Infiltration, a bit of destruction, a dash of puzzles, and lots and lots of crawling.
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Date played: July 25, 2016
Team size: 2-5; we recommend 3
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $28 per ticket
Story & setting
In the The robbery that changed the world, we were thieves, hired to steal an important package from a high security safe and escape without getting caught.
The robbery took us through multiple sets as we worked our way deeper into the facility toward our prize. The immersion started strong and dissipated as the game progressed. Some segments of the robbery were brilliant and creative while others were spartan and repetitive.
Puzzles
The robbery that changed the world was not a puzzle-y game. Rather, it was a task-based game. We had to interpret our next task, determine how to accomplish it, and move forward toward the object of our desire.
That said, there was one interaction that we considered a puzzle, and quite a good one.
Standouts
The robbery that changed the world incorporated exciting physical set interaction. It was an adventure to move through this set. It was also more physically demanding than the majority of escape rooms.
Komnata Quest built a number of different sets that we traipsed through en route to our prize. They were designed within the confines of the theme and story.
We played with some pretty nifty devices.
There was a moment in the game when we were required to break one of the standard rules of escape rooms. This was surprising, exhilarating, and clearly indicated.
Shortcomings
Breaking rules is a double-edged sword. Later in the game, we weren’t sure whether an object such as a fire extinguisher, which is normally out of play, might be relevant to this game. Once the rules shift from black and white to shades of gray, judgment calls become increasingly muddy.
On the Komnata Quest website, the game description says, “Be sure not to trigger any of the alarms or you’ll get caught.” However, there didn’t seem to be any real stakes to these alarms. Nobody was about to bust in and catch us, thereby ending our heist game. The alarms were an annoyance, not a puzzle or obstacle.
This game was marketed as an escape room, and while it certainly was a heist-and-escape adventure, it was hardly a puzzle game. As escape room aficionados, we were disappointed by items that seemed like puzzle components, but turned out to be red herrings.
When the game set up the heist, we were provided with the appropriate gear to complete the mission. Among this gear were knee pads that were in very rough shape. This was a problem because The robbery that changed the world was loaded with crawling.
Should I play Komnata Quest’s The robbery that changed the world?
Komnata Quest offers one of the most diverse and divisive game lineups. Their current collection includes an inquisition dungeon, a horror murder mystery, a sex dungeon, a claustrophobic coffin escape, and a heist. Each of these games has a specific audience; whether you love or hate the game will depend upon what you’re looking for. For example, if you aren’t comfortable with sexuality, then 7 sinful pleasures’ kink pastiche will be off-putting.
If you are seeking a puzzle adventure, then The robbery that changed the world isn’t the room you’re looking for.
This escape room was a task and set-based adventure. If you like the idea of a physically interactive bank heist game that feels like a movie from the late 90s and looks pretty solid, then look no further. It’s a cool game. You will get to explore and manipulate a fun set.
It’s not edgy or scary like Komnata’s other games. It’s a great game for families and kids (so long as everyone is mobile and can crawl).
Book your hour with Komnata Quest’s The robbery that changed the world, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you by using the coupon code escapeartist to receive 10% off.
Full disclosure: Komnata Quest comped our tickets for this game.
