CU Adventures in Time & Space - "The Wizard's Curse"
- Krista Jones
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
LOCATION: Urbana, Illinois, USA
Photo above is property of CU Adventures in Time & Space
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
📝 ETR DECODER
🔑 GAME: The Wizard's Curse
📅 DATE PLAYED: May 14, 2026
🎬 GENRE: Fantasy
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 6/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-6 ppl
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: $37.00/ pp (2 ppl), $32.00/ pp (3-4 ppl), $27.00/ pp (5-6 ppl)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes
📖 THE STORY
An evil wizard is trying to wreak havoc on the land, and you have broken into his castle to try to stop him! Do you have what it takes to defeat the master?
🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE
Creative use of space: The footprint of this game is by far the smallest at CU Adventures (thus the smaller player count), but they make excellent use of the space they have. It is very densely packed with puzzles and décor, yet they still manage to make it clear what’s in play vs. set dressing and to include multiple unexpected transformations and reveals!
Immersive environment: You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a wizard’s inner sanctum. While it’s not an uncommon theme, the décor here is quite well done, with some particularly memorable elements.
In-world hints: We love a playful hint delivery system that ramps up the immersion in a game (even if we don’t end up needing hints)! Here you’re greeted by a…well, we debated exactly which kind of bird it may have been, but nonetheless a familiar that very much works with the environment and the story.
So many puzzles: This game is definitely densely packed not just with décor but also puzzles! It was a great mix of some very creative and original challenges along with well-implemented versions of some classics.
🧩 MISSED THE MARK
Finale player involvement: The concept of the game’s ending was really fun and the tech worked well. However, while both sides have a part in the action, only one had the primary solving role…leaving the other feeling a bit left out. It would have been great to have split the info here so that both sides could participate equally for the big finish.
🏹 TAKE A SHOT?
The Wizard’s Curse is a more classic style, with less story development and not on the same grand scale as many of the other games at CU Adventures. However, at most venues this would still be a standout, and we still had a blast playing it (even as our last game of the day). It definitely suited us very well: it’s very puzzly, tactile, better for smaller groups, and tailored towards more experienced players. They really pack a lot into a small space, with plenty of reveals and magical moments to make you embrace your inner wizard. If this sounds up your alley (not the Diagon one…), warm up your wand arm and prepare to take on the curse!
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO
Private lot with a good amount of parking.
The generous lobby/waiting area where you check in has both shirts for sale and a creative, co-operative version of tetris you can play.
There are bathrooms and a water cooler available.
There are no lockers, but you can leave your things in the rooms themselves.
On the other side of the building, you’ll find Parcadia – a very cool mini-golf experience with a tavern, a mini puzzle-hunt, and lots more in the works!
Across the street there is also a food hall with a variety of options.
Features a live actor in-game
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 CU Adventures in Time & Space for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.
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