LOCATION: North York, Ontario, Canada Photo above is property of The Imaginarium Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Space Station 19 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 14, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 Players) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-4 ppl (Ages 16+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $45/pp + Tax ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY As civilians on board the International Space Station 19, Galileo, you are called into action at a time of need. A meteor is hurtling towards our home planet, and we must enable the station’s weapons to deflect it before it is too late but as you work to unlock the systems, you’ll uncover even greater threats lurking in the depths of space. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE This room combines the Microsoft Hololens 2 Goggles and a physical environment, which Imaginarium did a fantastic job of blending the virtual and physical together. Most puzzles required a combination of both virtual and physical elements to solve which were seamless in design. The room kept everyone involved, either with large collaborative puzzles, nonlinear challenges where everyone could work on their own or team based tasks that required everyone doing their part. The physical set design was beautifully crafted and full of details with some fun props but added in with the virtual portion, it all tied together to look spectacular. The GM was very thorough at setting up the Hololens goggles for us at the start, walking us through the whole process of wearing them and how to use the technology. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There was a task that could be difficult to complete for some, that only one person could work on at a time. This could cause some bottle necking in the game. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This was the first time experiencing an escape room with a mix of physical and virtual components and it far exceeded my expectations. The immersion was brought to a new level with the virtual characters and hints. The puzzles were creative and made fantastic use of both, the physical and virtual. Even in the physical space, there were still some fun surprises. With four players, the experience felt just right. Any less and it would have increased the difficulty of the room. This game is perfect for anyone who is looking for an immersive adventure, a fun space theme game or just something new to try with the Hololens technology. This experience was definitely out of this world! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO The game uses the Microsoft Hololens 2 Goggles which may cause dizziness, headaches and motion sickness for some. Free Parking Lobby with seating area Drinks and chips available for purchase Small flight of stairs to get to rooms VIP Room available for booking that includes TV and pool table Photos above are property of The Imaginarium (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 "!) #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Adventure #SciFi #TheImaginarium #Ontario #Canada

LOCATION: Bülach, Switzerland Photo above is property of Secret Clue GmbH Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝    ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Haunted Toy Store 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 30, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Spooky 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-5 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CHF 100-175 ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes (32:16) 📖 THE STORY In a charming little village, there was once a beloved, award-winning toy shop. Children adored it, and adults admired the toymaker’s kindness and craftsmanship. But one day, something mysterious happened... Now, the shop stands abandoned, its doors shut tight, and the once joyful laughter has been replaced by an eerie silence. The villagers keep their distance, whispering about what might have happened inside. Do you have the courage to step through the door and uncover the truth hidden within? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE One of the standout elements of this escape room is its storytelling . From the moment you step inside, an automated narrative sets the stage, and additional audio tracks throughout the game provide deeper insight into past events. This continuous storytelling adds a layer of immersion that many escape rooms overlook, making it a truly notable feature. The set design is another highlight. While the toy store itself is compact, it’s packed with toy props and thematic furniture that enhance the experience. The second room feels larger and introduces a couple of special effects, including a well-timed jump scare that heightens the tension; though the overall atmosphere leans more toward eerie than outright scary. As for the puzzles , they are well-designed to keep all team members engaged. The first room features a mostly nonlinear flow, encouraging players to search and complete mini-puzzles at their own pace. The second half shifts gears, requiring stronger teamwork and communication skills to progress. The puzzles also tie in well with the storyline, particularly in the latter half when the narrative expands. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK While the room doesn’t suffer from broken mechanics or illogical puzzles, there’s room for enhancement. The two main areas that could elevate the experience even further are: More puzzles : The game could benefit from additional challenges to extend playtime and deepen engagement. Stronger thematic immersion : While the set is well-constructed, the toy store theme doesn’t fully come to life. More vibrant toy store elements could enhance the setting further. Likewise, the spooky aspect isn’t fully utilized beyond dim lighting and one jump scare. More could certainly be done to push the scare factor up. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This is a solid, well-crafted escape room that’s best suited for low-to-medium-experience players. The difficulty level is moderate, and the scare factor is minimal, making it ideal for families or those who prefer a more lighthearted experience. Due to the limited space and number of tasks, a team of two to three players is the sweet spot, any more, and it might feel crowded. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Parking is not available on site. Free parking is available in clearly designated spaces around the side and back of the building. There is a lobby area with comfortable seating, lockers, and a few cold drinks for sale. This game is wheelchair accessible and disability friendly Photos above are property of Secret Clue GmbH (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 Secret Clue GmbH for providing us with a media discount for this game. Although a media discount was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #RyanDriver #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Spooky #SecretClueGmbH #Bulach #Switzerland

