The Titanic by 60out (L.A.)

“Such a good looking set..."

60 out staff, friendly and competent looking, started us out on one of those sleek escape room for dummies videos. I understand the need of those as escape rooms are quite a new concept and there are still a lot of new players out there. But since we mentioned it was not our first, they could have spared us. I always find those videos distracting from the experience.  But in any case, after that underwhelming introduction, we headed to the room. The intro briefing was clear and polished but again missed a ‘je-ne-sais-quoi’ of enthusiasm and passion. 

The quality of the room is impressive; it does feel we are inside a ship. The props, walls, doors, everything has the heaviness and texture of the real thing. I am getting excited again. I don’t really feel the ship is sinking though (not a lot of ambience in the room). 

In the first room, the game attempts at a storyline - not forced, but through text and context which sounds interesting - those are the one I like the best; and i’m ready to get more of it. Unfortunately it is completely forgotten halfway and the game become a bit lazy from half way on with gamy-puzzly bits and bobs. Overall the puzzle were on the easy side, with a few “What in the hell” moments but up to a reasonable level; most of puzzle do make sense in their context; it just that the context runs a bit thin toward the end. 

Hints were given freely in a very straightforward, atmosphere breaking way; at the end, the staff usher us out after a quick picture the usual way. We did finish the room (quite early at that) but we didn’t get a great sense of achievement out of it. 

Obviously lot’s of time and care has been spent on that room. It shows in the overall quality of the props and the set dressing is quite impressing and worth a look. It is too bad that the same care has not extended to the design of the puzzles and the atmospheric of the room.

My Rating: 3/5