LOCATION: Amherst, New Hampshire, USA
Photos above are property of Break Free 603
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
📝 ETR DECODER
🔑 GAME: The Skull
📅 DATE PLAYED: September 30, 2021
🎬 GENRE: Adventure, Mystery
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 PPL): 6.5/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: Up To 10ppl
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins
💰 PRICE: $90/Team (Min 2PPL)
☎️ BOOKINGTYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes
📖 THE STORY
Atlas James was an archaeologist who explored the world searching for rare artifacts. There was one relic in particular that was his prize possession - an artifact that he believed would change life as we know it! Unfortunately, while searching for it in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, Atlas was never seen again...Can you discover the secret behind his disappearance and uncover the mystery behind this powerful relic??
Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE
Anytime there's an Indiana Jones-inspired storyline, it's sure peaks my interest. Inside "The Skull", we definitely get the "Indie" vibes and by starting off inside of Professor Atlas James' office, we are already in adventure mode.
The continuation of the story through various communication tools was well utilized. It felt like we're really looking at clues left behind to find this artifact.
The set design started off simple and presented what you would expect from an office - a computer, curio, desk, photos, etc. The dramatic cinematic change was rather pleasing for the players as we progressed deeper into the game.
We really liked one part of the game where it made us feel the urgency of the situation. The puzzle was really cleverly done. We haven't seen it anywhere before and it fit the situation perfectly.
🧩 MISSED THE MARK
*Disclaimer - Breakfree 603 had some technical issues that morning. We can only presume certain things from what the owner had told us but we didn't fully experience it ourselves. (Update 10/29/21: Owner has informed us that more backstory about Atlas has been added and they've also fixed a lot of the automation in the game.)
One puzzle felt like it was played out of order. If we didn't have access to it first then it wouldn't trigger as early.
We really enjoy the storytelling aspect of the game but it wasn't used in any of the puzzles which felt like a lot of content just for backstory.
Some parts of game had audio that was hard to hear clearly but it was important for the game.
One puzzle needed certain part to be decoded and visually it was a bit hard to see the message. It would help perhaps to make it glow due to the distance.
🏹 TAKE A SHOT?
"The Skull" is one of Breakfree 603's newest games and it definitely had a fun and intriguing storyline. There were a couple of "aha" moments and things we didn't expect to happen but actually did! If you like the treasure hunter or alcohological discovery type of game, then you should challenge yourself to find the rare artifact in this expedition!
Additional Info
Parking in front
Lobby with waiting area
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)
Disclosure: We thank Break Free 603 for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.