Updated as of May 20, 2025 Checking off the bucket list of countries that we've heard so many great things about, we are excited to continue to travel the world and meet new people! This year, we are super excited to travel to Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Germany, France, China, USA and more! Please email us if you are: - Enthusiasts that are in the area or might be also playing the same games on our tour. We love to say hi! - An owner that would like us to visit your location if it's on the route of this tour (if time permits). - Have suggestions of other locations and escape rooms that we should add to this list (if time permits). EUROPE Tour  - May 21-28, 2025 LONDON, UK - May 21, 2025 "Sherlock: The Official Live Game"  -  Sherlock Escape Rooms  (London, United Kingdom) "Escape from The Golden Hinde"  -  Escape In Time! (Secret Studio)  (London, United Kingdom) "The Emerald Phantom"  -  Escape In Time! (Secret Studio)  (London, United Kingdom) "Sherlock: The Mind of Moriarty"  -  Sherlock Escape Rooms  (London, United Kingdom) AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - May 24, 2025 "Arcade Invasion"  -  Questomatica Amsterdam  (Amsterdam, Netherlands) OSLO, NORWAY - May 26, 2025 "Sinking Blücher"  -  Perfect Escape  (Oslo, Norway) "Virus Lab" - The Escape Games (Oslo, Norway) COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - May 28, 2025 "Da Vinci"  -  Escape Room by Midgaard Event  (Copenhagen, Denmark) "Downfall - Spy Mission"  -  Escape Room by Midgaard Event  (Copenhagen, Denmark) CHENGDU, CHINA Tour  - April 30, 2025 April 30, 2025 "Treasure Quest"  -  Adventure Tour  (Chengdu, China) ORLANDO, FLORIDA Tour  - February 15-16, 2025 February 15, 2025 "Area 51"  -  The Escape Ventures  (Winter Garden, FL, USA) "Dragon Challenge: A Hero's Choice"  -  The Escape Ventures  (Winter Garden, FL, USA) "Dream"  -  Escape Artists Orlando  (Orlando, FL, USA) "Ninja"  -  Escape Artists Orlando  (Orlando, FL, USA) "Baldwin Manor"  -  Escape Artists Orlando  (Orlando, FL, USA) "Neighborhood Watcher"  -  The Escape Ventures  (Orlando, FL, USA) "Operation Arctic Storm: The Final Meltdown"  -  The Escape Ventures  (Orlando, FL, USA) February 16, 2025 "Jewel Thief"  -  Edge Escape Room  (Kissimmee, FL, USA) "The Society of Adventurers and Explorers"  -  Edge Escape Room  (Kissimmee, FL, USA) "Mountain Top Murders"  -  The Great Escape Room (Orlando)  (Orlando, FL, USA) "Smoke & Mirrors"  -  Think Escape Games  (Kissimmee, FL, USA) "Two Can Keep a Secret"  -  Think Escape Games  (Kissimmee, FL, USA) "Haunted House"  -  Escapology Escape Rooms Orlando  (Orlando, FL, USA) "Possession at Haddon Heights"  -  The Bureau Adventure Games  (Orlando, FL, USA) "UFO: Go for Launch!"  -  The Bureau Adventure Games  (Orlando, FL, USA) #escaperoomtours #2025 #escaperooms #schedule #events #escapetheroomers #inpersonescaperooms

Photo above is property of Theory 11 Company: Neil Patrick Harris (Manufactured by Theory 11) Game: Box Two Country: USA 🇺🇸 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Games 📬 Genre: Mystery, Adventure Date Played: April 9, 2025 Difficulty (based on 2 players): 6/10 Size of Team: Unlimited (Recommended 1-2 ppl) Time: Unlimited Price: $39.95 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Neil Patrick Harris is looking for a partner to complete one of the world’s most exclusive puzzle competitions and the task has fallen onto you. Open the box, reveal the secrets, solve the puzzles and see if you and NPH can complete the Sir Eriick Planhart’s challenge and join the club. 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ The beautifully embossed box shows a lovely design and has the large keyholes cut out, which you just know will serve a purpose later. Opening it reveals a beautiful key and a note from NPH himself. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 The whole experience kicks off with a letter from NPH himself, setting the tone. Along the way, we were pointed to a couple of websites that helped explain what we were doing and even put us in touch with NPH himself in a chat. NPH also sent us a few videos which was a nice personal touch to the experience. The game itself had lots of clever tricks and surprises that revealed itself, ones we would expect from NPH himself. One note is to not snoop too closely into the box as it may reveal things sooner than they should. There is a ton packed into the box from props and clever little tricks. The chat system was a key part of the experience. We used it to interact with NPH and get clues for the puzzles. Most of the time it worked great, but there were a few moments where we figured something out early and didn’t realize we needed to plug the earlier steps into the chat. That threw off the flow a bit. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 Most of the puzzles were less solving but more clever tricks that needed to be uncovered. A couple of times, we did feel it was unclear what needed to be done even with the clues. Once we did though, there were some really jaw dropping “Wow!” moments. The chat didn’t have a hint system built in specifically, but when we put in an incorrect solution, it would automatically give us a hint. This was helpful sometimes, but frustrating at other times when we felt we didn’t want a hint yet. One of the other things we found random was that the puzzles at the end were set to be solved non-linearly, but once we solved a puzzle, we were then directed to another random item to solve a second puzzle on it. Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 Box Two was packed with neat secrets and twists as we played through. The story was playful and light. While the puzzles didn’t always feel like puzzles, there were plenty of great reveals and “Wow!” moments. Even the reset of the game was surprisingly satisfying. The game took us about 2 hours to complete and we played with 2 people, which worked well and though the game doesn’t explicitly tell you how many should play this game this felt like this would be the maximum. Any fans of NPH, magic tricks or just fun date night experience, this is one to check out. Neil Patrick Harris' acceptance speech for " Best overall Table-top Game " on our Bullseye Award '20 show ! (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 Neil Patrick Harris & Theory 11 for providing us with a sample of their game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. Other recent creations (Children's magic books series) by Neil Patrick Harris The Magic Misfits $17.79 (Hardcover) - Purchase Here $7.24 (Paperback) - Purchase Here The Magic Misfits: The Second Story $13.77 (Hardcover) - Purchase Here $7.99 (Paperback) - Purchase Here The Magic Misfits: The Minor Third $13.74 (Hardcover) - Purchase Here $7.99 (Paperback) - Purchase Here The Magic Misfits: The Fourth Suit $13.88 (Hardcover) - Purchase Here $23.25 (Paperback) - Purchase Here #MatthewLui #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #PuzzlesByMail #neilpatrickharris #nphgames #nph #theory11 #themagicmisfits #boxtwo #celebrityescape #escaperoomindustry

