Published on February 21st, 2016 | by Damien Straker
The Mystery Puzzle – Weekly Activities
http://www.themysterypuzzle.com/
Address: 1/37 Bligh St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9994 8221
Today we put a lot of emphasis on physical development through activities such as the gym, dieting and sporting games. But how much weight do we place on creative thinking and problem solving skills outside of work and learning to make this fun on a weekend? As an answer to this question, a new type of activity has emerged around Sydney in a number of locations with what could be described very simply as puzzle room activities. Participants are taken into a room and then have to solve a number of puzzles in a set amount of time to escape. This is a concept I first heard about through colleagues at work and then was invited to partake in the escape at a venue titled The Mystery Puzzle. Solving the puzzles and escaping can be completed by yourself but people will find more enjoyment in working together in small to large groups. The puzzles include using blue lights, laser pens, combinations, some math problems and mini charts. Completing these tasks is likely to encourage communication and teamwork and will prompt discussion during and after the games. It’s solid for small groups and larger teambuilding. What the games are testing, and you will be tested, is lateral thinking. It should be appealing to people who enjoy thinking outside the box and for video gamers who fancied the puzzle solving in titles such as Portal, Braid and The Talos Principle. To elevate the difficulty of the puzzles, there are fun elements of role playing that will add further appeal to video game fans. Each of the rooms at The Mystery Puzzle has its own theme, such as pirates and a bank robbery, which are matched with appropriate music, costumes and props and the opportunity for players to have their photo taken. Opened throughout the week, including weekends, and set in an reasonably accessible CBD location near Martin Place, the activity has varying difficulties for different ages and group sizes and help from the staff is also provided through cameras and television screens to aid with progress. Your progress is monitored and aided accordingly if your group is stuck because you have only one hour to complete your tasks and find all the surprises, which adds to the pressure. Replaying is also encouraged because the puzzles for the same themes are said to change every few weeks. It’s recommended for people ready to dive into the puzzles head on and who are prepared to be active in a very different way. Jump in now because the clock is ticking.