Sauve Qui Peut - "The Secret of Denderah"
- Dave Bristol
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
LOCATION: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada
Photo above is property of Sauve Qui Peut
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
📝 ETR DECODER
🔑 GAME: The Secret of Denderah
📅 DATE PLAYED: October 23, 2025
🎬 GENRE: Adventure
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 Players): 6/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-8 ppl
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: CAD $34/ pp
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes
📖 THE STORY
You must gain entrance to the pyramid of Cheops to regain possession of the source of ultimate light, which was entombed millenia ago. Can you solve the devilish series of puzzles that have been confounding experts for centuries, or will you end up another prisoner of the Pharoah?
🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE
Right from the start, the immersive decor pulls you into an archeological adventure. The entry chamber, in particular, nails that “desert expedition on the brink of discovery” feel. While the overall set is simpler than some of SQP’s later spectacles, it still captures the right tone for a tomb-bound quest.
Low lighting was tomb appropriate but never impeded our ability to read…a welcome touch for those of us who now pack reading glasses as standard gear.
Puzzles are large-scale and hands-on, keeping the focus on physical exploration rather than fine print. (We didn’t even need those reading glasses!)
🧩 MISSED THE MARK
There aren’t many puzzles to uncover, and while they’re solid, they don’t showcase the same ingenuity or variety that SQP’s newer rooms are known for. It’s an interesting choice for a game billed toward beginners, as a few puzzles may still stump newer players.
Space is tight in some places, making it a better fit for small groups than large expeditions.
Like many classic-style escape rooms, the story serves mainly as a setup. There’s little narrative evolution once you’re inside the tomb.
🏹 TAKE A SHOT?
One of Sauve Qui Peut’s earlier designs, "The Secret of Denderah" might not boast the jaw-dropping reveals, memorable puzzle design, or layered storytelling of their later creations, but it’s still a respectable relic of their creative evolution. For completionists or fans curious to trace the studio’s journey from humble sand dunes to full-blown showpieces, it’s worth a dig. The tactile, sequential puzzles make this adventure particularly fun for smaller groups, kids, or even a solo explorer ready to test their mettle against the mysteries of the past. So, dust off your explorer’s hat and get ready to unearth a bit of SQP history! No whip required.
🔎 HINT
While we always advocate kindness to animals, you may need to be a bit more firm with the turtle than you expect.
ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO
The lobby/waiting area where you check in also has lockers and seating. (And was fabulously decorated for Halloween on this visit.) There also are bathrooms available. There are a variety of parking options (both paid lots, free lots, and paid street parking) in the area. The closest free lot is about a 3-5 minute walk. All games are playable in both French and English.
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 Sauve Qui Peut 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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