Photos provided by Theory 11 Company: Neil Patrick Harris (Manufactured by Theory 11) Game: BoxONE Country: USA 🇺🇸 Language: English Type of Game: Puzzles By Mail 📬 Genre: Mystery, Adventure Date Played: October 5, 2020 Difficulty (based on 2 players): 5/10 Size of Team: 1 Player Time: Unlimited Price: $29.95 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 From the brainwaves of Neil Patrick Harris comes an interactive challenge. Use your wits and decode each layer of BoxONE. Unboxing "BoxONE" by Neil Patrick Harris: 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ Since this game was manufactured by Theory 11 , we expected no less than luxury. The beautiful gold, brown, red and black colors used on the box really brought out a level of elegance like no other. In the center of the box, NPH is peeking at us through a keyhole. This definitely created a mysterious feel along with just a tad of creepiness. As we opened the box, all we saw was a notepad, a pen with NPH's initials on it, a box of challenge cards and a small black envelope (which could be easily overlooked since it was camouflaged nicely with the black felt). 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 Seeing that this game was meant for one player, we played the game separately. As I followed the instruction sheet and started on the first step of the game, I thought to myself, this is going to be easy. There was not much to do here besides finishing the challenge cards in the box. Boy was I wrong! There were so much more to be discovered. We played the game in different ways. Brandon was always the curious one and if he could skip over all reading and just dive into the puzzles, he would. So he "discovered" as much as he could from the box right from the start. I am a rule follower so I only revealed items when the game instructed me to do so. There's really no right or wrong way to play the game but if you revealed things too early, you might not know what to do with them and this might confuse the game flow. Since we can't reveal too much about the game (as we don't want to ruin the surprises for you), all we can say is that, there's so much more to what we were able to show in our unboxing video (below). Ok, ok, I'll spill just a tad more...you'll be "traveling" outside of this box for certain missions. 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 Since we played the games separately, this game really showed us our strengths and weaknesses. Brandon is great at trivia so he took much less time than I did with the first part of the game. As the plot thickened, puzzles started to take forms in logic and decryption. I would say I had a slight advantage over him on those. Normally when we play together we would use the "divide and conquer" method but with this game, we were on our own. I quite enjoyed not having to fight over game pieces with him for once. Overall the puzzles were not considered difficult for experienced puzzlers but some parts could be challenging for beginners. If you do get stuck, there's a weblink that'll take you to a hint page. If you still need help, you can email NPH or if he's not available, feel free to email us. Although this game could be done around an hours time for experienced players (under normal circumstances), there was a puzzle that may lead you to not be able to complete it until the next day. But be patient and you shall be rewarded... 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 Throughout the game, we probably said "wow" and "oh, that's what it's used for!" numerous times. There were moments when we felt like this was a magic box and other times when we thought it's an escape room in a box. We don't know how NPH was able to pull this off but he's brainwaves is definitely on another wavelength. We enjoyed the backstory as much as the game play. The build up was intense and the main character (plus the special appearances by NPH myself) really portrayed the urgency of the mission. Comedy is something NPH tries to include in everything he does and we definitely had our share of laughter. Although I know this game is supposed to be for "ME TIME", it's definitely playable as date night, family night and group puzzle night. Just remember to cover NPH's eye if you decide to "cheat" because he's watching your every move... Neil Patrick Harris' acceptance speech for " Best overall Table-top Game " on our Bullseye Award show ! (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 Neil Patrick Harris & Theory 11 for providing us with a sample of their game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. Other recent creations (Children's magic books series) by Neil Patrick Harris The Magic Misfits $17.79 (Hardcover) - Purchase Here $7.24 (Paperback) - Purchase Here The Magic Misfits: The Second Story $13.77 (Hardcover) - Purchase Here $7.99 (Paperback) - Purchase Here The Magic Misfits: The Minor Third $13.74 (Hardcover) - Purchase Here $7.99 (Paperback) - Purchase Here The Magic Misfits: The Fourth Suit $13.88 (Hardcover) - Purchase Here $23.25 (Paperback) - Purchase Here #CiciCao #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #PuzzlesByMail #thekellyclarksonshow #kellyclarkson #neilpatrickharris #nphgames #nph #theory11 #suitup #themagicmisfits #thesecondstory #theminorthird #thefourthsuit #boxone #celebrityescape #escaperoomindustry

LOCATION: South Burlington, Vermont, USA Photo above is property of Escape Room 60 Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Tomb 📅 DATE PLAYED : May 31, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Ancient Temple 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-12 PPL (Recommend 2-4 ppl; Ages 6-12 must be accompanied by an adult) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $30.00 - $49.50/ pp (pending on group size) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY A team of archaeologists may have gone too far in investigating a newly discovered tomb, displacing some ancient items of great importance. Since then, strange and terrible things have been happening. Are you able to return the pilfered artifacts to their rightful places and reverse the pharaoh's curse? If not, the whole world may be doomed, as the curse will unleash its full wrath in 60 minutes. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE It felt like we were in an underground tomb! Immersive for sure, dimly lit but plenty of lights were provided so it was easy to investigate, archeologist-style. There were some fun and surprising uses of modern technology, which were smoothly integrated into the room so as not to take away from the sense of being somewhere ancient . It's a larger space, and there are multiple things to do in multiple places so it is ideal for a group! The scale was impressive as well, with hands-on puzzles taking up plenty of real estate and feeling authentic. The puzzles themselves aren't overly difficult, but they are a lot of fun and utilize a wide variety of the typical features of an archeological dig in a tomb. They are well designed and make sense - no guessing what the designer was thinking! 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There was one puzzle that was a physical challenge of sorts that provided the only real source of frustration. The challenge was in navigating it, not understanding it. There was a potential work around, which helps. It's a bit more of a checklist sort of room - you need to complete all the tasks, but the story doesn't necessarily develop as the room unfolds. There was one visual puzzle that we found difficult to resolve, but we were able to work it out via process of elimination. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This is a super fun, playful room. There are lots of large objects and artifacts to interact with in the course of solving puzzles, which makes it ideal for birthday parties, families, and bachelor/bachelorette parties. It would make an excellent first room, as it's memorable, achievable and fun without being simplistic. The wide range of puzzle types means everybody - rookie to veteran - will find a time to shine! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO There is free parking available both in front and rear lots of this shopping complex; while it was ample when we arrived, evidently it can fill up at peak days/times, so allow a bit of extra time in case. There is a small lobby and bathroom available. There are no lockers available, so plan to leave any valuables at home or bring them in with you. 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 Escape Room 60 for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #DaveBristol #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #EscapeRoom60 #AncientTemple #Adventure #USA #Vermont

