RATING: 4 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 6:20
Sometimes a moth flies too close to the flame. Detective Dott is that moth. But who, or what, is that flame?
Lately there has been a steady flow of murders and we’ve had our best man on the job, Detective Richard Dott. (starring: Joseph Taylor) Unfortunately last night Richard was murdered. He had all the leads we would have needed, but now we’re back at square one because we can’t find any of his work. Can you solve the case before the killer strikes again?
Mysterious murders have been plaguing the town of Lusaka, as bodies turn up badly wounded all over the county. Detective Dott was getting very close to cracking the case wide open… maybe too close.
With the observant investigator as the latest victim to be brutalized, his partners are left to finish the hunt that he began. Detective Dott has left all of the knowledge he has gained about the killings and suspect in the hands of the only person he knows he can trust. With quick thinking and good judgement, Richard’s death could be the last at the hands of the Midnight City murderer.
The investigation into Lusaka’s slayings takes place within Detective Richard Dott’s office. As such, his confidantes will find plenty of familiar work items and case files. However, the Detective uncovered some sinister secrets and has hidden them away only to be discovered by his most trusted partner.
When his colleagues enter the workspace they find themselves transported into an incredible noir comic book aesthetic. The furniture and walls are brushed with exaggerated edges and texturing, which creates a truly unique atmosphere.
Once inside Detective Dott’s office, every inch of the scenic is in theme and believable. Not only does the space transport investigators to a different reality, it truly sells the concept that they are within the storyworld of Midnight City. The artists have designed such a believable effect that, when photographed, the room almost looks two dimensional.
Detective Dott’s avengers will face a mixed bag of challenges in their attempt to unearth the secret he discovered.
The puzzles in Midnight City stay very much within the deep storyworld that the game has created. Picking up where Dott left off, his friends must follow the path he took in solving previous murders in order to find the killer.
Both low and hi-tech tricks are used to bring this game to life. Simple yet creative tasks build a fun game flow with plenty of discovery to be had. One moment in particular was so basic but quite satisfying, and hearkened back to the online point and click escape games that launched the industry to where it is today.
A few of the puzzles require minor logic leaps to successfully advance. Our small team of investigators felt lost at certain points of the story, unsure of what needed to be worked on next. None of these leaps are egregious or make the game unfair in any way, but they can slow down progress.
The hunt for Dott’s killer starts off in a fairly linear fashion, but splits into separate puzzle paths as investigators get closer to the truth. This makes for a great way to keep a mid to large-sized group engaged and working together at the same time.
Midnight City is a very story driven escape game. From start to finish investigators are thrown deeply into the world of Detective Dott as they attempt to uncover his shocking secret. With a fun twist ending, those on the hunt to find the killer will be kept on their toes. Observant sleuths may be able to see where the story is headed, but they are powerless to stop the events that have been put into motion.
A very strong and unique scenic helps lift this game to overcome some shortfalls in the puzzle category. There are certainly fun challenges and tasks along the way, but a few leaps in logic hold Midnight City back from its fullest potential.
Like one of the other games at Venture Escape Room, Galahad, this experience does require at least one member of the group be able to bend down or crawl. Guests with mobility limitations should talk with the staff beforehand to address any needed accommodations.
Each game at Venture Escape Room casts the guests as a starring (or supporting) role in a feature film. This unique take on theming adventures to be movies opens the door for some really creative experiences. Midnight City is an in-house creation that blends story, scenic, and puzzles really well, giving great promise to additional works that may open down the road. With plans and plenty of room to expand, we here at Escape Authority are certainly excited to see what cinematic masterpieces will be showing at Venture Escape Room next!
Venue: Venture Escape Room
Location: Haddon Township, NJ
Number of Games: 3
GAME SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
Duration: 60 minutes
Capacity: 10 people
Group Type: Public / You may be paired with strangers.
Cost: $28 per person
We thank Venture Escape Room for inviting us to play this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, that in no way impacts the opinion included within this review.