I’m not going to take anything away from Puy Du Fou which was last years great theme park / experience as a watcher, but today confirms you don’t have to have the budget of a giant in the leisure industry to put on a show AND get your audience in on the act.
What do I know though eh? Twenty years in the leisure industry in Theme Parks from Margate to Dubai in assorted roles from game show host to multi site manager helped me realise what putting on a show is all about, and Rustik, you did that in bundles today. Well done!
My life long interest in cosplaying and role-playing may influence my review a little, but we all had a great time for the afternoon session we attended today.
Three party members were battling today. Our Dragon Tamer was in top form but our druid and shield maiden were physically damaged from other battles and not operating at full health despite consuming multiple health potions. Our druid could not wear his outfit as it was too hot but fortunately they supply you with a tabard and weapon during your introductory safety session and teach you how to slay beasts safely… Despite our disabilities we still managed to have a go at a couple of the dozens of assorted quests that were available.
Our dragon tamer and shield maiden are fluent in English and French but the druid is only fluent in English which did put us at a bit of an dis-advantage with the quests which were written on cards in French only. Dragon tamer lost patience with druid as they repeatedly asked them to translate the quest details while analysing the documents for clues (something to consider Rustik?). I could have used a phone to translate… but hey, I was role playing!
Sadly we didn’t catch the moment that our shield maiden came screaming out of a gate as an orc was chasing her with her massive quest associated giant staff in hand. The whole park stopped for a moment and then twenty assorted knights of all ages jumped on the beast and saw him off. I have never even seen her run in the fifteen years I have known her. There is a first time for everything of course. It should be noted that there is a safety signal you can give if you don’t want to enter into battle at any point. Shield maiden forgot that signal in her fear and panic!
A special mention goes out to the staff who were excellent throughout the park. Three staff especially jump out as being outstandingly good in their efforts to accommodate us on all levels from our disabilities to the language barrier all while putting on the show with a smile, good humour and that special energy that the best game show hosts pull out of the bag, even at the end of a long hot days entertaining.
Morgan the quest master made a special effort to make me understand what was going on and send us out on appropriate quests. Despite being busy she maintained character to patiently give us clues to help us complete fully at least one quest. (We failed the other quest which was a search for a lost bracelet… I would love to know where it was). As we approached the end of the day and despite still being very busy she took the time out to patiently give us a lesson in archery. Thanks Morgan, you were outstanding.
The multi talented Krepin (Marcel) kept popping up everywhere from the kitchen area to the battle arena so I’m not sure what his official role was but I do appreciate a jack of all trades. When I was waiting for my two party members to return from a quest he took me aside for a game of block (Barriere). A game I had never seen before and I suspect he is a bit of a secret renowned master. That’s my excuse for losing twice to him anyway… I will be investigating it further and practicing in the hope I will defeat him next time we visit. We caught the second game on video (above). Thanks Marcel for your out of the way efforts. Top lad.
Lastly the barkeep Firminn. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left he was on top of his game with all of the guests that passed his way. A game show host extraordinaire. As I confirmed as we left, the dungeon master for sure. Cheers Firminn.
We will back soon with a bigger and stronger party to do a whole day. They even have accomodation now so we may even fully immerse ourselves in the Rustik lore which I am sure is going to develop nicely over the coming years. I’m excited to see Rustik develop and grow, as it surely will.
Translated from the website: https://rustik.fr/
“It all depends on the option you choose! The Quester Adventures offer a relatively short format based on quests to be completed in groups of 2 to 6 people. This is a “general audience” option! Conversely, the Watcher’s Journeys offer story-driven group adventures, offering even more action and excitement! This option is reserved for an “advanced” audience! Whether you have to find relics buried since the dawn of time, travel the Kingdom to meet a whimsical hermit, or thwart the plans of a terrible demon, no matter which option you choose, you won’t be spectators, but actors! This is the very essence of RustiK! Each RustiK option is defined by three axes: interaction, action, and investigation.
Within RustiK Park, you are invited to don a medieval-inspired costume. In costume, you can blend into the Kingdom, among other players and characters from the RustiK universe, and thus become full members of this world. The costume is an essential tool for your immersion! A costume will be provided to each of you at the start of the activity. However, you are welcome to bring your own! Please note, however, that all personal attire will be checked at the park entrance to ensure it complies with the RustiK universe codes and poses no danger to the wearer, other visitors, or park staff.”
Picture gallery: https://rustik.fr/galerie
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@rustik7732
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParcRustiK
