Real Escape Game x
Final Fantasy XIV
“Real Escape Game x Final Fantasy XIV: Escape from the Great Labyrinth Bahamut", also know as "Trials of Bahamut” was a fully hosted entertainment experience, complete with breathtaking cinematics the FINAL FANTASY series is known for. Participants were required to form parties of six, and become Warriors of Light in order to save Eorzea from impending doom. Instead of being locked in a small room, teams will explore a sparsely decorated event space while solving puzzles and interacting with characters to proceed further into the dungeon, eventually unlocking the full story. Around the perimeter of the room, various sets represented different locations, each guarded by characters, played by actors. The experience began in Tokyo from February 10, 2017, which was then held sequentially at 6 venues in 5 cities nationwide. To prepare for launch, a test play was held in December, 2016.
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The experience was created by escape room makers, SCRAP, creator of other escape room experiences such as the Legend of Zelda game. The experience was later launched in USA during the summer of 2017 in the following cities: Los Angeles, Seattle, Houston, Chicago, San Francisco, Phoenix, Orlando, and New York.
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At the entrance of the venue, a photo spot where you can take a commemorative photo and a panel of characters appearing in this escape game were exhibited.
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INTRODUCTION
The primal dragon Bahamut once wreaked havoc on the realm of Eorzea and brought the world to the brink of destruction.
However, the Archon Louisoix and the Warriors of Light were able to stave off his onslaught and save the world from despair.
With their strength, Bahamut vanished, Eorzea was restored, and peace returned once more.
5 years later…
Bahamut, believed to have long since perished, is secretly being revived deep within a subterranean ruin.
The time remaining until his awakening: 60 minutes.
Can you and your party stop the chaos before it begins?
The battle for Eorzea starts now!
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The experience reproduced Final Fantasy XIV’s most difficult dungeon, “Great Labyrinth Bahamut”. Prior knowledge of the game isn’t required to enjoy the experience. Prior to entering, an original opening movie was projected on the stage. SCRAP had in-game footage created specifically for the intro and conclusion of the Trials of Bahamut, and it featured the return of the official Japanese voice actors. The leaders of the Grand Companies of Eorzea, Admiral Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn, Elder Seedseer Kan-E-Senna, and Flame General Raubahn Aldynn, as well as Mother Crystal (Hydaelyn), take important roles in the story.
Participants appear before the three leaders, currently in the Lotus Stand in Gridania. Kan-E asks who you are, and you reveal Hydaelyn has spoken to you and asked you to save Eorzea from Bahamut’s wrath. They, of course, accept your assistance, and also introduce you to Mog, an easily spooked moogle who’s even afraid of the wind blowing. He will accompany you through your journey, and assist you along the way. The Warriors of Light are first tasked with obtaining a Monster Guide before they can begin their journey through the coils of Bahamut to confront the beast.
Initially, SCRAP planned to prepare the opening video by editing current in-game footage. However, Naoki Yoshida, Final Fantasy XIV's director and producer, decided an original video should be made after seeing how much effort SCRAP put into the scenario. Throughout the event, voices of the various leaders could be heard over the speakers reminding you that time is of the essence. Even Bahamut was heard over the speakers towards the end of the time limit to issue threats of destruction.
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FORMING A PARTY
Parties usually consist of four or eight in Final Fantasy XIV, but for Trials of Bahamut, a full party requires six participants. Staff will work to create teams of at least four before the challenge begins. Six different job classes were claimed at the beginning of the quest, each with unique skills. Each class is needed to succeed, and teams of less than six require some participants to double up and play as two classes. On the back of the job card, abilities are listed for each job, to be used appropriately in the battle with each monster. In addition, one of the member will bring the helper "Mog" (a cute plush) as the seventh party member. The different classes are:
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Knight: protect your allies from enemy attacks.
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Black Mage: a wizard who manipulates attack magic.
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White Mage: supporting allies with auxiliary magic.
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Thief: steal items quickly.
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Hunter: a sniper who makes full use of a bow and arrow.
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Bard: make a change with a splendid song.
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Each class' unique powers could only be executed at specific points throughout the game. Some of these powers were the keys to individual paper puzzles; others required creatively interacting with actors. The roles kept everyone involved throughout the event and added an intriguing dynamic to the gameplay.
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THE EXPERIENCE
Once the job classes are decided, the game finally starts. In front of the players, there is an entrance to the deepest part of the Great Labyrinth, "Bahamut Dungeon", but the gate is still locked. To get to the depths of the labyrinth, you need to defeat several monsters from the FINAL FANTASY series, such as Tonberry, Cactuar and Malboro.
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In order to defeat each monster (boss), players must decipher sheets studded with mysteries one by one. There are quite a number of puzzles and players are required to walk around the venue to find clues, which is why a team of six is best. After obtaining the necessary information and items, players must come up with a "command" to defeat the boss, and finally go to battle. If the command is incorrect, players are defeated and need to review their choice. If the command is correct, players can face the boss and fight. This battle is also worth watching because there is a production that brings a smile to all "Final Fantasy" fans. Winning presents a new mystery to the next step.
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There are plenty of set pieces and in-character costumers to interact with, but there are more word and number puzzles to be solved at the table than hands-on puzzles around the space. The goal is to solve the puzzles, unlock the items needed, and use wit to conquer Bahamut at the end of the dungeon. The division of labor is still efficient for solving a large number of mysteries and collecting hints for solving mysteries scattered in the Great Labyrinth. On the other hand, in formulating commands for each monster, it is essential to share information on the abilities of each of the six classes.
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Once players defeat all monsters and obtain important equipment, they qualify for the "Bahamut Dungeon". However, the strategy up to that point is not easy and Bahamut lives up to its reputation as the toughest boss, as seen in Final Fantasy XIV. The key to the overall strategy is the cooperation between the six party members.
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Players also have access to the hint station. The hints aren't full-on solutions, but they may lower the difficulty just enough to make "Trials of Bahamut" accessible to a much wider puzzle-solving audience. The average success rate of the experience has been reported to be 5.3%.
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A special ending cutscene is played with an original song played over the credits, “Fragments (Kakera)” by Tadayuki Ito feat. Ikuko Harada (from the band Clammbon), composed specially for the event. The lyrics were written by Takao Kato.
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MERCHANDISE
Each experience ended with a raffle for a "Trials of Bahamut" poster signed by Naoki Yoshida, the director and producer of Final Fantasy XIV. An unsigned poster was also available for purchase.
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Merchandise made specially for the event was also available for purchase at each venue.
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