A Captivating Twist on the Escape Room Genre


Table of Contents

Location: Edinburgh

Date Played: Sept 2023

Team size: 4; we recommend 2 - 6

Duration: 1.5 hours

Price: ~£24-35 on their website, depending on player count

Premise

Max Sinclair, private investigator, has been found dead in his own office. Foul play? Tough times? Or just plain old bad luck? The other cops call it an open and shut case… 

You’re not like other cops.

Our Journey

After thorough research, we discovered that Case Closed is among the most highly acclaimed escape rooms in Edinburgh, boasting numerous awards. Its self-proclaimed unique concept as a "detective noir" escape room immediately piqued our curiosity. We knew we had to experience it for ourselves.

Located within an empty ax-throwing bar (closed for the day), we eagerly awaited the game masters to prepare the room. Following a concise briefing, we embarked on our detective journey.

Gameplay

In a refreshing departure from the typical 60-minute escape room format, Case Closed offers an indulgent 90 minutes to unravel the mystery and escape. The game is cleverly divided into five distinct sections, ensuring that players aren't overwhelmed by clues prematurely. This approach encourages a thorough understanding of each segment before progressing to the next, all while leading us closer to answering the ultimate question: "Who killed Max Sinclair?"

Story

While many escape rooms often falter in the storytelling department, Case Closed defies mediocrity. Immerse yourself in an intricately woven narrative as you unravel the enigma surrounding Max's demise. The grand finale left us awe-struck and sent shivers down our spines. It's safe to say that this is one of the best story-driven escape rooms we've ever had the privilege to experience.

Puzzles

The puzzles presented a mixed bag of experiences. Some proved to be relatively straightforward, with solutions emerging within minutes. Others demanded busywork, effectively guiding us through a sequence of tasks. There were moments of confusion, swiftly resolved once we revisited overlooked clues or misunderstood elements.

Yet, despite this diversity, the puzzles were consistently excellent. Their design seamlessly integrated with the unfolding storyline, fostering a genuine sense of detective work. Even the simpler puzzles were understandably catered to a broad audience and never felt tedious. They drew us further into the narrative by involving us in unique and engaging problem-solving methods.

Verdict

In summary, Case Closed deserves a perfect score in our books—a definite must-try if you find yourself in Edinburgh. Our only minor quibble is the occasional simplicity of some puzzles. Should they ever craft a room tailored for escape room enthusiasts, it would undoubtedly earn a coveted spot on our bucket lists.

Rating: 5/5

★★★★★

You can book now through their website