REVIEW: Extremescape Disley – Pirate Ship

★★★★☆

ROOM RATING – 4 Stars

 Gameplay – July 2016 | Result – WIN (74 mins)

ARRIVAL – 4 Star

This was the game I’d been recommended so highly by everyone I’d spoke to and was the most excited to play with this being a 90 minute experience! Extremescape is definitely like no other as it’s located inside a converted barn/outhouse in the small village of Disley. When first driving up to it I wasn’t expecting it to be way out through fields of sheep (and there was indeed LOTS of sheep). This excited me more as it was something out of the ordinary and clouded my ideas on what we where about to experience. When we arrived Graham walked to the car park to greet us and show us the way. Once inside he introduced us to Jess who both where excellent and welcoming hosts. We immediately got comfy, took in the great surroundings and enjoyed complimentary bottled water

STORY – 4 Stars

This 90 minute interactive experience tell the story of a missing legendary pirate ship. The ship has been relocated and holds the most valuable treasure known to man. In 90 minutes you must enter the ship, locate the treasure and escape the ship to tell the tale!

This exciting escape game calls treasure hunters for a pirate adventure second to none.

A long time ago on the Caribbean seas sailed the Spanish Galleon, Castoria.
Captained by Zak Barrow and crewed by a gang of murderers & merciless cutthroats.
Plundering ships of all kinds along India’s Malabar coast, Barrow was a Pirate,
one of the most infamous Pirates of all time.

Barrow’s ship Castoria battled with the India Merchant, a huge treasure ship of 350 tons.
In rough seas, the merchant vessel fired but due to a sudden ocean swell, the shot missed its mark.
The pirates threw their grappling hooks, bringing the two ships together.
And rapidly boarded the ship, soon Captain Barrow was in the possession of
one of the greatest pirate treasures ever.

The ship disappeared in 1722 and was not seen again until now!

So me hearties, all hands on deck,
find the clues, solve the riddles, find the treasure,
Then dare to escape, you have 90 minutes
but fail, and remember – dead men tell no tails

Are you ready to meet Zak Barrow, find the treasure and escape the Pirate Ship

With a fun and playful storyline, Jess and Graham had told us how they designed this room so ALL walks of players could enjoy and have the ability to escape this extreme challenge.

Briefing/Clues – 5 Stars

Jess and Graham where very welcoming indeed. As soon as our backside hit the couch it felt like we’d known each other for years and that’s what’s great to see as a host. The clue system was a bit different to what I’m used to which was fun. You couldn’t ask for a clue unless you found the clue coins in the room and inserted into the piggy bank. If you didn’t find them then you’re out of luck! Our briefing was out of this world and was another experience straight out of a well known theme park. With a corridor full of themed sculptures, water fountains and pretty lights we stood in silence awaiting until our ghostly captain began to tell us the tale…

Decor – 5 Star

This room was no room indeed as we had just walked the planks of a pirate ship itself. This is without a doubt the most immersive experience I have played to date. I felt like we had walked into a cabin of a pirate ship itself. They had not only made it visually stunning it was also a treat to the senses with sea squabbling sounds in the background to the sharp smell of Rum up our noses from the barrels they’d acquired. Nothing was out of place and everything felt at home. What I enjoyed most about this 90 minute experience was the length of time we had to kick back and enjoy the surroundings and glance at the finishing touches. You need the time to fully appreciate the work and craftsmanship put into it.

Puzzles – 4 Stars

Nothing in the room was significantly hard (apart from one task we dwindled on) as Jess and Graham said they wanted to design a room that everyone can enjoy and be able to escape. All the puzzles in the room had a good balance from physical challenges to simply applying a bit of common knowledge there was something in the room we could all enjoy. I comment time and time again about the curse of being an advocate player as you tend to overthink puzzles all the time now when the answer maybe to simple to work out. My most favourite challenges in the room where those out of the ordinary that required a little physical ability from moving buckets to firing cannons to even stabbing a wall (I shall spoil no more)

Departure – 4 Stars

When coming to the end of the game I was so blown away by it all that I completely forgot we had to leave (*sob*). When entering the last section we didn’t realise we had finished the game until the door swung open to see a smiling Jess meet us with congrats. Still stunned for words the most I could say at the time to them was WOW. Back in the briefing room we got more bottled water, dressed up in very appropriate swashbuckling gear and a fantastic photo to take away.

I only wished their newest room was ready as we left the room on such a high we booked a room at Lockin Manchester almost immediately (Thanks to both Jess and Graham’s recommendation)

Overall

A spectacular visual piece that deserves to be played. From it’s clever and simple puzzles to it’s expert theming throughout this game is one of the top escape games I’ve ever played. Thank you to Jess and Graham for inviting us down and I can’t wait to be back to play your latest game!

And now for the question you’ve all been waiting for…

Will this take pride of place inside The Visit Vault’s list of experience’s?

Website: http://extremescape.co.uk/

– @Vudulys