LOCATION: Concord, New Hampshire, USA
Photo above is property of Escape Room Concord NH
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
📝 ETR DECODER
🔑 GAME: The Dragon's Chamber
📅 DATE PLAYED: June 19, 2022
🎬 GENRE: Fantasy
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 PPL): 8/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-8 ppl (Recommend 4-6PPL)
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins
💰 PRICE: $30/PP, $120/Group (Min $140 if less than 4PPL)
☎️ BOOKINGTYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: No
📖 THE STORY
An evil wizard imprisoned the world’s last known dragon, but he eventually fell prey to her anger. You are young wizards who are now trying to get in and take control of the dragon…only to get locked inside! You have a potion that will keep the dragon calm for one hour, but if you don’t escape by then… you’ll be in trouble! This is your primary goal - escape!
However, on your way in, you are shocked to see a dragon’s egg! If only you could find a way to steal it, you could have a dragon of your own…that would be a worthy quest indeed!
🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE
We definitely felt like we had stepped into a wizard’s castle, adjacent to a dragon’s lair. The owners have an uncanny ability to create an incredibly thematic and immersive environment in a somewhat minimalistic way. Each piece of set dressing is designed and placed with intent, leaving plenty of space for people to move around. The quality of the decor is stellar, with some really memorable pieces, and it’s further augmented by the sound and lighting design. This was perhaps the most successful low-light room we've done, as many puzzles incorporated light and sound to one degree or another. The overall effect creates an enticing ambience while also facilitating a luxuriously open space. While still tech-heavy, this room does incorporate more locks than their other game that we played - "The Enigma", but in a way that is completely thematic - envision chests with chains and heavy iron locks - yet another way they have tailored the room to give you the sense that you've truly gone back in time.
This game has an unusual twist in its format. The heart of the game, which you aim to complete within 60 minutes, is to “win” by escaping "The Dragon’s Chamber". However, there is an additional quest (incorporating an additional room that is just visible enough to be a tease), which you can choose to add on at the end in lieu of escaping - attempting to steal the dragon’s egg. Nobody has been able to complete both in 60 minutes, which would be extremely challenging. I’m sure there might be some enthusiast groups who would be worthy competitors! Therefore, groups often return to valiantly try again. In yet another break from traditional rooms, you are allowed to take notes as you play, which they hold on to but will give you when you return. You have to start from the beginning each time, trying to speed run through the parts you have already completed - hopefully having most of the solutions written down. From there, you continue forward on the quest. While you have unlimited hints in the main game, there are no hints for the auxiliary quest - except for one that they will give you if you run out of time and need to return again. This setup creates a cool option of being able to “win” by escaping (or having had that option) but also to keep playing and to even be able to return. It also poses a new challenge of trying to remember the puzzles (or interpret your notes) and do a speed run, which will definitely appeal to some players! All in all, a really fun and different option. We didn’t quite make it through the quest (even on a second attempt), but we look forward to trying again and getting our hands on that egg!
There is a great diversity of puzzles, allowing different types of players to shine, although there is minimal searching. Some challenges require cooperation and concentration, and many incorporate the incredible decor items in very satisfying ways.
🧩 MISSED THE MARK
While it was often clear when something had released or happened, there were a few key moments where we missed things because we were not looking in the right direction (one important to solve a puzzle and another just an incredible cinematic kind of moment, that we were shown later). It would be great if there were a few more indicators of where to look at those times so they are not missed. Admittedly, this may have been less likely with more than two people, or if we had been able to cast a spell to grow eyes in the backs of our heads.
Many of the puzzles ran smoothly and gave us a solid dose of medieval heroism as we opened the period locks or otherwise manipulated the decor, and all of the puzzle answers made sense. However, there were a couple of times where there seemed to be multiple interpretations that were equally viable options, and a bit more signposting could help to ensure folks head down the right path.
🏹 TAKE A SHOT?
"The Dragon’s Chamber" is perfect for any wannabe knights, wizards, or other folks who have just dreamed of treasure hunting in a wizard’s castle (which is pretty much all of us, really). The immersion is spectacular! This game is also a great opportunity to try a different, re-playable format and to stretch yourselves with the quest to steal the dragon’s egg. Some of the puzzles are quite challenging, but there are unlimited hints and some good tactile and dexterity components that kids would love. Coupled with the unforgettable decor, this is a game that could appeal to families, newbies, and enthusiasts alike!
ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO
Escape Room Concord NH has a dedicated parking area, a small lobby with some physical puzzles to toy with as you wait, and a photo booth that provides you with collage-format prints of your victory (or, in our case, defeat) photos! There is a bathroom available as well.
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 Escape Room Concord NH for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.
