Lucardo – University of Magic

Lucardo – University of Magic.
Location: Manchester
Game Date 21/11/2017.
Team: Amy & Ian

Probably one of the most anticipated rooms in the North West of 2017, When I found out Lucardo were closing Contamination I was a bit sad, as it was a fantastic game. Could the new University of Magic top contamination? Could Lucardo create Magic in Manchester? As soon as it was available, I booked us in (we were very kindly invited to play by Ian at Lucardo) Soon the day arrived, and after much hype by other enthusiasts we were incredibly excited!

Theme:
“You have been offered a place to study at the mystical University of Magic. In order to secure your place, you will need to cast spells, recite incantations, mix potions and battle with dark forces. Do you have what it takes to play this ultimate escape room and become the next Witch or Wizard of the University of Magic?”

This room is gorgeous, with no stone left unturned, it’s hard to imagine the sterile white space that used to be contamination and the room seemed so much larger!
The decoration is absolutely perfect, with rock walls, magic paintings and lovely antique furniture that you would come to expect from a University of Magic.
The Apothecary is a sight to behold, it was a real WOW moment, with rows upon rows of magical glowing potions, dragons, crafty spells and hidden treats and delights at every turn.
The intricacy and attention to detail even goes so far as to have an ICE dragon blowing cool air (to disguise the fan in the room) details like this made the room that much more immersive.
There are obviously tricks, treats and magic around every corner and I will refrain from describing much more detail for fear of spoilers!
A beautifully decorated room that has clearly had hours of love, dedication and passion poured into it, which creates a fully realised and immersive environment that encourages exploration and really does make you feel as if your a real Witch or Wizard!

Game Play:
A game which starts off open, and closes down to a more linear game when the pressure is on and the end is near, bringing the whole team together to experience the penultimate puzzle and ending of the room.
Puzzles are a good mix, leaning towards observation, logic and searching, with a smidgen of physicality brought into play.
Lucardo have certainly made a move to use less padlocks than their previous games, and this works exceptionally well, in clever manners that don’t distract from the immersion, and which aren’t overdone.
There are still a fair few padlocks to get your teeth into, but the execution of the puzzles means that at no time are you trying codes in multiple locks, which is great game play.
There is a moment in the game that really enchanted and surprised me, and made me feel like a real witch! Coupled with the fantastic site on completion of the puzzle, this moment was worth the entire room, and it beautifully brought about to where all players are focused in on the moment as it happens.
The puzzles all had great ah-ha moments, and even though some we had seen before (due to having played a fair few games) there was small twists and turns on the puzzle that gave them a greater sense of achievement when solved, and also served to give the game its indubitable Lucardo stamp!
The flow of the room was integral to the game, with moments of fast paced puzzle solving then brought back to more lengthy, thought provoking moments.
There were a couple of moments we got stuck, but this was down to our own failings as the logic and design of the room was excellent.
A busy and tricky room that would serve a newbie group well after a few games and is sure to delight any enthusiast!

Clue System:
Clues were delivered via a screen

Game Host:
Laura was our game host and it was lovely to see her again after meeting her at ERIC a month or so ago! She was so chatty and friendly (We’re sorry for your late night home Laura) we chatted for ages about all things escaping! She ran the game with excellence, only giving clues when we asked, or truly needed them (of which we had 3!) and was clearly paying attention with dilligence

Did we escape?
Yes, in 48 minutes!

Website: http://lucardo.com/
Price:
2 Players £42
3 Players £57
4 Players £72
5 Players £85
6 Players £90