RATING: 5 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 14:51
Make some popcorn, toast marshmallows… don’t get murdered? It’s not a summer at camp until the crazy killer shows up!
Listen up, campers! There’s a murderous madman loose in the woods. Hole up in this cabin and do what it takes to survive the night!
Campfires, s’mores, ghost stories- all typical things one would expect to find at an average summer camp. This one, though, has a rather unexpected feature: a crazed killer looking to cause chaos!
Getting all nature-lovers to safety is of the utmost importance. Nobody wants to receive a letter that their child has fallen prey to a sword-wielding psycho!
What starts as a serene night in the wilderness quickly becomes a harrowing adventure to ensure everyone’s survival. Summer camp is all about making memories, that is, as long as one remains alive in order to do so!
The camp is located in an isolated part of the woods, deep in the forest. A directional signpost reveals that the nearest civilization is miles away. The ground is blanketed with mulch and fallen leaves. The canopy of trees is so dense that not even moonlight can penetrate the branches.
The only illumination in this clearing comes from a small, rusty barbecue grill, with the charcoal within already glowing, ready to cook the ubiquitous hotdogs and burgers. A selection of stumps and logs rest alongside, acting as seating for brave wilderness explorers.
A modest cabin sits just past the firepit. It is here that campers will ultimately find refuge from the killer, whose echoing footsteps can be heard amongst the wildlife, ominously signaling the ever-growing danger.
Once access is obtained, it is evident how rustic the camp truly is. It is minimally decorated, and furnished primarily with a set of bunk beds and a metal desk. A lone window serves as the other point of egress, its dilapidated shutters banging loudly against the frame, as a thunderstorm rages outside.
A couple of sleeping bags and blankets act as the bedding for the worn-out mattresses, and the floor is covered by the skinned hide of a cow. A chest and a closet are the only means of storage. The cabin likely belongs to the park’s groundskeeper, since a few pairs of coveralls and gardening equipment are the only items held within the wardrobe. Despite the rain, lightning, and howling wind, the madman’s footfalls can still be heard, creeping ever closer.
Park visitors get to partake in traditional camp activities during their time in the woods. They get to experience such staples like building a fire and throwing a cookout picnic. Campers even get to schedule time for things like nature hikes and canoeing! Of course, all plans go awry since a potential murderer decided to interrupt the otherwise-peaceful romp through the sylvan glade.
The puzzles and challenges shift in tone once counselors enter the cabin. The riddles skew in focus to self-preservation as the killer relentlessly stalks his would-be victims. There is a checklist of protocols that must be fully followed if forest-dwellers want to not end up in a body bag.
Camp rangers and staff are fully immersed in the storyworld, as the various tasks are all extremely logical and make sense for people who are actively trying to evade a homicidal maniac. They must familiarize themselves with the park’s operating procedures, and fully execute them, so that they can evade the lurking villain.
The Cabin is reminiscent of a certain summer camp misadventure thriller/horror movie, but does not rely on any notable IP to do so. Instead, it tells its own unique tale and fulfills its objective accordingly.
The shorter-than-average play time lends itself to a heightened sense of urgency as the killer rapidly descends upon the park. Campers and counselors alike are faced with a frightening concept, but one that is more exhilarating than terrifying. It’s madcap mayhem trying to outwit the murderous man, but at least there aren’t mosquitoes!
Show your support for Escape Authority and get social with us:
Venue: The Escape Game
Location: Georgetown, Washington D.C.
Number of Games: 5
GAME SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
Duration: 45 minutes
Capacity: 8 people
Group Type: Public or Private / You may or may not be paired with strangers depending on your choice of ticket type.
Cost: $36.99 per person
We thank The Escape Game for inviting us to play this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, that in no way impacts the opinion included within this review.
