Get stuck in
Alternative entertainment is sprouting up all over the shop in Nottingham. There’s none of this “just popping for a pint” business any more. Okay, there might still be a bit of that, but my point is that we’re in the age of actual RPG. Crimson Room has materialised. MOTAS can sit the hell down. It’s time for IRL puzzles, bitches.
After going to Escapologic on Castle Gate, as well as Si5 Spy Missions behind Viccy Centre, I’d like to think I’m now fairly well-versed in Nottingham’s escape challenges. However, I do tend to be the one squealing with anxious excitement in the corner, generally no help whatsoever to the cause. What has become apparent throughout the Houdini training is that, without a decent team, you’re ballsed. You need to assemble your troops with thought – only the most logical, dextrous and methodical of friends can make the cut. Choose wisely.
Cryptology is stashed away behind a door on Long Row (the strip that Primark is on) and you have to press a buzzer for the bloke to come down and meet you. After trekking up a couple of flights of stairs, it all becomes clear. The game is Cypherdyne. You’re in a group job interview, and the collective task is to ensure that the bomb in the other room doesn’t go off, so you can continue working at this fictional security firm. And also continue living.
I don’t want to ruin the surprises for you, darling, but what I will tell you is that there is a mixture of tasks that make you giggle and pull your hair out alike. There’s much finding of codes, unlocking of padlocks and cries of “Ohhhhh” with wry smiles to boot. And if you get stuck, fear not. The man on the other side of the wall feeds clues through to the room via a screen in the corner and occasionally shouts stuff like “Just give it a tug” which is funny.
Soon to be opened within Cryptology is an Egyptian-themed room, so it’ll be interesting to see what’s stashed behind that door. But for now, you’ll have to get yersen down, find the formula, and try not to get yourself blown up in the process youth.
Cryptology, 15 Long Row, NG1 2DH
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