Exciting Escapes Basingstoke: The Disappearing Duchess – Chapter 1

The newest offering from Exciting Escapes, we'd bought a voucher to try this room out some time ago pre-CV but only finally got the opportunity in the summer after a very delayed opening for them. Forms Part 1 of a planned Part 2 game with the second part being their Christmas offering this year if things go to plan. The decor is well done in terms of being "in a ship" although I have to say from the game description it is not what I expected (having thought there would be a little more opulence if a wealthy traveller was involved). I think they have done well given it is such a small space and we felt occupied most of the time - it is quite linear and consequently there was one part of the game where I had literally nothing to do as the task required one person to focus on working something out that was very small (this could have been done in a way that was more accessible to all so I'm not quite sure why decision was made to do it in the way they did).  Managed to bypass one part of a puzzle completely which led to a little later confusion (handled quickly by GM). Enjoyed the ending. Solid room and fun, but wouldn't recommend doing with more than 3 people (and 2 probably better) due to size and nature of game; difficulty ok but played Dark Deeds on the same day and would give that the edge in terms of puzzle quality and enjoyment.