EXIT Newcastle: The Heist

I tried so hard to love this game, it's well reviewed so I am sure we're the problem somewhere here but as a team that have only done around 20 escape rooms, this one just didn't gel with us.

The good things
- puzzles were logical and varied
- the theming was good.
- friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere

The things we struggled with
- Have to leave the room and walk downstairs to the second part, takes away that magical moment where the set opens and you discover a new room you weren't expecting.
- The hosting style never gelled with us and was never discussed beforehand. We felt like we wasted time as the briefing wasn't clear to us and we're allowed to go down wrong paths when a simply steer would have allowed us to enjoy more of the game.
- the end game seemed pointless. I love the idea (and have seen it before) of 'bonus tasks' after the main objective is done, it's great as you get to enjoy the full hour but there is normally a scoring element to it, this felt like a way to fill the time and the fact the loot wasn't tallied for a score at the end felt like an anti climax.

Maybe we had an off day, I would definitely give the company a try again when next in Newcastle. While not a bad game it didn't quite work for us this time.

A heist in a jeweller's is a guaranteed good time but this one doesn't just throw you straight into the shop: here, you've got to plan your heist first... Having one main objective makes this room achievable for everyone but having additional bonuses means this offers enthusiasts and bigger teams plenty to do. Hosting is friendly and welcoming while the rooms are nicely put together and a real joy to play. Highly recommended.