School of Magic

Darkness must be stopped, but unfortunate vacation planning has left only a few of us junior magic students around to help! Can we pull together our wits, solve the magic sock drawer, and find the crystal?

Magic schools are a staple of escape rooms. They offer designers a way to weave unique puzzles into a consistent theme. So when School of Magic gave me a lovely environment, I gladly waved my wand around and made things sparkle. Think of how often you get to do that without being led away to play a real life prison escape.

This room had a good flow with a nice variety of puzzles. Everything felt as an actual part of the world, blended seamlessly with the fantastic decorations. I appreciate the amorphous feeling of the rooms; They took care to break free of boxy rectangles.

Offering a moderate challenge, beginner players might find themselves stumped. But with the friendly host, and a few leading hints, I’m sure they’d enjoy the room.

Technically, the world worked well. Except for a minor candle hiccup, the pieces responded to our input without wiggling, jiggling and repeated tapping. This is important for games with devices, like a wand. Magic needs to feel magical.

I was pleased with No Way Out’s “School of Magic”. I’m only disappointed that I didn’t have a cloak to wear.