Review: Escape the Room - The Agency

RATING: 3 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 0:30

This top secret mission may leave us a bit shaken, but hopefully not too stirred.

Story

You’ve been selected for a top secret mission. You must complete your assignment in one hour or you are relived of your duty.

Another top secret mission? Count us in! At first, the scenario appears to be very vague, which is somewhat intriguing. However, as players proceed deeper into the game, the objective becomes clear. The group of spies will have to look for clues, collect information, and analyze evidence in the crime lab.

So, the next question becomes: Will the team of agents be eventually celebrating with vodka martinis, or will they find themselves updating their resumes?

Scenic

The mission begins in a visually stunning entertainment area of an assumed house or establishment. Along the walls are large wooden cabinets containing a huge collection of books and several doors/drawers, both locked and unlocked. A bar, with beer taps, sits at the far end of the room, and a fully functioning card table is located in the center. Aside from a few pictures, the walls are pretty much bare.

The crime lab portion of the game is equally as impressive. There is a large metal desk where evidence can be analyzed, filing cabinets, a tv monitor, and shelves that hold pre-collected items. The opportunity for one to experience this amazing scenery is a reason in itself to embark on this exciting journey.

Puzzles

The puzzles seen in The Agency are definitely on the challenging side. There is a great mix of technology and standard combination and key locks present throughout the adventure.

In order to successfully complete their mission, agents MUST be extremely detail-oriented. Every clue, whether it be written, verbal, or visual, counts. It is imperative that the team organize and remember all information they receive and examine everything from all possible angles, especially in preparation for the game’s final challenge.

It should also be noted that one of the tasks requires the use of a smart phone. This is clearly explained to the team of spies before they begin their journey. (In fact, this should not be an issue because all good agents possess this technology, correct?) However, if these devices are not available, the game master will assist the players in completing that portion of the puzzle.

Overall

Overall, The Agency is a cleverly-designed adventure. The setting exceeds one’s expectations of a spy-themed environment, and the puzzles, all of which remain true to the storyworld of completing a top secret mission, are engaging and fun to complete. In addition, the technology used to enhance the experience is absolutely amazing.

The Agency will surely appeal to fans of the James Bond genre. However, due to the large quantity of challenging puzzles, it is best suited for experienced escape-game enthusiasts. So, select your best team of secret agents, and get ready for the mission of a lifetime!