Review: Unreal Room Escape

RATING: 4 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 32:26

Many have died or gone missing in the mines… will the trend of those suffering this fate ever end?

Story

(Translated from Spanish) For over a century, the St. Louis Mine was used as a source of mineral resources, until an unexpected explosion trapped all its workers inside. Since then, many have speculated about the event, offering all sorts of theories. The Dunklerde company has reopened the mine and has pledged to undertake the rescue of all the victims trapped there. However, its true motives are not entirely clear, as experts say the mine no longer holds as many mineral resources as it once did. This situation has reignited old rumors about the existence of a strange and valuable mineral deposit within the mine, leading some to claim that the company’s real objective is to find them. Are the rumors true? What mysteries does the St. Louis Mine hold?

Many have wondered what happened to the trapped miners, including strange rumors about what has befallen the skeletal remains of those who passed long ago. But with access to the murky caves restored in the name of a rescue mission, a set of brave diggers to be conscripted by the Dunklerde company may be just what’s needed to uncover the mysteries that lie hidden in the rubble.

Only those courageous enough to get down and dirty need apply, as there’s much to find amidst the dusty rocks, the assorted tools, and the dry bones of unlucky souls of expeditions past. What starts off as a straightforward mission to explore the mines becomes even more intriguing as notes on walls and abandoned stations signal that things are not exactly as they appear.

Scenic

After optionally donning official overalls, once the rescue mission begins, immediately the senses need to quickly adjust to the dim light, the earthy air, and the echoey hollow. These are mines, after all, and no amount of delicate care will prevent sand and gravel from getting everywhere while searching around. Real mineral hunters must be ready to crawl about, use rickety carts, and excavate a way to victory.

As explorers access further areas deeper underground, pipes with rusted holes, tables with worn down gadgets, and work areas with creaky cabinets are seen everywhere. And that’s not even mentioning the partial skeletons found lying in the corners of the rocky rooms!

There’s no chance of sending a canary ahead to scope things out. There’s no point in hesitations or held breaths. There’s no choice but to hop on the push trolley and trust that its rails will lead somewhere helpful.

Puzzles

The puzzles surrounding the subterranean mystery include a glimpse into what earlier miners had to go through… just exactly how much dynamite is too much, after all? And the nature of physical things to be done can catch traditional adventurers off guard – but with shovels and pickaxes, there’s plenty to be found down in the dirt, up in the rafters and lurking nearby the water.

Search and discovery are key skills that encourage a divide and conquer approach until the squad is ready to gear up and venture into deeper spaces together. But as the trek continues, both mission and puzzles may take a disconnected turn at times, just like that of winding caverns. Some tasks may seem non sequitur, like putting equipment away in exact spots as if to appease the spirit of a deceased underground worker who had OCD.

There are plenty of clues, tools, and information left among the remains of the previous tunnel-dwellers. As long as the team of rescuers keeps their eyes peeled high and low, being able to make it back out with what lies within is a coal-dusted piece of cake.

Overall

La Mina is a wonderful immersive treat for those ready for an adventure in Barcelona, Spain. From the moment entering into the caves, it’s enough to take any miner’s breath away (and not just because of the dust clouds getting kicked up). Unreal Room Escape makes this game accessible to both natives and tourists by offering the experience in both Spanish and English.

It seems that danger lurks around every corner, but it may be even more perilous to turn around after venturing into the cavernous depths. It will take both sharp equipment and wits, otherwise this dig finishes with a dead end, literally.