RATING: 4 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 13:44
The seaweed ain’t always greener in somebody else’s lake… it just might be hiding a huge mistake!
Uncover secrets buried beneath the sea.
You and your crew have been sent via submarine to investigate a deep-sea laboratory that’s recently gone dark. The lead researcher, Dr. Humphreys, seems to have vanished, leaving nothing but cryptic notes, eerie recordings, and swirling rumors about strange experiments in his wake. With limited oxygen and rising pressure, you must descend into the ocean’s shadowy depths, explore the abandoned lab, and uncover the truth behind Dr. Humphreys’ mysterious experiments. Just be careful. You’ll need all your wits to survive whatever creatures are lurking down below…
The fathoms below the ocean’s rollicking waves hide many secrets. Sailors have been asked by the research group DESCEND to investigate one such mystery, the abandoned laboratory known only as Sea Base, where the notable (and also slightly eccentric) Dr. Humphreys has been carrying out his quest for knowledge of the underwater world.
Dr. Humphreys was on the verge of an enormous discovery, as seen in the video logs he has filmed as documentation. He has clearly met some sort of unimaginable, grisly fate. His facility sits derelict and empty n the ocean floor.
Valiant oceaneers are tasked with piloting a submersible down through the dangerous waters and retrieving Dr. Humphrey’s research, so that none of his work will be lost at sea. Of course, aquatic adventurers must also be wary of any monsters of the deep, lest they meet the same untimely end.
There are two distinct environments within The Depths- the submarine in which intrepid souls must descend, and the Sea Base facility, left to rot, forever doomed to a watery grave. The contrast between the two is almost jarring, as there is a stark juxtaposition of the brightly lit metallic walls of the vessel and the foreboding darkness of the lab.
Divers get to utilize the full space of the submarine’s navigational bridge. The blinking instrumentation panel is painted in a cheery yellow, as are the multiple pipes snaking along the walls and ceiling. A large porthole sits overhead; gurgling bubbles rush past as the sub plunges ever deeper. There are reminders of basic nautical knowledge, like instructions for knot-tying and notifications of what different flags indicate, so all sailors can operate at full capacity.
The research facility, on the other hand, is dark and cavernous. The remnants of experiments are strewn about, covering dilapidated desks and littering the walls. The lab is a tribute to Dr. Humphrey’s scientific prowess (or really, just his over-inflated ego), as a large portrait of the man himself is highlighted amongst the wall hangings. In fact, this picture is the ONLY item around the gloomy chamber that actually has decent illumination, which does make it difficult for researchers to see. Of course, Dr. Humphrey’s various findings are well-hidden, so as not to anger any sea monsters that might be lurking nearby…
The puzzles are a solid mixture of combination locks, technology, and physical object manipulation. Deep-sea divers must operate the submarine and jump into the mindset of a scientist to complete Dr. Humphrey’s experiments.
While linear in nature, making for a streamlined current of adventure, there are still ample opportunities for researchers to solve tasks simultaneously. Whether it be navigating uncharted waters, analyzing notes, or even identifying specimens, explorers face challenges that are both intuitive and logical. The actual execution of some riddles is somewhat hindered by the lack of visibility due to diminished lighting, which does detract from the immersion.
The Depths does a fantastic job of bringing two very different environments together to make a cohesive, immersive story. Never was there a sense of being trapped under the surface.
Nautical explorers get to do their part in enhancing knowledge of the marine world. Seeing how Dr. Humphrey’s experiments progress, along with ensuring his research is recovered, enables a deeper appreciation of this aquatic adventure. Furthermore, it’s completed all without risking getting a case of the bends…
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Venue: The Escape Game
Location: Tysons Corner, Virginia
Number of Games: 6
GAME SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
Duration: 60 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: $41.99 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.
