Clue HQ Brentwood – Bunker 38

Clue HQ Brentwood – Bunker 38.
Location: Brentwood
Game Date: 20/08/2018.
Team – Amy & Ian.

Theme:
“You’ve been living in an underground bunker for years due to a radiation leak. Now you’ve been given the all clear, but you’re locked in and oxygen levels are running low! With only 60 minutes of breathable air left, will you be able to escape in time?”

The theme was good, the bunker felt lived in and well used, yet the set was simple and uncluttered. The lighting was good and the space was manageable, although I think 6 may be a little bit squeezy!

Game Play:
A linear game that relies heavily on searching & observation, with a couple of logic & physical puzzles thrown in.
There was plenty to do, with the puzzles being logical having nice ah-ha moments but the focus is certainly on searching and observation.
The flow was good. We got stumped quite a lot on the search elements of the room, and this is were we needed more of our clues. Signposting was subtle and experienced players will spot it, but it may be overlooked by new or inexperienced players.
The room would benefit from removing a few of the searches and adding more puzzles (and I know the clueHQ brand are capable of creating lovely puzzles!) it felt a bit stilted in being such a search heavy room.
It would suit beginners and bigger teams.

Clue System:
Clues were delivered via a screen

Game Host:
Paul was our game host and was welcoming and friendly, he put us on the 5 clues or less challenge and as such clues were delivered with precision at the last critical moment to keep us on track, hence our escape time!

Did we escape?
Yes, in 59 minutes, but we were on super hard mode with the clues, and failed on searching numerous times

Website: https://cluehqbrentwood.co.uk
Price:
2 Players £50
3 Players £63
4 Players £76
5 Players £85
6 Players £90

Whilst we were at ClueHQ Paul treated us to his mobile game, which was designed by Jane Norris (from Norris Box) – this was a joy! Excellent puzzles which really got the brain working but had great, clear logic and great flow! This is worth enquiring about when you play at ClueHQ Brentwood!