RATING: 5 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 10:00
The great wizard Tambledor needs his best students to save his life. He’ll have to settle for… well, us?
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 Exit The Room in Graz, Austria. It is important to note that this is the same base game as The House of Wizard, also available for remote play at Lost Escape in Lithuania. To read our Pro-Tips on how to best enjoy this new Remote Play genre, click here.
Your training at the school of the mighty wizard Tambeldor is almost over, only the final exam is left. Unfortunately, that won’t happen. An evil warlock has taken advantage of your master’s moment of weakness and almost destroyed him. With his last breath he tells you that only a special magic potion can save his life. Without it, his death is inevitable. Can you do it? Have you gathered enough courage and knowledge to save your Master?
The great Tambeldor is in dire trouble and only his apprentice wizards can possibly save him. With evil forces at play, a failed mission spells disaster for the wise teacher and likely the entire school.
Unfortunately, wizards are highly cautious with their secrets. Tambeldor has hidden his elixir deep within his magical office – a security measure that may prove deadly if his he didn’t train his students well enough. With only one hour before he succumbs to the warlocks attack, every minute counts!
The scenic in Wizard is the tale of two worlds. At times very detailed and textured, and at times completely barren walls. The furniture and elements that are themed 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.
Unfortunately the blank, un-themed spaces and some jarring design choices – such as the grey metal office door in the middle of the game – slightly break the immersion of Wizard. Playing this game remotely does help counteract these small flaws as the field of vision is more limited and directed than if players had free reign within the space.
Wizard’s clear strength is it’s fantastic puzzle flow that merges fun “ah ha!” moments with plenty of magic.
At first glance, Tambeldor’s office appears to be fairly standard. His apprentices quickly learn that he has hidden the special potion behind layers and layers of mystical surprises. The overarching puzzle track requires the aspiring students to locate all of the ingredients to concoct the cure. Along the way they will get to put everything they’ve learned thus far in Wizard School into practice.
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 save Tambeldor. There truly is something for every potential 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, Tambeldor has crafted his office into very well-rounded experience.
Wizard is one of five games that Exit The Room currently has available for online remote play. Although the scenic doesn’t quite create a fully immersive environment, it does translate through the screen well enough for players to fall into the storyworld. 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, Exit The Room 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 save the mighty Tambeldor!
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. 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.
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Venue: Exit The Room
Location: Remote online play at home, broadcast live from Graz, Austria
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: 79€ for 2-3 players / 89€ for 4 / 99€ for 5 / 109€ for 6
We thank Exit The Room for inviting us to play this game. Although complimentary access was generously provided, that in no way impacts the opinion included within this review.