RATING: 3 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 6:14
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”
– Matthew 7:15, moments after attending a service at Crickley Church
The deranged minister of Crickley Church decided to kill his entire congregation after their confessions convinced his twisted mind that they had, among themselves, committed the 7 Deadly Sins. After inciting a curse on the children playing in the rooms beneath the church he buries himself alive in the church’s hidden crypt, while promising to haunt the church forevermore. Now it’s up to you to locate the hidden crypt, find the dagger, and drive it through the heart of the evil minister before time runs out. Then, and only then, you will be saved and destroy the curse forever.
Crickley Church was a place of peace and hope, but all of that changed one Halloween night in the late 19th century. Murray Black, the former minister of this once holy sanctuary committed the ultimate sin: the mass murder of his entire congregation after he, himself passed judgement upon their immortal souls.
In what’s since become the stuff of legend, the story claims Minister Black was born in 1851, but somehow never died. His wretched spirit allegedly still haunts the cursed church grounds, causing those long lost to relive their wicked fate each Halloween on the anniversary of their untimely dooms.
Murray Black must be stopped, and if the whispers of local legend are to be believed, the only way to do so is stepping back into Crickley Church to uncover his self-imposed hidden crypt. Only thrusting a powerful ancient dagger into his undead heart can restore the light to this otherwise darkened congregation.
If there’s any hope of breaking this curse, devout believers must retrace the very steps those unknowingly ill-fated parishioners last took two centuries ago. Beginning in the yard hidden in shadow by the edifice of Crickley Church itself. The space is dark and foreboding, aided only to a small degree by the glow of a single flashlight.
Inside the church, wooden textures stretch to high arches evoking an instantly religious tone – one that’s quickly shattered by the juxtaposition of an eerie red glow piercing through omnipresent shadows. A stained glass window bearing the self-righteous visage of Minister Black hangs above the pulpit, making it clear just whose unholy teachings this congregation is demanded to follow.
Somewhere beyond these walls lurks the very specifically labeled “Hidden Crypt.” Clearly Black was quite the literal type. It’s within this secret chamber that his seemingly immortal body lies in wait, protected by a polished wooden coffin far too nice for its drab stone, bloodstained surroundings.
Although Minister Black put an intense amount of planning into his rise to Satanic power, perhaps the one aspect that could have used a bit more of his attention is the puzzles throughout this game. Often cursed with their own logic leaps, this sacrilegious service will likely be a challenge to get through without more than a few hints.
Luckily, though, for what it lacks in puzzle clarity, 7 Deadly Sins makes up for with its strong narrative and cohesive storyworld. Although multiple tasks may lead even Black’s most devout followers to wonder why he thought they’d ever draw that conclusion on their own, Escapology grants mercy through their always unlimited hint system. Making use of them without hesitation will create a far more spiritually satisfying visit to Crickley Church.
7 Deadly Sins stands as one of the first instances of Escapology putting in calculated effort to evolve their experience style, and to a large degree, it did work. With a storyworld tone far darker than anything the brand had tackled to date, this game instantly stood out from their others at the time.
The story of Minister Black is deeply rooted throughout the adventure from start to finish, creating a much more satisfyingly narrative driven experience for Escapology. In truth, this game’s own deadly sin is putting that enhanced effort everywhere but its puzzles. To be clear, it’s not to be suggested that the challenges throughout 7 Deadly Sins are bad per se, but they often do lack a logical connection to make it clear that one thing goes with another.
Making use of Escapology’s always unlimited hints is the best way to tackle 7 Deadly Sins. Rather than spinning wheels trying to find a link that may not even entirely exist, instead asking for a clue brings a great deal of forgiveness to this experience, allowing its storyworld to take full focus as intended to deliver a satisfying narrative that builds towards a chilling finality.
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Venue: Escapology
Location: Orlando, FL
Number of Games: 11
GAME SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
Duration: 60 minutes
Capacity: 8 people
Group Type: Private / You will not be paired with strangers.
Cost: $44.99 per person
We thank Escapology for inviting us to play this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, that in no way impacts the opinion included within this review.
