Room Escape Artist

I’ve got friends on the other side

Location:  Reno, NV

Date Played: November 3rd, 2024

Team Size: 3-10; we recommend 3-5

Duration: 60 minutes

Price: $30 per player

Ticketing: Private

Accessibility Consideration:  Some uneven flooring

Emergency Exit Rating: [A] Push To Exit

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

The economics professor in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off sprung to mind when I heard Voodoo, but Witch Doctor exuded a more classic southern bayou vibe. We had just crossed the threshold of the Voodoo priestess’ home, when she swiftly caught our attention with her commanding voice. A visage in the fog. A potion to be brewed. If we wanted out we had to help.

As we investigated the priestess’ home and worked our way through the ritual, the gamespace unfolded and revealed an immense amount of spell components and ingredients. We were overwhelmed by the attention to detail and vast array of the collection. None of these things were red herrings, which was a feat in and of itself. The way items were used was clear and clever.

The Voodoo priestess was easy to hear, but was hard to see unless you stood in a specific area. The mechanics of her spirit appearing was unique, but finnicky. During our trials we were tripped up by some unclear phrasing, but found the vast majority of the puzzles clear and logical.

The finale was fun, but could be messy if you weren’t careful. Our wits pulled us through and the witch doctor was true to her word and let us go. I would recommend this experience to anyone who finds the theme intriguing.

Who is this for?

• Adventure seekers
• Scenery snobs
• Any experience level

Why play?

• Logical puzzle flow
• Attention to detail
• Large-scale interactions

Story

After being summoned to a shack deep in the Louisiana bayou we found ourselves trapped. In a swirl of fog the Voodoo priestess revealed her body had become trapped in a different plane, and she would only let us out if we found a way to bring back her physical form. Left without a choice, we accepted the challenge and worked to save the priestess from her cursed fate. But our time was limited as powerful forces were closing in to stop us from succeeding.

Setting

Glowing lanterns, animal skulls, and odd bric-a-brac that is likely used in Voodoo spells immediately caught our eye. We could see the Louisiana bayou through a window on the other side of the room. No mistake, we had just stepped into a cabin in the swamp. A wicker throne sat empty in the corner, but we quickly became aware that the cabin was not as uninhabited as it originally seemed.

Gameplay

Deadline Escape Rooms’ Witch Doctor was an in-person escape room with a moderate level of difficulty.

Witch Doctor had an excellent variety of puzzles. This included riddles, dexterity, logic, and reasoning.

The flow of Witch Doctor was mostly linear. Our team rarely interacted with multiple puzzles at the same time.

Analysis

➕ The attention to detail in Witch Doctor instilled a sense of reverence as we explored. The room was filled with curios and we were beyond impressed that all of the set dressing was used for the gameplay.

➖ Some of the lock choices seemed out of place for the otherwise authentic Voodoo cabin.

➕ The types of puzzles were varied. There were even multiple types of dexterity puzzles that weren’t too challenging and provided an extra tactile experience.

➕ About mid-game a major set piece was revealed. We had never seen something like it in an escape room before. It was incredibly satisfying to use during the second half of the game.

➖ Whenever the Voodoo priestess appeared it was important to stand in a specific area to see her. She was not visible from other viewing angles in the room.

Tips For Visiting

• Ample parking at the venue.

Book your hour with Deadline Escape Rooms’ Witch Doctor, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.