Photo above is property of Wolf Escape Games Company: Wolf Escape Games Game: Miami Bay Country: United Kingdom 🇬🇧 Language: English Type of Game: Digital Escape Game 💻 Genre: Detective Date Played: February 7, 2024 Difficulty (based on 4 players): 7/10 Size of Team: 1-6 Players (Recommended) (Ages 10-80+) Time: Unlimited (Approx. 180 Mins.) Price: £29.00 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 You are a detective tasked - by your hard-nosed police chief - with investigating the murder of a fellow officer, possibly silenced by a conspiracy of crooked cops. A good cop knew too much and now he's dead for it. Grab your badge, your gun, and your shades, and follow the trail of evidence as it takes you on a wild ride through the seedy underbelly of Miami, but be careful, you may find more than you bargained for. Video above is property of Wolf Escape Games 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ We're heading back to the 80's baby! Get out your best white suit and step into the neon wash of the Miami sunset. Is there any better setting for a hard boiled noir. Wolf Escape Games really creates some stunning visual effects in their games! The graphics for " Miami Bay " had an 80's vibe filled with neon colors reminiscent of he 80's era! There was so much detail throughout the game and the quality was top-notch! Photos above are property of Wolf Escape Games 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 Let me just begin by saying they really nailed the aesthetic, and I think the setting is a great transition from the locale of their last game. The 80s just had it all, and this game is really infused with the humor and cool of the era. The game looks gorgeous. The gameplay has a great format that incorporates not just the various scenes that you will be moving between and investigating, but the unique objects and clues, and especially the design of the puzzles themselves which are often quite ingenious and present you with creative scenarios and mechanics to work through. You start by having to learn how to fly a plane, taking the helm to avert a crash, trying to make sense of its myriad controls - and I thought what a smart scenario, what a natural puzzle. The story is zany, and funny, and campy, in all the right ways. Even the way it's presented to you feels like a movie, it's quite a cinematic production to go alongside the raw puzzling. You can leave and pick it back up whenever you like, ditto people joining and leaving the game, so it's very flexible and convenient to play. Video above is property of Wolf Escape Games Photos above are property of Wolf Escape Games 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 Right off the bat where you are learning to fly a plane, and later when you're cross referencing databases, and investigating crime scenes, the design of the puzzles, how they are meshed with the scenarios, it all comes together in such a creative and natural way. I was really impressed how they brought together all the key elements that make a good puzzle without it ever really feeling too abstract or far-fetched. They have put together a really well thought out and diverse array of brain teasers. In terms of difficulty I would say it was spot on, stimulating without becoming frustrating especially if you've got the brain trust to work on them together. The on demand hint system is perfect and keeps things flowing without giving them away completely. 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 It's a blast, it's a fun ride. I don't think I'm doing it justice here, because it really is an impressive production. A movie-game hybrid, one part great stories and cinematics, the other great scenarios and puzzles. Co-op mystery games are a bit rare so it's always a treat when they come out. Wolf Escape Games has put together a well produced and inspired next entry in their budding series of games. 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  Wolf Escape Games 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. . #AndrewWoods #AtHomeGames #DigitalGame #PointNClick #WolfEscapeGames #Detective #Mystery #UnitedKingdom

Photo above is property of Wolf Escape Games Company: Sherlock Holmes: Phantom's Hour Game: Miami Bay Country: United Kingdom 🇬🇧 Language: English Type of Game: Digital Escape Game 💻 Genre: Mystery Date Played: March 16, 2025 Difficulty (based on 3 players): 5/10 Size of Team: Unlimited (Recommended 1-6 ppl) Time: Unlimited (Approx. 120 Mins.) Price: £31.00 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Sherlock and yourself as Watson receive a letter from a woman in need. Being accused of killing a man in a wine cellar, the woman claims innocence and believes a phantom spirit is the one who killed the man. Can Sherlock and yourself eliminate the impossible and find the truth? Video above is property of Wolf Escape Games 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ The graphics and videos are stunning and so detailed. The introduction is smooth and has the feel of the early 1900s. Every detail in the game captures the authenticity of the time period with nothing feeling out of place. Even the sketch art at certain points adds a unique touch to the game that we loved. Photos above are property of Wolf Escape Games 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 To kick off the game, we all joined a group video chat. We used Google Meet, but any program that supports audio sharing will work. As the main player, I shared my screen with everyone. The game starts off with a detailed tutorial taking us through all the requirements needed for the best gameplay experience. It also introduces us to the backpack feature, which gives all the players access to the evidence collected through the game. Once everything was set up, we dove into the game. First off, the graphics and cut scenes were seamless and beautifully crafted. They were smooth to watch and listen to with their professional voiceovers. It felt cinematic, that I could easily watch this as a movie. The story was everything you’d expect from a true Sherlock mystery, as engaging as something straight out of a novel. Knowing that Wolf Escape Games composes their own music, it’s no surprise that the soundtrack was spot-on, setting the exact mood for the game. Even the sound effects were impressive. We have never been so excited to turn a lock just to hear the satisfying clink. Photos above are property of Wolf Escape Games 