Lucardo Manchester, Live Action Escape Games

Bored of nights out? Thinking the pub and club scene is getting a little same-y and you’re sick of going shopping with your gal pals? Well, if you’re looking for something a whole lot different to do, I’ve gotcha covered. Live action escape games have taken Manchester by storm over the past year and the newest contender on the block is Lucardo. Intrigued to see how it would differ from other games I’ve played, I popped down to try it out.

So, first things first, what is a live puzzle game? Basically, you gather your friends and fam (as I did – we all came along for the ride!) and book in for a time slot to be locked in a room for an hour. This is where it gets to the good part – you are given a mystery scenario to solve and the whole room is set up in a theme with coinciding puzzles, riddles and items to find. You are give 60 minutes (including a live timer!) and your task is to escape the room in this time. Go!

I chose to try out the Virginia House room, which is horror infused. I won’t give it away, but the pressure to solve it really gets your heart racing! It’s the perfect game to add some adrenaline to your day, and once it’s over, it gives you hours of content to talk to your mates about. It’s a true bonding experience and you have to work out the best way to work together as a team to solve the puzzle. And trust me, once you get in there, you will truly want to solve it!

So, did we get out? I’m delighted to say we did (but not without a few hints) and I have to say that Lucardo is one of the most puzzle driven escape games I have played. It was totally thrilling and I am already itching to return to try out their other rooms, which contain a whole range of different themes – including contamination and even the lottery! If you’re looking for something different to do or even a new way to celebrate a special occasion, definitely give Lucardo a go, you won’t be disappointed.