Shawn Elisha Simmons
Google
Arcane Escape Rooms has been on my list for quite a while - and I'm happy to say that it absolutely met the hype. Their first two offerings, The Agency and The Hideout, are classic games done right. The Hideout, in particular, made use of really curious props and tactile interactions that were uncommon in the era it debuted, and even today. They each included clever, elegant puzzles that traversed the set and created surprising transformations. But I think for most enthusiasts, The Ghost of Mentryville will be the true star. This was one of the most beautiful, haunting, and powerful narratives I've encountered in an escape room - and I do not say that lightly. Our host excellently narrated and moved us through every detail, staying in character so well it kind of shocked me when he finally broke it by the end. His performance was the heart of the game, but there were also a strong collection of puzzles in this game, all spread out through the strange dream-world of a space that was both small yet also unique in its constant transformation. I will never forget the emotions this game gave me, or the way it was told so brilliantly. Arcane Escape Rooms is a company that does a lot with a little. They embrace minimalism yet also fill their spaces with complex, hand-crafted interactions. If there was ever a set of games for which "Arthouse" would be a good descriptor, these would absolutely fit, and it made for a set of games that were unique, beautiful, and accessible for everyone.