RATING: 5 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 7:13
Better hop to it – lest you be turned into a frog!
The House of Wizard is a remote play version of an existing, physical escape game at the the venue’s brick and mortar location – retrofitted to be offered as a live, online experience. Although altered slightly to better flow in this new medium, the game is, at it’s core, essentially the same as what guests will find should they visit Lost Escape in Lithuania. It is important to note that despite being offered by unrelated venues in different countries, this is the same base game as Wizard, also available for remote play at Exit The Room in Graz, Austria. However, The House of Wizard does include several additional puzzles not found in Wizard. To read our Pro-Tips on how to best enjoy this new Remote Play genre, click here.
You secretly got inside the powerful magician’s house in hope of stealing the Immortality potion! The owner is out only for an hour, so you need to hurry up! The magician won’t be glad to meet the uninvited guests! He would turn you into frogs…or something worse…
The great wizard has many tricks up his sleeve. Most notable is his magical elixir that grants the consumer eternal life. Who wouldn’t want to test that out with just a sip?
Unfortunately, wizards are highly cautious with their secrets and as such this potion is hidden deep within his magical office behind layers of spells and puzzles. The great wizard will return home soon, and if he ever catches intruders attempting to get their hands on his Immortality potion they will be toad-ally screwed.
The scenic in Wizard is very detailed and textured from floor to ceiling. The furniture and elements take on a wonderful, almost cartoon-like aesthetic.
Large brush strokes covering hefty wooden desks and bookcases contrast with sharp, colorful stained glass artwork to create a whimsical juxtaposition. All of the puzzle props and pieces look like they belong in a wizard’s office and work towards building the storyworld nicely.
It is very clear that Lost Escape pays close attention to all of the details when it comes to their set design. Surfaces and items in The House of Wizard are so well crafted that they appear authentic, especially when playing the game remotely.
The House of Wizard’s clear strength is it’s fantastic puzzle flow that merges fun “ah ha!” moments with plenty of magic.
At first glance, the magician’s home appears to be fairly standard. Intruders quickly learn that he has hidden the special potion behind layers and layers of mystical surprises. The overarching puzzle track requires the aspiring mortals to locate all of the ingredients to concoct the drink.
Casting spells with a magic wand? Check. Unleashing secret powers that illuminate their way? Check. Combining mystical elements to create the needed potion? Check.
What results is a very logical, in world, and fun race to find the Immortality potion. There truly is something for every aspiring wizard to enjoy in this game. With easier tasks that kids can certainly solve and complete, to more complex deciphering that will please all levels of students, the great magician has crafted his home into very well-rounded experience.
As noted at the top of this review, The House of Wizard is the same base game as Wizard at Exit The Room in Austria. However, with an elevated scenic, an entire extra room, and several new or altered puzzles, this version does have more to offer. A fantastic puzzle flow with lots of fun discoveries further helps make this a very solid choice for eager wizards the world over.
With some very creative and magical use of technology, Lost Escape has put forth a game that allows anybody to become a master wizard with the click of a mouse… err flick of a wand. So throw on a robe, don your pointy velvet hats, and get ready to become immortal!
The current situation has forced venues to adapt and create new ways for guests to experience their games. This silver lining has made it possible for enthusiasts from all over the world to play games they may not otherwise have ever seen. The House of Wizard is another great example of an escape experience we are grateful to have had the opportunity to see!
*Montu, Escape Authority’s VP, Dog Business™ and lead home game correspondent endorses the opinions found within this review.
Venue: Lost Escape
Location: Remote online play at home, broadcast live from Kaunas, Lithuania
Number of Games: 8 (5 currently available via remote play)
GAME SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
Duration: 60 minutes
Capacity: 6 connections
Group Type: Private / You will not be paired with strangers.
Cost: 40€ for 4 players / 50€ for 5 / 60€ for 6
We thank Lost Escape for inviting us to play this game. Although complimentary access was generously provided, that in no way impacts the opinion included within this review.