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 The game offers a diverse mix of puzzles ranging from logic challenges to deduction and matching up items. One standout aspect is the backpack feature. When one player picks up evidence, everyone else can access it on their own screen, allowing the whole team to solve puzzles independently without relying on the main player to click through everything. Photos above are property of Wolf Escape Games 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 There is not a single weak point in this game. This entire experience was impeccable from the smooth animations to the quality graphics, detailed sound effects, captivating soundtrack, on point storytelling, well designed puzzles and everything in between. Every small detail in this game is masterfully crafted. We played with 3 players but thanks to the backpack feature, 6 people could easily play while keeping everyone engaged. Any Sherlock Holmes fan, puzzle fanatic or a group looking for an online challenge needs to try this game out. That being said, whether you are a beginner puzzler or a seasoned solver, this game is an unforgettable experience for all. 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  Wolf Escape Games 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. . #MatthewLui #AtHomeGames #DigitalGame #PointNClick #WolfEscapeGames #Mystery #UnitedKingdom

Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers LOCATION: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA Photo above is property of Meow Wolf 👀 THE STORY At " House of Eternal Return ", people of all ages are encouraged to explore a curious family home, a mysterious tragedy born out of scientific experimentation, and the spectacular dreamworlds that have emerged in its wake. Simultaneously an expression of punk subversion and magical humanness, Meow Wolf Santa Fe is an art experience that's boldly playful in its presentation and willingness to reveal the hands of its creators. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO This is the first permanent installment Meow Wolf has opened. 20,000 square foot attraction with over 70 rooms to explore Discount tickets are available for New Mexico locals, military children, and seniors. Limited free parking right outside but if full, you'll need to find street parking outside. We suggest getting there a bit earlier than your time slot. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers LOCATION: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Photo above is property of Meow Wolf 👀 THE STORY Get lost in (and beyond) aisles of whimsical products as this irresistible story of a family-store-turned-supermarket unfurls into mega-impactful art. Every door or box of cereal at Omega Mart is a potential entryway into new worlds and artful revelations, while breathtaking installations from local and international artists offer enchanting spaces to wander. It's a must-see immersive art experience for all ages. Watch out for exceptional customers, difficult spills, and not-so-secret bars! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO This installment opened in early 2021. Located inside AREA15 Discount tickets are available for Nevada locals, military children, and seniors. Plenty of free parking right outside the venue. Tip: Speak to Dramcorp employees in Omega Mart to find out more about the dark secrets of this shopping center. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers LOCATION: Denver, Colorado, USA Photo above is property of Meow Wolf 👀 THE STORY Commute via the Quantum Department of Transportation to the Convergence, a bustling city created by a rare cosmic event that joined four alien worlds. When you’re not trading memories as a form of currency, you and your fellow interdimensional travelers can venture out into four floors of surreality featuring Meow Wolf’s most epic immersive art to date. If you’ve ever wanted to wax heroic at the crossroads of a real-life sci-fi neutopia, this is the space-time for you. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO The Third location opened by Meow Wolf Four floors of installments created by over 350 local and international artists. Discount tickets are available for Colorado locals, military children, and seniors. Paid parking outside the venue. Qpass available for purchase. You'll be able to scan them at various "ATM of Memory" stations and find out more puzzles, stories, and clues throughout the venue. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🤔 IN CONCLUSION Meow Wolf describes itself as a “mind-bending, explorable art experience” but in our opinion, it's way more than that. The mystery and story that each of the artists created for these different locations was just mind-blowing ! We were immersed in our environment every second of the way and honestly, I could have stayed there for an entire day. Since we are puzzlers at heart, the locations all contained an embedded storyline and many hidden secrets and puzzles to be discovered. Every time we looked around, we discovered something new. If you have not gone to Meow Wolf yet, you are definitely missing out. If you only have time to go to one (very difficult to choose a favorite here), check out "Convergence Station". Since it is their third installment and because of its SCI-FI theme, it's literally out of this world! NOTE : Their newest installments " The Real Unreal " in Grapevine, Texas and " Radio Tave " in Houston, Texas has officially opened and we can't wait to go check it out! (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 Meow Wolf for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #ImmersiveExperiences #SciFi #Art #Mystery #MeowWolf #HouseofEternalReturn #OmegaMart #ConvergenceStation #SantaFe #LasVegas #Denver #USA

