404 escape rooms
If you visit Athens and are planning to play some escape rooms, Paradox Project has to be on your list. The Mansion is the first of the games and the first chapter in the story. The space is huge and packed full of puzzles so if you are used to games that are bigger on experience and horror and light on puzzles, as many in Athens are, you will definitely have a mental workout over the 3 hours that you are inside the space. This probably isn’t a game for first time players either. The escape rooms at Paradox Project are the longest I’ve ever played but the time flies by as there is so much to keep you immersed and busy. We were offered a break half way through but kept on going. You are permitted to take in refreshments and eat/drink as you like, though only in the central space in the house. The bathroom is available at all times too which is handy. I loved this game - it was the first in a long time that really made us stop and think and work things out. You need stamina and adrenaline, failing that, caffeine, to get you through to the end, especially if you are a group of two like we were. Totally worth it, I wish there were games like this in the UK.
Once we got into a rhythm the game flowed extremely well. Due to the space being so big it was difficult to know where to start initially so we needed a small nudge to point us in the right direction. I’m very much like a bull in a China shop in rooms, spot something, immediately think I know what to do with it and jump to the next think. You have to take a step back in this room, take it all in as there are so many details, and missing something means wasting a lot of time, as we found out. The story is original, unfolds as the experience progresses with twists and turns and the gameplay mimics this beautifully.
You really do feel like you are entering someone’s house, and mooching through their possessions and secrets. Special effects take a back seat in this experience but they aren’t needed - this escape room has a more traditional feel with multi-layered puzzles. There are several clever uses of set as the game progresses, including the ending.
Communication before the game was fantastic. We didn’t meet our GM until the end, which is part of the experience, but communication and hints throughout via screen and smart phone were spot on. Extra brownie points for the use of gifs to confirm we were on the right path.
Yes
The fact the game takes place across a whole apartment is novel, as well as the deliberate lack of information about the story before you start to play. My husband asked me before we got there ‘what’s this game about then?’ (as I sort out our bookings and itineraries and he just turns up and joins in). I couldn’t tell him much at all, and this adds to the intrigue. You know you are going to your Uncle’s house but not much more. The story unfolds as you play and it is essential to pay attention to the story and not just think ‘puzzle, puzzle, puzzle’ as we did in the beginning. Looking back after the game in various debriefs, more details that we missed at the were able to be joined up.
The story is original, mysterious and slightly dark, it unfolds well along with the game and leads perfectly to the next game, The Bookstore.
Hard
This isn’t a game for novices - despite being 3 hours long there is a LOT to do and the puzzles are multi-layered. There are always several things to solve and piece together before getting an answer, and there were several things that really made us think. As an experienced team, we have seen most things in escape rooms before but there were some bits in here that really got us thinking.
Mechanical
Lots of padlocks, physical movement.
4
We played as a two and there was a lot to do. One puzzle in particular is tricky as a two but we were told to ‘think like you are three people and you should be okay’. We did, and we were, with much giggling. The number of players very much depends on the level of experience - the room could easily house 6-8 less experienced players, but I’d say 3-4 experienced players would be ideal.
Not scary
It was well lit, spacious, not scary at all.
12
There is nothing unsuitable or inappropriate for young people, but the puzzles are on the trickier side. There are still lots of things young people could do to get involved with though, with guidance.
No
Considering the game has been around for several years now it is still in very good condition. Nice and clean too, which for a big space like this could be tricky!
No
Contrary to many of Athens’ games, this company focuses on puzzles rather than horror, which I am very happy about.
Somewhat
There was lots of movement between the different rooms and spaces, stairs to climb, a small bit of crawling and one section where flexibility and thinking outside the box is required! The room will give you a decent work out.
One puzzle involved colour and there were a couple of elements where at least one member of the team has to climb stairs or crawl. It also has to be said that the game is on second (?) floor of a building accessed by stairs - I can’t recall if there is a lift.
Yes
Super easy, directions sent via message before hand really helped too.
We travelled via metro and walked 5 minutes from the stop so parking wasn’t an issue. There did seem to be street parking available.
Aug 13, 2024 | Experienced Aug 12, 2024