Enigma by Christian Grace

Effect

Enigma is a mentalism app that allows magicians to seemingly read a spectator's mind and reveal any object or word they are thinking of. The effect appears as if the performer can accurately determine a freely chosen word or object without the spectator saying or writing anything. The reveal often involves showing an image of the exact item the spectator was thinking of, making the experience feel like genuine mind reading.

Full details

Enigma is an app-based system designed for mentalists and magicians. It works offline, ensuring reliability during performances. The app includes multiple presentation options, such as phone-based and phone-free methods, allowing flexibility in different performance settings.

Key features:

• Multiple input methods: Passcodes, binary inputs, voice commands, and fixed performances.
• Fallback mode: Ensures a correct reveal even if the performer misreads cues.
• Database updates: The app's word database expands daily, supporting multiple languages.
• Training effect: Over time, performers internalize patterns, allowing some reveals without opening the app.

The system is designed to feel organic, with the app seamlessly integrated into the performance so it doesn’t feel like technology is involved.

Who should consider the trick

Enigma is ideal for:

• Mentalists looking for a powerful, modern mind-reading tool.
• Magicians who want to add a strong mentalism piece to their repertoire.
• Performers comfortable with scripting and audience management.

It is not recommended for casual hobbyists who prefer quick, easy-to-learn tricks.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Enigma has a learning curve but is rewarding to master. The core method can be learned in under an hour, but refining the performance and integrating it naturally takes practice. Performers need to develop comfort with the app's inputs and audience interaction.

As reviewer Roo notes, "If you can remember a four-digit number like a PIN, you can perform this effect." However, the real challenge lies in making the process feel organic and engaging for the audience.

What magicians say

• Steve Faulkner (RealMagicReview): Initially skeptical, he was won over by Enigma’s reliability and flexibility. He acknowledges the learning curve but finds mastering it deeply satisfying.
• Roo (RooReviews): Calls it "the best app since WikiTest" and praises its versatility, foolproof design, and real-world impact. He highlights the binary method as particularly elegant.
• Craig Petty (Magic TV): While impressed, he notes that Enigma requires a certain performance environment and isn’t ideal for fast-paced strolling gigs.

Christian Grace’s Enigma has generated significant buzz in the magic community, with many praising its innovation and potential as a long-term performance tool.