It’s sometimes easy to overlook a game’s Hint System, because often times they disappear into the background of Story, Scenic and Puzzles. However, some games go the extra mile to create in-world Hint Systems that not only further the narrative, but engage guests in a completely unique and entirely memorable way.
Escape Authority is honored to announce our 2019 Keys To Greatness – Best Hint System winners:
Playtime
(Las Vegas, NV)
The recreation room at the insane asylum is filled with odd characters. One in particular that guests will become quite familiar with is a giggling doll sitting ominously by itself in a corner. Lost Games finds a way to kick up the creep factor with a custom Hint System hidden within a haunted doll. Meet Sally, equal parts playful and terrifying, she is your guide through the halls of asylum. Integrated as a live voiced-actor in to the storyworld, Sally delivers both spooky responses to guest actions and helpful nudges along the way. Just remember, Sally likes being held, so never leave her behind!
Our full review of Playtime is coming soon.
The Fun House
(Anaheim, CA)
In a topsy turvy world of jokes, tricks and magic, it should come as no surprise that The Fun House can’t use just any Hint System. Cross Roads Escape Games masterfully draws guests into their storyworld by utilizing a fully in character mechanic: a framed – and enchanted – portrait of Zoltar, the ancient Seer of Secrets. Zoltar acts as your guide into the future – that is – IF you’ve treated him with respect and, perhaps more importantly, kept him entertained during your visit to The Fun House. With in-character real-time interactions, Zoltar is equal parts helpful and snarky, adding a whole new layer of fun.
Click Here to read our full review of The Fun House.
Magic Kingdom
(Los Angeles, CA)
It just wouldn’t be a Magic Kingdom with a basic Hint System. With wizarding wands casting spells all around that literally bring enchanted objects to life, Maze Rooms somehow found a way to make a Hint System the true star of the show. A sassy little mouse holds all of the answers you seek – but don’t expect them without forking over the cheese – literally! Feeding the mouse small pellet treats might just gain players a helpful hint – but ration those snacks wisely; sometimes this feisty little furball likes to cheat you out of food as a tease for his own amusement (and appetite.) This wonderfully comical Hint System takes a game already great for families to a whole other level – but it’s so fun that even experienced players might close their eyes and take a leap by asking for more hints than they normally would – just to feed mouse!
Click Here to read our full review of Magic Kingdom.
Congratulations to our winners of the first ever Keys To Greatness – Best Hint System award!
With nearly 1,000 games played across the site, being picked as one of the best three in the country is a well-earned honor to truly be proud of!
With so many deserving games worthy of recognition, our goal is to ensure these Keys To Greatness awards are attainable to all – not just those with blockbuster budgets that might be otherwise out of reach. As such, it’s important to note that with just one exception, a given game can only win in a single category – but every game will still be qualified to win the coveted Keys To Greatness – Best Game award on June 2, 2019.
*Although the games I’ve personally designed are consistently very highly rated by both enthusiasts and newer players alike, I cannot in good conscience nominate an attraction I created. As such, those games and the venues that call them home have been intentionally omitted from consideration for any Keys To Greatness award.
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