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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. #CiciCao #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #TheEscapeRoom #Thriller #Maine #USA

LOCATION: Boston, Massachusetts, USA Photo above is property of PanIQ Room Boston Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝 ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Insane Asylum 📅 DATE PLAYED: September 21, 2026 🎬 GENRE: Horror 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 6.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-7 ppl (Ages 10+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $38.00 - $45.00/ pp (pending on group size) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY It's 1956, and you've been abducted by a covert group of scientists who are using you as a test subject in their mind control experiments. You've been confined in a padded room by doctors for several weeks... Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE From the start, we were placed in a small initial room that contained no more than padded walls and a chair, reminiscent of the setup in an insane asylum. The first clue was quite cryptic, which contributed to a prolonged feeling of confinement, akin to what one might experience in such a setting. The puzzles seemed designed to require the mindset of a patient in an asylum. There are "tests" that challenge one's bravery and sanity, which must be overcome to achieve escape. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The initial puzzle contains an essential clue within the introductory video, which is uncommon for players to need to focus on. If you overlooked this clue, you will need to request a hint from the Game Master. The instructions for the clue are not very clear, which could result in significant time being spent by your team. We recommend using a hint to save time. The presence of the clue machine detracted from the immersion of the set design, as it was evidently out of place. One of the audio clues later in the game is somewhat difficult to hear. We recommend making this announcement more distinct. A puzzle we encountered required two participants to maneuver, with one person positioned uncomfortably for an extended period. We suggest modifying the furniture to facilitate easier access. The finale could be more definitive, as we were uncertain it had concluded until we noticed the clock had stopped. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This escape room concept is intriguing, as it incorporates the usual urgency of deciphering clues and finding solutions. Additionally, it introduces an element of insanity, which is executed effectively in certain aspects. While it may not have been intentional to create uncomfortable confinements for players, this aspect aligns with the theme. Smaller players or those with longer arms might have a slight advantage in one of the puzzles, but teamwork is essential for escaping this insane asylum! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Street meter parking or parking lot near by Lobby with seating available Merchandise available for sale VR games Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, interview with the 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 PanIQ Room Boston for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #PanIQRoom #Horror #Asylum #USA #Massachusetts

LOCATION: Chelsea, Massachusetts, USA Photo above is property of Room Escape Boston Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝 ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Serial Killer Charade 📅 DATE PLAYED: September 21, 2026 🎬 GENRE: Thriller 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 Players): 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-8 ppl (Ages 10+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $37.00/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY A series of disappearances has troubled a quiet mountain town, with residents murmuring about witchcraft and rituals. Your team has been assigned to the task force responsible for finding the victims. After an extensive search, you establish a camp in a deserted cabin, but as night falls, the true nightmare unfolds. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The dimly lit set design established an eerie atmosphere from the outset. The worn-out props, especially the creepy dolls, and furniture perfectly complemented the abandoned cabin theme. The use of draperies intensified the suspense, as the unknown on the other side made them intriguing yet foreboding. Several puzzles demanded innovative "thinking outside the box" strategies, challenging players to cleverly use items to escape the serial killer cabin setting. We really enjoyed the puzzles that required visual clues, which turned out to be very creative once we understood their references. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The set design didn't seem to follow a storyline. It would have been exciting to experience a progression through each room, creating a sense of completing one test and moving to the next, as if the killer were watching us. Right now, it feels like we're simply navigating a creepy space alone. The area felt quite spacious, but there are only a limited number of puzzles in each section. The starting room had the atmosphere of a final room. We began by entering a jail cell-like area and then escaped. It would have been more logical if our objective was to break out of a locked cell area instead. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This room offers a great foundation for puzzle enthusiasts, especially those who appreciate a "Saw"-like atmosphere without the added pressure of live actors chasing them. The spaciousness of the rooms creates an eerie feeling, as if something might emerge from the shadows at any moment. While the puzzles are generally straightforward, the final challenge demands more time and adds a thrilling sense of urgency. Assemble your bravest team and see if you can escape the serial killer's lair! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking right outside This location is situated in the same entrance as the "Dollar General" store but you don't need to go into the store Claw machines, arcade, Manic room, and Archery Games available onsite. 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 Room Escape Boston for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #RoomEscapeBoston #Thriller #Massachusetts #USA

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ESCAPETHEROOMers is a bridge that connects the players to the creators. They are a blog/vlog website that reviews escape rooms, tabletop games, online games/puzzles, immersive experiences and more! ABOUT US “ESCAPETHEROOMers” was founded in 2018 by Cici Cao & Brandon Chow, a couple located in New York City. Originally, the website was focused mainly on "Escape Room" and “At-Home Game” reviews as they became "addicts" after discovering their love for puzzles and immersion. As of today, they have played over 900+ escape rooms and thousands of at-home games from all over the world. The ETR team now consists of 20 reviewers (including themselves) stationed in different parts of the world. This year they have decided to expand their horizon to cover travel/ food/ entertainment/ life hacks. They hope you will join them on this journey and see the world through their eyes. Let them be “your key to the outside world”! THE FOUNDERS WRITERS GUEST WRITERS FEATURED IN FAN ART Artist: Jack Fallows (Cryptogram Puzzle Post) Artist: Holly Carden (Carden Illustration) Artist: Design by Danica Artist: clueQuest ↱ ESCAPETHEROOMers BLOGGER FRIENDS ↴

Escape room reviews in Maine, USA! maine