FantEscapes - "The Arcane Archives"

Updated: Mar 14

LOCATION:  Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Photo above is property of FantEscapes

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

📝 ETR DECODER

🔑 GAME: The Arcane Archives
📅 DATE PLAYED: December 29, 2023
🎬 GENRE: Fantasy
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 Players): 6/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-8 PPL
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: CAD $25/PP
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: YES

📖 THE STORY

You have always been curious about the artifacts and wonders hidden in the world and still needing to be discovered…but also kept safe out of dark hands. The membership houses these secrets for only the few chosen to be privy too and you, my dear Arcanian, are being tasked to prove your worthiness. It will take your strength, curiosity, and wit to move through the bureaucracy of the archives…and maybe a few catastrophes in the mix.

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

Having a attendant in the room to run the archives really elevated this experience to make you feel like you were searching the archives for clues.
The balance of new age puzzling and traditional once again ticked all the boxes for me as it increased suspense and rewarded players as they moved through the game.
The little easy level bag was a very nice touch for players needing just a little nudge without have to ask for a hint.
- Having players use tokens to bribe the attendant for clues is a very fun and interactive touch.
I was not expecting the final puzzle reveal and it was extremely well done in its build up!
You get a membership card (with your photo!) at the end and an opportunity to join a Discord group that will offer more games and experience to create a more immersive experience outside the room

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

The way the file and box puzzles worked made me think larger groups may struggle to all be involved - 3 people were a good number for us.
There were these added details in files that were labelled red herrings but I would have loved to see more information integrated in the game story.

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

"The Arcane Archives" reminded me of the wonders of immersive escape rooms on a level of cosy and whimsy I have not seen in awhile. If you want to feel like a true applicant to a unique and quirky society that mixes archival investigation with stopping the demise of the order then this adventure will be for you. I love the possibility of this room expanding in Discord and further experience outside the room and am eager to explore it. If you are looking for immersion on a deeper scale this room hits the spot!

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

Street Parking only
Not wheelchair accessible (basement facility)
Lobby with couch seating, costumes for photos, and various memorabilia to examine and explore
Geeky Boutique has oddities, gifts and treats you can purchase like: Harry Potter hats, Lego, Steampunk jewelry, etc.