Score
– Overall
– Immersion
– Puzzles
– Hints
– Fun
– Scenario
Summary
– 45 minutes
– 2-5 players (we suggest 2-3)
– Escape manor
– Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Played on May 12th 2024 by: 
Forbidden Forest was the first room we played that day at Escape Manor Junior. In this scenario, a curse has been placed upon the forest, and a prophecy foretells that only the most talented witches and wizards will be able to brew the potion needed to lift the enchantment in time. The scenario description on the website is quite short, and we felt it was a bit generic, lacking detail and a unique twist. However, the experience begins on a strong note: the game master welcomes you while fully in character and escorts you to the room as part of the story. We thought this was such a fun and brilliant idea, especially for kids, but honestly fun for everyone.
The décor was beautiful and creative, particularly in the first room. The trees looked surprisingly realistic, and we absolutely loved what they did with the ceiling. It was a clever design choice that really enhanced the enchanted forest atmosphere. The second room, however, felt like it was missing a few decorative elements and props that could have made it feel more immersive. Overall, though, the ambiance in the first room was lovely and well executed. Everything was in good condition and looked fairly new. The background music also helped reinforce the magical setting.
The puzzles were fun and all connected clearly to the theme and story. The room featured a mix of traditional locks and automatic mechanisms. Since it is a linear game, we could only work on one puzzle at a time. As this room is designed for families and children, the puzzles were quite easy, with most requiring only a single step to solve. That said, there was good variety, and several ideas were creative and engaging. Hints were provided through a walkie talkie by the game master, though not in character during gameplay.
Overall, we found this room fun, charming, and visually beautiful. It is perfect for families and younger players. The introduction with the in character storytelling really stands out and adds a lot to the experience. Because the puzzles are fairly easy, it is best suited for smaller groups of two to three adults and four to five kids. We were happy with our performance, as we escaped quickly without needing any hints. We liked it and we escaped!
: Yes
Andrea