Room Escape Artist

Stay for a spell

Location:  Montreal, Québec, Canada

Date Played:  October 21, 2024

Team Size: 3-7; we recommend 3-4

Duration: 60 minutes

Price:  $34.99 CAD per player

Ticketing:  Private

Accessibility Consideration:  Ezkapaz is located on the second floor with no elevator available

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

Stepping through the front door of Ezkapaz, we were immediately immersed in the magic circle of Cadavera Manor as it existed long ago. The manor staff greeted us warmly, never breaking character, as they pointed out odd artifacts here and there and recounted the dark history of the building and generations of inhabitants. We were shown family portraits lining the hallway and warned about the possible dangers lurking beyond a forbidden doorway. Left alone, we decided to face the unknown and entered the room, Opus Memori began.

The room was large and immediately familiar, but as we explored the space, the oddities and occult props around us became more evident; this was not your typical home office.  Dark colors and low lighting created an ominous mood, at the same time making a couple of puzzles difficult to see effectively. Puzzles flowed well into each other with a few layered ones that were nicely challenging, though we struggled with one that really tested our ability to think and act quickly. A unique help system gave us nudges, some encouragement when needed, and even a bit of humor. One set of puzzles had us doing things that really stretched the boundaries of expected gameplay in a way that we had never experienced before. It was one of those “aha!”moments that made this game really stand out – and that I’ve just had to tell my non-escape friends about.

Ezkapaz created an entire storyline around the Cadavera family with the three games currently offered. (David previously reviewed Le Barbier, which has since been further enhanced.) In Opus Memori, the actor interactions were especially interesting, playing an integral part of the story even when we were alone during the game. If you are in the area, check into Cadavera Manor; the staff would love to show you around.

Who is this for?

• Story seekers
• Puzzle lovers
• Occultists
• Best for players with at least some experience

Why play?

• Immersion from the start
• Fun actor interactions
• Unusual, out-of-the-box gameplay

Story

We had heard the rumors about the Cadavera Manor, built on sacred land and used as a sanctuary for the Opus Luminum cult. The staff at the Manor warned us emphatically to stay away from Henry Cadavera’s old office. They were afraid of the muffled screams heard coming from inside while making their rounds. Could it be Celeste, a former butler, who had lost their life in that gloomy room? Or was it something even darker? Left alone with access to the room, we couldn’t resist going in to explore.

Setting

The game took place in Henry Cadavera’s office, with a large wooden desk front-and-center in the space. A few curio cabinets filled with collectibles and a large wardrobe completed the office look. Dark painted walls were covered with unusual paintings, and numerous candles were all around the room. It was the Ouija board on the desk, however, that hinted at a secondary, more sinister purpose.

Gameplay

Opus Memori was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty.

Core gameplay revolved around searching, making connections, puzzling, and immersive actor interactions.

Analysis

➕ The set was simple and moody and completely fit the scenario of an old manor house. Lighting and sound effects worked well to create the dark mood and effectively direct our attention to active puzzles.

➕ Actor interactions were a key part of the experience, and the actors did not break character at any point, even when we inquired about the parking meters on the street! This led to a hilarious – and unexpected – interaction. (For parking suggestions, see Tips for Visiting below.)

➕ There was a nice variety of puzzles that kept us moving throughout the space. Many offered unique challenges that kept us on our toes and made us work for the solves. A few puzzles, props, and interactions interjected humor, with the game poking fun at itself at times.

➖ One puzzle component was visible early in the game, way before it was actually needed. As a result, we kept trying to use it in different puzzles, which of course didn’t work.

➕ A character introduced early on became a member of our team, working with us to complete the mission while adding theatrical story points that moved the narrative along. They also provided well-timed nudges and hints, and were even part of a puzzle. It was a unique and fun component of the game.

➖ An often-used doorway in the game space did not open completely and was difficult to negotiate; in fact, we bumped into it several times during the game. There was also a step in the room that was easy to forget about, especially during one fast-moving puzzle.

💀 The occult was featured heavily in the game, with spells, chanting, and use of a Ouija board. If you are not comfortable with occult themes, you should skip this game. (That said, this game was not scary.)

Tips For Visiting

• Escape games at Ezkapaz are located in the Manor at 3955 Saint-Laurent Blvd. They also offer an immersive theater experience, only available in French, at a separate location.
• Ezkapaz is centrally located for ride-sharing or public bus transit. The closest metro station is within a 15 minute walk. 
• Parking: There is metered street parking nearby. Note your parking space and pay using the P$ Mobile Service app or at the nearest pay station, usually located mid-block. Paid parking hours vary by street and are shortened on Sundays – confirm in the app, meter, or nearby signs. 
• This game is entirely bilingual (French and English).
• There are many dining options available along St. Laurent Blvd. Schwartz’s Deli is only a few steps away from Ezkapaz and serves”Original World Famous Montreal Smoked Meat”. We enjoyed soup dumplings at Petit Poisson Dumpling, located on the corner across the street.

Book your hour with Ezkapaz’s Opus Memori, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.

Disclosure: Ezkapaz provided a complimentary game.