puzzles, which are enjoyable and testing enough. While there is nothing groundbreaking about the puzzles, there was one that we hadn't seen done anywhere else, which brought us some delight. The puzzles in the graveyard are more focused on finding and using clues, while the puzzles in the laboratory are more technical and require you to use your problem-solving skills. The host was good, only giving pointers in the 2 or 3 hints we received. A decently fun experience that is perfect for newcomers but still enjoyable for enthusiasts.

First part of the game was great - Then the second half was literally a recycled from an older game. Shame had potential. 

Enjolyed this very different game for Breakout.  Some clever puzzles here with some nice set pieces. 

Creating a Monster

This was one of many birthday escape rooms for me! Breakout has yet another new branch in Manchester, so I wanted to have a nosey. I saved a little bit of money with a Virgin experience voucher.

Story

Search Stonecraft Cemetery for a secret lab and recreate Dr Frankenstein’s monster.

Puzzles

They ranged from “Hated that one” to “That was fun!” while mostly staying true to the storyline. Word riddles, number problems and hands-on tasks all featured here. Bar one in the early stages that had us all stumped, they were rather easy, despite the host saying it’s their hardest 4-star room.

Mise-en-scene

A shady cemetery captured the mood of the room with simplistic gravestones and jet-black trees, then (slightly clunky) mechanics allow you to progress beyond it.

Final Comments

My team of 3 broke out with about 7 minutes to spare. I’d say don’t take any more than 4 people for this one.