The origin of the Escape Games
At the base of escape games are puzzle video games, created in the 2000s, which later inspired Japanese people to create similar adventures in a fictional but real world. They have become very popular there: there are many of them, with worlds all more eccentric than each other. About ten years ago this type of game was exported to Hungary, then the virus spread very quickly to Budapest and other Hungarian cities. The first Escape Game opened in Paris in 2013, and now counts more than 22!
To be tested urgently
The holidays are over and we're back in Paris. While we were inevitably a little disappointed by the end of the summer, we were also happy to see our beloved colleagues back. As some of you probably do, we regularly seek to do activities together in order to strengthen the links but above all to see each other in a different context than work. After having thought about all the possibilities offered by the capital (Bowling, Laser Game, Beer Pong,...), one of us proposed an activity still UFO for most of my colleagues and myself: "the Escape Game". If, like me, you didn't know this concept until a few days ago, here it is in a few words: you are introduced to a team room (3 to 6 people), which represents a fictitious universe thanks to elaborate decors. The goal is simple: get out of the room in less than an hour and solve a main plot. To do this, you have to solve little puzzles (à la Fort Boyard), succeed in playful manipulations and the clues you discover will lead you to others, until the final exit.
Our arrival at the escape game
After deliberating together and finding out what escape game is, our decision was made and we were all overmotivated. Our choice was HAPPY HOUR ESCAPE GAME located in the centre of Paris which is already one of the institutions in the capital. Arriving a little early, as requested when we made our reservation, we are lucky to be very well received by a passionate team. They offer us a few refreshments, remind us of the basic principles and suggest that we do a little training before taking the plunge. This establishment offers three different universes: "Professor Zoltan's Virus", "The dungeons of the Black Knight" and "Police academy of Palamento city". Fans of police investigations, we chose to venture into the latter. The big advantage of HAPPY HOUR ESCAPE GAME is to offer a very nice concept if you are more than six players: the "twin rooms". This allows two teams to challenge each other by simultaneously doing the same mission (Police academy for example) in two identical rooms. And so we can have a little bickering on the way out. In our case, it was ideal because there were ten of us! For one hour, we will transform ourselves into two teams of five policemen in charge of defusing a bomb that threatens to explode in Palamento city! This is perfectly consistent with the "universe" we are about to enter. Little tips from the organizing team that are worth their weight in gold: communication and team cohesion are essential, they are key factors that will allow you to put together the pieces of this human-sized puzzle
Entry into the room and total immersion in the mission
We put on our police disguises and off we go. As the five of us enter the room (the other team of five being in the twin room), the stopwatch is started. Immediately the immersion is total: our outfits, the decorations and the soundtrack plunge us into a fascinating universe, and we quickly get caught up in the game. Discovery of clues, surprises, everyone gives their all to succeed in the mission in time. The organization in the team is quite natural, even if it is not always obvious when you get stuck on a particular point and the pressure of the lap time is felt? Fortunately, a screen in the room can provide some valuable clues if a team gets stuck on a wrong track for too long. The atmosphere is one of reflection and concentration, but also clearly one of laughter, so many absurd actions and theories. But in the end, we manage to defuse this famous bomb and escape without exploding into pieces before game time, in 45 minutes and two clues! On the other hand, if the other team has managed to leave the room after an hour, the bomb is far from being defused... Chambrage assured! Rather proud of us, we are told later that the record of this "universe" was 29 minutes without clues ... No wonder when we learn that there are teams so passionate about the Escape Games, that they travel to all European capitals to obtain speed records without clues of course ... While waiting to reach this level we have earned our photo on the wall of teams who took up the challenge!
What we learn from our experience at HAPPY HOUR ESCAPE GAME
Unlike many other activities, with escape game every team member has a role to play. The scenario and missions are really well thought out and fun, but don't be too sure there are a lot of pitfalls to avoid in order to get out of it! We have different profiles (22 to 38 years old, Men and Women) and we all loved it. I am sure that we will soon try our luck in the Dark Knight's Dummies or in Professor Zoltan's laboratory. We have already recommended the escape game experience to many colleagues and friends
Practical information
For whom / with whom?
In family, from 9 years old for accompanied children, 13 years old otherwise. Younger children may surprise you with their ability to solve some of the puzzles that adults might stumble upon.
With friends, for a birthday, an EVG/EVJF or just for fun
With colleagues for a team building or just to have a good time
How long?
Count 1h30 in total
How much does it cost?
Between 21 and 32€ / person, depending on the number of people in the team and the time slot.
Where to?
Happy Hour Escape Game, 37 Rue de la Lune, 75002 Paris, Métro Bonne Nouvelle
How do I make a reservation?
Directly via internet, by email : contact[@]happyhourescapegame.com, by phone : 01 71 73 55 99
