An escape room or exit game is a physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles using clues, hints and strategy to complete the objectives at hand. Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot which is hidden within the rooms.
Some tips on playing escape rooms and exit games.
The more games you play, the better you will be! The first game you play, don’t expect to get out on time. As you play more games, and try out a variety of themes and styles, you will start to learn about how to look for clues and where to find them. You will understand the varieties of locks that are out there; reducing the time you spend just figuring out how to enter the answer into the lock. You’ll learn about word-number puzzles, and what parts of the room are made to move and which are not.
Choose your teammates wisely. You want to have a good mix of leaders and followers, those who prefer different types of puzzles, and people who are okay with yelling at each other! A lot of your success at an escape room game will come down to who is in the room with you. If you can interact with each other in high stress conditions, you should be fine. We definitely don’t recommend escape games for dates, particularly first dates.
If you are stuck on a puzzle and simply can’t figure it out, switch places with a group member. Fresh eyes are always important. Don’t be afraid to have someone try the lock once again. Comments of, “Oh I tried that already” don’t really work in escape rooms. Let someone else try as well! It might just make the difference.
Every puzzle master provides a set of rules and/or instructions before players begin. These may be given in the form of a paper you need to read, a speech, or a video to watch. Pay attention! These rules are important for a reason, and they may even give you some guidance on types of locks found inside the space. Unusual locks can trip people up, so if you hear the puzzle master mention something then listen!
Hilda Hope - an enigma for Sherlock Holmes in Portsmouth
Sherlock Holmes at the Festival of Christmas at Portsmouth Dockyard
Violet Hunter - a person of suspicion for Sherlock Holmes in Portsmouth
Elena Norton - a lady of intrigue for Sherlock Holmes in Portsmouth
William Spalding - a curious case for Sherlock Holmes in Portsmouth
Robert Moran - somehow familiar for Sherlock Holmes in Portsmouth
Joseph Harrison - a suspect for Sherlock Holmes in Portsmouth
Holmes and Watson investigating the case of the Missing Chivalry
From the Casebook: Sherlock Holmes and Festival of Christmas
As part of the Festival of Christmas in 2017, Sherlock Holmes recruited Irregulars on the streets of the Dockyard with a little help from Torchlight Mysteries. Six suspects were responsible for stealing one of the Orders of Chivalry and it was the ‘Irregulars’ responsibility to find out what happened. Luckily Holmes and Watson were on hand to point out where everyone was going wrong. Hundreds of people signed up and played during the three day Christmas Festival.
The site-wide immersive mystery was commissioned by the Dockyard to encourage people to explore the entire site. Live action actors and online tools allowed players to get into the heart of the action, searching the stalls and markets for our suspects. Once they collected all the information and made their conclusions they could find Holmes and Watson to confirm their deductions. Feedback was excellent with many parents saying it was the entire focus of their visit while their children dragged them around the site looking for suspects. All the suspects agreed the children were asking by far the hardest questions!
