Illusion
I wanted to play this game since quite some time based on the many positive reviews it had received, but it was not available in English back then, so we had to patiently wait for the necessary translations to be made. Magic is a topic that has been used a lot in escape rooms, most of the times associated with Harry Potter resulting in dozens of magic school rooms and otherwise with the well-known magician named Houdini. I did not know what to expect of this game, as I do not tend to read the description of rooms in advance and prefer to be surprised on the spot.
We were received in a very enthusiastic manner by the passionate owners, which is always a good sign and after the game we could also learn how much thought was put into the many details related to the story, the set and even the music, that make this room one of the newest jewels in the Dutch escape room scene.
To start with, the room tells a story which is original. Already this stands out in the landscape of magic rooms. The story is not there as a mere accompanying element, but it is the core of the room. The intro is very long and comprises several aspects. It is done very well and tells the story very nicely. If you are the kind of player that just wants to go and play and do not enjoy the storytelling you might find it long, but then it is your own fault for not being able to savor the narrative, which is well-accomplished from the very beginning, throughout the room and till the very end.
The set is beautiful and there is an interesting use of the space, which enables some original elements. The riddles are not so many, but nicely in theme, and several of them having a certain degree of complexity and requiring collaboration. For experienced players I would strongly advise against playing with more than the recommended number (4). I have to say that we had a lot of fun with some of the tasks and I loved also how the hint system is integrated in the room.
Given its high position in escapetalk, it would not surprise me to find this room among the Dutch Terpeca finalists next edition, despite being available in English since quite recently. But even if it does not, I think that this room is a must for people who love storytelling, when visiting the Netherlands.
