Magnifico
If there ever was an escape room that could truly be called a masterpiece, it is undoubtedly “Magnifico Circus” at Escaparium in Laval. Among our group of five, this room was unanimously declared the best we have ever experienced. For me, this was an extra special occasion, as it marked Ilonas 150th and my 1000th escape room. And what a room to celebrate it with.
The day after playing, I woke up wondering if it had all been a dream—but it wasn’t. It was a dream come true.
From the moment you step inside, it becomes obvious that “Magnifico Circus” is a labour of love. Every inch radiates the kind of passion and dedication that only a true enthusiast could pour into a project. This isn’t just an escape room; it’s a heartfelt creation crafted with care, imagination, and a deep understanding of what makes an experience unforgettable.
📜 Story & Emotion
The story is beautifully rich and emotional, combining joy, sorrow, laughter, passion, and awe into one seamless journey. It’s rare to feel such a range of emotions in a single game, but “Magnifico Circus” delivers them all. Just when you think you’ve felt everything, it pulls you into another twist that touches you in a completely different way. There are true “wow” moments that elevate the story beyond anything we’ve experienced elsewhere.
🎠 Set & Atmosphere
Words can hardly do justice to the set design. It must be seen to be believed. Every scene is crafted with astounding attention to detail and transitions smoothly, pulling you deeper into the circus world with each step. The environment is theatrical, magical, and overwhelmingly immersive. It doesn’t just set the stage for the puzzles—it tells a story all on its own.
🧩 Puzzles & Teamwork
The puzzles are as polished as the production. What impressed me most was how every member of our team stayed involved throughout the entire game. The tasks are intuitive and well integrated into the narrative, with clear direction and brilliant flow. One particular cooperative puzzle stands out as my absolute favourite from any room I’ve ever played. The challenges are clever and satisfying, enhancing the overall sense of wonder rather than interrupting it.
🎼 Music & Memory
To top it off, there’s even an official soundtrack available on YouTube, which I absolutely adore. Listening to it lets me relive the experience—it still gives me chills every time. The music captures the soul of the room and is a beautiful reminder of everything we felt inside.
📝 A Little Epilogue
After the room, we had a small celebration with the owners—but in true circus fashion, it ended with an unexpected microwave fire incident! For a moment, it all felt so surreal… could you imagine it would all become just a dream…
💭 Final Thoughts
Magnifico Circus is not just an escape room. It’s an emotional experience, a theatrical event, and a passion project that sets the gold standard for what this industry can achieve. It is, without exaggeration, the greatest show there is.
If you’re remotely close to Laval, or if you’re dreaming of a world-class room worth traveling for—this is the one. Bravo to the creators. You made magic.
