LOCATION: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Photo above is property of The Locked Room Photos above are property of The Locked Room 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Quest for Excalibur 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 12, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Fantasy 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $37.75/ pp (2 ppl), $34.25/ pp (3 ppl), $30.95/ pp (4+ ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Merlin has been captured by Morgana leaving the kingdom of Camelot defenseless. King Arthur has tasked you and your group to retrieve Excalibur from Merlin’s hidden chambers before it is too late. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The room was realistically designed to fit the theme of King Arthur and medieval times. This ranged from the labels on the potion bottle to the old padlocks. Any fans of King Arthur will recognize a lot of the lore. There was a nice variety of puzzles that also ranged from tech and non-tech. They were clued well and logical. All of them solved smoothly and provided some nice eureka moments. The game moved from a linear to nonlinear design which would allow for more players to participate and not stand around too much. All the puzzles were also big enough for everyone to see. The ending was what was expected but it was a nice touch and a neat experience. A few small things that stood out overall was that they had a lock guide in the room so if there was a lock that you weren’t familiar with, you could see how to use it. We also had our own dedicated GM which was nice as they kept an eye on us the whole time. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK This was a solid game with no major misses. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " Quest for Excalibur " was a solid game overall. The puzzles were well clued and flowed together with each other and the story. There was a nice variety of puzzles, and none overstayed their welcome. The set design was effective in transporting us into the world of Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table. We played as 2 veteran players which we enjoyed as it allowed us to see everything, but this room would work well as a larger group of beginners. Any fans of King Arthur or solid puzzlers would love this room. Excalibur awaits! Photos above are property of The Locked Room ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking Lobby area with seating available Free sticker after completing the game Lockers available Photo above is property of The Locked Room (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 #TheLockedRoom #Fantasy #Excalibur #Alberta #Canada

Photo above is property of Paper Adventures Company:    Paper Adventures Game:   The Case of Auntie's Manor Country:    United Kingdom 🇬🇧 Language:     English Type of Game:    DIY Escape Kits 🖨️✂ Genre:   Kids, Mystery Date Played:    March 5, 2022 Difficulty (based on 2 kids):    4/10 Size of Team:    Unlimited (Recommend 6 ppl/ Ages 8+) Time:   Unlimited (Approx. 60 Mins.) Price:    £12.00 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 You and your friends have been invited to Auntie’s house but as you head there, you learn that a terrible event has taken place. Your Auntie’s painting of her beloved poodle, Fifi has gone missing. Are you and your friends up for the challenge to solve this mysterious incident? Video above is property of Paper Adventures 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ This game is a print-n-play and there are a couple of printing options. There is the full colour version as well as a low-ink version if you are looking to conserve your printer ink. Either way, both look beautiful with the appealing artwork, theme, and the instructions of the game. They do also have an option if you want to print it in black and white but that would make a few puzzles more difficult. Photo above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 This game will require someone (preferably an adult) to set the game up and host the game for the children. The game has 4 different files when you purchase it. The full colour and low-ink version of the game, a document with details on how to set the game up with answers as well as a file full of posters, invitations and escape room finish signs. As the adult is setting up the game, read over the detailed document first with the answers to get a handle on the game. Keep in mind that you will need to cut things out for the set up, so leave some time for that before you begin. The game recommends about 20 mins which I felt was accurate. Once the game was ready, we sat in the living room as I proceeded to lead them through the story and give them the items for it. The game does suggest hiding some of the cutouts to add another elements to the game, which was one of the few suggestions that they made to help you tailor the game for your kids. The kids are given the pieces for each puzzle as we go from one chapter to the next. Once they solved the puzzle for that chapter, I read the story portion and handed them pieces needed for the meta-puzzle at the end. We then would continue on to the next puzzle. Photos above are property of Paper Adventures 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 For having only 6 puzzles, all of them were different and kept the kids engaged the whole time. Asking which one was their favorite, one of them loved the deciphering puzzle while the other enjoyed the jigsaw puzzles. The game had a nice build up to the end as they were able to get through the first puzzle easily but definitely had to stop and take their time on the last one. The game does suggest setting up a 60-minute timer (which they provide in a video with a timer and background music). Depending on the age of the kids, they may need more or less time. If the kids do get stuck, the game provides pre-written hints that the adult can give to help them through. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 " The Case of Auntie’s Manor " was a delightful, family friendly game for the kids. The art, puzzles and overall theme was very wholesome. The age recommendation was 8+ but we found that my 6-year-old could follow along quite easily with the guidance of his older brother. If you do decide to host the game with a group of 6, I would recommend printing a few extra copies so everyone can interact with the puzzles. As the adult setting this game up, Paper Adventures provided a lot of guidance and instructions which were clear and easy to follow. There were also some fun bonus materials like invitations, paper props and decorations that could also be printed which was would allow you to turn this into an all-out party if you'd like. (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 Paper Adventures for providing us with a sample of this game. Although complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #AtHomeGames #DigitalGames #PrintNCut #Mystery #Kids #PaperAdventures #UnitedKingdom

