The Architect - Sherlocked

Overall Rating: 6.1

Location	Amsterdam, Netherlands
Date Played	February 7, 2024
Team Sizes	2-6 players; perfect for 2!
Duration	60 minutes
Website	https://www.sherlocked.nl/experiences/the-architect

Set & Atmosphere – 6.5

The Architect deserves recognition as one of the first escape rooms in Europe (2014), but its age shows. The props feel dated and while the space is large, it often feels underutilized. That said, the expansive reveals and unique set pieces still carry some charm, especially when viewed through the lens of how pioneering this room once was.

Story & Immersion – 6

There isn’t much of a narrative or immersive component here. It feels more like a prototype or testing ground for what Sherlocked would later perfect in The Alchemist at the same location. A few quirky touches stand out, like GM interactions and even a moment of breaking the fourth wall. The immersion is light, but the atmosphere holds up enough to keep the experience engaging.

Puzzles & Mechanics – 6

The puzzles are relatively few, but some creative mechanics still shine. A split path adds variety and works particularly well for duos. One puzzle relied on smell, which was amusingly lost on me since I was recovering from an illness at the time where I couldn't smell. Overall, while the puzzles were novel for their time, compared to modern standards they feel more on the basic side.

Flow – 6

Progression is straightforward. The space is fun to explore, but the puzzle count feels thin for its size, leaving stretches where there isn’t much to do. The few standout moments like interactive reveals help balance the pacing, but only somewhat.

Verdict – 6.1

The Architect is a historic piece of escape room design, but one that has aged noticeably. There are few memorable mechanics and still worth playing if you’re an enthusiast, but otherwise skippable in favor of The Alchemist if you only have time for one!