LOCATION: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada Photo above is property of Eliviascape Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Judgement Day 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 25, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Thriller 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 Players) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl (Ages 13+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 75 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $36/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes [52.00] 📖 THE STORY For days now, a haunting voice has echoed in your mind—soft at first, then relentless. Whispering the same phrase over and over again: "969 Church Road... come to 969 Church Road." At first, you thought it was a dream. A trick of exhaustion. But the voice won’t stop and deep down, you know this isn’t your imagination. Something, or someone, is calling you. Pleading with you. And it won’t rest until you answer. Drawn by a force you can’t explain, you find yourself standing before a decaying building long abandoned by time. The air is thick with silence, yet the voice grows louder in your head the moment you step inside. What secrets lie within these forgotten walls? Who—or what—is waiting for you in the darkness? And once you enter… will you ever escape? The clock is ticking. The door is closing. And the mystery of 969 Church Road is dying to be solved. Video above is property of Eliviascape 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE What sets " Judgement Day " apart from most other escape rooms I’ve experienced is its incredible depth of storytelling and the layers of thought woven into every aspect of the game. After the experience, we were fortunate to chat with the owner and designer, who generously walked us through the backstory and explained how specific design choices reflected real-life events. The room is essentially a retelling of the tragic end of a real local family, and looking back, it's astonishing how well each element supports the emotional arc of that story. The impact was so profound, it lingered with me for days—both in the subtle details and in the overall mood it left behind. To create this level of immersion, Eliviascape employs a rich combination of thematic lighting, atmospheric audio, carefully crafted set design, and optional actor involvement. Everything fits together seamlessly in a well-paced, polished experience that never felt forced or disjointed. The game is designed to ramp up slowly, allowing players time to orient themselves before the tension begins to climb. This gradual build-up culminates in a heart-pounding finale, designed to be the most intense part of the experience. Interestingly, while it’s meant to be frightening, we chose to lean into the moment with a bit of playful energy—and that somehow made it even more memorable. The set design deserves special praise. The game area was much larger than expected, and the mechanical effects were surprisingly unique, incorporating clever innovations we hadn’t seen before. One standout moment (no spoilers) was actually the inspiration for the entire room—the designer dreamed up a particular floor effect and built the game around it. That creative spark shines through in the final product. Beyond flashy effects, the room’s layout encourages constant movement and exploration. You’re not just solving puzzles in one spot—you’re actively traversing and revisiting spaces, which keeps the gameplay dynamic and immersive. Visually, it blurs the line between waking reality and a haunting dreamscape. In many horror-themed escape rooms, puzzles take a backseat to scares—but not here. The puzzles are integral to the storytelling, with each challenge revealing another layer of the family’s history and drawing players closer to the emotional core of the narrative. There's a strong mix of puzzle types that go beyond typical logic challenges, often requiring fast thinking, coordination, and teamwork. We also appreciated how the actor’s involvement felt meaningful, rather than just another person in a mask trying to get cheap scares. Their presence was strategic and purposeful, adding depth and tension without overwhelming the gameplay. A noteworthy inclusion is the “safe space” — a dedicated area where overwhelmed players can take a breather. It's a thoughtful feature that makes the game more accessible to a wider range of players, especially those who may be hesitant in high-stress horror scenarios. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Honestly, there was nothing we disliked about this experience. It delivered on all fronts for both of us. That said, while the game allows up to 8 players, we feel that 2 to 3 experienced players is the ideal group size. Any more, and you may find that you’re competing for things to do or diluting the immersive tension. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This is an absolute must play experience for anyone visiting Quebec and prepared to play a deeply immersive experience that promotes an emotionally charged dark theme. There is an option to remove the actor from the experience—but doing so would significantly lessen the atmosphere, emotional weight, and intensity. If you’re brave enough, we strongly recommend playing the game as it was meant to be played.. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking in the front (make sure to read the sign) Lobby with seating area Lockers available You need to go down a flight of stairs This game can be played in English & French Photos above are property of Eliviascape Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, an 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 Eliviascape for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #RyanDriver #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Eliviascape #Thriller #Paranormal #Canada

LOCATION: Boisbriand, QC, Canada Photo above is property of Immersia Escape Games Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Circus of the Lost Souls 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 23, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Circus, Mystery 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 Players) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $39.99/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY After having been long abandoned, the legendary Filioni Circus has reopened its tent flaps, but something feels…off under the big top. Once known for dazzling performances and fantastic feats, the troupe met a tragic end when their final show went horribly wrong. Now, the circus seems to dance under the spell of a mysterious mentalist. Will you be able to help the poor souls of the circus, or will you succumb to the same fate? Video above is property of Immersia Escape Games 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Immersive environment that steals the show : The moonlit circus world is stunningly realized, with fabulous use of space and layers of whimsical detail that make you feel like you’re right there at the circus. Every inch feels thoughtfully