Photo above is property of Paper Adventures Company:    Paper Adventures Game:   The Great Space Escape Country:    United Kingdom 🇬🇧 Language:     English Type of Game:    DIY Escape Kits 🖨️✂ Genre:   Kids, Sci-Fi Date Played:    July 17, 2022 Difficulty (based on 2 kids):    5/10 Size of Team:    Unlimited (Ages 8+) Time:   Unlimited (Approx. 60 Mins.) Price:    £12.00 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 It is the year 2222, and your class trip into space is just finishing up when a Red Alert sounds. It seems an alien has entered the spaceship! But don’t worry... it’s a cute, friendly kind of alien. Unfortunately, Robbie Robot has locked all the doors and turned off all the engines. Can you navigate the ship, find Robbie Robot and turn off the Red Alert? Video above is property of Paper Adventures 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ This game is the print-n-cut version, though they do offer a delivery version where they will send you a printed version through the mail, but only if you are in the UK. To start off, there is a “Read me first” file which will tell you what each file contains. There are a couple of printing options for the game. There is the "full colour" version and a "low ink" version if you are looking to conserve your printer ink. Either way, both look great with the appealing artwork, theme, and the instructions of the game. They also have an option if you want to print it in black and white, but they tell you that color will matter for certain puzzles so you can plan accordingly. For the GM of the game, there is a file that will give you a full walkthrough on how to set up and run the game. The game also comes with a file full of posters, invitations, escape room finish signs and you will have access to a video that will read the introduction for you and start a timer. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 This game will require someone (preferably an adult) to set up and host the game for the children. As the adult setting up the game, I read over the detailed documents first with the answers to get a handle on the game. Keep in mind that you will need to cut things out for the set up, so leave some time for that before you begin. The game says it takes about 20 minutes to set up, but I found the cutting, assembling and setup took closer to 45 mins. I suggest either assemble the items the night before or give yourself some extra time the day of. Paper Adventures did a fantastic job to include tangible items that can be made out of the paper to add to the game. There was a 3-D robot head, a cryptex and a puzzle that had the kids look through the cards to reveal instructions. All of these added a more escape room feel to the game and gave some fun variety. One feedback would be to see if you can print the cryptex page bigger as I had trouble putting it together with my big fingers. One of the nice things about this game is you are able to set this game up as immersive as you wish. For this one, I ended up having the puzzles in different rooms and hanging combination locks on the door handles of each room to have them “unlock” to allow them into the next room. This helped with the immersion and get them moving. If that is not an option, you can easily have this set up at a table or have everything done in one location too. 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 There was a variety of puzzles like word puzzles, matching, following instructions and more. My 6 year old loves to search for things and do jigsaw puzzles and a bulk of the puzzles start with either looking for pieces in the room, assembling the items or both. If your kids are not into that, you can easily just hand them the pieces at the start of each chapter. Each puzzle was different enough to keep the kids engaged. The puzzles flowed quite well and were just the right amount of difficulty for my kids (aged 6 and 8), where they were able to solve most of them on their own without much nudging on my end. Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 Paper Adventures UK put a lot of love and care into this game. This was a perfect activity for a day in the house. There was a lot of content for the kids and a lot of support for the adult putting this on too. Having played their previous game - " The Case of Auntie's Manor " , I appreciated the extra tangible pieces that added to the diversity of the game rather than just having a worksheet for the kids at every chapter. Running this game, I found everything very easy to lead and it was great to see the kids have a huge smile on their face throughout the game. (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 Paper Adventures for providing us with a sample of this game. Although complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #AtHomeGames #DigitalGames #PrintNCut #Space #Kids #PaperAdventures #UnitedKingdom

Photo above is property of Paper Adventures Company:    Paper Adventures Game:   Great Halloween Escape Country:    United Kingdom 🇬🇧 Language:     English Type of Game:    DIY Escape Kits 🖨️✂ Genre:   Spooky, Kids Date Played:    October 7, 2023 Difficulty (based on 2 kids):    6/10 Size of Team:    Unlimited (Additional printouts are recommended if you have more than 4 ppl) Time:   60 Mins. (+30 Mins. to setup) Price:    $26.00 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 After accepting an invitation to a party at a haunted manor, you realize that the party is not what it seems. Making your way throughout the house and being greeted by the ghostly residents, can you escape the manor before the full moon hits the sky. Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ This game is a print and play with a couple of printing options. There is the full colour version and a low ink version if you are looking to conserve your printer ink. Both look great with the appealing artwork, theme, and the instructions of the game. They also have an option if you want to print it in black and white but they tell you that color will matter for certain puzzles so you can plan accordingly. For those that are going to be the gamemaster and run the game, there is a file that will give you a full walkthrough on how to setup and run the game. The game also came with a video that will read the introduction for you and start a timer. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 To get the game set up, I started with the Gamemaster Book, which gave me an introduction to everything including how puzzles should be set up, puzzle solutions and when to read the narrative to the kids. After getting familiar with the document, I printed off the game pack and cut things out to assemble them. Though the game says it takes about 30 mins for setup, I found the cutting and the setup took me about 45 mins to complete for this game. Playing through each chapter, I started by reading out the narrative and then giving the kids the puzzle components. After they solved it, I would then read the outro for the chapter, and we would move on to the next one. The story was a fun, simple story that was family friendly that was a great Halloween theme. Everytime we have played a Paper Adventures, the way they integrate tangible items or unique mechanics into the game with only paper is always surprising. The assembly of the items is simple but the usage of it is always fun for the kids and a nice surprise. 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 The kids loved the creativity of the puzzles which included reading cryptic poems, assembling, ciphers and deduction. All the puzzles seemed to have multiple layers which added additional puzzle solving for them. All the answers were a 3-digit number, which is perfect if you want to be creative and introduce some of your own locks into the game. The game also had a QR code leading to a digital lock to allow the kids to check their answer as well. If you use the digital lock, our tip is to keep it open on your phone as a few times, it would reset to the first lock. The game provides hints that I could tell the kids or there is a hint book you can give to the kids to read if needed. They would need a mirror to decipher it unless they can read backwards (which can be a different challenge). Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 Paper Adventures never disappoints with their games. The puzzles were the right amount of difficulty for the kids with the highlight of each of them bring the tangibility. The story was just the right amount of spooky without being too scary. There were only 2 kids playing but if there were more, we would recommend having a few more printouts to hand around. This would be a great game for a Halloween Party but for us this was a great kick off to the Halloween season. (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 Paper Adventures for providing us with a sample of this game. Although complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #AtHomeGames #DigitalGames #PrintNCut #Spooky #Kids #PaperAdventures #UnitedKingdom

