Something Wicked! is one of the best games in Massachusetts. Here are our other recommendations for great escape rooms in Massachusetts.
A Bewitching Refuge
Location: Hudson, MA
Date Played: April 2, 2022
Team Size: 2-8; we recommend 4
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $28-38 per player, depending on group size
Ticketing: Private
Accessibility Consideration: Some motion/ shaking is included; please advise your gamemaster if this is a concern.
Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock
Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints
REA Reaction
PuzzlEscape Hudson’s Something Wicked! never ceased to surprise, embedding a number of fascinating discoveries as we uncovered that things weren’t always as they seemed deep in the woods. The props, the setting, and the entire production underlined these eye-opening elements, leading us through an adventure designed to keep us wondering what we would uncover next as the cauldron bubbled.
This experience was perfect for 4 people in a solid game flow experience that flew by as we uncovered the magical mysteries of an enchanting cabin. Of particular note was the ending, which built off of a multi-layered finale to ramp up in excitement and leave us speechless with the unexpected conclusion.
The only time that the suspense waned was in a particularly search-heavy portion of the experience, pairing ambiguous search targets with low lighting that resulted in multiple fails that swiftly brought down the enthusiasm of our group.
With accessible game design, PuzzlEscape Hudson’s approach would satisfy escape room newbies and more experienced players alike in this fast-paced adventure that left us spellbound.
Who is this for?
- Story seekers
- Puzzlers who enjoy a moderately creepy atmosphere
- Individuals who do not mind a few jump scares
- Any experience level
Why play?
- Appropriately-paced experience with a smooth game flow
- Notable, unexpected discoveries as you progress through the plot
Story
Seeking shelter from a storm while camping, we had the good fortune to happen upon an abandoned cabin. We decided to read (and promptly ignored) the condemned notice on the door, even after finding that it had associations to the witches of Salem…
Setting
Something Wicked! took place at a remote cabin in the middle of nowhere. As the game progressed, we explored both the exterior and the interior of the cabin.
Gameplay
PuzzlEscape Hudson’s Something Wicked! was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty. It rewarded searching and making connections between items found in the space.
Analysis
➕ A beginning surprise appropriately set the tone for the room and put players on notice for things to come.
➕ A journal provided a helpful playthrough element without adding an abundance of unnecessary content for players to focus on.
❓ A multi-person dexterity puzzle did an amazing job bringing the team together for a cooperative solve. However, an antagonizing process both added to the experience (early on) and detracted from it (after multiple fails). This element could be toned down during a particular phase of the solution, if a team experiences several unsuccessful tries.
➖ Searching for nuanced and tiny elements in low light is rarely exciting; PuzzlEscape Hudson could do more to further differentiate search targets without impacting difficulty.
➕ A healthy mix of game mechanics, including approachable logic puzzles and the inclusion of non-routine discovery tools, rounded out the puzzle flow.
➖ At times there was a plethora of audio context clouding the experience; a renewed attention could be spent determining the optimal hinting approach (with care given to avoiding simultaneous, parallel hints).
➕ The conclusion did not disappoint; it was unexpected and shocked us in its location and depth of execution.
Tips For Visiting
- There is some parking on site, and plenty of parking around the corner if the lot is full.
- We recommend checking out Rail Trail Flatbread Co. for some delicious flatbread and cocktails.
- If you’re looking for a post-game snack, check out New City Microcreamery and their hidden cocktail bar, Less Than Greater Than, for some ice cream, boozy milkshakes, and secret cocktails.
Book your hour with PuzzlEscape Hudson’s Something Wicked!, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Disclosure: PuzzlEscape Hudson comped our tickets for this game.