Castle Crusaders - "Carderby Keep"
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Castle Crusaders - "Carderby Keep"

Updated: Nov 21, 2022

** UPDATE - We regret to inform that "Castle Crusaders" has closed.

Videos/ Photos provided by Castle Crusaders

Company: Castle Crusaders

Game: Carderby Keep

Country: United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Language: English

Type of Game: Audio/GM led Escape Game 👂

Genre: Adventure

Date Played: 3/31/2021

Difficulty (based on 7 players): 5.5/10

Size of Team: 2-8 Players

Time: 60-80 Minutes (Approximately)

Price: Midweek price: £40/ 1-4 players, £65/ 5-8 players

Weekend Price: £55/ 1-4 players, £75/ 5-8 players


🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈

Our adventure continues from "Jacobe Castle" to Craderby Keep. This time our mission is to save Jackson as he's trapped by an evil forces! Time starts now!

🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈

If you read our review on Jacobe Castle or have played that game. then this game uses the same format as the last. We're greeted by a live host over Zoom and there's a total of 4 locations (each with 4 missions) that we'll have to complete with our team. The challenges were timed to be around 1:30-2:30 minutes each and you'll be awarded a letter upon winning each game. If you failed the mission, you'll have a chance to reclaim the letters at the end of the 16 rounds with riddles. Once you've solve the final puzzle, Jackson will be set free!

🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂

The 16 missions in this game definitely upped it's difficulty level especially in the logic rounds. One thing I would suggest for the logic puzzles would be to add an interactive interface if possible as it's quite difficult to be solving these just by looking.


Some physical challenges were easier to complete but were essential to the game as they were the "laughter makers". My favorite moment when we first met on Zoom before the game started and questioned everyone with, "does everyone have pants on? You'll need it for those physical challenges!"


There were also a few new types of challenges that we haven't seen in the first game like Charades (my favorite!) and video puzzles that really tested our eye speed, There were definitely some nailing biting moments for even a team of veteran players. We failed 4 missions and had to claim the letters back at the end.


🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂

I've been a fan of Castle Crusaders since we played their last game. This one was equally entertaining. We bought on some new friends and they quickly fell in love this format of entertainment as well. Some quickly recognized the inspiration from Crystal Maze as they are big fans of the show. Some just responded with "this was so much fun!" One final thing I like to mention about this game is the storyline. I really did not expect a twist so it was a lovely surprise and ended our game on a even higher note than anticipated!







Castle Crusaders is hosted on Zoom and felt similar to some other live adventures I had done - where the host guides you through the story or setup, with you and the rest of your team on camera in various locations taking part.


The premise is a castle escape where our host Jacobe is trapped, and we have to help him leave by solving the puzzles.


It has been likened to The Crystal Maze and I can see why - a choice of 4 categories of game in 4 areas of a castle. A team captain needs to be nominated to allocate the puzzles to players, but discussion can be had as to what games you prefer. Time limits are enforced on most games of around 2-3 minutes each.


The 4 game types are the same in each area (Active, agility, brain and secret), but the puzzles are different each time. I was given 3 of the games and had a nice variety of things to do. They call upon your memory, Math ability, acting ability and more! Some of them seemed super easy and some really quite hard (Math ones specially), considering the time available! Each correct/passed puzzle gives you a letter. If you miss any you get a chance to win them back at the end with a series of riddles which is a nice touch. I love riddles so that really made me happy :)


The interface is controlled by the host, with video footage, interactive map and animated puzzles he controls. You can just go along with the ride, but you can be required to move, partake and help your teammates. It's very much advisable to make notes throughout!


The character of the host is completely loony, camp and hilarious. We spent a lot of time laughing at him, each other and ourselves, and the game was fast-paced, light and fun throughout.

Can thoroughly recommend this adventure for a team of workmates, friends or a family with older children who are looking for something funny and mad to do, as long as you are willing to jump into the spirit of it and go along with what is asked, you will thoroughly enjoy it!

 





Reading the synopsis as well as reviews for this game on their website, I wasn't sure exactly what to expect. It was similar to a Television Show that I loved watching during my younger days - Crystal Maze and I wasn't exactly sure how would it be implemented in a virtual setting.

When we joined the zoom link, the theatrics was already present. There was background music and a large castle looms in front of us, signaling the adventures within. After our amazing host welcomed us, we were brought into the castle and the game had begin. Basically, my childhood dream was fulfilled as this was nearly a replica of Crystal Maze that I finally got to participate!


A team leader will be elected and his/her job will be to allocate tasks to different members, just like the show. For those who wish to elect on the spot, you might want to skip this next line:

For those who wish to plan ahead and find members that complement each other, here are the categories - Agility, Secret (meaning Random), Active and Brain.

All sorts of games were present, there were like charades, puzzles, riddles, party, teamwork and memory. There will surely be games that suits all players. You will play 16 games before you attempt the final game. When that time comes, I honestly wished that there will be more games as once you get the hang of it, you wouldn't want the fun to stop!


It was definitely a fun activity to do, especially if you have friends/families in other countries. Instead of a normal zoom call, why not gather everyone and have a virtual party together! With that being said, this is definitely not a puzzle game and you will need to have the right group, just like if you were playing a party game in real life. You need to have members that are willing to look foolish on screen and willing to participate. Players who prefer to stay in the background and just do their own stuff might not find this as enjoyable. Also, be wary of the time zone differences. I played this game at 1am in my local time, and I definitely had a handicap as I wasn't able to participate in those games that require you to shout or run around the house. Do plan this in the day or night to ensure you have the full experience!


Some things that I would love to see in future is more games and options! There could be tons of other things being conducted virtually, such as a drawing game, a trivia game, a Math game etc. It might also encourage players to rebook it, knowing they will have a different experience each time.


All in all, with the right mindset that this isn't focusing on puzzles, if you are willing to let yourself loose and just have fun along with the crowd, this is definitely an activity not to be missed! It was a refreshing experience once in a while compared to the countless online escape games in the market. A unique activity such as this will really bond people together, especially during these pandemic times.

 

(If you do decide to try this game, please remember to let them know that you heard it from"ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)


Disclosure: We thank Castle Crusaders for comping our tickets for this game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.


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