RATING: 5 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 4:27
The mystical tarot cards foretell something very unique in your future…
Curiosity killed the cat, they say…well, in this case, curiosity may well help save your life!
Curious about what she does, you visit a local fortune teller. Soon however, curiosity gives way to cold sweat and consternation, as the tarot cards reveal that your future is linked with an impending disaster!
As panic sets in, you get some good news – that you have ONE chance to change your destiny. Can you steel your nerves, challenge Fate, and rectify your future?
Do you believe that the clairvoyant ability to look into the future could exist? Some claim it’s just a bunch of smoke and mirrors – or worse, a scam. But if that were true, then just what caused renowned Fortune Teller Madame Grace Moreau to vanish without a trace?
Grace isn’t the type to take days off, and certainly not when she has customers on their way for a reading. Her trusted assistant was the last to see her, mentioning that Grace seemed rather started by what the cards revealed when she did her own self-reading. At first, her assistant blamed the sudden hysteria on Grace not getting her morning Fresh Minty Tea, but still, something seemed off.
Let’s hope that her assistant has paid attention and learned how to master the tarot deck, because now, it will be up to them to guide Grace’s would-be clients on a journey through the spirit realm. All is not as it seems, and a dark force seems to be drawing hold…
Grace’s parlor is in essence a semi-divided single room space, but it’s not without its hidden secrets. The somewhat modest decor certainly gives an impression that perhaps Grace isn’t as renowned as she claims.
Brightly colored silk fabrics, some imprinted with fanciful patters and others trimmed by shiny gold tassels line each wall and hang draped up to the ceiling. This simple approach evokes the tone of a vintage fortune teller’s tent one might have encountered at an old-timey traveling circus.
The central focus of the room is a small counter on which a service bell rests by a helpful sign inviting clients to ‘ring for assistance.’ Behind it, a window is draped in gold velour fabric, framed by a proscenium of red velvet curtains. It’s here that Grace would be performing the reading – were she not missing, of course. This space will be apprehensively occupied by her assistant, giving access to several mystical items and, of course, Grace’s prized tarot deck.
The Fortune Teller takes a completely unique approach to interactive game-based attractions. Although full of puzzles – perhaps even more than must be solved to successfully complete the experience, each challenge is entirely stand-alone. No puzzles intertwine, making this game entirely non-linear.
Grace’s assistant, portrayed by a live actor, plays a pivotal role in the experience. Guided by the all-knowing tarot deck, her assistant assigns mysterious tasks to be completed. Each leads to a puzzle that is in some why thematically linked to the tarot card drawn, creating a meaningful connection to the storyworld.
Some puzzles will require additional special objects, which thankfully Madame Grace had in stock prior to her sudden disappearance. These items can be ‘purchased‘ using in-game currency obtained as a reward for each accomplishment achieved. At times, would be mediums might need to ‘save up‘ for a more expensive item by solving additional smaller mysteries first. A wheel of chance also offers bonuses – or sometimes penalties – depending on what the universe has decided.
The Fortune Teller is a breath of fresh air with its entirely unique approach to immersive game-based attractions. Its wide array of non-linear puzzles makes this game actually work quite well with slightly larger groups, and, the talented actor portraying Grace’s assistant is forever present to ensure there’s always something for everyone to do.
It’s worth noting that this attraction first originated at Level Games in Los Angeles. When that venue was retired, The Fortune Teller relocated to Lost Games in Las Vegas, with the premise and puzzles remaining largely similar.
Like any immersive theater, the biggest rule is you’ll get from it what you put into it. Being willing to suspend disbelief and accept that Madame Grace’s parlor, and the mystical items within it are real will make interactions with her assistant all the more satisfying. This could be especially important in the unlikely event that dark forces try to take control of your reading.
Each step along the way, The Fortune Teller keeps would-be psychics in training engaged and immersed in its storyworld, building towards a satisfying supernatural twist that cranks up the tension as the experience nears its climax. While this may not flow like a traditional escape game, it doesn’t take looking into a crystal ball to see another group of happy customers once an hour in Grace’s parlor has passed.
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Venue: Lost Games Escape Room
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Number of Games: 4
GAME SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
Duration: 60 minutes
Capacity: 8 people
Group Type: Private / You will not be paired with strangers.
Cost: $41 – $52 per person depending on total party size and date selected.
We thank Lost Games for inviting us to play this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, that in no way impacts the opinion included within this review.
