The Cipher Room opened in Newtown back in August with escape room Espionage. Boasting a World War II spy thriller theme and a series of chambers decked out in 1940s décor, it’s a very clever and entertaining game.
Now independent owners Marise and David have launched their second escape room on the same premises, The Cabin – and it’s a bloody good time.
Time Out’s intrepid team of four went in this week and found ourselves inside the dark, dank, rusty cabin of a US serial killer. The room features blood stains, blocked-out windows, newspaper cuttings, chains and arcane, scary-looking symbols – all of them having a purpose of course, related to discovering the codes to various locks and taking us deeper into the twisted mind of a murderer.
This escape room forced us to put our hands in places we didn’t want to, to ponder the significance of some very creepy photos, and to listen intently to spooky sounds and whisperings.
Purely as an exercise in art direction The Cabin is very compelling, and as a game it all follows a satisfying logic. With a fair amount of teamwork and a bit of luck we were able to get out with several minutes to spare – but there’s a final, chilling twist in the tale that we of course can’t divulge.
Outcome: Success!
Atmosphere: ✮✮✮✮✮
Creativity of puzzles: ✮✮✮✮✮
Difficulty: ✮✮✮
Fun: ✮✮✮✮✮
Best quote: "I’m not going in there first!"
Our tip: Say it out loud.
Bookings are now open for both Espionage and The Cabin at the Cipher Room, 640 King St, Newtown 2042. www.cipherroom.com.au.