Escape8 – Gentlemen’s Club [Review]

Polish title: Klub dżentelmenów

Location: Wroclaw, Poland

Date played: October 26, 2017

Team size: 2-5; we recommend 3-4

Duration: 60 minutes

Price: 140 złoty per group (approximately $40)

Story & setting

We thought we were being granted access to a prestigious organization. We were wrong. There were no gentlemen in this club, only perverse desires that we had to escape from.

In-game: A tophat and cane hanging against a white wall.

Gentlemen’s Club started us in the coat check of this deranged institution. Beyond that starting area, it’s difficult to describe what we encountered other than to say that it was both strange and compelling.

Gameplay

The assorted puzzles in Gentlemen’s Club were varied and entertaining. While the theming was loose and the interactions didn’t seem to tell much of a story, the puzzles were satisfying solves.

Standouts

The comical opening moments of the escape room were especially clever. When I realized what Escape8 was doing, I thought it was brilliant.

There were some great set pieces with delightful corresponding interactions.

One key puzzle necessitated teamwork. It was smart.

Shortcomings

One of the most critical late-game puzzles felt weak. It was clear what we needed to do, but it was less satisfying than the puzzles that came before it.

Beyond the opening moments of the game, the story was implied, but it was hard to tell exactly what the Gentlemen’s Club was… other than a place that we didn’t want to be at the end of 60 minutes. This escape game would be improved with a more narrative design.

The first puzzle was a bit difficult to find. It was easy to get distracted by a strange feature of the building.

Should I play Escape8’s Gentlemen’s Club?

I really enjoyed Gentlemen’s Club. The puzzles were satisfying, and the setup was especially entertaining. Escape8 made us really want to get out before time expired, not because we wanted to win… but because the idea of losing was unacceptable.

Gentlemen’s Club would be best for experienced players. Those who know how escape rooms function will likely enjoy it more.

Visit the Gentlemen’s Club. It’s an amusing place… that you’ll want to escape.

Book your hour with Escape8’s Gentlemen’s Club, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.

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