Escape Time Adventures - "Master of Illusion"
- Cici Cao
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
LOCATION: Wappingers Falls, New York, USA
Photo above is property of Escape Time Adventures
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
📝 ETR DECODER
🔑 GAME: Master of Illusion
📅 DATE PLAYED: October 12, 2025
🎬 GENRE: Mystery, Magic
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 6.5/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 4-8 ppl (Ages 12+)
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 90 Mins.
💰 PRICE: $32.95/ pp or $171.80/ group (8 ppl)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes
📖 THE STORY
The Great Nivek, a renowned magician, died during a performance at the Magic Mansion's main stage. Venue owner Peter Zabar, a friend and illusion expert, is the primary suspect and has expressed deep sorrow over what witnesses describe as a bizarre accident. As private investigators, your task is to uncover the truth and differentiate between illusion and reality before you disappear. Gather evidence to build your case.
Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE
We really enjoy the theatrical introduction at this location before each game. Every game transports you to a different era, enhanced by a captivating performance from the GMs, and experiencing it firsthand is a must. Be sure to check out the "peculiar items" they've collected over the years.
The set design for this room is truly breathtaking. The array of magic props and posters includes both familiar items from historical magicians and intriguing pieces you might not have seen before. The designer's meticulous attention to detail in every prop is impressive. The sound and lighting significantly elevate the overall experience.
The in-game character appears at precisely the right moments to expertly guide players through the experience while also unfolding a bit of backstory, enhancing the immersion profoundly.
The special effects, magic tricks, and illusions in this game are on an entirely different level. We were continually amazed by the reveals, and to this day, the methods remain a mystery. I guess that's why they call it magic!
The puzzles are ingeniously integrated into the props and storyline. As we uncovered solutions, we also gathered the evidence needed to unravel the mystery.
Just when you think you've made quick progress, you'll be astonished by how much more awaits. It's definitely strategic to divide and conquer in this room, especially towards the end. Many of our favorite puzzles were here, demanding substantial logic and teamwork.
The flow of this experience was seamless. We encountered no issues during gameplay. As I documented the information we discovered as evidence, I truly felt like a detective on a mystery case and forgot how much time has passed by. This is the level of immersion we are always looking for!
🧩 MISSED THE MARK
This game is nearly a perfect experience for us. A more dramatic ending in how to reveal the conclusion would have made it a flawless performance.
🏹 TAKE A SHOT?
We were really excited to be able to experience this room after seeing it in its preproduction stages! The anticipation was worth it, and we couldn't be more excited! We absolutely adore magic-themed rooms, especially those that seamlessly weave in real magic tricks. With the owner's background in magic, he knows exactly how to bring the magic to life. This game is a dream come true for magic lovers, murder mystery fans, and anyone looking for an extraordinary escape room experience—it's a fully immersive journey from start to finish. The special effects and magical reveals will leave you spellbound, asking, "How did they do that?" Be sure to put this game at the top of your "must-visit" list for your next escape room adventure!
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO
Free Parking right in front of the location
Lobby with seating area
Merchandise available for purchase
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, an interview with the owner, the room(s) (no puzzle spoilers) and more:
Video above is 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 Time Adventures 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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