By Kendall Walters
A secret organization known only as Blackout has plans to destroy Vancouver.
Only you can save the city from certain destruction.
Vancouver’s First Urban Game Company
Immerse yourself in a spy thriller with Vancouver Mysteries – Vancouver’s first urban game company.
We’ve been on the case, solving murders, for over a year now with our hit urban game Crime in Downtown.
Now we’re branching into the shadowy world of spies with our new game Secret Mission, where players have the chance to find hidden messages, decipher cryptic codes and track a criminal mastermind on the streets of downtown Vancouver.
Become a Spy on Secret Mission
In our new urban game Secret Mission, you get the chance star in your very own high-stakes spy adventure, as a secret agent who has only two hours to solve 11 challenges and save the city.
Redesigned by Vancouver Mysteries co-owners Tanya Bennett and Will Woods, Secret Mission is an unforgettable experience.
“It’s a completely unique activity in downtown Vancouver,” says Bennett.
“There’s nothing else like it.”
Work in elite spy units of two to five people to complete your mission.
Meet at a top-secret downtown location, only a few minutes’ walk from Waterfront Station. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a shadowy special agent who’ll brief you on your mission.
From there, you’re on your own – mystery games are self-guided experiences.
“The story unfolds as you make your way through the city,” says Bennett.
“You get to see the city in a way you’ve never seen it before.”
Work as a Team
Games take place on the streets of downtown Vancouver, with teams moving from location to location as they find clues, solve puzzles and crack the case. The route of each game is carefully designed to pay homage to Vancouver history, architecture and culture while immersing players in an exciting fictional world.
Secret Mission features 11 challenges, ranging from hidden messages and clues to puzzles and codes. You must work together to solve them all – teams earn bonus points for finishing the game in under 90 minutes. In group games (where elite spy units go head to head), teams can also earn bonus points for finishing in first, second or third place.
“The puzzles and problems play to different people’s strengths,” says Woods.
“Some are visual, some are analytical, some are cryptic and some need an eye for detail. You have to work as a team.”
You’re are encouraged to come in disguise. Whether you decide to go undercover as a sophisticated international businessperson – complete with suit and tie – or fool the enemy disguised as a tourist, Secret Mission is the Vancouver experience that’s fun for locals and visitors alike.
“These are designed for Vancouverites to play,” says Woods.
“Of course, tourists enjoy them as well. It’s the perfect way to explore the city.”
We Make Booking and Planning Easy
Vancouver Mysteries can accommodate groups of six to 80 players – perfect for occasions big and small, from bachelorette parties and birthdays to large group team building events.
The games take place downtown, providing plenty of convenient options for a celebratory dinner or drink afterwards. For those playing Secret Mission, we recommend a martini – shaken, not stirred.
Think you’ve got what it takes to complete the mission? Form an elite unit of six players with your fellow spies and email [email protected] to book your game of Secret Mission today.
Groups of five players or less can book a Crime in Downtown game directly through www.vancouvermysteries.com. Games leave every 15 minutes daily. Check the calendar for availability.
This blog post has been adapted from a piece that originally appeared on Vancity Buzz on May 5, 2015.