RATING: 3 Keys          RESULT: Win          REMAINING: 15:34

Our group of inmates is about to be executed, and the scariest part is we don’t know why.

A 60 minute escape game set in a real prison. You and your fellow inmates are on death row. The execution chamber is getting prepped. Can you escape the room or will you die under the hands of the executioner?

It seems our group of inmates is in a dire situation.  However, there are more questions than answers.  Why are we on death row? Are we all charged with the same crime? Is our group truly guilty, or have we been wrongly accused? And, assuming the latter, can evidence be found to prove our innocence?

Putting the vague scenario aside, our team of prisoners gets ready to fight for our lives.

The game begins in a plain, concrete room containing two jail cells separated by a small barred window.  Inside the prisoners’ quarters are uncomfortable-looking wooden bunk beds, shelves holding several books, desks with writing utensils, and locked chests containing unknown items.  The most interesting part of this setup is the fact that only one cell has a toilet!

The walls are pretty much bare except for small areas of graffiti and other marks most likely made by former prisoners.  Crossword puzzles and maze games (which seem out of place for a prison) also populate the surroundings of each cell.

The majority of the game takes place in prison.  Before the official countdown begins, felons are ushered into this first room and separated into two groups, each of which are forced into the different cells.  The large iron gates are securely locked, and the inmates begin their quest for freedom.

The challenges presented in The Prison are fairly simple.  The game-play is linear, and it is obvious how to proceed from one task to the next.  Solving each puzzle brings the inmates one step closer to getting out of jail.

However, in order for this objective to be accomplished, teamwork and communication are VITAL.  Almost all of the initial puzzles in the game require collaboration between prisoners in each cell.  This leads to a rather unique team-building experience since the two groups need to interact while physically being apart from each other.

Once the players break of out prison, they need to complete a random, out of place challenge in order for them to proceed deeper into the precinct.  This game of skill requires a great deal of coordination and patience and is suitable for only one person, resulting in down time for the rest of the team.  At this point, the inmates must choose who will be responsible for determining their fate.

Although the story is weak and some of the puzzles are very random, The Prison still works well. Overall, the game is fun, and the experience of being separated into two teams for most of the adventure is somewhat unique.

Due to the simple nature and smaller quantity of puzzles, The Prison is suitable for beginner-level enthusiasts and those interested in playing their first escape game.  But, be sure to choose fellow inmates wisely.  If all goes wrong, the group may be forced to enjoy each other’s company for a very long time.

#LarryForgotToTakeAPic

Show your support for Escape Authority and get social with us:

Venue: PanIQ Room

Location: Chicago, IL

Number of Games: 4

GAME SPECIFIC INFORMATION:

Duration: 60 minutes

Capacity: 8 people

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

Cost: $28 per person