Krista Jones
- Jul 14, 2022
- 3 min read

Locurio - "The Vanishing Act"

Updated: Apr 6

LOCATION:  Seattle, Washington, USA

Photo above is property of Locurio

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

📝 ETR DECODER

🔑 GAME: The Vanishing Act
📅 DATE PLAYED: June 2, 2022
🎬 GENRE: Magician
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl): 8/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 6-8 PPL (Recommend 4-6PPL)
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 70 Mins
💰 PRICE: $40-55/PP (pending on group size)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

📖 THE STORY

The last five assistants of the acclaimed magician, the Great Noximillian, have also mysteriously disappeared after their 13th show. Fearing for their own safety, the current assistant has called you here to try to determine what has become of the missing persons and to save them from a similar fate.

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

While you receive the more standard introduction (don’t destroy things, here’s how to use a directional lock, general backstory, etc.) in the main lobby, you also get an introduction from the current magician’s assistant in the game-specific waiting area. This extra touch of a character actor really adds to your investment in the story.
As you enter the game, you feel like you are entering a refined magician’s room. They’ve managed to incorporate all kinds of tropes without it seeming cheesy or overdone. The set design overall is really well done and has some nice surprises that really impact the atmosphere.
The puzzles in the game are very cleanly designed and challenging (particularly in the first section), but fair. Be sure to search thoroughly! The design is quite non-linear, so there are lots of puzzles that can be worked on simultaneously by larger groups. They do a nice job of utilizing many of the magic-themed items, and having one puzzle that really encourages good teamwork.

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

While certainly not a major issue, our group definitely struggled more with some of the puzzles in the first part of the game (though they were totally fair). By the time we reached the second part, we were feeling a bit short on time. The puzzles in that part seemed quite a bit easier, so we finished in time. It would have been fun to have a bit more balance in difficulty and a little more time to savor the experience in the second section. However, this division did add to some of the tension as the clock was ticking down and gave us a lot of quick wins before the final victory.
There are a few things to be aware of that could be hindrances for some players. This game is only for ages 12+ (with those under 18 needing to be accompanied by an adult). There is an audio puzzle and some parts in dim lighting. While I would not describe it as a scary room, there are some dark themes and occult references.

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

If you sadly can only play one Locurio game, it should be "The Storykeeper". However, that is based purely on the absolute brilliance of that room, and no reflection on "The Vanishing Act", which is a great game in its own right, with a somewhat more classic escape room feel. With the exception of some of the limitations described above, this game would be a great choice for enthusiasts, unless you hate locks. Personally, I still find it very satisfying to click them open (in comparison to their other game, this one relies more on many varieties of traditional locks and more analog puzzles, though there is one fun piece of tech at the end)! There are some challenging parts, so this room might not be ideal for those without any puzzling experience (though you are not limited in hints). But, if you’re reading this blog, that probably isn’t you, so…definitely highly recommended!

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

In addition to the main lobby with seating where you have your initial introduction, there is also a well-themed area attached to the game space in which you can leave your personal belongings while you play. There are bathrooms available. They also sell a local enthusiast passport! There is public transport access fairly nearby, or you can look for street parking. All of the people were incredibly welcoming, enthusiastic, and helpful. You can tell they love what they do!

🔎 HINT

Be mindful at the rabbit hutch so as not to drop anything!

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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 Locurio for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.