Photo above is property of Paper Adventures Company:    Paper Adventures Game:   Great Wizard Escape Country:    United Kingdom 🇬🇧 Language:     English Type of Game:    DIY Escape Kits 🖨️✂ Genre:   Kids, Fantasy Date Played:    August 14, 2023 Difficulty (based on 2 kids):    5/10 Size of Team:    Unlimited (Approx. 60 Mins.) Time:   Unlimited Price:   $16.00 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 The Wizarding school is excited to welcome prospective witches and wizards for a selection process with its rich history and continues to maintain its high-quality magical education. The candidates will face the BEAST test, which consists of 6 exciting tasks to be completed within 60 minutes. As the candidates gather in the great hall, the daunting challenges await, promising to test their magical mettle and determine their fate in this captivating journey of spells, potions, and bravery. Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ After ordering the game, you will receive a download link to all the files that includes the full colored version of the game, an eco-friendly version of the game, the game master (GM) guidebook and posters and invitations, all which is beautifully crafted and easy instructions. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 Starting with the Read me first, it gave me an overview of what each of the files contained. As the adult hosting the game, I first read the gamemaster guide which gave me a summary on how to set the game up, how to cut out the game out and most importantly, how each of the puzzles are solved. I did print out the eco friendly version to save on ink but if you decide to print out the full version, you are in for a treat with how beautifully the art and design is done. Like a few of their past games, there were a tangible item to be made as well as a few puzzles that needed to be glued in a fashion to hide some secrets. This was fantastic as even my kids were a little taken aback as to what these things revealed. The writing was also well done that I was able to introduce each puzzle nicely before giving it to them. As the parent, I found this one a little easier than previous ones to set up. This one felt like it had less assembly to it and since much of the game could be set up in a smaller space, there was less to do. The game recommends about 30 mins for setup which I found was accurate. This solutions for this game was typically words and answers to questions where some of the other Paper Adventure games had numbers that I could use locks to set up to verify the answer. 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 There was a solid mix of puzzles from ciphers, assembling, math equations and more. All of them kept my kids engaged and were all different enough. All the puzzles were well themed to the Wizarding story. The puzzles could be set up in different locations but with the limited space we had, I had them leave the room and gave them instructions to other parts of the house and then had them come back to the room. In the meantime, I would swap out the puzzles to the next chapter. As the GM, I could give the kids hints based on what I know but this game also had a hint sheet, that was themed to the game that I could give to them to review. I did find it easier to read the hints to them and give them more custom hints based on my knowledge of the puzzle. 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 Setting up the “ Great Wizard Escape ” game for the kids was a lot of fun. They really got into it and I did too while reading the different character parts. The story itself was an enjoyable wizarding tale that might seem familiar to some. When I asked the kids what they liked the most, they both said they had a blast solving the puzzles. This game is perfect for kids who love Harry Potter and the magical universe. We played with two kids, aged 7 and 10, and sharing went fine for the most part. Having a few extra puzzle copies would have helped if we had more players. (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 Paper Adventures for providing us with a sample of this game. Although complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #AtHomeGames #DigitalGames #PrintNCut #Wizards #Fantasy #Kids #PaperAdventures #UnitedKingdom

Photo above is property of Paper Adventures Company:    Paper Adventures Game:   Great Easter Escape Country:    U nited Kingdom 🇬🇧 Language:     English Type of Game:    DIY Escape Kits 🖨️✂ Genre:   Kids, Adventure Date Played:     March 29, 2025 Difficulty (based on 2 kids):    4/10 Size of Team:    Unlimited Time:   Unlimited Price: Print-At-Home: £14.99 GBP Delivery Pack (UK Only): £20.99 GBP Delivery Xtra (UK Only): £27.98 GBP 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Arriving for the famous Easter Bunny tour, there is no one in sight. All you find is a note pinned to the door. Looking it over, it turns out that that Easter Bunny is in trouble. They created a robot call the Rabbit Robot 3000 to help during the busy season and the robot has been misbehaving. Can you fix everything the robot has been messing up, find the Easter Bunny and help shut the robot down? Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ The game came as a zip file with 3 different pdfs. The first is the Game Master’s booklet, providing the adult with a detailed walkthrough of the game and setup. The other 2 files included the game pack, where one was in full, vibrant color and detailed design, while the other was more ink friendly for your printer. For UK residents without a printer, they also have a “Delivery Pack” option, where you will receive the printed documents shipped to your door as well as a “Delivery Xtra” pack, which will include the documents shipped as well as some easter bags, certificates, stickers and other fun goodies. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 This game requires an adult to act as the Game Master, guiding the kids through the adventure. The booklet suggests a setup time of about 30 minutes, but I found it takes closer to 45 minutes, especially with all the cutting required. On top of that, there are some nifty items that will need to be assembled, which if glue is used, will take time to dry. My advice would be to give yourself ample time for setting up or consider setting up the night before. As the Game Master, start by reading through the booklet to understand the flow of the story and puzzles. Once complete, begin with the preparation of the game. The kids had a lot of fun with this game. The story was fun and lighthearted but immersive, especially with the full color documents and items. The game also made use of QR codes to substitute some solutions out and for a timer, to add a little tech to the game. One standout feature that Paper Adventure does well is that with just paper, each game comes with a fun 3D piece. Though it takes a little more time to build, it is well worth the effort. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 The game had a variety of puzzles, each different enough to keep the kids engaged. None were overly challenging to slow the game down but none overstayed their welcome either. Paper Adventures did a great job in creating many hands-on puzzles, making the game more exciting. The puzzles also tied into the story and solving them moved the story forwards. The hinting for the game was fun and independent so the kids could use it at their own leisure. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 Paper Adventures has created some impressive games for kids and this one is no exception. With some engaging storytelling and well thought out puzzles, it is impressive to realize that from paper, the team can design such a fun, interactive adventure. My two kids (age 9 and 11) played together, and they had a blast. With a few more kids, having a few more items ready and printed off would help to keep everyone engaged. While my kids were able to solve the puzzles with a little more ease, this game would be great for kids as young as 6 with a little help from the gamemaster. If anyone is looking for a creative alternative to an easter egg hunt or to make it even more exciting, look no further than this game here. (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 Paper Adventures for providing us with a sample of this game. Although complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #AtHomeGames #DigitalGames #PrintNCut #Adventure #Kids #PaperAdventures #UnitedKingdom

