RATING: 5 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 13:02
The Temple is under attack from a mystic foe. It must be protected, otherwise it’s… sayonara.
A mysterious master swordsman has appeared in your town, but whispers suggest he’s a deadly ninja sent by your enemies to bring ruin. Your mission is critical: sneak into his stronghold, steal his sacred ninja hood, and deliver it to the Shogun to expose his treachery.
Master Saki is a formidable opponent—his skills are deadly, and he will not hesitate to end you if discovered. Your only chance is to use stealth and wits. Can you outmaneuver the shadow warrior and save your town from destruction?
The Temple grounds have long been a place of peaceful serenity and a haven for those who wish to learn different forms of martial arts. That calm has been infiltrated by a mysterious presence, one that seeks to destroy what so many hold sacred.
The very existence of the Temple’s tranquility, where students learn their craft and take tea beneath the cherry blossoms, is threatened by the Yang clan. Master Saki, their leader, is attempting to stake his claim within the heart of the Temple itself. We must do whatever it takes to protect the Temple, the villagers, and ourselves, and thwart his dastardly deeds.
The adventure begins in the courtyard of the Temple. Lush cherry blossom trees line the square, while animal guardians stand watch on the terra cotta rooftops. Lanterns help to light the space, and lend an air of authenticity, further enhancing the immersion.
There are subtle Easter eggs to some well-known ninja (and other properties that are of Japanese origin) spread throughout the Temple, adding a bit of visual humor. The interior of the Temple is a direct contrast to the courtyard; it is clearly a place of action and learning, whilst the courtyard is peaceful and calm. It is evident that weapons and skills training occurs within, as the walls are marred with scuffs, scratches, and gouges from the various implements.
The puzzles in this game are both mentally stimulating and physically involved. While there are the standard padlocks and combination locks to solve, there are also challenges that are rooted in traditional Japanese culture, and therefore are extremely innovative. Kanji is present throughout, and used as part of the tests, but no prior knowledge of how to read or translate Japanese is necessary.
The tasks spread throughout the Temple and its grounds are intuitive and clever, and absolutely make sense within the storyworld. From creating the zodiac to utilizing long-established weaponry, adventurers are able to emulate the daily activities of the Temple’s students.
Multiple senses are targeted via the different elements present. There is something edible found within, but it does not have to be eaten if one so chooses. One particularly unique exercise is not for the germophobic, as it involves touching a piece of equipment with one’s mouth- although sanitization wipes are helpfully provided. The abundance of physicality help ensure that the various riddles are not repetitive, yet are still challenging.
Ninja is a true journey to the wonders of Japan. It embodies multiple aspects of Japanese culture, and does so without resorting to stereotypes. It is fully immersive, and the theme and story are well-executed.
The physical exertions found within each segment of the game lend themselves to creative puzzles, and are extremely gratifying to solve. The mysteries of the Ninja world are plentiful, and the tie-ins to the other games present at the venue provide a sense of cohesion.
Don’t forget your sneak-ers, keep stealthy and quiet, and you too can be a Ninja!
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Venue: Escape Artists
Location: Orlando, Florida
Number of Games: 3
GAME SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
Duration: 60 minutes
Capacity: 6 people
Group Type: Private / You will not be paired with strangers.
Cost: $36-$44 per person, depending on number of players
We thank Escape Artists for inviting us to play this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, that in no way impacts the opinion included within this review.
