Pleasant dreams...
Location: Greenville, SC
Date Played: May 6, 2024
Team Size: 2-8; we recommend 3-4
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $36-$56 per player, depending on team size
Ticketing: Private
Accessibility Consideration: At least one player needs to crawl
Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock
Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints
2024 Golden Lock Award Winner
"From the unusual intro to the exciting finale, and everything in between, Dark Lullaby had us captivated. The set was surreal and the puzzles were fun, but it was the in-game actors who brought this experience to the next level, adding humor, story, and yes, a few well-timed jump scares!"
REA Reaction
Dark Lullaby is the middle chapter of what is currently a three-part storyline, continuing the saga of Chimera Corp, a dream travel agency where the dreams of one person are a travel destination to be experienced by others. As this game's name implies, the theming turned dark as we traveled inside the dream host's deepest, darkest fears. As we explored childhood nightmares through puzzles and immersive interactions, we learned more of their story and were drawn deeper into the experience.
The set was detailed and moody, with puzzles and props that were seamlessly integrated into the surroundings. At times the entire space– floor, walls and ceiling– were included in the narrative and puzzling experience. As the game progressed, the dream-state world we were in became more unsettling and abstract, and perfectly fit the tone of the game as it built towards an exciting conclusion.
Gameplay was effectively throttled, with moments of intensity followed by periods of calm, puzzle-focused play, allowing us to solve puzzles and learn more of the story. While we encountered one puzzle that was a bit clunky to manipulate, and another that didn't work as intended, these were overshadowed by creativity and intelligent puzzle design.
Escape Artist Greenville did an impressive job of using in-game actors with a subtle presence; we felt that the actors belonged in the space and never overstayed their welcome. They were an integral part of the experience, being involved in puzzles, adding story points, and making us laugh. Ok, they also scared us too. The company's website warned us to expect a scary experience with darkness and jump scares, and it didn't disappoint. But the beauty of this game was how well the characters in the dream host's childhood nightmares fit into the narrative. I couldn't imagine the game without them.
Dark Lullaby effectively blended set, story, puzzles, and acting, making this immersive game experience stand out as one of the best games in the region. Escape Artist Greenville should be at the top of anyone's list for games in the Southeast, with Dark Lullaby as a definite must play. It was a dream state we could really sink our teeth into.
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