LOCATION : Boston, Massachusetts, USA Photo above is property of Co-Operatives Photo above is property of Co-Operatives 📝   ETR DECODER 🎭 GAME(s) : Sword in the Wall, The Big Dig, Elixir Mixer, Gnome Sweet Gnome, Codebreaker's Delight, Getaway Gamble 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 4, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Various 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 5.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-4 ppl (Sword in the Wall, The Big Dig, Elixir Mixer, Gnome Sweet Gnome), 4-8 ppl (Codebreaker's Delight, Getaway Gamble) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 30 Mins. (each) 💰 PRICE : $20.00/ pp (adults), $10.00/ pp (children & students) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE SETUP Co-Operatives has carved out a clever niche with their portable, split-information puzzle games. Each experience is a brisk 25 minutes, designed for pairs or small teams who stand on opposite sides of a wall and communicate their way to victory. The objective is always crystal clear, so you can dive straight into puzzling without long explanations. However, that doesn’t mean the puzzles themselves are necessarily obvious or easy, and there’s some nice exploration to be done within those confines. There are also pre-written hints available on a table and (for some games) additional tools or info you might need to play. When we visited, six games were available, though they rotate others in over time. We were greeted by co-owner Caleb and GM Matt, who were both friendly, enthusiastic, and clearly passionate about creating experiences that balance teamwork and fun. 🎮    GAMES PLAYED Here's a quick rundown of the (6) games we tried: Sword in the Wall : A knightly challenge with an Excalibur theme. Unambiguous (even if we initially thought a few things were unclear), well-signposted, and teamwork-heavy (as with all their options), this was an excellent intro game. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers The Big Dig : Archaeology-themed with solid puzzle variety (and great design of similar-but-just-different-enough symbols). A few locks were a little worn )they’re working on replacing them) and one mechanism allowed for too much wiggle room, but still satisfying to solve. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Elixir Mixer : Whimsical wizarding fun. It included a light, approachable logic puzzle with just the right splash of charm. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Gnome Sweet Gnome : One of our favorites! We loved the whimsical theming, very tactile elements, and cleanly designed puzzles. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Codebreaker’s Delight : Assemble a sandwich by solving puzzles?! Ok! Trickier, and a bit less thematic than their other games (but nicely absurdist). This is one of their two games for which they recommend a minimum of 4 players, but 2 enthusiasts would be fine. The visual puzzles stood out in this one! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Getaway Gamble: A heist game with very distinct vibes on each side of the wall - one had very pleasing visuals, while the other was a bit more gritty-heist-planning.and interactive teamwork. One very minor red herring, but overall very engaging and tactile, and the other game for which they say a minimum of 4. (Again, two enthusiasts would be ok, though there is one slightly awkward bit on one side with just one person.). One of our other favorites! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯    HIT THE BULLSEYE Wide range of themes. From knights and heists to gnomes and potions, the variety keeps things feeling fresh. Each game has its own playful flavor, which means there’s something appealing whether you prefer whimsy, adventure, or codebreaking. Though not for the horror lovers; everything here is family-friendly! Teamwork and communication is at the core. These games are designed so you cannot succeed without listening and sharing information with your partner. We love spli information puzzles, so a whole slew of them was a joy. We love the challenge of figuring out how to pair info and describing what you see in a way that clicks for the other side. Tactile, hands-on elements. Unlike purely paper-and-pencil experiences, many of the puzzles here involve manipulating physical objects. That added layer makes the solves more satisfying and scratches that escape room itch for players who like to do as much as they like to think. Clear signposting for shared info. Symbols and structures are well thought out, so it’s usually pretty obvious which pieces of information belong together. This avoids the frustration of “well, I had no way of knowing that was relevant to you” and instead keeps the focus on how well you communicate. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Lacking story. These games are puzzle-first, with light theming. While we don’t need a full developing narrative, just a little bit of backstory to give you motivation/context for the game would be great! Difficulty range is fairly narrow. Although they have them rated across a wide range of difficulties, to us most games felt like they sat at a fairly similar level of challenge. A mix of easier intro games (particularly) and more advanced brain-burners could better serve groups of varying experience levels. Hints are provided to help more novice players though, however. (Not really tiered, though. There is one sheet of hints per puzzle). Potential for noise and spoilers when busy. The games are adjacent, with curtains dividing each area. We were there on a fall weekday afternoon, and it was very quiet. (So no issues for us!) However, we imagine that during peak times, overhearing your neighbors could be distracting or give away solutions for a game you plan to play next. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Co-Operatives is a great fit for anyone who loves puzzles, thrives on communication, and wants something short but memorable. While they don’t have the story or immersion of a traditional escape room, these light-hearted 25-minute games are all about focus, teamwork, and a fresh twist on the escape room formula. Perfect for families with older kids, date nights, team-building groups, or puzzle enthusiasts looking to test their synergy. It’s also exciting to see a portable model that can travel to conventions or workplaces! Definitely worth a visit to try out a new form of puzzle game! ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Co-Operatives is tucked on the outside of Quincy Market in Boston, right near Ben & Jerry’s. (You can also find them popping up at board game conventions like PAX East and GenCon.) Several parking lots and metro stops are nearby, and bathrooms can be found in the market area. The space itself has a small waiting area with bite-sized spatial puzzles to warm up your brain, a tiny shop with shirts and a few games, and each game space has tables where you can stash your belongings (no lockers or seating). (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 Co-Operatives for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #DaveBristol #IRLEscapeRooms #Attractions #ImmersiveExperiences #CoOperatives #Various #Massachusetts #USA

