RATING: 4 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 04:36
Take on the challenge set forth by Merlin, and see if you are worthy of wielding the legendary sword!
Long ago, King Arthur and his knights sealed the legendary sword Excalibur within stone, leaving behind a series of magical trials for future heroes. With Camelot in need of new protectors, your team must enter the enchanted halls of a forgotten castle and face the challenges within. Excalibur won’t yield to brute strength; only those who rise to the trials and show true worthiness may pull the sword from the stone.
Camelot is in need of a hero. The castle has been deserted, and the famed sword Excalibur must be freed from its stone entrapment. A noble journey awaits as the kingdom is restored to glory.
The Medieval world is brought to life as the tower reveals its secrets. Magic and mystery become real, and legends come true when the sword is reclaimed. Alchemy, wizardry, and mythology all unite to create a mystical experience across time.
Stone walls surround the castle armory, with wooden beams in the ceiling overhead, and well-worn floorboards beneath. Stained glass windows cast colorful shadows over the space, and lanterns and candelabra provide a soft glow of warmth.
A wood gate divides the space, showing the cathedral-style walls of the courtyard beyond, where the famed sword in the stone rests. A suit of armor stands next to the gate, acting as sentry for the mythical treasure. Six large pillar candles lay across a carved archway, their flickering light diminishing as time goes on.
Various pieces of armor and different chalices laying amongst the furniture help to further the illusion of being in an ancient castle. The storyworld is made further complete by the presence of relics and artifacts found throughout fantasy stories, such as a book of magic spells and images of fairies.
Excalibur has a very well-balanced blend of low-tech and high-tech elements in its assortment of puzzles. Knights-in-training can solve multiple challenges simultaneously, resulting in a satisfying non-linear experience.
The game flow is logical and intuitive. All tasks are easy to understand, but provide enough mental stimulation to ensure a fast-paced adventure.
The hint and timing system fit flawlessly into the storyworld. As time ticks away, the candles burning high above extinguish themselves, one every ten minutes. This also adds another layer of difficulty, as visibility decreases with each flame burning out. If guidance is needed, one only has to go up to the suit of armor; his name is Sir Buxton, and he has been enchanted to speak! Merely ask him for some assistance, and he’ll deliver a timely, helpful response. Visual clues are provided via the magic mirror next to Sir Buxton’s armor.
ClueIQ has produced a truly solid entry in the realm of escape rooms. There is an easy-to-follow storyline, an intuitive array of puzzles, and so much detail that it absolutely seems that adventurers have been transported to a different era.
From the lavish set design to the sheer fun of solving the challenges, Excalibur provides a royally engaging battle of wits. The quest to free the sword from the stone turns everyone into honorary members of the Round Table, and the noble journey allows the lords and ladies of the realm to truly show their worthiness.
Show your support for Escape Authority and get social with us:
Venue: ClueIQ
Location: Frederick, Maryland
Number of Games: 4
GAME SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
Duration: 60 minutes
Capacity: 10 people
Group Type: Private / You will not be paired with strangers.
Cost: $32 to $54 per person, depending on group size
