by Case Closed (website)
1 Carpet Ln, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6SS
2-8 players
Languages: EN
Player review
Review by 🦡cipherdelic virtuoso
If you're looking for something a little different then head to Case Closed which is upstairs in Black Axe Throwing. It's a little way out of the centre of Edinburgh, but it's well worth traveling that little bit further.
At first glance, it looks like any other escape room startup, but once you're in the room you'll find that this is more like playing a box game than playing the usual one-hour adventure of some of its neighbours. There's a detailed plot to play out into which the puzzles have been intricately woven.
The use of lighting and narration enhances the story, especially the introduction, which sets the mood beautifully and creates a feeling of being in one of those old film noirs, like a Sam Spade film. But the technical details and the police procedural nature of the puzzles also gave me strong Scandi-noir vibes too.
Add to this that it's a rare 90-minute game where the puzzles are well-paced throughout and you have yourself a wonderfully substantial room to enjoy and savour with a satisfying conclusion. It's a must-play if you're in Edinburgh.
My only niggle, and it is a niggle, is that the players of the axe hurling can get rather loud and distracting, but after 10 mins we didn't even notice them as we were so immersed in the room.
Oh, and one final point, there is more reading here than in the average room, so I'd recommend taking your glasses (if you need them), or a reader (if written English isn't your strong point).