RATING: 5 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 13:00
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Morse Code is a slightly modified version of the existing, physical escape game at the the venue’s brick and mortar location – retrofitted to be offered as a live, online remote play experience. Although altered slightly to better flow in this new medium, the game is, at its core, essentially the same as what guests will find should they visit Twinwoods Adventure in person. To read our Pro-Tips on how to best enjoy this new Remote Play genre, click here.
It’s war-time in 1942 and we need you to help infiltrate the enemy tower. Once in, you must retrieve a package and then relay the enemy’s attack plan using morse code. You have a maximum of 60 minutes to achieve your mission and get out safely.
Soldiers are briefed before their mission begins with a video explaining what their target is. There are some potential dangers involved, of course, seeing as they will be infiltrating and enemy base in order to steal vital information. Luckily for us, we are Senior Remote Military Intelligence Operatives* so we get to sit comfortably at home and direct a rookie on the ground via satellite video communications.
Once inside the oppositions bunker, the team must locate the enemy’s attack plan. The location of the next attack is especially important to procure in order to allow the good guys to prepare in advance.
After successfully identifying the needed information, the soldier who drew the short straw and got sent to be the boots on the ground must find an escape route. It might seem obvious, but a good infantryman never jumps to conclusions.
*Well, at least that’s the title we gave ourselves.
The Senior Remote Military Intelligence Operatives* first make contact with the soldier when he reaches the perimeter of the enemy base. He is outside a metal building, surrounded by burlap sacks, hefty backpacks, and several cargo containers. Camouflage greenery covers the walls only allowing a small bit of daylight to seep through the leaves.
A sturdy chain link fence blocks off access to another outdoor area. Military gear hangs on the fence partly concealing what lies on the other side. The building is locked behind a sturdy metal door.
Inside the structure, communications equipment covers shelves and desks. Blinking lights, phones, a typewriter, and the namesake Morse Code transmitter all serve as the enemies link to the outside world. Being that this is a war-time base, it only makes sense that there would be a well hidden bunker tucked safely away. This bunker is made of steel and concrete with a tall, rounded ceiling.
All of the scenic in Morse Code comes across as accurately stark with only the necessary gear and equipment readily visible. The materials used throughout give it an authentic appearance that translates quite well to the remote play medium.
The challenge is straightforward – get in, find the location of the next planned attack, send the intel using the Morse Code transmitter, and get out alive. However, the enemy wouldn’t be much of a military threat if they kept their master plans laying out in plain sight.
First, the Senior Remote Military Intelligence Operatives* must help their soldier gain access to the building. Scavenging through the gear left behind will allow them to take their best shot at getting the heavy steel door open. After access is gained, a series of completely intuitive steps that stay fully within the storyworld lead the team to the information they are seeking.
Decoding messages, examining military vehicles and equipment to crack open a safe, and utilizing the Morse Code transmitter to ultimately send the vital information out all come together in an exciting break-in that that has inherent danger… for the guy on the ground at least. Often times Morse Code puzzles are frustrating and difficult to decipher using audio or visual cues. However, in this particular game the team is sending a message as opposed to receiving one, which makes the use of dots and dashes not only more palatable but completely in-world and enjoyable.
The mission culminates in one of the most authentically in world actions we’ve ever come across. An exit path must be found and soldiers need to take a leap of faith if they plan to return home safely.
Twinwoods Adventure is a unique entertainment destination that uses it’s history and existing structures to create a memorable game in Morse Code. Occupying an actual former military base, the theme works very well within the space. Authentic scenic both inside and outside of the bunker immerse remote teams in the storyworld. This is enhanced by the character game host who play the part of lone soldier quite well.
The puzzles that must be solved to determine the location of the upcoming attack all revolve around tasks that would actually be needed in such a setting. Morse Code brings even deeper immersive realness to the game with the exciting finale. Utilizing another one of the adventure park’s attractions, the soldier makes his escape by literally jumping off the side of the 12 story building and falling to the ground. Guests who play Morse Code in person have the option of adding on this experience to their escape game, making this one adventure they won’t soon forget.
*Montu, Escape Authority’s VP, Dog Business™ and lead home game correspondent endorses the opinions found within this review.
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Venue: Twinwoods Adventure
Location: Remote online play at home, broadcast live from Milton Ernest, England
Number of Remote Games: 1
GAME SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
Duration: 75 minutes
Capacity: 10 connections
Group Type: Private / You will not be paired with strangers.
Cost: Prices vary, beginning at £45 for up to 2 connections.
We thank Twinwoods Adventure for inviting us to play this game. Although complimentary access was generously provided, that in no way impacts the opinion included within this review.