Room Escape Artist

The Final Stop – V2 is one of the best escape rooms around Montreal, Canada. Here are our recommendations for great escape rooms in the Montreal area.

Good ’til the last stop!

Location:  Laval, Québec, Canada

Date Played:  October 24, 2024

Team Size: 3-8; we recommend 3-5

Duration: 75 minutes

Price:  $50.99 CAD per player

Ticketing:  Private

Accessibility Consideration:  All players must go up a few steps as well as crawl. Motion effects can be turned off upon request.

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

Editor’s Note: The original version of The Final Stop is no longer in service. While this version retained some of the decor, all of the puzzles and the entire storyline have been changed.

Having played more than my share of subway-themed escape rooms, I went into the experience with a pretty good idea of what to expect for the next 75 minutes. To our delight, we were soon immersed in an adventure that gave a fresh and exciting spin to a familiar theme. 

We were asked to test out the new Automated Metro System before it opened to the general public. As soon as we stepped into this world, motion and visual effects combined to create a moving experience.  Additional set spaces were expansive, and they were decorated with aging and wear to produce just the right amount of realism. Puzzles made good use of the set and theme, often in original and unexpected ways, though the motion did make some tasks more challenging. One oddly-satisfying puzzle explored new heights, while another had us squealing as we finally worked out the solution.

As the story developed, we were joined by an in-game actor who ratcheted up the experience with narrative, unique puzzling, and well-timed humor. It was these memorable interactions that made the game feel uniquely ours, which doesn’t happen very often. The more we leaned into it, the more fun we had; it was a definite highlight of our game.

With four games at Escaparium each earning a 2024 TERPECA, including Magnifico at #1, it could be easy to overlook the other high-quality games available to play in their Laval location. From inventive puzzles that were delightful to solve to impressive sets and interactions that felt like we were in an adventure movie, this game was a blast. If you think you’ve played enough subway games, set aside your expectations, make your way to The Final Stop – V2, and get ready for an exciting ride.

Who is this for?

• Adventure seekers
• Story seekers
• Puzzle lovers
• Scenery snobs
• Commuters
• Any experience level
• Players who don’t need to be a part of every puzzle

Why play?

• Fun actor interactions
• Immersive, high-quality set
• To ride a subway without the hassle of riding a subway

Story

Our team was invited to test out the updated version of the AMS, Automated Metro System – hence V2. With the station conveniently located in Escaparium, we quickly stepped aboard the subway car and headed down the tracks.

Setting

The game began in a well-lit subway car, with plastic seating, handle straps dangling overhead, and a large metro map on the wall showing available routes throughout the system. Ads for refreshments and local things to do were posted above windows on each side of the car. Through set decor, the space had the look of a grimy, well-used city transport.

Gameplay

Final Stop – V2 was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty.

Core gameplay revolved around searching, making connections, observation and puzzling. Actor interaction was an integral part of gameplay.

Analysis

➕ The setup started simply enough as a typical subway-themed scenario. But as it progressed, there was an energy created by characters and story that brought the experience to life. It was more than a static game with puzzles; instead, we were part of the action, and it felt this way through to the very last moments.

➕ Puzzles were engaging and fun, involving thematic props in unique and surprising ways. Though a few we expected to see in a subway scenario, others were fresh and original, even funny.  We encountered one large mechanism that was weirdly whimsical, and contained my favorite puzzle of the game. Another was simple in its execution yet so immersive; I’m surprised I’d never seen it done before.

➖ Our momentum was stalled early in the game due to a puzzle that was difficult to see clearly due to its positioning. 

➕ The set was roomy, with tall ceilings and colorful, well-worn design that gave it a realistic look and feel. Special effects and high-quality set pieces added to the immersion; it felt real from start to finish.

➖ The audio at the start of the game was difficult to hear, causing us to miss some of the story introduction.

➕ The in-game actor elevated the experience and made the game something special, providing puzzling opportunities that went beyond standard props and puzzles. They kept the game on track, while still allowing us to have fun in our mission. 

🚃 Though the movement effects didn’t necessarily bother us, I could see where this could be an issue for some players, especially because it goes on for more than a few minutes. As noted, this feature can be turned off.

Tips For Visiting

• There is a parking lot.
• Note that Escaparium has multiple venues around Montreal. The Final Stop – V2 is in Laval. 
• This game is entirely bilingual (French and English).
• Review our tips for playing escape rooms with actors.
• We enjoyed the smoked-meat sandwiches at Dunn’s. Vegetarian and vegan options available as well.

Book your game with Escaparium’s Final Stop – V2, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.

Disclosure: Escaparium comped our tickets for this game.

For more about Escaparium and their games, check out our interview with creators Jonathan Driscoll and Sacha St.Denis on Reality Escape Pod.