Real-world escape room are difficult. It requires a sharp mind and keen perception to solve riddles. Staff are also available to offer hints in case you become stuck or accidentally discard an important clue. The game Another Door: Escape Room does not hold your hand. I was hoping to play the Egyptian pharaoh room during my Gamescom Preview, but it only had a horror doll themed demo. The idea of being terrified out of your wits is exciting to me, as I love Korean horror. The scares are a mix of tense, atmospheric details like the mannequins, and more goofy jumpscares like a jack-in-the-box.
Like a real escape room, you’re locked in with nothing but your brain to figure out these puzzles. This demo only allows single player. The full game can be played with your friends. There are two ways to move around: you can either walk or teleport. You choose the best method for each situation. You will need to use more than just a mouse to escape. You have an hour for each experience, so you will need it. To get through the first level of dollhouse horror, you’ll need to find several missing parts. You will also have to search a room full of eerie mannequins. You can unlock a drawer that is locked and hidden compartments by placing specific objects in the right order. The variety of puzzles keeps things fresh and never feels like you’re repeating yourself. The environment is always trying to make me feel the hairs at the back of the neck. Some puzzles are visual and others require you to think. It’s cruel to make me crawl over the mannequins in search of clues. I was always afraid that one might move and startle me. You will jump out of the skin when someone attempts to grab your attention from outside your headset. You can’t use the help or inventory system. Instead, you have to grab each object and then decide how you want to use it. One time, I accidentally dropped a lock behind a table, and had to kneel down to retrieve it. I’m sure it gave the developers a laugh, watching me struggle on the ground, and it helped sell the experience’s authenticity.
It also means Another Door is very difficult. Every time I come across something important, I must put it somewhere that I can easily access it. It sounds simple, but it is easy to forget things when you are not sure what you need. It’s nice to know that the developers are planning forums where players can share tips. This is a great way for those who prefer playing alone, as well. It’s the best way I know to enjoy escape rooms from home. There’s also the added benefit of no staff being around to see you embarrass yourself as you fumble around and take ages to solve every puzzle.
Another Door: Escape Room arrives on October 10 on the
platform.