RATING: 5 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 10:20
Curses, lizard warriors, more curses, ancient idols, a lost civilization (which is also cursed) and OOOH, CANDY MACHINE!
Ok, we are so in.
Are you bold enough to break the curse of Carter’s Haberdashery and uncover the Ancient Gold? Step into 1880s Skunkwater, Arizona, where Carter’s lost research holds the key to unlocking hidden secrets. Every clue you find brings you closer to the treasure, but danger lurks at every turn. With the legend of a lost civilization guiding you, use Carter’s notes to outsmart Sirtet, the fierce guardian of the temple. Only those with the wits to solve the riddles will survive. Will you claim the gold before time runs out? The adventure awaits!
The legend of old Carter is silly in all the right ways. As the story goes, he discovered an ancient temple, believed to be home to a lost civilization somewhere in middle of nowhere Skunkwater, Arizona. hopeful that it might also hold an ancient treasure, it was important that no one else stumble upon it. So, Carter did what any of us would have and built a Haberdashery shop in front of its entrance just to hide it.
The temple is believed to be home to a powerful and vengeful deity, Sirtet, who has rigged it with all sorts of booby traps to protect its riches. The story also warns of several cursed idols hidden within; so much as touching one will doom any treasure hunter foolish enough to stumble into chambers never meant to be found.
But who really believes in such local folklore? Not Carter! Of course, he did go missing shortly after entering the temple himself… But what are the odds of the same fate befalling the next group of adventurers?
The story begins the moment explorers step foot into Carter’s old shop. It’s a modest establishment, but still fully stocked with all the canned foods, rations and libations one might need. Clearly one to stay on top of current trends, Carter has even installed The Amazing Steam-O-Matic Candy Machine – you know, for the kids. The shop is equal parts cartoon and wild west, creating a delightful juxtaposition that sets a perfect scene for the mood of the entire adventure ahead.
Not everything in Carter’s Haberdashery is as it may appear, and it seems the crafty old fella has fashioned several well-hidden secret passages to protect his ancient discovery. Behind the first, which blends seamlessly into the shop’s walls, lies the entrance to Sirtet’s temple, just as the legend claimed!
The alcove’s stone walls are aged and dirty, covered in vines seemingly attempting to overtake the ceremonial symbols carved all around. They almost appear to be warnings for any fool-hearted enough to disturb Sirtet’s treasure hidden deep within the temple’s inner chamber, behind several more secret passageways.
Carter’s Haberdashery and the Curse of the Ancient Gold is, in a sense, a play in two acts, brought to life by its puzzles. Beginning in the shop, it’s clear the tasks were left behind by Carter himself in an effort to mask the entrance to the lost civilization lurking just beyond its wall. Puzzles appear to be cobbled together by whatever Carter happened to have at his disposal at the time, but they do the trick to keep the secret hidden.
Inside the temple, though, the mood changes dramatically, and it’s clear each challenge was left by the powerful deity Sirtet to test the deservedness of mortals who trespass on these sacred grounds. Here, puzzles seem as though they’ve existed for an eternity, carved out of – and sometimes into – the very stones of each cursed chamber, often leading to surprising, if not perilous reveals.
Luckily for lesser experienced treasure hunters, Carter himself left supplies along the way, as well as several helpful notes that identify a few of the dangers he encountered firsthand. Handle his items with care, though; one of them is clear shot for one of the most original unlocks ever to be found in an escape game!
Whether left by Carter or centuries earlier by the great Sirtet, every puzzle on the course to solve the Curse of the Ancient Gold is equal parts intuitive, story-driven and just down-right clever. A mix of creative unique moments and original twists on other classic tasks, what results is just fun from start to finish.
Equal parts cartoon and adventure movie, Carter’s Haberdashery and the Cruse of the Ancient Gold creates the vibe of ‘Indiana Jones meets DuckTales.’ Anyone who was a kid in the 90’s can tell you what high praise that is. From the old shop to the temple’s precarious peril, it’s every bit immersive as it is fun, evoking a genuine tone of exploration, excitement, and even a little bit of danger. Perhaps more so, every little attention to detail is overflowing with personality.
We’ve been big fans of Escape Artists since stumbling upon them way back in 2016 during their initial soft opening period. This new adventure took over the space that was formerly occupied by two different games; needless to say – it’s expansive! But size isn’t everything – what matters is most how that real estate is utilized. This isn’t just Sirtet’s ancient power swaying our words – Carter’s Haberdashery and the Curse of the Ancient Gold is Escape Artists’ best attraction to date, by far.
Now – does anyone know how to get rid of an ancient curse?
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Venue: Escape Artists
Location: Sanford, Florida
Number of Games: 3
GAME SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
Duration: 60 minutes
Capacity: 7 people
Group Type: Private / You will not be paired with strangers.
Cost: $43 per person (for 2) | $39 per person (for 3-4 | $35 per person (for 5+)
We thank Escape Artists for inviting us to play this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, that in no way impacts the opinion included within this review.