LOCATION : Edmonton, AB, Canada Photo above is property of Cryptic Characters 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Dungeon of Despair 📅 DATE PLAYED : December 29, 2022 🎬 GENRE : Fantasy 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 4-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $35 pp/ $24.50 pp (Students)/ $20 pp (Ages 12 & under) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY After some recent magical attacks in the kingdom of Edoria and the kidnapping of the heir, the king and queen have declared that all magical practitioners are to be arrested and executed. Unfortunately, that includes you and your friends. After getting thrown into the dungeon, your group has one hour to escape before your execution. Can you make it out and, possibly find out who is behind all the attacks and where the heir has been taken, along the way? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The room was designed with such detail that nothing stuck out as being out of place. The walls and props looked authentic and even down to the padlocks, wooden boxes and aged paper, everything belonged in the room. The story was simple but gripping and detailed enough that even afterwards, we felt that there would need to be a sequel to the game. A bulk of the puzzles were tech based but blended into the room seamlessly. A few times we did feel like there was some magic at work here. The ending was a fun and clever eureka which had us talking all the way home and the next day. The fantastic GM we had that took us to the room and interacted with us afterwards, added another level of immersion with the acting and costume. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK One puzzle we felt could have been a little clearer in the instructions and it took a few iterations for us to solve. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " Dungeon of Despair " was a beautifully designed room and the attention to detail to make sure everything kept you immersed was amazing, down to the padlocks and even the GM. We, ourselves, felt like the most out of place thing in the room. The game also allowed for an additional side quest which was well thought out. If you do take the full hour to escape, you will still have the pleasure of finishing the room with a good ending but if you do have additional time, you can enjoy the side quest and get more story out of the game. The story and how it played out was fun and though simple, very effective in keeping the game exciting. The puzzles did promote a lot of teamwork and working together to complete. Anyone who is into the fantasy theme and beautiful sets would love this room, but this is a must play escape room for anyone and everyone. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Street Parking Lobby with Seating Area Wheelchair accessible, First Floor (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 "!) #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Fantasy #Medieval #CrypticCharacters #Canada

LOCATION : Edmonton, AB, Canada Photo above is property of Cryptic Characters 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Containment Breach Z 📅 DATE PLAYED : January 28, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Horror, Zombie 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 6 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 6-12 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $35 pp/ $24.50 pp (Post-Secondary Students) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY As humanity’s final hope, you and your team of top scientists make your way to the laboratory, seeking to create the cure for the devastating zombie contagion that emerged. As you all make your way to the entrance, a horrifying turn of events occurs – half of your team becomes overwhelmed by the relentless zombie horde, transforming into zombies themselves. Can you, as the scientists, race against time to devise the cure before the persistent zombies break through the door? Can you, as the relentless zombies, manage to breach the defenses and devour the scientists before the antidote is born? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The rooms were set up to interact with each other as they each had “sabotage” puzzles that would allow you to disrupt the other team momentarily. The timing of each was nice as it caused a minor annoyance but not enough to completely derail the game. Each room also had a progress tracker that allowed you to see how well the other team was doing to keep the competitive levels up. The set design was flawless, each room capturing the intended atmosphere whether it was the science lab or the break room. Nothing stood out as out of place where each lock seamlessly integrated into the theme. The GM, who dressed up in character, set the ambiance of the room to immerse us fully in the intense story. The puzzles were well clued and made sense. It was very clear in each room what should be used. The flow of the puzzles also made for a great experience with a few easy, quick hit puzzles to ones that took many steps to get us to the final solution. One minor thing is that the lockers have phone chargers in them which is a nice touch. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There was a puzzle reset button that was out in the open. Though we should have read the label, in the middle of all the excitement we pressed it couple of times, not realizing it set us back. A cover on it could have avoided the confusion. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Having only done a handful of team vs. team escape rooms before, this is what they all should aspire to be like. Both rooms were completely different but did have an even puzzle flow to them. Initially, we had booked this room for a single play-through. However, our immersion in the game and our intense competitive spirit had us stay and play a second time, swapping sides (fortunately, there were no bookings right after us.) The puzzle flow was non-linear and had a solid mix of quick easy puzzles that one person could solve and more difficult ones that required the whole team to work out. The set design of the rooms was perfectly executed as everything was integrated into the room and made to belong right down to the last combination lock. We played with 6 total, 3 on each team and found that it allowed us to see everything and stay involved but can also see having up to 5 on each side and still have a great time. Any zombie fans or anyone having a competitive spirit would love this game and even if not, this is a game everyone should play. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Street Parking Lobby with Seating Area Wheelchair accessible, First Floor Chocolate bars and water available for purchase Phone chargers in the lockers "Containment Breach Z"  is a team vs. team escape room where you compete to see who can complete their room first, the zombies or the scientists. (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 "!) #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Horror #Zombies #CrypticCharacters #Canada

