Murder on the Orient Express is many things - being both a highly recognizable licensed franchise game, and this location's only 10/10 difficulty room - and let me say, it lives up to both! The set design is relatively basic for the area (we are in the same market as Doldrick's Crazy Train), but this game shines in its fun escape-room logic puzzles. It should be noted, doing this back to back with Scooby-Doo, it shares very similar DNA, especially towards the end of the game (both are whodunits). I'd recommend only for those looking for a challenge and if you really want to try an Escapology room. While not bad, you can find better nearly anywhere else in Orlando (details on experience below).
The pacing of the room is poor. The first puzzle is mind-shatteringly difficult, and we spent over 10 minutes on it (with hints). It gets easier as it goes, which is nice, but I wish it was paced better. There were some really fun puzzles once you got past the first one and the whodunit kicked in.
Props all felt worn. Window screens felt dated. Each subsequent room is less impressive than the last. It feels like they blew the budget on the first room and had to make compromises as it went on. Additionally, tech-based puzzles were implemented in places that didn't make sense at all, and broke the immersion.
Our GM was kind and attentive, and gave us hints when requested. However, at the end of the game, before we had even done the final thing to stop the train, she walked into the room and began asking us questions about how we liked it and such. We couldn't even hear the congratulatory story conclusion spiel because she was rushing us out of the room. I get it, we were the last group of the night, and walk-ins, but it really put a sour note on an otherwise enjoyable experience. Combined with how my Scooby game played the wrong ending with no consolation, Escapology really needs to work on ensuring their games deliver a strong finish.
Particularly interesting or different
Yes
Solely for the licensed IP. Other than that, there are better executions of everything this game does elsewhere.
I feel like the stress of a 10/10 room with the extensive reading to appreciate the whodunit aspects aren't the best match.
You'd need to be a pro to complete this with no hints.
Mostly mechanical. Tech was implemented in places that didn't make sense.
More than 4 would be very crowded I think.
Physically active
Not at all