Diamond Dilemma is one of the best games around Minneapolis. Here are our other recommendations for great escape rooms in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
Calhoun Hopper Manor (Google it).
Location: Edina, Minnesota
Date played: August 21, 2017
Team size: 2-8; we recommend 3-5
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $25 per ticket
Story & setting
The Minnehaha Diamond went missing and everyone at Calhoun Manor was pointing fingers in different directions. As Minneapolis’ most distinguished reporters, we went to the estate in search of a scoop.
The set of Diamond Dilemma was optimized around presenting the puzzles, not aesthetics. It had a bit of an estate vibe going on, but the set never really struck an immersive chord.
Puzzles
The puzzles leaned on observation, dexterity, and deduction. Diamond Dilemma also required more involved logical and layered solving.
Standouts
Diamond Dilemma was primarily a collection of fun and varied puzzles. They were challenging and enjoyable solves.
Missing Pieces Escape Games created clear puzzle flow. Designed as an entry level escape room, it provided newer players with a fair challenge. The difficulty was in the puzzles, not in the game mechanisms.
Diamond Dilemma included a few unusual custom props.
There came a dilemma… where choice had consequences.
Shortcomings
Missing Pieces Escape Games focused on the puzzling in Diamond Dilemma, but not the larger story or setting. Some of the puzzles seemed loosely rooted in the theme; others could have appeared in just about any escape room.
The office setting didn’t create a lot of intrigue, in and of itself.
The narrative was told – through recordings and readings – rather than discovered within the interactions. Neither the set nor the puzzles enhanced the story.
Should I play Missing Pieces Escape Games’ Diamond Dilemma?
As an entry into escape rooms, Diamond Dilemma had a lot to offer.
Missing Pieces Escape Games crafted challenging and fair puzzles, which are the heart of escape room entertainment.
Diamond Dilemma primarily included common escape room puzzle types and interactions. They were well implemented, but will hold more intrigue for newer players. Experienced players should turn their attention to Missing Pieces’ other game, Ruin Raiders, as they will likely move through Diamond Dilemma pretty quickly… unless they get hung up on the dilemma.
Book your hour with Missing Pieces Escape Games’ Diamond Dilemma, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Full disclosure: Missing Pieces Escape Games comped our tickets for this game.
