Mystery of the Ancients: No Escape – Review

The excellent Mystery of the Ancients series is back for the eighth round. Your friends sent you a distress call from the abandoned Infinity Hotel, where their deepest fears have been turned against them! As an expert in paranormal activity, can you save your friends in time to save yourself?

In this day and age when we get one paranormal-themed HOPA after another, it is incredibly easy for Mystery of the Ancients: No Escape to get lost in the mix. This new sequel from Mariaglorum opens with a typical introduction a haunted house game, and to be fair, No Escape does not go much beyond a generic haunted house game at the end of the day. However, it is the storytelling and the delivery that set this one apart. The game utilizes the house itself as a character with personality. The way the house adapts and unravels itself is definitely fascinating and the constant hint of danger keeps the player on edge throughout the whole game.

Mystery of the Ancients: No Escape is as effective as it is thanks to its breathtaking production. The visuals are absolutely stunning, with top-of-the-line animations and cutscenes. The animations are honestly some of the best I have seen in a casual game. Moreover, the orchestral and ominous music emphasizes the sense of urgency and suspense and further adds to the immersive quality of the game.

While there might not be that many locations to explore in Mystery of the Ancients: No Escape, there are certainly lots to do in each one. The tasks are not terribly original, but they are sufficient to maintain the momentum of the game. On the other hand, the hidden object scenes and the puzzles are often very innovative and clever. The game includes a robotic helper, which is nothing special when it comes to its actual ability, but its animations and movements are truly exceptional. Not only that, but the game also includes a navigator which supposes to help guide you out of the house. I found this feature to be extremely well-designed, creative, and perfectly integrates with the game. It gives the game a new dynamic and elevates the whole experience.

HOPA fans will be happy to know that with all the good stuff mentioned, Mystery of the Ancients: No Escape is not a short game either. I took around four and a half hours to complete the main game, and another hour on the bonus chapter. The Collector’s Edition is packed with goodies; a strategy guide, wallpapers, concept art, videos, soundtracks, repayable puzzles, a jigsaw puzzle, achievements, and two sets of collectibles.

Mystery of the Ancients: No Escape exceeds all expectations and amazes on all fronts. It is truly a testament to Mariaglorum’s talent that this series still manages to impress with eight games in.

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Mystery of the Ancients: No Escape was one of 2019’s editors’ picks, click here to check out other best hidden object and adventure games.