With "TREASURE QUEST", Matt the "ESCAPE MATTSTER" now has an official room count of: 92!
- 10-SECOND QUICKIE VERSION -
A family friendly pirate themed adventure that nails the bull's eye... or the empty eye socket of a pirate skull. Decent productive value, coupled with a conscious effort in keeping both theme and era intact, "Treasure Quest" is impressive rendition of a familiar classic.
- NOW... SIGNATURE DETAILED VERSION -
Inland Empire area isn't exactly littered with escape room businesses everywhere like the LA market, hence it's almost extra rewarding to discover small escape game businesses--especially those of good quality--popping up here and there.
Meet the newest player, Mind Suite Escape Rooms.
Situated in an otherwise unassuming strip mall, Mind Suite is currently a diamond in the rough, though it doesn't take much for a customer to realize they mean serious business.
Stepping through the main entrance, I immediately saw a professional and welcoming lobby that far exceeded my initial expectations. Though not entirely furnished due to current construction for their next feature, of the decorations that were complete, attention to details was obvious. I immediately knew my soon to begin game won't be shabby.
(And a bonus point for using Bath & Body Works scented hand soap in the restroom!)
Although their presently solo offering "Treasure Quest" may not bring forth the most unique story line, it is a family friendly one that is readily digestible even by the youngest escape trainee in the family: We arrrrr pirates and we arrrrr looking for the hidden treasures! On the bright side, at least the objective is, much like the gemstone you're seeking, crystal clear.
What I do strongly commend Mind Suite for is, they knew what they were doing, and they did it well.
First off, selecting a pirate theme and time period, though common, is actually no easy task! While the countless escape games out there have the option to bombard players with a curiously wide array of combo locks that exists on the face of the earth, this isn't a possibility for a life at sea in the 1600s. (More owners than I'd like to see make this cardinal mistake. Why would I have a Master directional lock in a pharaoh's grave?)
"Treasure Quest", for the most part, stuck to their guns, or blades, in keeping everything era appropriate. Though there're a few exceptions that could be improved, immersion was aptly achieved, and I had a great time seeking for Davy Jones's coveted jewels without being reminded I live in the 21st century.
In addition, it was especially enjoyable when I was doing that in a beautifully constructed set!
Despite not expecting a franchise budget production value from a small business, I was pleasantly blown away at the magnitude of greatness Mind Suite aimed to achieve--and largely succeeded. This isn't a "take an office space, plaster the wall with Party City decor, add a few pieces of furniture here and there" type of room. These guys actually built upon the existing structure to truly transform flat surfaces into rocky caverns.
And maybe, just maybe, you'll even see a pirate ship?!
Puzzle wise, the staff rates it intermediate, though an unlimited hint system might modulate the difficulty to as easy as one may desire. Because your team would be separated in the beginning, a solid grasp of general escape room game play and good communication are both crucial.
While my team of 2 struggled to complete the game under the time limit, a group of 4 players, even of average skills, would likely be more than sufficient to conquer all challenges with relative ease.
Speaking of these challenges, I did thoroughly enjoyed the range of puzzle formats they were able to embed. True to goal, scavenging was appropriately included, (you're treasure hunting after all,) on top of a barrel-ful others that I did not expect to encounter.
Having experienced more than 90 rooms to date, I did not necessarily find all of puzzles groundbreaking, and yet, the cold hard fact was, I still got stumped several times during my 60-minute-plus game play. Touche to me.
A nice mix of gen 1 elements (lock & key) and gen 2 tech (automation) were carefully selected to help craft a story world that's believable in its own universe, and (almost) all were woven appropriately into the plot developments without their being puzzles for puzzles' sake.
Overall, it's a safe and reliable choice, both for the business and its patrons. It is suitable for a large audience for its wholesome and adventurous subject, and it's unlikely to disappoint! A lovely experience backed by friendly hospitality from the entire staff, I could not ask for more.
...Except maybe I can, because they're currently busy building their second room! And when the time comes, more from Mind Suite is what I shall seek.
- FOOTNOTES -
Due to text limit, this review is possibly condensed. DM me for more detailed insights, game recommendations, or just to get in touch! read more