The Escape Room - "The Butcher's Basement"
LOCATION: Portland, Maine, USA
Photo above is property of The Escape Room
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
📝 ETR DECODER
🔑 GAME: The Butcher's Basement
📅 DATE PLAYED: September 22, 2026
🎬 GENRE: Thriller
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 5/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-8 ppl
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins
💰 PRICE: $30.00/ pp (Min. 2 ppl)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes
📖 THE STORY
You and your friends are locked inside the basement of the notorious serial killer from the North Maine Woods! Lucky for you, he ran out of fuel for his chainsaw! Unlucky for you, he's gonna return in an hour with a full tank! Are you able to make it out alive?
🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE
Upon entering the butcher's basement, the scene unfolds as anticipated, with body parts, a foreboding refrigerator, and a coffin, among other elements.
The room contained a diverse array of puzzles, which provided an enjoyable experience for our team of two as we effectively coordinated a "divide and conquer" strategy. One particular puzzle necessitated essential teamwork.
🧩 MISSED THE MARK
There was a recurring use of a method for concealing certain clues. Perhaps one of these could be implemented differently?
We were uncertain whether one of the input devices was operational, as there was no auditory feedback upon interaction. Consequently, we assumed it needed activation. It would be beneficial to have an auditory indication confirming it is receiving inputs.
One of the visual clues was challenging to discern in conjunction with the auditory clues. Providing a flashlight for the latter part of the game would be advantageous.
🏹 TAKE A SHOT?
The infamous killer from the North Maine Woods is a compelling theme. However, it would enhance the experience if the room's narrative more effectively connected the local urban legend to its theme, thereby making the puzzles more relevant and perhaps more frightening—such as incorporating the killer's penchant for collecting certain keepsakes. The foundational elements of an unsettling serial killer-themed room are present, and we enjoyed solving the various puzzles left by this fictional character. The owner mentioned plans to revamp the rooms, with an expansion and a new room already underway. We eagerly anticipate the future developments at Escape Room in Maine, as they have the space and the potential to create even more engaging games!
ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO
Metered spots for parking, but it might be easier to take public transportation.
The waiting area has plenty of seating and lockers to store your things
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 The Escape Room for offering us a media discount for our tickets to this game. Although a media discount was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.
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