RATING: 6 Keys          RESULT: Win          REMAINING: 8:36

THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPELS YOU! THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPELS YOU… to play this game before it’s too late!

Exorcist 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 Emergency Exit in person. To read our Pro-Tips on how to best enjoy this new Remote Play genre, click here.

The ancient legend has it that anyone who stays longer than 1 hour in this haunted house simply disappears! Follow the footsteps of a world leading demonologist to uncover the secrets of this spooky house and exorcise the demons. Do NOT outstay your welcome.

The legendary ghost tours of the historic Crowley Manor are known throughout England. Now, through the magic of the internet, people around the world are able to experience the mysteries hidden in this allegedly haunted house from the comfort of their own.

Originally the residence of Alistair Crowley, a notorious Satanist, it’s believed his deplorable actions within its four walls have forever cursed the manor, and all who dare step foot inside it. Unfortunate news for tour guide Ronnie, and his personal cameraman Liam – but for those watching online from the safety of their own homes… well… what could possibly go wrong?

The tour begins with a video clip taken from historical footage, revealing just a bit of Crowley Manor’s dark history. As the story goes, years ago, a young couple entered the house with a camera, and although they were never seen again, the footage left behind showed some distinctly paranormal activity. This was enough to warrant a visit from a local priest, Father Patrick. He too went missing. In hopes of recovering his lost brother of faith, Father Baker later entered Crowley Manor, but also never returned.

So, you know, enjoy the tour.

It’s evident that Crowley Manor was once a most opulent estate – but time has not been kind to it. Or, perhaps, as things unfold, it will be learned that time is not the biggest threat lurking in the shadows of this old home.

The flames of flickering candles create a foreboding, ominous dance against the ornately flourished wallpaper. Antique furniture is placed around what once appeared to be a dining room. The floor boards creak, almost in a desperate attempt to reveal the secrets hidden within this cursed abode.

Upon entering, a rather inconveniently timed blackout causes the tour to begin by flashlight; not at all off-putting given the historical circumstances surrounding Crowley Manor. The buzz of the power being restored does little to establish confidence that this story could have a happy ending.

Outside the manor, the mood is no less tense. A courtyard surrounded by overgrown ivy sits all too still, without so much as a star in the night’s sky above to cast even the faintest of glow across the landscape. There is a distinct chill in the air that can even be sensed through the screen, while watching from home. It’s clear that far more secrets are hidden within Crowley Manor than simply those who have disappeared on its grounds.

Like any reputable Ghost Tour, visitors to Crowley Manor are immediately put into danger when they’re invited to partake in various Satanic rituals firsthand. After all, one must first summon the demon before he can be vanquished, right?

Tasks connect directly to ominous acts taken by Alistair Crowley and his sinister cult, including breaking a protective square of sigils and, of course, embracing the dark powers of a pentagram, the sign of the Devil himself. Appropriately, demons act as barriers separating the living from the dead, and one by one, the must be vanquished (or embraced?) should there be any hope of survival.

Though two faithful priests entered Crowley Manor doomed to never return, thanks to their sacrifice, all hope is not lost. Once recovered, Father Baker’s personal laptop computer holds some chilling video evidence of the exorcism performed years ago within these wicked walls. Playing out as masterfully produced, highly cinematic cut scenes at several key points in the adventure, virtual tour goers learn first hand the fates of Fathers Patrick and Baker, and instantly get a sense of what darkness might lie ahead for our unsuspecting tour guide and his camera man.

Every puzzle along the way intimately immerses tour groups into the storyworld much in the way only a Hollywood blockbuster film could do, resulting in a shocking, unexpected cliffhanger climax that will leave even the bravest paranormal enthusiasts a bit spooked.

Beginning at the moment our tour guide greeted us from his car parked outside Crowley Manor, we had a clear sense that Exorcist would be something very different. Emergency Exit has masterfully created an immersive storyworld – not just for Exorcist, but one that connects all three of its brick and mortar games. What results is a sense of cohesion and authenticity that instantly makes the danger lurking within all the more tangible.

Although embracing titles that evoke memories of similarly named horror movies, rest assured that Emergency Exit has – from top to bottom – crafted their own unique storyworld. A Ghost Tour of Crowley Manor will present a completely self-contained Exorcism unlike any you may be familiar with.

Without a doubt, Exorcist is one of the more immersive, narrative driven and engaging Remote Play experiences we’ve found. In quick time, it creates a believable and frightening storyworld, drops audiences right into the center of it and never looks back. (Probably because of what might be lurking behind you, but we digress.) Emergency Exit brings classic cinematic horror to life, jumping off the screen and trapping its audience in a nightmare world we never want to wake up from.

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

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Venue: Emergency Exit

Location: Remote online play at home, broadcast live from Ashton-under-Lyne, England

Number of Remote Games: 1

GAME SPECIFIC INFORMATION:

Duration: 60 minutes

Capacity: 6 connections

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

Cost: £60 per group

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