The Sword in the Puzzle
Location: Van Nuys, CA
Date Played: August 22, 2018
Team size: 2-8; we recommend 3-4
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: from $90 for teams of 2 to $280 for teams of 8, 15% discount for Monday – Thursday bookings
Ticketing: Private
REA Reaction
Knights of the Round Table was a family-friendly adventure. Although the gameplay and the set design were uneven, the more tangible interactions delivered fun solves.
If you’re looking for a solid, traditional, family-friendly puzzle game near Los Angeles, check out Knights of the Round Table.
Who is this for?
- Adventure seekers
- Any experience level
Why play?
- Family-friendly adventure
- The final interaction
Story
A darkness had fallen over Camelot. We took on the roles of Knights of the Round Table to save the kingdom.
Setting
We started our quest outside the castle: a facade crafted to look like the exterior wall of a medieval fortress. There were stone walls, a wooden door, and a drawbridge over a glowing moat. On the other side was the forest, largely represented by wallpaper, some cut wood, and fake hay.
Inside the castle, the sets looked less dramatic as we explored the rooms.
Gameplay
LA Dragon Studios’ Knights of the Round Table was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty.
Core gameplay revolved around searching and puzzling.
Analysis
+ The intro video to Knights of the Round Table foreshadowed some of the more exciting set pieces in the experience. Because it was filmed in the gamespace, the video added intrigue before we entered the escape room. We were excited when we encountered these set pieces in the experience.
– The beginning sequence didn’t instill energy in the group. Although we enjoyed exploring the initial set, the gameplay was too slow paced, especially as an opening.
+ LA Dragon Studios crafted some more hefty, tangible interactions that felt satisfying to engage with.
– The set design was uneven. LA Dragon Studios made some enticing details, but left other areas of the gamespace underdesigned.
– While some decor was simply decor, much of it functioned as red herrings. It was frequently hard to differentiate set dressing from puzzle components.
+ We enjoyed finding a path through one substantial, late-game puzzle. It was challenging and fun.
– Two of the main puzzles in Knights of the Round Table were brute-forceable. It was too easy to bypass much of the gameplay, either on purpose or accidentally.
– Knights of the Round Table would benefit from additional clue structure and tighter puzzle design.
+ Knights of the Round Table delivered a satisfying finale. It was an entertaining culminating action, even if it was primarily enjoyed by one player.
+ LA Dragon Studios markets Knights of the Round Table as a family-friendly adventure. From the props, to the interactions, to reveals, it delivered on that marketing. Families will find a lot to enjoy here.
+ Yes, Knights of the Round Table made some of the Monty Python jokes you’d expect.
Tips for Visiting
- There is a parking lot behind the building.
- LA Dragon Studios is in a medical facility. So don’t be baffled by that… you’re in the right place.
- LA Dragon Studios also has a small arcade with some classic cabinets.
Book your hour with LA Dragon Studios’ Knights of the Round Table, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Disclosure: LA Dragon Studios comped our tickets for this game.
