By now, Theme Park University readers are well aware of my love for escape rooms. The types of themes, puzzles and even strategy have limitless possibilities. Since this attraction is a new genre in the United States, we have only begun to scratch the surface in how complex, clever or well-themed rooms can be.
Copyright Mindquest Live
I’ve been lucky enough to not only interview different escape room owners around the country, but I’ve tried a handful myself and they keep getting better and better. A perfect example? Mindquest Live which just gave me a sneak preview before their grand opening on March 23, 2015.
Photo by Josh Young
Without giving too much away, the puzzles found at Mindquest Live are the most clever I have experienced anywhere. Ingenious head-scratchers that not only use brain power, but even some agility and dexterity.
Photo by Josh Young
My first challenge was taking on the role of secret agent looking to decode classified information hidden throughout an office decorated with an antique desk, gas masks and a ticking time bomb. The Bomb gives puzzle solvers one hour to gather all the intel, decode the information, find the bomb and defuse it before time runs out and they all get blown to smithereens (figuratively speaking).
Photo by Josh Young
The Bomb had several elements in it using techniques I had never seen before in any escape room. Half the fun was not only solving the puzzles, but discovering the clues cleverly hidden throughout the room. Which was nothing compared to Mad Scientist.
Photo by Josh Young
Out of any of the escape room games I have personally played, Mad Scientist has to be the most ingenious. Not only are the puzzles fairly difficult, but they require teamwork and more skills than just decoding messages. The idea for the game involves a scientist that has started to spread a deadly virus that he has created in his laboratory. Your team gets one hour to solve all the puzzles and traps he has devised. Solve them all and you’ll gain access to the antidote and save humanity as we know it.
Copyright Mindquest Live
By the time Mindquest Live opens on March 23, two other escape games should be ready: Diamond Heist and Mission: Matrix. While both rooms were still under construction during my visit, just by the theming and what I got a preview of, they actually look better than the two games I previously played.
Photo by Josh Young
Mindquest Live really is that good. They are the new escape room to beat in Orlando. It’s an exciting time to be a fan of these types of experiences, especially in Central Florida. If you’re interested in booking a game with you and your friends, visit http://www.mindquestlive.com and when you’re there, tell them Theme Park University sent you.
Photo by Josh Young
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