Escape Much - "The Lost Artifact"

Cici Cao
1 day ago
3 min read

LOCATION:  Glen Rock, New Jersey, USA

Photo above is property of Escape Much

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

📝 ETR DECODER

🔑 GAME: The Lost Artifact
📅 DATE PLAYED: October 10, 2025
🎬 GENRE: Adventure
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 5/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-10 ppl
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: $36-40 PP (pending on the amt of ppl)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

📖 THE STORY

You are Ohio Smith, a daring archaeologist. A mysterious government agency contacts you about a stolen ancient ceremonial dagger from a Mayan Temple in the Amazon. Suspecting your rival, Pilote, you learn the artifact could have apocalyptic consequences if mishandled. The agent insists you recover the dagger at all costs. Despite suspecting the agent's hidden motives, your love for adventure prevails. Pilote's greed drives him to the highest Black Market bidder, so you gather a trusted team to track him. Amidst competing interests, you are certain of one thing: the relic belongs in a museum!

Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

Entering this room feels like stepping into an archaeologist professor's office, with a museum clearly visible right next door. The spaciousness makes you feel like there are numerous puzzles waiting to be solved..
The game balances the perfect amount of reading to offer context on Mayan culture and essential clues for finding the right solution, without overwhelming players with excessive reading.
One of the puzzle we really enjoyed integrates information typical of a professor's study with elements from his daily life, creating a complex, multi-step challenge.
The room utilizes various props in innovative ways to craft visual puzzles that captivate our attention throughout the game.
Several hidden reveals emerge during the game, perfectly aligning with the theme as we aim to discover where the stolen items are concealed.

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

Several clues were drawn or stickered in different areas of the room. We believe these could be presented more aesthetically, enhancing their integration with the room's decor more. Additionally, one clue's visibility is compromised by its coloring.
The placement of a clue might confuse players because it matches the shape of a nearby input. We recommend relocating it to a different spot.

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

If you're a fan of Da Vinci Code-style cryptic puzzle-solving themed rooms, this challenge is perfect for you. You'll face some puzzles that are commonly found in other escape rooms, making it ideal for beginner escapees to learn the ropes. Additionally, there are a few multi-step puzzles that are very satisfying for enthusiasts to solve. Act quickly, as this game may change soon. If you want to experience this version, head to Escape Much now!

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

Lobby with seating
Limited free parking spaces in front and on the side. There are metered parking spaces across the railway station as well.
The intro videos for this location provide valuable hints about what you'll encounter in the room. You might appreciate these insights or feel they diminish the surprise element. However, if you view them as helpful hints for the game, you'll gain an advantage over other players. So, be sure to pay attention.

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

BOOK NOW

(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)

Disclosure: We thank Escape Much for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.