Score
– Overall
– Immersion
– Puzzles
– Hints
– Fun
– Scenario
Summary
– 60 minutes
– 2-8 players (we suggest 2-3)
– Roundabout
– Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Played on May 19th 2024 by: 
Butcher’s Basement was the first room we played at Roundabout in Toronto. In this scenario, your team has been investigating a series of missing baby cases, which has led you to a suspicious local butcher shop. Tony, the unsettling butcher, is your main suspect. As you step inside, the cold, raw atmosphere immediately sets an eerie tone. You are determined to find your friend’s baby, but time is running out. Tony will return from police questioning in 60 minutes, so you must act quickly. The scenario has a clear objective and sets up the situation well, though it could have benefited from a little more details.
The decor was well executed and quite realistic. It genuinely felt like stepping into a butcher shop, with convincing props and accessories that added to the immersion. Each area had a clear purpose, and although the rooms were fairly small, the space was used efficiently. The overall atmosphere was very creepy and effectively created. We were impressed with the quality of the set design. We chose to play without the actor, which made the experience more suspenseful than truly scary, with only a couple of small jump scares throughout. The music was also creating a stressful ambiance.
The puzzles were fun to solve and well integrated into the theme and story. They offered a good level of challenge and there were plenty to keep us engaged. We appreciated the variety and originality. The room relied entirely on traditional locks which we know can be disappointing for some people. But for us, as long as the puzzles are enjoyable and the flow works well, we do not mind a lock-heavy design. Hints were provided by the game master via walkie-talkie.
Overall, we really enjoyed this room, mainly because of its strong atmosphere and engaging puzzles. It may be slightly too intense for younger players, but without the actor, it remains manageable. It is best suited for smaller groups of two to three players. We were very happy with our performance, as we completed the room quickly without using any hints. We liked it and we escaped!
: Yes
Andrea