RATING: 5 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 21:05
Subdue the cult, slay the beast, and save the kingdom from calamity! What could go wrong?
A kingdom lies in ashes. A fire-breathing dragon haunts its ruins, and a fanatical cult walks in its shadow, terrorizing the survivors and dragging them into the dark. Without heroes, the realm is doomed…
…and so the Architect is summoning you to save it. Your task is simple: Slay the Dragon. You’ll need to infiltrate the cult’s stronghold, navigate nefarious rituals, and carve a path to the beast’s lair. Along the way you’ll cross paths with what remains of the royal court: the King, his daughter, the Knight, and… him. Each one is ready to aid you, but to succeed in your quest, you’ll have to make difficult choices. The kind with no right answers…
Do you have what it takes to end the Shadow of the Dragon?
The kingdom has been besieged and laid to waste by a vicious monster, nay, a dragon! Only a few members of the royal court have survived this onslaught, and they’re all quite eager to put an end to the beast’s fiery reign. (Well, at least most of them are; the Princess doesn’t seem to care one way or another.)
All of the remaining riches from the realm have been compiled into the ruins of the castle. His Majesty, the King, Her Royal Highness, the Princess, and the (possibly not-so) noble Knight all want to restore the keep to its glory. In such dark times, laughter is sorely needed. Luckily, the court Jester managed to not perish in the destruction, so some levity is provided.
Evidence of the wyvern’s followers, that pesky cult of disgruntled villagers, is strewn throughout the stronghold, as well as alongside the winged creature himself. The dragon’s presence still poses a formidable threat to the land and its people. Only the most courageous of explorers will be able slay the monster and free the kingdom from its terrifying clutches.
A darkened dungeon serves as the central focal point and altar for the cult’s worshiping. Beyond the rusted portcullis nestled amongst the earthen walls, a Great Hall awaits. Portraits rest in gilded frames beneath wooden beams. Iron sconces provide softly flickering illumination. It is here where questers can communicate with The Architect via an enchanted scroll, which serves as a bridge between realms.
The dragon’s lair is a rocky outcropping at the entrance to a dark cave. Glowing crystals are embedded in the stone, pulsating with the rumblings of subterranean volcanic activity. Remnants from the cult’s “religious” practices are also visible in this desolate cavern; some fanatics have even claimed the chamber as their final resting place, as a large granite coffin leans against the stalagmites.
Potential dragon slayers are faced with a wide array of challenges. Mysteries abound throughout the grounds of the castle and the creature’s lair.
There are zero locks of any kind to be found; instead, protectors of the realm must utilize elemental magic on their journey to face off with the reptilian nightmare that is ravaging the countryside. At least one soul must have a brave constitution, and not show fear in the presence of an extremely confined space.
Each member of the court is trying to protect what remains of their earthly treasures, but seeing as how they are essentially trapped in mystic portals, it is up to valiant adventurers to carry out their tasks. Crusaders must defeat the cultists worshiping the villainous monster, assist the remnants of the Court, and even face off against the dragon itself, all while trying to restore peace to the kingdom.
Every action that occurs within the flame-ravaged land heightens the immersion into the storyworld. From assisting in maintaining the King’s treasury, to deciphering maps, to casting spells and enchantments, it is all logical and intuitive. The narrative is also presented in a non-linear fashion; members of the adventuring party can solve multiple problems at any given time.
While Shadow of the Dragon is (loosely) based upon a famous role-playing game, it is its own unique world, and absolutely no knowledge of the outside adventure is needed. It does a wonderful job of seamlessly blending the fantastical with the ordinary. Certain choices presented within have a direct impact on the finale’s outcome, providing an experience that is uncommon to most escape games.
The stakes are high for the potential dragon slayers, as their decisions lead to the kingdom’s ultimate fate. Vanquish the beast, and the realm will be eternally grateful. Choosing to do otherwise… well that runs the risk of becoming an eternal part of the monster’s hoard.
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Venue: Encrypted Escape Room
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Number of Games: 5
GAME SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
Duration: 60 minutes
Capacity: 10 people
Group Type: Private / You will not be paired with strangers.
Cost: $57.13 per person
We thank Encrypted Escape Room for inviting us to play this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, that in no way impacts the opinion included within this review.
