I think White Mission was ahead of its time, which is why people still talk highly of it. I don’t think Alchemist Mission will have the same reputation. It was an ok game but nothing groundbreaking and for us was let down by the hosting.
Budapest
Gozsdu Mission: White Mission (Budapest)
I can see why this game was considered a leader for many years. Would I say it’s still a must play? Not really. We found this venue to be rather unwelcoming, which does make a difference, and the games to be ok, but nothing stands out about them.
Neverland: Plan Budapest (Budapest)
Neverland has put a lot of effort into their venue; escape rooms, bar, food, board games, and cocktails – what more do you need? The set design of Bank Robbery was top notch and had some great theatrical moments that stood out for us. One of the puzzles felt like it needed a little tweaking, and it would have been nice to have a little more ‘warmth’ from the hosting, but this was still a fun experience for us
Neverland: Aztec Catacombs (Budapest)
We were only in this room for around 25 minutes, but we enjoyed it and the set design was certainly their strong point. Some good design choices meant that it felt like there could be something, or someone around the next corner (there wasn’t).
AROOM: Ghost Castle (Budapest)
Ghost Castle was one of the easier games we played at AROOM, but still had a good quality set and was enjoyable to play.
AROOM: House of Escobar (Budapest)
Another solid game by AROOM. House of Escobar wasn’t overly challenging but a large, expansive set with plenty of puzzles to solve made for an enjoyable experience.
AROOM: Deadland (Budapest)
I think this was possibly my favourite game at AROOM. The set was really good, the puzzles were fun, and everything clicked. If you’ve always wanted to live out a zombie apocalypse (with little to no horror), then Deadland is a great choice.
AROOM: Sky Heist (Budapest)
We didn’t know much about AROOM, but they are a solid venue and all the games we played there were decent. Sky Heist was a nice take on a very done theme, and it had major steam-punk vibes about it. The puzzles were decent, and the ending brought everything full circle. Is it a must play for Budapest? I don’t know. But if you do play I don’t think you’ll regret it.
Enigma Mission: Mission Enigma (Budapest)
There was nothing that stood out about this game, and there are better in Budapest, but I’m still glad we played it. The set was interesting and the puzzles were varied. Their newer game, ‘Flux’ is probably the more impressive game, but this is still fine as a filler game.
Mystique: Cube (Budapest)
Cube was a great choice for our first game at Mystique. Whether or not you’re a fan of the movie by the same name, this is a game full of content and backed up by an impressive set.
Mystique: Pirate Bay (Budapest)
Pirate Bay had the wow factor, there’s no doubt about it. The set was very impressive and the puzzles were also solid. I’m not sure what my favourite game we played at Mystique was, but this one was certainly a contender.
Mystique: Time Machine (Budapest)
The Time Machine is not even remotely horror themed, and because of the tactileness of some of the puzzles, I think this would be a great family-friendly game that everyone could get their teeth into. This game kept us going for longer than most of the other games at the venue, so I’m not sure if that’s because it was harder or we were tired, but it was a good challenge.
Mystique: AI (Budapest)
AI was very much a typical AI game. But with decent tech and a system for keeping track of our progress we always knew how far along we were and how close we were to completion. Probably not the most exciting game at Mystique, but if you’re looking for a ‘filler’ game, then AI is not a bad shout.
Mystique: Fairy Tale (Budapest)
I could see this being a love/hate type of game, and Liz certainly hated it (*with a passion apparently). Personally I thought it was ok as I liked being able to just move onto something new if I got stuck. But this is certainly not a game for those who like a strong story line.
Mystique: The Lost Crystal Skull (Budapest)
This is one of those games where you’re in for a good time, not a long time. We clicked with this game so we were out in just under 19 minutes which was arguably a little short, yet it still managed to be one of my favourite games in Budapest, mostly because of the set.
Mystique: The Witch (Budapest)
I assume other people have good experience in The Witch, but for me, it was like torture. I desperately wanted the time to be over. If you’re looking to add a game, sure, add it, but I did not enjoy it, and if anyone on your team struggles with colours, they may not either.
E-Exit: Heaven and Hell (Budapest)
Likely the high ratings for this game are historical, as it is now starting to show its age and feels a bit run down in places. The set design was different and the story even more so, but I certainly wouldn’t plan a trip to Budapest just to play this game. We did actually have a copy of the game in the UK, in Cambridge, but it appears to have closed now.
E-Exit: Santa Muerte (Budapest)
I love it when a company adds a bit of whimsy to their games, not because it’s needed, but simply because they can. Santa Muerte was a joy to play, and even more of a joy to exit. Great signposting, fun puzzles, vibrant theme – what’s not to love?
Pirate Cave: Pirate Cave (Budapest)
This was a good first Budapest game for us, partially because it was a fun and solid game, but also thanks to the proximity to the airport. This gave us a good feel of what we would encounter in Budapest, and if you’re heading to the city, Pirate Cave is a good game to have on your list.
Enigma Mission: Flux (Budapest)
Flux was the newest game at Enigma Mission and it certainly shows when compared to their other game. Flux won’t blow your socks off with the puzzles and design, but it’s a solid game with tech (that works), and a decent flow.
E-Exit: Secret Subway (Budapest)
I can see what all the fuss is about with Secret Subway. It’s not the most challenging of games but it certainly has a wow factor that other games we played in Budapest struggle to emulate.