LOCATION: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Photo above is property of Escape60 Photos above are property of Escape60 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Best Friends 📅 DATE PLAYED : August 7, 2022 🎬 GENRE : Fun, Sitcom 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 7 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 6-12 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $35.00/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You are all hanging out in Monica’s apartment doing your usual thing when Marcel the monkey decides to lock you all in. You all have places to go, things to do and people to see so you and your friends need to stop being on a break and figure out how to get out of here. This is the one where you are all get locked in the apartment. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE If you are a fan of the TV series " Friends " (Fun Fact: Brandon, co-founder of ESCAPETHEROOMers, was featured in the " Friends: Reunion "), you would love the décor of the room. The apartment was spot on with the coloring of the room to the design of the kitchen to the furniture placement. We were very much in Monica’s apartment. There were many fantastic easter eggs and fun trivia from the show. Each puzzle also incorporated these fun tidbits as well. The puzzles promoted teamwork as certain elements needed communication from different areas of the room. All the puzzles were solid with a wide range of variations. Each of them were signposted well to point you in the right direction into what you needed to solve them. We used the phone many times to get clues as we found phone numbers. One thing they did well that other escape rooms need to implement is that the phone would automatically play the audio clip loudly over the speaker phone vs. having only one person hear it and try to convey the message to the group. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK All the other locks were done in a way that you still needed to solve the puzzles to get the solution but there was one puzzle that if you knew your Friends trivia, you could bypass the puzzle and solve. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " BEST FRIENDS " was an entertaining escape room that was fun for the whole family. With the very recognizable décor and enough puzzles for all to work on and discovery, we had a great time exploring everything. This would be a great room with a large group of beginners getting into escape rooms or even a small group of enthusiasts. There were a lot of puzzles to solve to keep us busy. The room was big enough that it could fit all 7 of us without feeling too tight. Try this room out if you are fans of the TV series, Friends or are one who enjoys the feel of normal padlocks. Even with no tech, this room provided much enjoyment. Could this escape room BE any more fun? ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking " BEST FRIENDS " is located in their basement Located along with their licensed lounge Photos above are property of Escape60 (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 #FRIENDS #Fun #Sitcom #Escape60 #Canada #Alberta

LOCATION: Fairfield, New Jersey, USA Photo above is property of Fairfield Escape Room Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Bunker 46 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 5, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Apocalyptic, Survival, Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl (Age 16+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $45.00/ pp (Min. 2 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Congratulations on surviving the apocalypse! You and your team have discovered a neglected, nonfunctional bunker. Your mission is to restore it within one hour before the next wave arrives... Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Initially, you might think there's little to do in the bunker, but we appreciated how the game designer swiftly "expanded" the space for players with a simple task at the start, suddenly revealing plenty to explore. There are several "stations" that require repair, and we appreciated the subtle hints scattered throughout the bunker. It’s thrilling to mentally connect which clues relate to each other and piece them together. The tasks aligned well with the story’s theme, involving items or tasks that needed to be found or completed to repair or open machinery or objects. The puzzles were enjoyable and inventive. Some relied purely on observation, while others required basic math and logic. Occasionally, you’d also come across a few multi-step challenges as well. There were exciting "reveals" in different parts of the room as items opened or became visible. Sound and light effects also played a role in enhancing the immersive experience. There was a sense of urgency (and even humor) built into the ending, offering a unique twist compared to a typical escape room conclusion. We really enjoyed that. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Some props or clues require sound or light to indicate the location of the item that has been unlocked, as it is currently hard to locate. Implementing a "checklist" could help clarify the narrative of repairing the bunker and aid players in organizing their tasks more efficiently. Additionally, the finale could be better explained to illustrate why the final task is necessary and how it contributes to fixing the bunker. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This room was clearly designed with escape room enthusiasts in mind, and it's an absolute gem! Packed with puzzles, it challenged us to the max. With just two players racing against the 60-minute clock without any hints was pretty tough. There's a ton to solve, but also so much to observe and connect. We also found that because the room follows a linear path, tackling it with fewer players might actually be an advantage. With our suggestions to the company, we hope to make your gameplay smoother, but you absolutely have to try it out—this room has quickly become one of our favorites in Fairfield (until they create another one that is...)! ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Fairfield Escape Room is on the second floor of a business complex, accessible via stairs or an elevator. Games available for purchase. Lobby with seating 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 Fairfield 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. #CiciCao #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #FairfieldEscapeRoom #Survival #Adventure #Apocalypse #NewJersey #USA

LOCATION: Wappingers Falls, New York, USA Photo above is property of Escape Time Adventures Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Lost Tomb (Villain) 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 18, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Archaeology, Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 3-8 ppl (Ages 10+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $32.95/ pp or $98.85/ group (8 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY We have finally found the entrance to the secret temple. Inside lies a priceless artifact that will give us the power to control the entire world! Today, is the day when the villains will win for once! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Your journey will start before you even get to the "portal" to the temple. We were very entertained by the introduction. The craftsmanship of the props and set design were top-notch . We were amazed by how real the jungle felt. Are we in an Indiana Jones movie? The sounds of animals, thunder, and of course the characters in the storyline all contributed to making this experience extremely immersive . Although we played the villain version of this game, we were lucky enough to also walk through the hero version as well. We were shocked at how different the games were even though they were staged in the same room. You'll also never notice the props that you didn't use in this game would be used in the other. The goal was clear from the beginning. As we solved the puzzles, it felt like we were completing scenes from a movie. The finale really reminded me of the Golden Idol scene from Indiana Jones. I can't reveal any more than this... 🧩 MISSED THE MARK We really enjoyed this room. Nothing to say here. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you had time to play just one of the versions then here's my take on which you should choose pending on your preferences. The villain version had puzzles that felt more difficult (especially a translation one that could be quite long). So if you want to challenge yourself, go for this version. The hero one had a couple of more special effects that would be more attractive to some people. Either way, you'll have a good time no matter which version you choose. All I know is, after the game ended, I was eagerly waiting for that post-credit scene. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking right in front of the location Lobby with seating & merchandise for sale You can choose to play either the hero or the villain version of this game. The puzzles are completely different. 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 Time Adventures 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 #EscapeTimeAdventures #Archaeology #Adventure #NewYork #USA