designed to draw you in, with puzzles that fit seamlessly into the carnival setting. They really set the atmosphere! A cast worth a standing ovation : You’re welcomed by your in-character GM, setting the tone beautifully, but you’ll also encounter several other colorful personalities along the way. Each has their own quirky, endearing energy, adding richness to the world and making the story feel alive and personal. The narrative threads naturally through each act, keeping you curious, charmed, and eager to see what’s next. Creative recovery behind the curtain : Our game began with a short delay due to some tech gremlins (which can happen anywhere), but the team handled it with grace and creativity. Knowing a particular effect wouldn’t trigger as usual, they adjusted the delivery through an in-character moment that blended so smoothly it actually enhanced the experience. It’s the kind of thoughtful adaptation that keeps the illusion intact and the magic alive. True showmanship! 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There’s very little that fell flat for us in this game. If you prefer high-difficulty brain-burners or are turned off by light mystical elements (or seeking something dark and horrifying), this might not be for you. But that’s not a miss, merely a matter of preference. No room is ideal for everyone, but we think this one has broad appeal! 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? We had an absolute blast with " Circus of the Lost Souls ". The whimsical theme, engaging puzzles, character interactions, and standout atmosphere made it one of those rooms that’s simply a joy to play. It delivers beautifully across the board (set, narrative, and clean puzzle design), so there’s plenty for small groups of enthusiasts (2 was perfect) to appreciate while remaining accessible and magical for newer players or families. Of the four games that we played at Immersia Escape Games, this one was hands-down the most purely fun. The room was revamped in December 2024 with updated puzzles and story elements, so even if you’ve visited before, it might be worth a return trip. So, step right up and prepare to be utterly charmed…this circus is a show you don’t want to miss! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Immersia’s Boisbriand location has plenty of free parking available. The space itself has two main waiting areas (including some comfy sofas/chairs), game trailers to watch as you wait, lockers, bathrooms, and a few things for sale. 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 Immersia Escape Games 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. #DaveBristol #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #ImmersiaEscapeGames #Mystery #Circus #Quebec #Canada

LOCATION: Seattle, Washington, USA Photo above is property of Cognition Escapes Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Experiment 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 20, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 Players) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $45.00/ pp (2-3 ppl), $40.00/ pp (4-5 ppl), $38.00/ pp (6+ ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY After a long stretch of backpacking, you stop in a small town to grab a bite and overhear locals swapping rumors about a reclusive scientist (brilliant but paranoid) who vanished years ago. No one ever found his hidden lab…until you stumble upon a crumbling building in the forest later that night. One step inside and the door locks behind you. Could this be his lab? What secrets, and experiments, did he leave behind, and how do you get out of here?! Our GM delivered a rich, well-paced introduction that really set the tone, going above and beyond the usual quick pre-room briefing. It made the backstory feel grounded and immersive from the start. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Ties to real history : We loved that the story drew inspiration from an actual figure in science! It was an unexpected educational twist that made the game feel more meaningful and memorable. Learning that context at the end (we hope they tell everyone…but be sure to ask if they don’t) was a fun surprise and deepened our appreciation for the experience. Satisfying puzzle design : Most puzzles were cleanly constructed and flowed naturally, encouraging teamwork and logical connections. There was one standout interaction in particular: impactful, tactile, and perfectly tied to both the scientific theme and the historical inspiration behind it. Great use of space: The room made great use of its layout, incorporating details in every direction to reward careful observation. Be sure to search high, low, and everywhere in between to catch all the hidden connections. (Searching is definitely not my superpower!) 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Sparse signposting for one puzzle : I immediately knew what to do for one particular task, as I’ve seen it before. However, it could use a bit more signposting to help others crack it…I don’t think anyone else in my group would have figured it out (without a hint). Hint system : Notes slipped under a door and disembodied audio cues both break the illusion a bit. Even a light in-character justification or themed delivery (e.g., a lab intercom or researcher’s notebook) could help preserve immersion. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " The Experiment " delivered a fun time with that classic escape room feel. It is a solid, puzzle-forward experience with scientific inspiration, while remaining distinct from the usual “chemistry lab to stop some imminent health threat” theme. The game hums along with good flow, satisfying puzzles, and a standout science-themed reveal. It’s a great fit for those who appreciate clean, well-structured puzzles, nicely integrated tech, and subtle nods to real-world discovery over elaborate sets or developing narrative. The story and scene are quite family-friendly, though some puzzles might be more of a challenge for kids or newbies. So, grab your goggles and your best hypotheses, there’s an experiment waiting to be finished! Hint : Look high and low, and take the lab’s instructions seriously…precision counts here. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Cognition Escapes is located in downtown Seattle, (close to the Amazon spheres (~12m walk from Pike Place Market)l. There are some paid parking lots nearby, as well as public transportation options. