Escape Reality Edinburgh - "Machina"

LOCATION:  Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Photo above is property of Escape Reality Edinburgh

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

📝  ETR DECODER

• 🔑 GAME: Machina

• 📅 DATE PLAYED: May 6, 2023

• 🎬 GENRE: Sci-Fi

• 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 6.5/10

• 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-6 ppl

• 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.

• 💰 PRICE: £20-25/PP (pending on the group size)

• ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private

• 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

📖 THE STORY

You and your team of renowned scientists have developed the first AI known to man. After a few days, you begin to realize that these robots are exemplifying scary human-like behavior. They also seem to have locked the team inside! Are you becoming the robot's experiment instead?

Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

• The set design had a cool high-tech futuristic look.

• One of the props that we had to connect for a particular puzzle made us feel like engineers. The solution trigger was quite satisfying.

• We wish the narrative part in the latter part of the game was utilized more throughout as those moments felt like we were actually interacting with a real AI.
  

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

• We were hoping to see an improvement in the cluing system from Escape Reality on this return trip but they were still using the iPad with the QR code. In some parts of the room where the lighting wasn't great, the iPad couldn't even pick up the QR image. Moreover, you'll have to wait for 10 minutes after receiving one clue. Since the clues were given in increments, you had to press them in the order (there was no way to skip to the one you actually needed). We had to call the GM in the room numerous times as we couldn't just stand around to wait for the time to pass and do nothing. This really took out the immersion and also created some frustration at times.

• In order to go from one room to another, you had to remember the password used. The room would lock again once you went through. We used an item to block the door but it would be great if this issue could be resolved.

• There was a good amount of red herrings in places that had reading material. Some props also had the potential of being red herring items due to the same colors on them and elsewhere in the room.

• We were hoping for some direction as to which clue belonged with which lock when we figure out the solution. Some clues also lacked direction as to what we were supposed to find.

• One of the Math puzzles lacked directions for what order to input the answers.
  

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

There is definitely potential for this room to become a Sci-fi fan favorite based on the storyline and the decor. The puzzles and hint system are what hindered us from enjoying this experience to the fullest. The AI element of the game can be utilized more especially if it could be implemented into the hint system. We are eager to see what kind of new developments are happening at Escape Reality as we heard that they are allowing their GMs to design locational-specific games! Check out our review on "Conspiracy" at Escape Reality Glasgow to find out more!

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

• No Street Parking

• Lobby area with seating available

• Merchandise available for purchase

• Located on the 2nd floor

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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BOOK NOW

(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 Escape Reality Edinburgh for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever.

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