Make it big. Bigger. Bigger still. Ok that will do.
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Date played: January 16, 2017
Team size: 2-6; we recommend 3-5
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $25-34 per ticket
Story & setting
We were hired by an architect attempting to build the largest skyscraper in the world. We were dispatched to sneak into a rival’s office and determine the height of the skyscraper he was creating. If we were successful, our client’s tower would surely be taller.
Points for originality.
The set was an architect’s studio. It looked like it was going for the minimalist Apple Store aesthetic, but didn’t quite get there.
There were 5 building models set atop filing cabinets. Each model presented a unique set of puzzling challenges.
The setup, while relevant to completing the final puzzles, was ultimately more theme than story.
Puzzles
Most of the puzzling in the Architect’s Studio centered on the aforementioned building models. While none of them were simple, they ranged broadly in complexity, and each employed smart counter brute-force elements.
All puzzles ultimately led to a lock and key, but it didn’t matter because the building puzzles that led to the combinations were all compelling, tangible or mechanical interactions.
Standouts
The building puzzles felt heavily inspired by The Room video game series, and they pulled it off well. Everything had weight to it, and solving the individual puzzles felt immensely satisfying.
The puzzles fostered a ton of teamwork and collaboration. Every puzzle had at least two people work on it together.
The overall collection of puzzles was superb.
Shortcomings
There were a few instances where the puzzle construction could have benefited from refinement. One of the buildings had some exposed screw tips that should be ground down, and generally didn’t function as smoothly as it could have. A different puzzle would have benefited from better magnets. Another puzzle had pieces that fit together a little too snugly. I shouldn’t have had to use as much force as I did to make it work.
The layout of the room led to some serious cramping. The puzzle stations all looked good in a row, but moving them around a little could open up the space and allow for more players to get involved with them.
Aesthetically, the space didn’t feel on par with the level of puzzle quality. While the filing cabinets thematically fit with the space, they didn’t add to the experience.
Should I play Puzzle Out’s Architect’s Studio?
Architect’s Studio was Puzzle Out’s sophomore game, and it has come a long way. They shed the throwaway puzzles, and presented an original, unified concept. The puzzles were great, and I had a smile on my face the whole time.
Architect’s Studio should be enjoyable for both experienced and novice players. It was both approachable and had depth to it.
Where Puzzle Out left room for improvement was in aesthetic execution and narrative. The gameplay and flow were excellent. Our team had a ton of fun while playing Architect’s Studio. When Puzzle Out nails the look and construction of their games, they will be one hell of a competitor.
Book your hour with Puzzle Out’s Architect’s Studio, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Full disclosure: Puzzle Out comped our tickets for this game.