LOCATION: Hilversum, Netherlands Photo above is property of Escape Cafe Hilversum Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝    ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Zoltar Speaks 📅 DATE PLAYED : January 22, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Arabian Nights 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl) : 4/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-5 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 75 Mins. 💰 PRICE : €179/ team ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You and your group step into an old antique shop, the kind cluttered with forgotten curiosities and trinkets of a bygone era. Among the dusty shelves and oddities, one item immediately catches your eye: a curious fortune-telling cabinet labeled Zoltar. You’ve probably seen machines like this before—the cheesy kind you'd find at a boardwalk or carnival, promising to reveal your future with a booming voice and flashing lights. But this one is different. It speaks without prompting. And not only does it seem to know your future… it may know your past as well. With that chilling realization, you're pulled into a story far beyond the antique shop walls. Hidden sets, untold secrets, and thrilling discoveries await—if you're brave enough to follow where Zoltar speaks. Video above is property of Escape Cafe Hilversum 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Zoltar Speaks immediately impresses with its massive room, offering a sense of scale and grandeur that truly transports players into its world. The expansive space allows for a level of exploration and discovery that smaller rooms simply can't match, making every corner feel like a new mystery waiting to be uncovered. Rather than feeling overwhelming, the layout is cleverly designed to guide players through an evolving journey, ensuring that every inch of the room serves a purpose in the adventure. Adding to the immersion, costumes are not just an extra touch but a pivotal part of the experience, seamlessly woven into the storyline. Unlike other games where costumes might be optional, Zoltar Speaks presents them at just the right moment, making them feel like a natural progression of the adventure rather than a gimmick. When the game provides them, it’s not just for show—they play a meaningful role in the unfolding narrative, reinforcing your connection to the world and the characters within it. This game does something unlike ever seen before in an escape room that really turns it into a strategic offering on the. game's point of view. after we played in the room, we exclaimed to ourselves, why haven't more escape rooms done this kind of thing before? just for the finale is worth the price of admission. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK While the finale delivered an incredible and fitting conclusion to the experience, it leaned heavily on a singular effort, leaving some members of the group feeling like spectators rather than active participants. In a game filled with engaging moments for everyone, the final challenge felt like a departure from that inclusivity, making us wish there had been a way for the entire team to contribute more meaningfully to the climax. The scents used throughout the game did an excellent job of transporting players into the world of Zoltar Speaks, adding an extra layer of immersion that made the experience feel even more real. However, at times, the scents became a bit overpowering, slightly distracting from the puzzles and gameplay. While they undeniably enhanced the atmosphere, a bit more subtlety in their use could have maintained the immersion without pulling focus away from the adventure itself. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " Zoltar Speaks " is a game that recently opened its doors to English-speaking players, and we were fortunate enough to be among the very first to experience it. With only whispers heard through the grapevine and recommendations from some of the top venues in the Netherlands, we added it to our itinerary almost on a whim. What we found was an absolute hidden gem. This game masterfully walks the line between fresh innovation and nostalgic charm. It takes the core of what makes escape rooms enjoyable—immersive storytelling, clever puzzles, and shared discovery—and infuses it with something unexpected. From the moment you step into the elaborately designed set, it's clear just how much love and attention went into every detail. The puzzles were fun and original, the environment was rich and dynamic, and a surprisingly strategic element gave our team a new layer of gameplay we didn’t see coming. While not the most difficult game for seasoned enthusiasts, Zoltar Speaks doesn’t need to be. Its strength lies in the journey, not just the challenge. For smaller groups especially, this room offers the perfect space to connect with the experience—and with each other. It’s always refreshing to find a game that feels like it was made for players, not just around them. The team behind Zoltar Speaks clearly understands what makes this hobby special, and their passion radiates from start to finish. The cherry on top? The wonderful staff, who were just as excited to talk about the game as we were to play it. Zoltar may have predicted our future… but it never could’ve told us how much fun we’d have. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Paid parking in nearby garage Near train station Escape room attached to a bar Photo above is property of Escape Cafe Hilversum (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 "!) #MikeSchnurr #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #ArabianNights #EscapeCafeHilversum #Hilversum #Netherlands