LOCATION: Wappingers Falls, New York, USA Photo above is property of Escape Time Adventures Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Dragon's Curse 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 18, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Fantasy 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 3-8 ppl (Ages 8+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $32.95/ pp or $98.85/ group (8 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You've just entered the Wizard's castle. Since the land went under the evil Dragon's Curse, all the joyfulness had disappeared . The only way to save this magical world is to gather the ingredients for a powerful spell in order to vanquish the curse forever! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Your journey will start before you even get to the "portal" to the Wizard's castle. We were very entertained by the introduction. What is this sorcery? How we did just time travel to this magical land? Oh, it's just the incredible light and sound effects the creators used to alter the reality in our brains. Although there were no live actors, we always felt like there was one. The storyline was told by a wizard automatically through the progression of the puzzles. The execution was seamless. We never had the urge to check for time nor did we want to. All the props felt like they belonged in a magical realm. We especially enjoyed the spell-casting portion. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK We didn't notice a few props had opened after we successfully solve the puzzles. A confirmation light or alert would be better than having to receive a clue. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? I have to admit, I am a little biased toward fantasy theme rooms (especially the good ones). Honestly, this room wasn't even on the list of the rooms we were supposed to play on our tour but as I was passing by it in the hallway, I was immediately attracted by the mythical aurora (it was calling my name!). Maybe think about creating a cool fantasy name for yourself before going to the game? The only complaint I have is not being able to keep going. What is another part of this magical realm look like? I'm leaving this difficult task for the creators at Escape Time Adventures as we'll definitely come back for the sequel! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking right in front of the location Lobby with seating & merchandise for sale 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 Time Adventures 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 #EscapeTimeAdventures #Fantasy #NewYork #USA

LOCATION: Gig Harbor, Washington, USA Photo above is property of Escape Hour Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Legend of Theradonia 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 16, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Fantasy 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 Players) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $45.00/ pp (Min. 2 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY The Goblin King and his mischievous minions have attacked the six realms of Theradonia while the ArchMage was away, threatening to steal its magic. Your quest: recover six legendary swords and banish the goblins before the realms fall into darkness! The backstory online focuses on recovering missing magical orbs, but the main objective in (at least the current version of) the game is the sword recovery…we sometimes were a bit distracted during the voiceovers with the narrative, but we never did quite figure out how the swords related to the orb backstory from online. Though, we were entertained regardless! 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Clever use of space. The design encourages you to revisit spaces often, spreading teammates across areas (minimizing the impact of some smaller spaces) and keeping your memory sharp. This constant “back-and-forth questing” made the space feel bigger than it was and added to the sense of ongoing discovery. Whimsical world-building. The décor, lighting, soundscape, and magical touches made us feel like adventurers wandering through Theradonia, with some great effects and surprises along the way. Even simple elements (like keyholes embedded right in the walls) added to the enchanting other-worldly-ness. Each chamber felt distinct yet cohesive, and opening new areas always felt like unlocking an exciting new chapter in a storybook. The character voiceovers added to the developing narrative over the game (even in we sometimes were too focused on puzzle-solving to give them the full attention they deserved). We appreciated that the hint system also didn’t break immersion; instead, the goblin-fighting guidance was delivered in-world, keeping the spell intact. Varied puzzle types. From logic to observation, pattern matching to teamwork, even puzzles involving smell and sound…the diversity kept our group engaged, with a lot of satisfying tactile elements. A couple of agility-based challenges added physicality without veering into frustration, and the balance of locks and tech gave both traditionalists and gadget-lovers something to enjoy. With unlimited hints, the game remained approachable without losing its charm. Atmospheric and (mostly) functional lighting. The lanterns were a nice thematic touch, and while we wished we’d thought to use the brighter one found further in, the mix of moody glow plus functional light kept the experience immersive and playable. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Accessibility hiccup. One puzzle was inaccessible for our shortest player. A footstool or step option would allow adventurers of all heights (and younger goblin-fighters) to take on this puzzle. A few immersion cracks. While the world was generally cohesive, one or two elements (notably a digital interface) felt a bit out of place in the otherwise mystical setting. Ghost puzzles. A few remnants of previously removed puzzles lingered and created momentary distractions. They didn’t derail our progress, but tidying them up would keep the magical illusion stronger. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " Legend of Theradonia " was utterly charming! It’s full of whimsy, magic, and goblin trickery, providing plenty of excitement. Yet, it remains family-friendly, never veering into frightening. There are some multi-step challenges that may test your wits, but the forgiving hint system makes it possible for every party to triumph. At least one member must do a little crawling (heroes must occasionally get their hands dirty), though there may be a workaround if that’s a barrier. This is a quest woven with heart: designed and run by a family-owned company whose creativity shines through every detail. While a few tweaks could polish the experience further, it didn’t diminish the joy of the adventure. All in all, an enchanting romp through Theradonia…go take it on with sword in hand, send the goblins on the run, and restore magic to the land! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO There are two separate lobbies here (each for 2 of their 4 games), with some game-specific memorabilia, enthusiast passports, small lockers, leaderboards, and bathrooms. There is plenty of free parking right out front. The staff we met (Adam and Jennifer) were both fun and enthusiastic. Photo 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 Hour Gig Harbor for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #KristaJones #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #EscapeHourGigHarbor #Fantasy #Washington #USA

