Bram Stoker’s Puzzle Parlour
Location: White Plains, NY
Date Played: June 22, 2019
Team size: up to 8; we recommend 3-4
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: from $44.99 per player for teams of 2 to $24.99 per player for teams of 8 with higher pricing at peak hours
Ticketing: Private
Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock
Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints
REA Reaction
The Puzzle Parlour has established itself as a strong escape room presence outside of New York City. Their elegant games balance set design and puzzle play without over-the-top effects or spectacle.
Vampire was one of their more beginner friendly games. It was, however, completely satisfying as an experienced escape room player.
There was an opportunity to further refine elements of the set and props, but those quibbles aside, this was a strong showing and probably our favorite game of their initial four.
Regardless of your experience level, if you find yourself near White Plains, NY, you should check out Vampire.
Who is this for?
- Adventure seekers
- Story seekers
- Puzzle lovers
- Any experience level
- Players who don’t need to be a part of every puzzle
Why play?
- Really nifty, tangible puzzles
- A cool hint mechanism
- A great vibe
Story
Our friend had been bitten by a vampire and we had until midnight to figure out a cure!
Setting
The Puzzle Parlour’s Vampire had a grim, Gothic look with large chandeliers, coffins, and stone.
The set was well themed within a sane budget. It pulled us into the fiction and kept us there.
While the light was a bit low, we always had enough spotlight to accomplish whatever task was at hand.
Gameplay
The Puzzle Parlour’s Vampire was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty.
Core gameplay revolved around observing, making connections, and puzzling.
Analysis
➕ Vampire was well themed. We appreciated the choice of flooring and the cobweb detailing.
➕ The theme extended to the game clock and the hint system. Both were a part of the experience. There was no TV monitor in this ancient castle; it made a huge difference. The Puzzle Parlour justified the existence of a time-keeping mechanism and hint system.
➖ While most of the decor and props made sense in the space, The Puzzle Parlour overlooked a few details that didn’t quite fit in. Also… why was there a small hole in the floor?
➖ Modern 4-digit locks felt out of place in this scenario. Weathered or old-timey key locks would have blended into the environment better. Magical opens would have also felt justified.
➕ Upon reflection, Vampire had a lot of varied, satisfying puzzle solves. One prop revealed some of our favorite cluing. We also enjoyed our vantage point beneath the night sky. Overall, we enjoyed the puzzle play.
➖ There was a low chandelier in the middle of the set. It looked great, but it hung way too low.
➕ One beautiful prop fit well in the castle set and had an unusual and fun input mechanism.
Tips For Visiting
- Puzzle Parlour has a lovely lobby.
- Park in their lot and use the app ParkWhitePlains to refill your meter.
- There is plenty to eat and do in the area.
Book your hour with The Puzzle Parlour’s Vampire, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Disclosure: The Puzzle Parlour comped our tickets for this game.