Photo above is property of Thames & Kosmos Company: Thames & Kosmos Game: The Gang Country: USA 🇺🇸 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Games 📬 Genre: Board Game, Poker Date Played: March 27, 2025 Difficulty (based on 6 players): 6/10 Size of Team: 3-6 Players (Ages 10+) Time: Approximately 20 Mins. Price: $19.99 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 You and your gang of elite thieves are gearing up to crack open some vaults and make a clean getaway. To get the job done, flawless teamwork and perfect coordination is needed. If you can open three vaults, the team gets away scot free, but if you trip three alarms, then the jig is up. Video above is property of Thames & Kosmos 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ Inside the sleek, shiny box is a deck of poker cards with some beautiful face cards that blends the look of western flair and classic casino styles. Also handy are player guide cards, describing the turn order and poker hand rankings as well as some Specialist and Challenge cards used during game play. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 The best way to describe this game is cooperative poker. If you know how to play Texas Hold’em, then you know 90% of the rules already. What makes this game cooperative is that during each betting phases, you and your group try to rank your current hands without talking about your cards, using poker chips marked with stars ranging from 1 (the weakest hand) up to the number of players (the strongest). Each player chooses the chip they feel best represents their hand. One of the few ways to communicate is you can take another person’s poker chip but you cannot give another person a poker chip. The only ranking that matters though is the final one. Once the final community card is revealed and everyone has made their final chip selection, the hands are revealed. If the group’s rankings are correct, bravo, you have opened the vault. If not, then an alarm has been tripped. One of the aspects of the game that adds more depth is after each hand a new stipulation is brought in. If you have succeeded in opening a vault, a challenge card is drawn. The challenge card will give you a handicap next hand which can range from skipping one round of ranking to having someone change their hand in the middle of the round. The opposite happens if you tripped an alarm. You will draw a specialist card which will give you an advantage in the next round. Those range from having one player share their pocket cards with another player to one player sharing their hand ranking with the group. Once you have gotten familiar with the game, there is also the professional and master thief mode that raises the stakes and makes sure that there will always be at least one challenge card in play. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🆁🅰🆃🅴🅶🆈 If you’ve played poker and understand hand probabilities and strategy, then you know the basic strategy. We played a few times with different numbers and as the rules say, the game gets harder with more people, especially when players have tied hand rankings. For newer players, keep in mind that “high card” is a common hand. Also, pay attention to the community cards and think theoretically, what 2 card combinations could create strong hands while watching how others grab their chips. Though there is minimal communication, try to communicate the strength of your hand by grabbing chips early and with intent. If you are not sure, hold off until people who are confident they have a strong hand to grab chips first. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 " The Gang " checks all the boxes for me. It’s heist themed, cooperative, easy to learn and quick to play. While most of the cards are standard playing cards, the stylish redesign merges the traditional playing card with a slick robbery theme. For beginners, it’s best to start with a smaller group but if you are looking for a challenge, add more people to up the difficulty. Fans of poker, cooperative games or quick, engaging games would find a lot to love here. This is a perfect pick for any board game night whether you have “3 of a kind” or a “full house”. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our interview with the creators to understand more on the development side of the game: Video above is 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 Thames & Kosmos for providing us with samples of the game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #PuzzlesByMail #OneOffs #BoardGame #Poker #ThamesandKosmos #USA

LOCATION : Markham, Ontario, Canada Photo above is property of Omventure Markham Photo above is property of Omventure Markham 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Hong Kong After Dark 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 12, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Murder Mystery 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 4-10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 120 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $67/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Dragon Head Lee, leader of the Triad, was found dead in a back alley just before the Inheritance Ceremony, with deputy chairmen FayeTal, Bomber, and MadDog as prime suspects. To restore order, a new leader must rise, blood must be shed, and old ways must be cast out. As a team of fresh recruits, you are tasked with navigating the chaos and deciding on the new order. But in the dark underworld, betrayal can be found anywhere. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The overall game was an exciting blend of escape room and murder mystery for those who are fans of both. As we progressed, a digital case file would gradually build on a large screen, giving us information to uncover the mystery. The set design was jaw dropping. Hitting the streets of Hong Kong, it truly felt authentic with the narrow alleyway with shops and signs on each side and apartments overhead, creating the perfect nighttime ambience. There was some neat roleplaying involved during the murder solving, which added some excitement to the solve. The puzzles fit seamlessly into the story, using the set and blending into the environment to become part of the storytelling. For fans of logic puzzles, there are plenty of them to enjoy here. The screen of the ending case file was large enough that we could all sit around it together to review it. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK It’s tricky to pinpoint the right group size for this experience. On the one hand, some of the escape room puzzles made it difficult for more than 2 or 3 people to work on them, while the murder mystery part would have been better with more people. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " Hong Kong After Dark " was a gripping 2 hour experience that kept us engaged and on the edge of our seats from start to finish. Omventure did a fantastic job blending a murder mystery with an escape room, combining the best of both worlds. Stepping into the beautifully crafted streets of Hong Kong was still a highlight. With 4 players, we had a great time, but it is hard to gauge the right number of people. At times, it felt like there were too many of us and other times, it felt like there weren’t enough of us. Anyone looking for challenging puzzles, a longer experience or people who love murder mysteries would enjoy this room. If you are in the area, this is one you should take a stab at solving. Photos above are property of Omventure Markham ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking Lobby with seating area $4 discount for (2) escape rooms in a day Board game cafe for an additional charge Video game area for an additional charge Bubble Tea Car (OmMyCup)with variety of drinks and simple food for purchase Photos above are property of Omventure Markham (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 "!) #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #OmventureMarkham #MurderMystery #Ontario #Canada