Location: Seattle, Washington, USA Photo above is property of Hourglass Escapes Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Tomb Raider Experience: Escape from the Temple of Fire 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 20, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Adventure, Archaeology 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 1-10 ppl (Ages 10+) (Suggest 4-8 ppl) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 90 Mins 💰 PRICE : $59.96/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes - everyone does (not advertised as an escape room but an experience) 📖 THE STORY A research assistant gig with Lara Croft initially sounded pretty cool! Maybe cataloguing artifacts, carrying a clipboard…definitely not dodging danger. But after an unexpected volcanic eruption spurs this expedition, it quickly becomes clear that “totally boring, nothing to worry about” was a lie. Now the world’s survival is on the line, and you’ll need sharp eyes, steady teamwork, and nerves of steel to help Lara save the day. No pressure, right? Video above is property of Hourglass Escapes 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Clear and evolving narrative adventure - The story unfolds seamlessly through multiple layers: audio, visuals, special effects, and in-room acting from the GM (to which ours was fully committed!). Even without deep knowledge of the Tomb Raider franchise, I felt swept into the adventure. I imagine true fans will find even more to love! Teamwork at its core - The game thrives on cooperative play, with plenty of split-information and communication-focused challenges. Non-linear design kept everyone on our team busy (though most in our group had limited puzzle experience), satisfying tactile elements engaged us, and observation was often key. A few puzzles were a little finicky about the input, so aim to be as precise as possible. English skills weren’t heavily required, making it more accessible to ESL players. Accessibility considerations - Thoughtful design made the game approachable for a wide audience: puzzles are color-blind-friendly, videos include subtitles, and the space is wheelchair accessible (though some climbing and stairs are required by at least one or two team members). Sensory accommodations for lighting and motion are also available by request, with plans to expand further. Definitely reach out to them if you have any specific concerns or needs! We were impressed by their diverse and intentional commitment to inclusion. Unique mementos - Post-game, you can have the option of some themed photos ($15), using a green screen. I’ve seen photos done like this before, which are fun, but what was really cool with Tomb Raider is that with your purchase you not only get a compilation photo but also an animated video that recaps the story and integrates your images. This was a really fun and unique memento (also great for sharing on socials) that lets you relive your expedition (and prove you survived to tell the tale). 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Missing what you missed - With a maximum of 20 points, many teams won’t hit perfection. While, as always, the GM reassured us we did well (with just 14/20), the structure means you don’t always see what you missed (or have a chance to do a full walk-through like you might in an escape room). Our GM kindly answered questions about puzzles we didn’t solve or see, but an additional way to revisit puzzles and their solutions (via a video or interactive digital display) would help ease the FOMO more fully. Minor immersion-breaking elements - Hints came directly from our GM in-room, which worked fine mechanically but weren’t always delivered in a way that made narrative sense. Similarly, some of the abrupt “time’s up, move on” transitions could be a bit more story-driven and explained (and reinforced by the GM as they shepherd us through). These were both quite minor issues, but places where some tweaks could further elevate the immersion. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Although it’s made by the folks behind the excellent Hourglass Escapes, this is not your standard escape room (and it isn’t marketed as one)! The Tomb Raider Experience is an immersive hybrid of storytelling, challenge, and cinematic effects. You’ll begin and end in narrative-driven spaces, with four puzzle-heavy chambers in between, each running on a timed track. Even if your team doesn’t conquer every challenge, you’ll always advance when the countdown hits zero, with your final score reflecting your victories. I sometimes wished I could linger longer or see every puzzle, but I understand the reasoning for this segmented, time-controlled structure. The adventure is family-friendly, but younger kids, small groups, or less experienced players may find some puzzles quite challenging. Our team only fully solved one of the four rooms, despite its “Easy” Morty rating. It’s perfect for teams with a spirit of adventure, folks who’ve always dreamed of channeling their inner Lara Croft or Indiana Jones, or anyone who wants a mix of puzzles and immersive action. With its prime Seattle location, it also works beautifully as a tourist attraction or team-building activity. I may not have uncovered every secret this time, but I’d happily dive back into the volcano for another run at glory (and the coveted “Tomb Raider” ranking). Photos above are property of Hourglass Escapes ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO " The Tomb Raider Experience " is located in downtown Seattle, near Pike Place Market and the Gum Wall. There are some paid parking lots nearby, as well as public transportation options. The space itself has a large waiting area with tables and teambuilding questions, lockers, bathrooms, a front counter where you can also buy some merch, a vending machine, and a few cool models of the experience space. The facility is wheelchair-friendly, and they can also make some accommodations for other needs. Minimum age 10yo, with an adult required with those under 16. 🔎 HINT Stone breath can be summoned or dispelled by hand. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our interview with the creator to understand more on the development side of these games: Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this experience, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Hourglass Escapes for comping our tickets for this game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #KristaJones #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #TombRaider #HourglassEscapes #Adventure #Washington #USA

LOCATION : Ponchatoula, Louisiana, USA Photo above is property of The Escape Warehouse Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Unidentified: The Case of Mystery Gates Theme Park 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 25, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Thriller 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 5 ppl) : 4/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-9 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $34.99/ pp (Min. 2 ppl required) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Welcome to the FBI, new recruits. It's only been a couple of months, but you all haven't yet proven your worth to this team. Luckily, an investigation is underway at Mystery Gates theme park, and we believe your team might be up for the task. This assignment isn't given out lightly, as the A team is currently indisposed. There have been reports of disappearances around the theme park, and we need your team to investigate what's happening. Now it's time to step up and solve this case. Report back to us once you have gathered information. Surely, you can't mess this case up. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The opening moments of the game are like stepping into a portal to another world, where the ordinary rules of escape rooms no longer apply. It immediately signals to players that they're about to embark on an immersive journey within the confines of Mystery Gates theme park. As the narrative unfolds, each puzzle becomes a piece of the larger puzzle, seamlessly blending into the fabric of the storyline. Whether it's deciphering clues hidden within carnival games or navigating through maze-like pathways, every challenge feels like a natural extension of the theme park setting. Despite the underlying sense of mystery and foreboding, there's still an undeniable sense of fun and excitement permeating through the experience. The puzzles are designed to evoke the thrill of exploring an amusement park, with elements of surprise and discovery around every corner. It's a delicate balance that the game manages to strike perfectly, maintaining a sense of tension while still allowing players to revel in the whimsy of the theme park atmosphere. One of the most impressive aspects of the game is how it makes the most of the available space. From cramped crawlspaces to towering structures, every inch of the environment is meticulously crafted to enhance the gameplay experience. The attention to detail in the scenic design is evident, with each element contributing to the overall immersion. It's a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the Escape Warehouse team, who have managed to create a truly captivating world within the confines of their escape room. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Despite the immersive set design and scenic elements that effectively transport players into the story world, the game's confined spaces occasionally posed a challenge for our team of five. While these limitations were a testament to the creators' commitment to immersion, they also resulted in moments of feeling cramped and restricted. Furthermore, the climax of the game, where players typically expect a grand reveal or a satisfying resolution, fell somewhat short of expectations. While the journey through the storyline was exhilarating and engaging, the final moments lacked the wow factor that had characterized the rest of the experience. Our team found ourselves wishing for a more impactful conclusion that would have provided a more fulfilling end to the adventure. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " Unidentified: The Case of Mystery Gates Theme Park " stands out as a premier escape room experience, offering a compelling narrative filled with thrilling twists, challenging puzzles, and immersive gameplay. From the outset, players are drawn into an enthralling adventure that promises excitement and intrigue at every turn. The game's strong start sets the stage for an unforgettable experience, with each puzzle and clue expertly crafted to keep players engaged and immersed in the story. However, as the game progresses towards the end, there's a slight dip in momentum, and the initial excitement may diminish. Despite this minor slowdown, "Unidentified" remains a standout offering from the Escape Warehouse team, showcasing their talent for creating immersive and memorable escape room experiences. Players are left eagerly anticipating future adventures from this creative team, making it a must-try for escape room enthusiasts. Photos above are property of The Escape Warehouse ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Game Specific For best experience, ALL players should be able to climb, crawl, duck and squeeze in tight spaces. Not a wheelchair accessible game. Venue Specific Free Parking next to venue (Follow signs to correct door) Lobby with plenty of space and drinks and merch for purchase Private lockers for supplies during games Located ~10mins off of highway 12 and 55 between Baton Rogue LA and New Orleans LA 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 Warehouse  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 #TheEscapeWarehouse #Thriller #Louisiana #USA

LOCATION : Ponchatoula, Louisiana, USA Photo above is property of The Escape Warehouse Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Hide & Seek 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 25, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Thriller 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 5 ppl) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-9 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $34.99/ pp (Min. 2 ppl required) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Disaster strikes as you and your group awaken in a closet, unaware of your whereabouts. The infamous serial killer responsible for your predicament presents a chilling offer: play a game of hide and seek within the confines of his twisted game. With a mere 60 minutes on the clock, the stakes couldn't be higher—if you successfully evade capture or manage to escape, freedom awaits. However, failure means falling into the clutches of the killer. How long can you outsmart your captor and evade capture? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The game's use of a blindfold at the start is a stroke of genius, plunging players into darkness and uncertainty from the outset. It's not just a gimmick; it serves to deepen immersion and anticipation as players await the unfolding of the mystery. As players remove the blindfold, they're met with the haunting visage of an old, decrepit house, perfectly captured in the set design. Every detail, from the creaking floorboards to the ominous stains on the walls, contributes to the atmosphere of foreboding. Rather than relying on modern gadgets or digital interfaces, the game embraces a more traditional approach to puzzle-solving, with locks and physical challenges dominating the experience. This nod to classic escape room mechanics adds a nostalgic charm while also presenting unique and inventive puzzles. Despite the absence of high-tech elements, the puzzle design remains fresh and engaging, seamlessly weaving into the narrative and propelling players forward in their quest to escape the clutches of the serial killer. One of the game's standout features is its emphasis on physical interaction within the set. Areas initially dismissed as mere background scenery often reveal hidden secrets or vital clues, keeping players on their toes and fostering a sense of exploration and discovery throughout the game. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK While the concept of hide and seek is central to the game's premise, our group felt that its execution could have been more immersive. While it made sense within the context of the story world, we wished for more active involvement in the hide and seek aspect. Enhancing player participation in the game of hide and seek could heighten the intensity and elevate the overall experience to a truly unforgettable level. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " Hide & Seek " demonstrates the power of a well-crafted escape room experience, relying solely on ordinary padlocks and minimal electronics to immerse players in its storyline. With a strong emphasis on puzzle flow and narrative depth, the game delves into a chilling tale of survival against a notorious serial killer. As we uncovered the dark history of the killer through intricate puzzles, the tension mounted, yet the game maintained a level of intensity that appealed to a wide audience without overwhelming them. The energetic momentum of the game remained consistent throughout, ensuring that both the story and puzzles kept us engaged until the very end. For those intrigued by the concept, Hide and Seek comes highly recommended as an immersive and captivating escape room experience. Photos above are property of The Escape Warehouse ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Game Specific For best experience, ALL players should be able to climb, crawl, duck and squeeze in tight spaces. Not a wheelchair accessible game. Venue Specific Free Parking next to venue (Follow signs to correct door) Lobby with plenty of space and drinks and merch for purchase Private lockers for supplies during games Located ~10mins off of highway 12 and 55 between Baton Rogue LA and New Orleans LA 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 Warehouse  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 #TheEscapeWarehouse #Thriller #Louisiana #USA