Jack
Before researching for our trip to Malmö, we had not heard of this escape room company. However, after playing Jack, I believe that they deserve more recognition. This company was the surprise of our trip – we didn’t expect anything in particular, yet we all thoroughly enjoyed it.
The game begins outside, where we gathered to be picked up by a character straight out of the Sherlock Holmes era. Our gamemaster explained that we had to assist Scotland Yard in tracking down Jack the Ripper by finding crucial evidence of his murders, hidden in the dark lairs beneath the streets of London.
The objective is not only to complete the story but also to collect certain items that contribute to a final highscore which sets it apart from many other escape rooms. The narrative kept us invested, while the scoring system adds a competitive element to the game. Achieving a perfect score is extremely difficult – even though we were told we performed exceptionally well, we still only managed to collect about two-thirds of the possible points.
The game has many strengths, including acting, an immersive set design, a well-crafted story, and engaging puzzles. However, for me, the standout feature was how the highscore system ensured that all four of us remained occupied for the entire duration. Despite the nature of the scoring system, the experience never felt incomplete or rushed, and in the end we successfully completed the meta-story.
To top it all off, once you finish, you find yourself in a bar where you can relax with a drink and discuss your performance in the team and with your the gamemaster. This post-game experience is an excellent way to reflect on the adventure and adds to the overall enjoyment.
It’s clear that Sherlocked has thought through every aspect of their escape rooms, ensuring an engaging and well-rounded experience from start to finish. While we felt satisfied with our achievements, we can see how some groups who don’t complete the meta-story might feel less accomplished. Nevertheless, we found this different approach refreshing and enjoyable.
If you are in Malmö, we highly recommend playing all of Sherlocked’s rooms – they are truly amazing!
