Puzzle Theory - "Critical Countdown"
- Cici Cao
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
LOCATION: Middletown, Connecticut, USA
Photo above is property of Puzzle Theory
Photos above are property of Puzzle Theory
📝 ETR DECODER
🔑 GAME: Critical Countdown
📅 DATE PLAYED: October 14, 2025
🎬 GENRE: Espionage, War, Thriller
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 7.5/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-10 ppl
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: $29.00/ pp (depending on group size)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes
📖 THE STORY
You are operatives of the counter-terrorism unit known as the Phoenix Initiative. Your team has information that the Crimson Shadow has infiltrated a decommissioned Russian base, code-named Red Medusa. Our intelligence suggests they are targeting the base's remaining nuclear arsenal. Your mission is to secure the mainframe, regain control of the weapons system, and prevent a global disaster. The urgency is critical as we believe they plan to launch a pre-emptive strike within the next hour. The responsibility lies with you. Good luck, Phoenix Initiates!
Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE
This room exudes a strong bunker vibe as soon as you step in. It feels like a covert underground tunnel operation that has concealed numerous war secrets.
The initial puzzles were relatively easy to solve, which was essential because the more challenging puzzles were concentrated towards the latter part of the game. We appreciated this aspect of the puzzle design, as it heightened the sense of urgency towards the end.
This room was mostly non-linear, allowing us to tackle some puzzles individually while also enjoying the teamwork required for others.
We were impressed by the "tracking" system the puzzle designer incorporated in the latter part of the game. It kept us organized and helped us track which solutions we had already input and which we hadn't.
Certain parts of the game felt distinctly "spy-like" as we wired items together, decoded secret messages, and ultimately disarmed a dangerous nuclear launch.
🧩 MISSED THE MARK
There was a prop in our game that remained unused. We realized it wasn't essential since the game already had plenty of activities, and removing it might reduce confusion.
Some clue placements were confusing because we had already solved the puzzle but didn't understand why the clue appeared later on.
🏹 TAKE A SHOT?
If you love wartime storylines and enjoy feeling like a spy, this game is perfect for you. You'll not only learn secret message decoding techniques, but also engage in physical activities that reveal hidden surprises. The challenge of disarming a nuclear device at the end through multi-step challenges will undoubtedly keep you on edge. Bring along your strongest and smartest comrades, as this room presents a formidable challenge, especially for newcomers!
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO
Plenty of parking available
Lobby area with seating available
Merchandise is available for purchase
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 Puzzle Theory for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.
