Room Escape Artist

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

Blood is thicker than water

Location:  Shawinigan, Québec, Canada

Date Played:  October 26, 2024

Team Size: 2-6; we recommend 3-4

Duration: 60 minutes

Price:  $43.49 CAD per person

Ticketing:  Private

Accessibility Consideration:  Players need to go up stairs, climb a ladder, and crawl

Emergency Exit Rating: [A] Push To Exit

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

Escaparium’s The Family sent us back in time to investigate the abandoned home of a seemingly perfect family. But as we explored the homey den filled with trophies and hunting souvenirs – all under a layer of dust and cobwebs – we soon understood that not all was well. Hidden truths and family secrets would lead us into the dark abyss of this twisted family. 

The set was ambitious. Though gameplay began in a typical living space, it changed drastically as the game progressed, with one of the most stunning reveals I’ve ever seen. We all stood back and watched it unfold, not really believing what we were seeing. As the true theme emerged – an homage to a particular horror story – we were suddenly engaged in a compelling narrative as we discovered what really happened with this family.

A wide variety of puzzles integrated nicely with set and story; some were playful, while others were macabre, offering interesting shifts in tone and gameplay. As the finale neared, we worked through an unusual puzzle in which we had to make choices that affected the outcome, though either choice would lead to a valid, yet meaningful, ending.

The Family is the first game at Escaparium’s Shawinigan location, located halfway between Montreal and Quebec City. It is a franchise of the well-known venue in Laval. Going into it, we knew little about the game and avoided spoilers, which led to some really impressive reveal moments. I recommend you do the same. The Family was quite an achievement as the first one for this franchise; we can’t wait to see what they’ll do next. After playing the top games in Laval, make the 2-hour trip to Shawinigan – you’ll be glad you did.

Who is this for?

• Adventure seekers
• Story seekers
• Puzzle lovers
• Scenery snobs
• Horror fans
• Dysfunctional family members
• Players with some experience

Why play?

• Immersive, high-quality set
• Puzzle variety
• Impressive reveal and effects

Story

They were the perfect family: father and mother both successful in their respective fields, and a son who excelled in school. But they had dark secrets, and we were going to back in time to find out the truth, no matter the consequences.

Setting

The game began in the den of the family home, long since abandoned. Realistic set decor of cobwebs and dust lingered on shelves that were filled with knick-knacks, empty liquor bottles and family memorabilia. Dark wood paneling and leather furniture conveyed a sense of wealth and importance, while plaques and trophies were silent reminders of the recognition bestowed on the well-accomplished family members. 

Gameplay

Escaparium’s The Family was a standard horror-themed escape room with a moderate level of difficulty.

Core gameplay revolved around searching, observation, making connections, and puzzling.

Analysis

➕ Set design was original and high-quality, with unusual choices that took the game to a whole new level. Special effects added to the immersion and were unexpected, yet believable in this world. Playing the game with little to no knowledge of the theme made the experience even more impressive.

➕ The story that we learned through gameplay was detailed and compelling, and we felt emotionally connected to the characters and their saga. When faced with a decision at the conclusion of the game, the choice felt obvious.

➖ Transition from lobby to game space via a small scene was confusing and felt disconnected from the rest of the game. While providing a bridge of sorts from the real world to the scenario, it did not land for us.

➕ The variety of puzzles kept the game moving and allowed everyone to be involved in most solves. Though a few players had their moments, we were still able to work together. Including lighthearted, active puzzles in an otherwise grim-themed experience kept us engaged without making the game feel too heavy. 

➕ One visual effect immediately brought the theme to life; it was so realistic that we could not stay away from it. We still talk about it today.

➖ Audio instructions for one puzzle were in French, though we didn’t realize what they were until post-game. We solved it through trial and error, though it would have been more enjoyable had we known what to do from the start.

❓While the game had an overall creepy vibe, there were no in-game actors or jump scares. I did not find the game to be especially scary. And while the game space wasn’t small, it was enclosed in a way. It will not be an issue for most players, but those with claustrophobia may want to reach out to the company to get a better understanding of the space.

Tips For Visiting

• There is street parking available directly in front of the entrance.
• Escaparium in Shawinigan is a franchise of Escaparium Laval. It is located about halfway between Montreal and Quebec City.
• This game is entirely bilingual (French and English).
• We stayed at Hotel Oui Go in nearby Trois-Rivières and enjoyed the tapas menu at Le Bette.

Book your hour with Escaparium’s The Family, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.

Disclosure: Escaparium provided media discounted tickets for this game.