LOCATION: Bülach, Switzerland Photo above is property of Secret Clue GmbH Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝    ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Roomanji 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 30, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 3/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CHF 100-192 ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes (25:32) 📖 THE STORY An ancient board game, Roomanji, has mysteriously resurfaced after years of being forgotten—and now, it’s in your hands. The moment you make your first move, distant drumming echoes around you, and in an instant, you’re pulled into the game. Trapped in a perilous adventure world, you have only one mission: save Roomanji. Solve the puzzles, navigate the dangers, and restore balance—because only then can you escape. Do you have what it takes to beat the game before it traps you forever? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Before entering Roomanji we had to pass a little test. Although in no way difficult, it was a cute touch that made us smile and was perhaps the most thematic things about the game. Roomanji is an immersive escape room that draws clear inspiration from Jumanji. The set design is visually impressive, with lush decorations, atmospheric lighting, and sound effects that transport players straight into the heart of the game’s world. The game consists of several rooms with each containing its own theme, such as jungle or Arabic market. The puzzles are well-integrated into the theme of each particular room; featuring a mix of logic challenges, hands-on tasks, and teamwork-based solutions that keep the experience engaging from start to finish. We particularly enjoyed how many elements required physical interaction, adding to the sense of adventure. The game flow is also almost entirely non-linear, meaning teams can split up if they want to ensure everyone remains active and engaged throughout. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The biggest shortcoming of " Roomanji " is its lack of immersion and narrative cohesion. Each space felt isolated, with little connection to either the Jumanji theme or the other rooms. Unlike other Secret Clue games, such as Paranormal or Welcome to Hawkins, this one felt less detailed and cohesive, which slightly diminished the magic of the experience. The puzzle selection felt limited, both in terms of variety and sheer number. Additionally, most challenges had little connection to the Jumanji story, making the game’s atmosphere feel somewhat flat and less immersive. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " Roomanji " is a solid entry-level escape room, and we’re glad we had the chance to experience it. The professionally built set is impressive, and some of the puzzles will be refreshingly new for many players. The nonlinear flow also makes it a good choice for teams of all sizes, ensuring everyone stays engaged. However, for more experienced teams, the game may fall short in terms of complexity, storytelling, and immersive theming. If you’re looking for a highly thematic, story-driven escape, this one might not fully deliver. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Parking is not available on site. Free parking is available in clearly designated spaces around the side and back of the building. There is a lobby area with comfortable seating, lockers, and a few cold drinks for sale. This game is wheelchair accessible and disability friendly Photos above are property of Secret Clue GmbH (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 Secret Clue GmbH for providing us with a media discount for this game. Although a media discount was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #RyanDriver #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Adventure #SecretClueGmbH #Bulach #Switzerland

LOCATION: Bülach, Switzerland Photo above is property of Secret Clue GmbH Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝    ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Welcome to Hawkins 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 30, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 4/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CHF 100-192 ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes (26:00) 📖 THE STORY The Hawkins National Research Laboratory is in crisis—strange occurrences, eerie shadows in the woods, and unexplained disappearances have thrown the small Indiana town into chaos. A sinister creature lurks, spreading fear and destruction. As you search for the truth behind the vanishing residents, you’re pulled into a parallel world—one where danger lurks at every turn and not everyone will make it out. Can you uncover the mystery and escape before it’s too late? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The biggest highlight of this game is undoubtedly its attention to detail in set design, particularly the living room from Will’s house. As one of the most iconic locations from Stranger Things, a high-quality recreation was essential, and Welcome to Hawkins delivers. The space is filled with authentic props and decorations, complemented by audio and visual effects that heighten immersion for both fans and newcomers alike. The other two rooms maintain the same level of craftsmanship, staying true to the theme and ensuring the story aligns closely with Stranger Things. Thoughtful special effects and a spacious layout allow larger teams to move comfortably, fully experiencing what the game has to offer. The puzzles are well-designed and seamlessly integrated into the theme and storyline. Each action feels purposeful and makes use of iconic props from the show, creating a sense of nostalgia. The high level of interactivity, teamwork, and communication made for a truly engaging experience. The game unfolds in two distinct halves. The first half is nonlinear, offering multiple puzzles that teams can tackle together or separately—we split up for most of them, which likely contributed to our quick escape time. The second half transitions into a more linear structure, but continues to emphasize team-based challenges, ensuring everyone stays involved until the very end. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Overall, this is a solid and well-executed game, with very little to critique. If anything, the middle section felt slightly underwhelming. The space in this part of the game felt larger than necessary, and the momentum dipped slightly. Adding extra puzzles or a more dynamic escape route could enhance this section, keeping the excitement levels high throughout. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Absolutely! This was our favorite room at Secret Clue, despite being one of the easiest. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time player, Welcome to Hawkins is well worth experiencing for its stunning aesthetics, immersive atmosphere, and engaging gameplay. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Parking is not available on site. Free parking is available in clearly designated spaces around the side and back of the building. There is a lobby area with comfortable seating, lockers, and a few cold drinks for sale. This game is wheelchair accessible and disability friendly Photos above are property of Secret Clue GmbH (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 Secret Clue GmbH for providing us with a media discount for this game. Although a media discount was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #RyanDriver #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Adventure #SecretClueGmbH #Bulach #Switzerland

