Review: Find + Seek - Mystery at the Theatre

RATING: 5 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 20:59

The Find and Seek theater is proud to present The Professor! Some say his magic is ahead of his time – but we know better.

Story

An old, but once-charming stage where washed up magicians went to put on their last show in hopes of rekindling their popularity. Many walked through its doors, desperately seeking the approval of audiences. Then came the Professor, his feats were unimaginable, his illusions were unexplainable, but little did we know that he was using the theatre as his testing grounds to perfect his powers gained from the relics. One of those relics must remain hidden somewhere inside.

Can you help us recover the relic hidden within the Majestic Theatre?

Prevailing throughout all the games at Find and Seek is an ongoing narrative about an evil wizard hiding himself throughout time. With no need to play each game (or chapter as Find and Seek refers to them as) sequentially, each chapter is a separate standalone adventure that ties into the central plotline.

Located in downtown Vancouver, The Mystery at the Majestic Theatre is the first chapter of the multi-part time traveling saga. By way of video, the antagonist of the series is introduced – The Professor. In this chapter, The Professor has traveled back in time to the 19^th century to impersonate a magician. Unfortunately for him, a team of time traveling heroes have assembled to retrieve the relic (the source of his power) and stop him from wreaking havoc in the present day.

Scenic

Find and Seek is hidden within the past-it’s-prime International Village Mall. On the near-empty second floor, houses the lobby of Find + Seek. But don’t let the eerily empty mall and sterile, office-like waiting room of Find + Seek fool you, the set design of The Mystery at the Majestic Theatre is exactly that – a majestic theatre. The initial impression is that of a classic playhouse complete with velvet curtains, raised stage, and wooden seating. Scattered throughout the room are classic magician props hiding surprises and aiding to the magic show theatre ambiance. With a large footprint and lots to explore, it’s understandable why the space is rated for up to 10 people.

Naturally the story continues backstage of the theatre in The Professor’s dressing room. The Professor’s personal space is very character revealing and hides more secrets waiting to tattle on their owner’s devious tendencies.

Without giving too much away, the chapter concludes in a setting a little plainer and smaller in comparison to the theatre or dressing room. However, the location stays on brand and helps to neatly wrap up the enigma that is the Majestic Theatre.

Throughout the entire story, a mystical soundtrack plays in the background. As the game progresses, so too does the music, changing to help build the suspense and drama of the unfolding story.

Puzzles

Upon entry into The Mystery at the Majestic Theatre, there are no obvious puzzles in sight; no padlocks, no chests, no locked-up drawers. The hidden puzzles are cleverly and skillfully crafted into the set and décor, integrating themselves into the magic of the theatre. This allows each challenge to feel organic and integral to The Professor’s storyworld.

Within each room, there was a good mix and quantity of physical puzzles to overcome with each obstacle feeling unique, logical and rewarding to complete. Our large group of 9 (made up of experienced and non-experienced players) were fully engaged and challenged the entire time. Rare is this occurrence!

However, the most magical aspect of the game is what happens after a puzzle is solved. A satisfying melodic charm rings through the room to let everyone know of a successful answer. This is followed by a hidden location (often across the room) opening up as if by magic to reveal the next clue.

Overall

There is an odd mimicry between the plot of The Mystery at the Majestic Theatre and Find + Seek itself. The Professor took up residence in an old, once-charming theatre and so did Find + Seek within the nearly abandoned International Village Mall. The Professor amazes his audience with unimaginable feats and illusions and so too does Find + Seek with their immersive gameplay and creative puzzles. However unlike The Professor, Find + Seek ultimately succeeds in executing their devious plans: to bring griping adventure in an innovative, delightful and simple game play to the world!

Easily one of Vancouver’s top escape game experiences, we look forward to what other mischief The Professor gets up to in future chapters, and foiling his plans once again!