Mission X – Mirage (Review)

Location: Durham, NC

Players: 2-8 (We recommend 3-5)

Price: $30 per person

Time to Escape: 45 minutes

I must be dreaming…

Theme:

You’ve fallen into a deep deep sleep, and have ended up in a room that feels familiar, but is all wrong! It’s dark, everything has twisted around, and the only way to wake up is to find a your way back to normalcy! Sort through the dream and figure out how to move through the twisting perspectives and awaken!

First Impressions:

After a good chat with the staff at Mission X, we were quickly briefed and set upon the darkened room, each armed with a flashlight. Though not quite as elaborate in design as Vampire Manor or Butcher Shop, Mirage’s décor delivered an thoughtful take on a more abstract theme, which was an interesting way to begin.

High Points:

Puzzles play with perspective in fun and imaginative ways, building upon the theme of the room while delivering new challenges that require keen observation. The twisting nature of the room is an entertaining approach, delivering original approaches to puzzle design and room flow as well as a floaty, dream-like theme. The room is set in darkness to create effective mood and immersion, but every player is equipped with a flashlight, so it serves it’s purpose without being an unnecessary  detriment to the game.

Low Points:

Hints are still the weak point of Mission X, as the gamemaster must enter the room to deliver hints, though it is appreciated that they pause your time to do so. Hints during this trip were less hints than actual walkthroughs of the current puzzle, which was frustrating as it removes a sense of accomplishment. The room itself was a bit sparser than the other two rooms we’d played with Mission X, due to the less elaborate décor, and also because this was an easier room than the others.

Verdict:

Though perhaps a bit too simple for enthusiasts, Mirage is a great introductory game for beginners and families, delivering a light hearted theme along with an easy to follow game flow. I definitely recommend giving it a shot if you’re looking for a good starter room, or an approachable one for friends new to the hobby. If you’re an enthusiast, however, it will be a fun if simple room, but if that isn’t your style, I’d recommend you try out the more challenging Vampire Manor or Butcher Shop instead. Book your time in the dreamlands here!

7/10 (Good)