LOCATION: Amsterdam, Netherlands Photo above is property of Sherlocked Mystery Experiences Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Architect 📅 DATE PLAYED : January 24, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Mystery 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : €29/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Your group finds yourselves in the heart of Amsterdam, drawn to an intriguing little study—one that seems to belong to a famed Dutch architect. What secrets might be hidden within these walls? Curiosity takes over as you step inside, ready to uncover the mysteries left behind. What starts as a simple investigation quickly transforms into a journey through time, unraveling secrets buried deep within the foundations of history. The discoveries that await are yours to uncover, but be prepared—nothing is quite as it seems.. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE For an introductory escape room, The Architect delivers a solid and engaging experience. The puzzles strike a great balance between accessibility and intrigue, keeping our group occupied and engaged throughout the entire adventure. One particular prop, cleverly built up during the game, led to a satisfying and memorable finale—one that not only wrapped up the experience in an exciting way but also hinted at the larger world of Sherlocked, leaving us eager to explore more of their creations. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There is a portion in The Architect where the group is split, and while one side is given relatively straightforward puzzles, the other is faced with a truly challenging beast of a puzzle. This led to a noticeable time disparity, leaving part of the team feeling underutilized while waiting for the other side to push through. A bit more balance in difficulty or guidance could have helped maintain engagement across both groups. Additionally, one of the props in the game showed some wear and tear, and while it didn’t significantly impact the gameplay, a little extra care would have elevated the experience to match the otherwise high production value of the room. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " The Architect " is a solid yet fairly standard escape room experience that blends a variety of puzzles with some interesting moments of discovery. The room is showing its age, which has both positive and negative effects on gameplay. On the one hand, the wear and tear give the space an authentic, lived-in feel that enhances immersion. On the other hand, some props feel well-used to the point of being in need of a refresh. While there’s nothing in The Architect that screams “must-play,” it serves as a great introduction to escape rooms, particularly for newcomers. If you plan to marathon Sherlocked’s games, this is the ideal starting point, offering a glimpse into the world they’ve created. The biggest hiccup is a section where the team is split up, and one side is stuck with a lengthy sound-based puzzle that demands a significant amount of time and effort. Overall, The Architect offers a well-rounded escape experience that works best as an introduction to Sherlocked’s world or for those new to escape rooms. While it doesn’t necessarily stand out as a must-play, it delivers a solid mix of puzzles and atmosphere. The experience remains engaging and provides a good foundation for players looking to explore more immersive escape adventures. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Minor physicality needed (Ex. walking up and down stairs, squating, stretching) No Lobby but bathrooms on site Can be played in Dutch and English Located in the heart of Amsterdam. Parking garages available however HIGHLY recommend public transit Photos above are property of Sherlocked Mystery Experiences (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 Sherlocked Mystery Experiences for providing a media discount on the tickets for this game. Although discounted admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #MikeSchnurr #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Sherlocked #Mystery #Amsterdam #Netherlands

LOCATION: Orlando, Florida, USA Photo above is property of Escape Artists Orlando Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Baldwin Manor 📅 DATE PLAYED : February 15, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Mystery 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : /10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $44.00/ pp (2 ppl), $40.00/ pp (3-4 ppl), $36.00/ pp (5+ ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY On the 100th anniversary of your great-great-great-aunt and uncle's enigmatic vanishing, you come into possession of their manor. According to family legend, their sinister experiments placed a curse on your descendants. Arriving an hour before midnight, you have a single opportunity to break the curse and secure your family's future—or risk sharing the fate of your missing relatives. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯    HIT THE BULLSEYE Given the manor's antiquity, it housed several unique collections curated by your great-great-great-aunt over the years. Escape Artist expertly secured the decor and ensured only essential puzzle elements were accessible throughout the room. The game incorporated a variety of puzzles, ranging from simple observational tasks to those requiring players to collaborate effectively as a team. The final task was clearly defined and aligned with the storyline, providing a satisfying sense of completion. A prop used towards the end offered an unexpected reveal. This device was novel to us, as we had not encountered it in other escape rooms, making it a delightful surprise. 🧩   MISSED THE MARK One of the puzzles could have demonstrated greater creativity in the placement of the clue. The storyline could have been more cohesively integrated with the puzzles. We didn't perceive any connections between the puzzles and the narrative until the conclusion. Incorporating special effects throughout the game could have enhanced its "haunting" atmosphere. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This room employs minimal high-tech elements, which aligns well with the old manor theme. While many of the puzzles are familiar from other escape rooms, they are creatively adapted to suit this theme. The game flow is well-designed and linear, ensuring that players do not remain stuck for extended periods. Although we would have preferred a slightly more "haunting" ambiance, the current setup is certainly family-friendly. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking in the back Metered parking available in front Lobby area with seating available Merchandise and beverages available for purchase Plenty of shops in the area Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, interview with the co-owner, the room(s) (no puzzle spoilers) and more: Video above is 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 Escape Artists Orlando  for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLEscapeRoom #EscapeRooms #EscapeArtistsOrlando #Mystery #Florida #USA