Review: Red Door Escape Room | Cptn. Maniacal's Lairbratorium

RATING: 4 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 11:52

It’s alive! It’s alive!… Oh sorry, wrong “construct a thing that looks vaguely human out of various parts” story. Help Captain Maniacal build his robot, and show the world that he’s really not so crazy… does anyone smell toast?!?

Story

On the eve of his greatest invention, Captain Maniacal is hell-bent on bringing his robot, Javier II to life, and his usual assistant has proven to be unhelpful. Put your lab skills to the test, assemble the robot, and become Maniacal’s trusted henchmen!

Captain Maniacal is obsessed with two things- creating his cyborg companion, and making toast. Why toast? Why not? It’s the perfect crunchy brain-fuel! Or at least, that’s what a mad scientist would say!

Javier, the robot, is waiting for you to complete his construction. Run the experiments, assemble an android, and rule the world! But don’t forget your breakfast!

Scenic

The lair is fully contained within one relatively small room, so nothing is ever far out of reach. The chamber is framed with concrete walls, and rusty electrical switches and equipment cabinets line the perimeter. The partially-constructed robot rests almost menacingly beneath the hanging light.

Captain Maniacal likes to show off his accomplishments in the mad-scientist world, as seen with his various diplomas and certificates adorning the various surfaces. His slightly dangerous side is hinted at, given how much caution tape can be found on the boxes strewn throughout. He does have some lab rats and mice, but they don’t seem to be used for anything too nefarious; they’re actually more into demonstrating various hobbies.

For a stone room, there actually is a surprising amount of light and color, making the atmosphere almost cheery. The Captain has programmed Javier to enjoy toast as much as he does, and it’s actually an integral part of bringing him to life. The space is a clear combination of “evil lair” and “experimental laboratory,” with a healthy does of breakfast thrown in.

Puzzles

There is a great blend of tech-based puzzles, mixed in with the standard combination locks. Given that Captain Maniacal is a not-so-sane scientist, visitors to the lab will be able to conduct chemistry experiments, and also take part in physics and engineering demonstrations.

Assistants will be able to utilize equipment common in science labs, and interact with the laboratory’s resident rodents. The “lairbratorium” is not well-suited to anyone who is colorblind, as several different challenges rely on visually distinguishing between multiple colors. Some physical dexterity and agility is also required, as Javier’s body parts can be rather heavy to maneuver.

Everything makes complete sense within the realm of the storyworld; it’s a quirky and off-beat take on the standard trope, but it’s all intuitive and does not rely on logic leaps. There aren’t as many riddles as in other games, as it’s a shorter adventure, however, they still provide a good dose of mental stimulation.

Overall

Since this is what is referred to as a “mini episode,” it only lasts for half an hour, rather than the typical hour (or longer). While this game is short in length, it absolutely is not short in fun. Its brief duration means that it is jam-packed with puzzles, leading to a fast-paced frenzy of robot rehabilitation. There are also clever nods and Easter eggs relating to the other “episodes” present at Red Door Escape Room.

Assembling Javier is rewarding and exciting. As we take up the mantle of Captain Maniacal’s henchmen, and help bring Javier to life, we show that the mad man’s mind maybe isn’t so mad, after all. Now where did I leave my toast?