RATING: 4 Keys          RESULT: Win          REMAINING: 13:42

We all know there’s obviously secret societies controlling the world. We just didn’t know how evil they were.

The Alchemist 2.0 is a remote play version of an existing, physical escape game at the venue’s brick and mortar location – retrofitted to be offered as a live, online experience. Although altered slightly to better flow in this new medium, the game is, at it’s core, essentially the same as what guests will find should they visit Insomnia Escape in person. To read our Pro-Tips on how to best enjoy this new Remote Play genre, click here.

The Order of the Alchemists has finally created the Philosopher’s Stone. The secret gathering of the Order is arranged to take control of the World with this powerful artifact. You are sending the agent into the library of the Master of the Order just 60 minutes before the Order members will start arriving.

The agent fully relies on you to be navigated through the library, find the stone, and escape. You are the last hope of mankind, you have to stop them.

Would be wizards follow a trail of clues left by their predecessors in an effort to discover the hidden meeting place of the Order of the Alchemists and save the world.

It’s an entertaining theme that lends itself not only to magic, but to science and discovery as well. While many of these themes are present throughout the game, Insomnia Escape could have pushed this unique theme and story just a bit further to truly bring the magic of alchemy to life.

Aspiring alchemists will find the entrance to the Order’s gathering place in a small library, its walls complete with murals, cabinets, and rows upon rows of books. A fireplace and stained glass windows adorn the back brick wall, and there are many secrets to be found in the numerous chests and trinkets scattered throughout the room.

Further into the Order’s lair, a central dais is surrounded by several thrones and more artwork and murals can be found on the wall. The entire setting for The Alchemist 2.0 provides a sense of mystery and intrigue. Players will find themselves wanting to pore over every item in the library to find the small details that Insomnia Escape has included.

As a remote play game, The Alchemist 2.0 makes great use of an interactive online inventory system. Players will be able to view panoramas of each room while also clicking areas of interest when they’d like to get a closer look. This polished system works well alongside a provided soundtrack to effortlessly immerse escapees into the storyworld.

The pursuit of knowledge is certainly one of the core values of alchemy, and it is reflected in many of the puzzles stone seekers will encounter. Archaic runes, magical symbols, and astrological signs play a key role in providing many of the answers to the tests the Order has placed on the path toward their inner sanctum.

The Alchemist 2.0 seems to be missing variety, with the majority of its tasks being tied to reading or translating. Alchemy, as a precursor to more modern chemistry, was an almost mystical practice of trying to transform base elements.

While chemical reactions are, of course, slightly dangerous with live guests, this remote play experience would have been the perfect opportunity to delve into a different side of alchemy with unique puzzles that may not be possible anywhere else.

The Alchemist 2.0 has a solid story that builds throughout the game, culminating in a fun finale involving one of the most famous fables of alchemy, the philosopher’s stone. Rather than learn about the mysterious Order and their intentions to use the stone for evil, however, Insomnia Escape seems to focus more on the base building blocks of alchemical knowledge, the players’ avatar, and the Master of the Order. While still entertaining, escapees may find themselves to be a bit confused about the exact workings of the storyworld at the game’s conclusion.

Insomnia Escape exceeds at their attention to detail, crafting beautiful spaces that give a mood of intrigue and mystery. The initial library players find themselves in is bright and full of colorful artwork and relics, a stark contrast to the darker and more menacing areas they’ll find later on. The extensive work they’ve put into the online clue inventory system is apparent, and the high quality pictures and panoramic views of even the most minute details helps transport players into the space no matter how far away they might be.

While logical and fitting for the storyworld, many of the puzzles found within The Alchemist 2.0 tend to overstay their welcome, with the majority revolving around finding, translating, and arranging different symbols. With a theme as legendary as the practice of alchemy, adventurers may expect to find just a bit more tying into the themes of chemistry and chemical conversion.

The Alchemist 2.0 is a solid remote play experience, bolstered by its comprehensive online systems. Despite minor snags in its story and puzzles, Insomnia Escape, through the magic of alchemy, has succeeded in creating a magical experience for its players.

*Montu, Escape Authority’s VP, Dog Business™ and lead home game correspondent endorses the opinions found within this review.

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Venue: Insomnia Escape

Location: Washington, D.C.

Number of Remote Games: 1

GAME SPECIFIC INFORMATION:

Duration: 60 minutes

Capacity: 10 people

Group Type: Private / You will not be paired with strangers.

Cost: $100 for 2-4 players, +$25 for each additional player

We thank Insomnia Escape for inviting us to play this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, that in no way impacts the opinion included within this review.