We found Atlantis!
Modern drones are a marvellous thing, and some kid has managed to detect a massive energy pulse whilst playing with his birthday present off a cruise ship!
The powers-that-be are ALL over this and it’s remarkable how quickly they have set up a deep sea expedition to try to pinpoint the energy source. Experts have linked it to a possible location for the fabled city of Atlantis.
You’re part of the team selected to take the plunge in a state-of-the-art submarine adventure. You can hardly wait to see what you will find under there.
Atlantis! 2400 years under the waves…What sleeps beneath?
Escape One Algarve is a venue that I would love to be able to visit in person, and not just because they’re based in the gorgeous city of Portimão in the south of Portugal (although I could certainly do with a holiday). Unfortunately, it looks like it will be some time before Gord and I can go on a holiday in Europe, but lucky for us, companies are still offering ways to play their amazing games without ever leaving our home.
We first discovered Escape One Algarve when we played the company’s live-avatar adaptation of The Laboratory in May. The Lab was the second game we had played in this style, and we were amazed at just how much fun could still be had in an escape room, even without actually being present, and proved to us that our doubts about the format (directing another human being around while they hold a camera and act as your eyes, ears, and hands) were completely unfounded.
At the time we played The Lab, the remote play adaptation for Atlantis was still being tested, so it was to be a few months before we found the opportunity to schedule in a virtual visit to the Lost City. That opportunity presented itself when Escape One brought their third game, Final Call to the virtual market, so we made a plan with Amy (from Brit of an Escape Habit) to join forces and play the games back to back, beginning our evening with a journey to the Lost City of Atlantis.
CONCEPT/EXECUTION
We begin our adventure in a submarine, and it’s clear to see that this is one of the adaptations that was made to ensure that the virtual version of Atlantis would be able to be completed in the time allocated, as we didn’t actually need to solve any puzzles in order to disembark from our vessel and enter the ruins of the city. And what ruins they were too. The set was absolutely gorgeous, and that’s even with only being able to see it through the video feed on Zoom. The lighting was atmospheric, but we could still see everything perfectly. And even if that had at some points an issue, the 360 views, and inventory with closeups of puzzles and props solved that.
Atlantis began with a linear puzzle path, but soon opened up, and thanks to the inventory mentioned earlier, our team of three was able to work both together and independently as required. With excellent signposting throughout, we were never really at a loss for what to do, although Gord did have a moment or two where he didn’t make much sense…
I mentioned earlier that Escape One Algarve is a venue that I wish I could have visited in person. I loved the puzzles in The Laboratory, but Atlantis was beautiful. With tasks and puzzles that were more tactile and required lateral thinking and physical manipulations of your surroundings, it was the kind of game that really sucks you in, and keeps you on your toes, especially when these things worked in tandem with the beautiful set.
PUZZLES
I often say there are games that have a puzzle for everyone, but in reality, that’s what makes a great game. With puzzle styles that incorporated so many different elements, from logic, observation, and even a bit of minor maths (I once added four and six and ended up with 13 on an exam. If I was able to complete this puzzle, you’ll be fine). The puzzles had a clear logic and flowed from one to another, and all managed to stick to the theme.
While it’s less of an issue for these virtual games, haters of padlocks will be pleased to know that there is only one such lock in Atlantis, and even that is only there due to some over-exuberant guests, so be prepared that it won’t all be “solve for this code.”
GM/CLUE SYSTEM
Captain David was our host and avatar for our Atlantian adventure, and struck the balance just right between guiding us towards important things and allowing us to “explore”. Had we ever truly been stuck, I’m sure our fearless captain would have set us back on course. As it was, thanks to the flow of the game, this wasn’t needed and David was excellent at describing what he was seeing, trying everything that was asked of him, and offering just enough information to ensure we were able to work things out on our own, all while keeping us entertained and engaged with the character he created.
Atlantis also had a secondary “clue” system in place that was awakened midway through the game, and this took our experience to another level. The interaction with this was the highlight of my night and vaguely reminded me of one of my favourite escape game experiences, VENUS.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I often see requests for games that are “family-friendly,” and I wholeheartedly recommend Atlantis! In fact, I would recommend it even if your family doesn’t contain any children. Since we’re all pretty much still stuck in various degrees of lockdown, escape on a journey under the sea and treat yourself to a truly magical experience. Unless you can get there in person. Then you should definitely do that.
GOOD TO KNOW
- Number of connections: Up to six
- Price: 60 €
- Devices: Desktop or Laptop suggested. Also compatible with handheld devices
- Platform: Zoom/Telescape
- Inventory: Yes
- 360º View: Yes
- Time Zone: Portugal (DST)
Final Rating:
Puzzles | |
Concept/Execution | |
GM/Clue System | |
Value for Money | |
Enjoyment |
Team: 4 players
Time Taken: 47:00
Website: https://www.escapeonealgarve.com
MPS says
We did this game yesterday after reading your review and were unfortunately incredibly disappointed. I think the element to keep in mind in the live avatar online games is how critical the avatar is to the experience. Our Captain David lacked energy, enthusiasm, had minimal dialogue with our team, had to be directed for everything, his camera work was bad and he didnt give any indication as to the physical clues in the game that one would have known about were they present. When the man in the sub who will asphyxiate in an hour doesn’t seem to be worried about his survival, doesn’t show any excitement at puzzles being solved, give us prompts when we were flummoxed by the wall as couldn’t see the “door shape”, well it leads to a poor experience. The puzzles were fun in and of themselves but we felt there was absolutely no narrative to them, this might again have been solved with an engaged and dynamic Avatar. All we got for storyline was that our sub had run out of energy, we weren’t even told that we were now in “Atlantis”…
Gord says
Oh no! I’m so sad to hear that you were disappointed. You are 100% correct though, the avatar can really make or break the experience. I can only assume perhaps he was having a bad day or just not on form – doesn’t make it any better for you but hopefully it doesn’t put you off finding another avatar game to play.
If you want any personal recommendations feel free to drop us an email and we can try to find something that works for you.