LOCATION: Davie, Florida, USA
Photo above is property of Lockbox Escape Room
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
📝 ETR DECODER
🔑 GAME: The Puzzler's Lair
📅 DATE PLAYED: November 19, 2021
🎬 GENRE: Thriller
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 9/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 3-10PPL
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: $30/PP
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes
📖 THE STORY
The infamous killer known as The Puzzler is at the top of FBI' s "Most Wanted" list. He's a vigilante determined to bring justice to those who haven't been adequately punished by the system. Unfortunately, you are his next victim and have been trapped inside the Puzzler's Lair. The Puzzler likes to watch his victims struggle to survive, so he's offering you a series of tests to try and escape. Do you have what it takes to outsmart him and escape?
Video is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE
Like the name, this room is FULL of puzzles. For players who are looking for puzzles that feels endless, you have found the right spot.
If you have a large group, it might be quite easy to divide and conquer as the room is quite spacious and the puzzles are not linear.
We saw a good amount of puzzles that we've seen as enthusiasts in other escape rooms but it was still a nice solve but there were many innovative puzzle ideas that we really enjoyed.
🧩 MISSED THE MARK
Although the game master did state that it's best to not move around much when solving these puzzles, some were placed really close together in terms of clues. There are also decors that could be "red herrings". We don't think those decors are really necessary in a room that's already so heavy with puzzle amounts. Perhaps putting them further away from the actual clues is ok to add some backstory.
This room is mainly focused on puzzles so there's not much of a set design to it. We think there should at least be a "divider" between the first part of the room and the other to create a sense of "surprise". Perhaps a lock on it or a hidden reveal.
One puzzle in the latter part of the game was a bit confusing in terms of the wording.
🏹 TAKE A SHOT?
For two people, there was A LOT to do. We rated the difficulty level mainly because of how many puzzles there were versus difficulty level of the puzzles. We got out at the last second which was such a adrenaline rush. Never think you can take a breather unless you're really at the end. Just keep opening locks until you ran out of them. For lock lovers, this room will be heaven for you. From time to time we really enjoy a room just for the sake of puzzles. This room has a lot of potential with a bit more budget to make it more immersive with the storyline with added sound and lighting.
We first played Lockbox Escape Room's games remotely online back in 2020. They were one of the first to create a hybrid of remote avatar with point-n-click games. Since then, they've evolved to producing tons of digital games for corporate events and more! We've had the pleasure of playing "CIA Taskforce: The Gamer", "Timeline", "Order of Illusionists", "Gallery Heist", and "Vampire Hunters"! So this was a bit surreal to see the rooms in-person. We look forward to seeing more of their creative ideas in the future!
ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO
There's a free parking lot right in front of the facility. Lobby area with seating and water available.
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
(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 Lockbox Escape Room for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.
