HomeTown Escapes - "The Island"

Krista Jones

Dec 29, 20243 min read

LOCATION:  Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

Photo above is property of HomeTown Escapes

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

📝 ETR DECODER

🔑 GAME: The Island
📅 DATE PLAYED: September 25, 2024
🎬 GENRE: Survival
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 7/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-8 ppl
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: $25.00/ pp (Min. 2 ppl) (Children ages 7 and under are free)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

📖 THE STORY

The last of the island’s former castaways has passed away. The Professor left behind a journal asserting that the oft-believed-to-be-extinct dodo bird was actually still alive on the island! Yet, this was met with widespread disbelief, damaging his reputation. You have been hired by the descendants of the Professor to seek out proof that he was correct (and perhaps help to save the dodo’s future). Yet, just as you arrive, a massive storm appears to be heading your way that will destroy any evidence (and perhaps any dodos) in just one hour. It’s up to you to see if the story is real!

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

It’s refreshing when you come across completely original themes like this one! In addition to the exciting possibility that dodos are, in fact, NOT extinct, older players will surely recognize another underlying thematic nod to a cult classic TV show. Overall, a light, entertaining, and creative storyline for the game!
While some aspects of the set are more simple, there are several notable areas and a few standout custom pieces that were great to play with.
This game has a mix of puzzles, including two in particular that we found highly satisfying and well-implemented.
This game ends with a bang! We were utterly delighted with a conclusion that left a lasting impression and fit the spirit of the game.

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

Gameplay overall felt a bit more task-oriented than their other rooms that we played. And, while the flow was fairly linear, it was not always clear what the next step should be or which puzzles are solvable at a given time.
"The Island" had just recently opened when we played, and Hometown Escapes were still working out a few kinks. One tech puzzle completely malfunctioned, and there were opportunities to enhance the storyline and tighten up some of the gameplay. Their manager was very excited for feedback, and we have no doubt that this game will only get stronger with time(Update 10/9/2024: According to the owner, this has been fixed).

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

"The Island" has incredible potential. The unique theme is both fun and refreshing, and yielded one particularly memorable moment. While it still had a few growing pains when we played shortly after release, we expect these to be smoothed out with a bit more time. Bringing a new concept and inventive puzzles - as they have done here - is what keeps the escape room world from becoming stale! If they can get the gameplay up to par with their standout room, "Shady Lady Saloon", the entertainingly quirky theme will be a real draw for anyone looking for something a bit different. As it is, it’s still a nice option for families or newer players, and a lot of enthusiasts will get a kick out of this lighthearted, quirky game.

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

Free parking spots available in front.
There is a small lobby, as well as an additional waiting area with seating.
There are bathrooms, free lockers, and a water cooler available.
They also have a small meeting room that can be rented out for birthday parties or other events.

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, an interview with the owner, the room(s) (no puzzle spoilers) and more:

Video above is 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 HomeTown Escapes for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever.