"Cheats" for Playing Wizard Quest

If you have a tween or teen in your house, then you likely have video games, and you've likely heard the term "cheats." These are clues that help players unlock the codes in games. So it should come as no surprise that an attraction in Wisconsin Dells that blends the appeal of an interactive video game with a Harry Potter-style plot in a Lord of the Rings-style setting would be the subject of cheats. The place is called Wizard Quest, and the game takes place in a 13,000 square foot labyrinth. The owners there call it a quadra-sphere and it’s full of secret passageways, hidden entrances and traps.

Your quest is to locate and release the imprisoned wizards. To do this you must first collect enough "glimmers" and you do that by correctly answering the riddles and questions posed by the Dragons. The answers are found in the four "realms" - Air, Water, Earth and Fire. Yes, there is an opposition here that doesn't want you to free the Wizards. His name is Ha and his minions do what they can to hinder your quest. Oh, and one more thing, you have 90 minutes to complete your mission.

We called the general manager and coaxed a few clues from her, knowing she couldn't give away the game. Here are the suggestions:

• Remember, the game takes brains not brawn.
• Think outside the box, because doors don't open the way they should and things are not what they seem.
• The toughest challenge is finding the luma-crystal, but the rewards are great. Look for the sleeping troll to solve this one.
• If you're stuck, ask your kid for help.

It was fun to learn that Wizard Quest is becoming a popular spot for groups. Think family reunions and school clubs. Even corporations have booked it for retreats and team building exercises. And the competition is known to get pretty spirited.

Every year the inventors of Wizard Quest add new questions and new characters, so past "cheats" may not help. The Water realm is also being expanded with some new magical mysteries.

So, if you've ever wondered what it would feel like to be the main character in a video game, this attraction could be your ticket.

View all Wisconsin Dells Interactive Exhibits.