RATING: 5 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 4:52
It’s not every day that you can earn the right to say that you sparked a revolution and saved humanity.
Beyond the great dome of Utopia lies a desolate wasteland. Disease has ravaged the population, resources are scarce and, for those still managing to survive, life is hard.
Yet, long condemned to the darkness, the Dystopians have become resilient and determined. No longer will they accept their fate quietly and no longer will the advancements of Utopia benefit only the few.
Besides, they’ve made some advancements of their own and Utopia might just need them more than they realize.
There is not a moment to lose for any given band of downtrodden dystopians who cross this path. Something is wrong in the world and it is surely time for the oppressed to rise up and save humanity from itself. Hope is a great motivator and it is that which drives people onwards into an apartment which hides a secret within – if only it can be discovered in time.
Make Your Escape Derby have created a storyworld that is instantly recognizable as being related to any number of dystopian films and fiction; it is rooted in the now, but there are suggestions of a technological future in which some have been left behind. Prospective revolutionaries are thrust headlong into a tale that begins with an encounter with a bumbling flat attendant, and continues through a bombardment of problems to solve as their merry band strive towards their ultimate aim of rising up against the Utopians and overcoming their overlords.
Immersion is strong here. The best dystopias are dingy and decaying, and this is somehow achieved without the space actually being dirty. Sure, there’s wallpaper peeling from crumbling walls but the flat’s kitchen feels like somewhere that a cup of tea could genuinely be thrown together in an emergency and the bedroom might be tempting for a lay down if the fate of humanity wasn’t at stake.
This dystopia clearly exists in the future as there is novel tech at work, but there are hints that it exists in a sector of this world that has been left behind. Why else would everything be so abandoned and desolate?
Beyond anything, it is the puzzles that drive the energy of this dystopia. From a neat and fast-paced beginning that would please both new players and enthusiasts alike, to a frantic main section that blends linear and non-linear moments, there is plenty to do – even for a maximum-sized team of enthusiasts. Nobody needs to be looking over another person’s shoulder for any period of time in this game without being able to move on to something else if they desire.
The diversity of puzzles on offer is a clear strength here. Sure there are padlocks and also some physical elements for teams to roll their sleeves up and deal with. But then there is dystopian tech to negotiate, too – sometimes quite literally at the same time. This tech can be utilized for any guidance needed from a sympathizer beyond the flat. As a clue system, it works well to keep you immersed in the grungy underworld.
Dystopia is a delight. This is a game that has strong immersion, quality puzzles and good use of tech. All of this combines with a driving narrative to transport would-be insurgents into a storyworld that compels them to step up and save the world.
It was only upon getting out of the game that it became clear quite how much had been achieved in the previous 55 minutes or so. The changes of pace were pleasing throughout and there were no lulls for a team of five experienced players. Having said that, there is nothing to put off those with less games under their belt; the puzzles are all accessible and help is on hand if required.
It is worth noting that anybody with mobility issues may want to flag this fact when booking, just to be sure. If you can climb stairs and are ok with crouching and crawling though, you’ll be fine.
Dystopia can be played in tandem with its high-tech twin “Utopia” at the same venue, if desired. Many a group of players make the pilgrimage to Make Your Escape Derby to do exactly that – and with good reason. However, this is a high quality stand-alone game – make no mistake about it.
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Venue: Make Your Escape Derby
Location: Derby, Derbyshire, UK
Number of Games: 4
GAME SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
Duration: 60 minutes
Capacity: 5 people
Group Type: Private / You will not be paired with strangers.
Cost: Prices vary by group size ranging from £15-30 per person.