John Ketan

This game was recommended by the venue to play as we had some spare time before going into The Quartz.  It is designed as a prequel to The Quartz but is intended to be outdoors.  You follow a clever storyline across a box game, this outdoor game and a physical escape room.  This is something I've never seen before but thought it was very clever and makes the story much bigger and better.  The outdoor game was unexpectedly great fun.  Only 1 of our team had played an outdoor game before and they said it was much better than the ones they had played.  There are small props in the town of Broadstairs with simple but engaging shop window electronics.  We stopped for ice cream and coffee so I think we could have gone faster.  Broadstairs was great to walk around and the route is only 1.7km and mostly accessible for those who are not strong walkers.

The hosting on our second visit was just as good as the first.  The staff really get into character and this makes a lot of difference.  The Quartz game is really different in the best possible way.  The storyline is a modern day sci fi adventure pitting you against a dormant machine.  It is expertly decorated and expertly set up.  There are hundreds of lights and sound effects that all happen throughout the adventure.  The game builds up cleverly and foreshadows a threat that slowly grows for the most epic and spontaneous finale I've ever seen.  Atlantis was a difficult game to beat but I think Quartz is my favourite of these two escape games.  I would describe them as Titans of the genre.

I've played a lot of escape rooms and this was my first at an Escapement venue.  What set it apart to start with was the hosting.  We met the owners and spoke for a while about the games we liked and had played.  Atlantis is without a doubt in my mind one of the greatest escape rooms you can play.  Our group all agreed on our way home that none of the games we have played to date come close to this type of experience.  Together we have played over 60 rooms now so I think I now have a worthwhile opinion.  It is just formidable with many unique elements.  It is easy enough for a first time team and yet occupying to fulfil the entire time.  There's also many things I have not seen before in an escape room which means it would be great for experienced teams.  We booked to play their other game straight away.  I concur with the review from Mia Rabone "You MUST do this room".