[At the time of this review, Impossible Escape was called Brainstorm Escape Games.]
Circular logic.
Location: Norcross, GA
Date Played: March 23, 2018
Team size: up to 8; we recommend 2-4
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $28 per ticket
Ticketing: Public
REA Reaction
From the opening moments, Catacombs was unusual. While the overall design and cohesion could have been stronger, this unique approach to escape rooms was exciting.
If you’re in the area, this one is worth seeing. It’s flawed, but interesting.
Who is this for?
- Adventure seekers
- Any experience level
- Players who want to see something unusual
Why play?
- The atypical layout
- A few interesting puzzles
- It’s different
Story
Our archeological dig site had crumbled beneath our feet, dropping us into the ancient catacombs below. We’d rather this not be our final resting place.
Setting
The set was an interesting shape. I wouldn’t call it an “escape room,” exactly, more like “escape hallways.” The narrow spaces and high ceilings made it just a little imposing, which was exciting.
Brainstorm Escape Games had outfitted the space with varied decor, a few props, and some locked spaces. None of these items added ambiance or really had anything to do with catacombs. In the end it still felt like were were surrounded by drywall, albeit imposing drywall.
Gameplay
Brainstorm Escape Games’ Catacombs was a standard escape room in an unconventional set and a moderate level of difficulty.
Core gameplay revolved around observing and puzzling. It was pretty linear.
Analysis
+ The overall concept underlying this game was genius.
+ We were energized upon entering this room, simply because of its strange footprint. As we began to explore, were all in the same space, but also in different spaces, which was exciting.
– While we enjoyed the layout of the space, the scenery left something to be desired.
– Although the space was large enough for everyone to explore and observe, the gameplay was largely linear which meant that we frequently bunched up on one another and watched someone else solve a puzzle.
+ One critical layered puzzle was a ray of light in these cavernous depths. It worked well as a team challenge and was a lot of fun to solve.
– Not all of the puzzles had as strong connections. In one instance we suffered a mis-correlation. In another, we nearly overlooked an item that seemed far too tiny and inconsequential. A few tweaks for stronger connections and more cohesion would make this strange space and bit more approachable.
Tips for Visiting
- Parking: There is parking out front.
Book your hour with Brainstorm Escape Games’ Catacombs, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Disclosure: Brainstorm Escape Games provided media discounted tickets for this game.
