Great Escapes Inman - "Nowhere To Be Found"

Updated: 23 hours ago

LOCATION:  Inman, South Carolina, USA

Photo above is property of Great Escapes Inman

Photo above is property of Great Escapes Inman

📝 ETR DECODER

🔑 GAME: Nowhere To Be Found
📅 DATE PLAYED: December 10, 2023
🎬 GENRE: Mystery, Thriller
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl): 6/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-10 ppl
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: $80.00 (2 ppl) or $30/ pp (3+ ppl)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

📖 THE STORY

Otis, the owner of the "Gas and Go" gas station, has finally decided to take a well-deserved vacation after tirelessly running his small-town establishment for years. Leaving his trusted friend Earl in charge, Otis sets off for some much-needed rest and relaxation. However, things take a sinister turn when Otis tries to contact Earl during his vacation, only to receive no response.

Concerned for Earl's well-being, Otis contacts the country sheriff, who is already overwhelmed with the chaos caused by an escaped asylum patient wreaking havoc in Inman. The urgency of the situation escalates when it's revealed that the gas station has a critical pressure valve that must be released every 60 minutes to prevent a catastrophic explosion.

With time ticking away, the sheriff calls upon your group to enter the gas station, release the pressure valve, and search for Earl before it's too late. You have only 60 minutes to defuse the potentially explosive situation and uncover the whereabouts of Earl. The clock is ticking, and the stakes couldn't be higher.

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

The puzzles in "Nowhere to be Found" truly stand out, offering a diverse range that spans from word puzzles to physical challenges. Each puzzle seamlessly integrates into the story world, providing a satisfying experience for both novice and experienced players alike. Despite the variety, none of the puzzles are overly challenging, allowing for a smooth flow of gameplay and a sense of accomplishment with each solution.
Despite being a locally-owned company with just a single room, the set design of the gas station is expertly crafted. It authentically captures the essence of an off-the-beaten-path gas station, complete with antique artifacts and cleverly hidden locks and keys that blend seamlessly into the decor. The attention to detail showcases the dedication and craftsmanship put into creating the immersive environment.
The Game Masters play a crucial role in immersing players into the story world. While there is no actor interaction within the room itself, the Game Masters set the stage with their in-character portrayal, particularly as the sheriff at the beginning of the experience. Their commitment to the narrative adds depth to the overall atmosphere and enhances the players' engagement throughout the game.

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

While "Nowhere to be Found" provided a thoroughly enjoyable experience overall, our group's primary complaint arose during the finale. While it made sense within the context of the story world, we felt that it could have benefited from a bit more human touch. Although not inherently bad, the conclusion left our group with a lingering sense of wanting more, especially considering the high quality of puzzles we encountered throughout the game.

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

Great Escapes Inman truly stands out as a quintessential mom and pop shop, evident in their genuine passion for and understanding of the escape room industry. The puzzle flow showcased some of the best I've encountered in all my escapades. The storyline was refreshingly unique and incredibly engaging, enhanced by the use of antique props that were both stunning and nostalgic, spanning from the 1960s to the present day.

Throughout the 60-minute experience, we reveled in the myriad of surprises and unexpected twists that the game presented. Despite being one of the fastest teams the company has ever seen, escaping the room in just 30 minutes, it in no way detracted from the overall gameplay or storyline of "Nowhere to be Found." This hidden gem is an absolute delight, and if you ever find yourself in the area, it's highly recommended for a try.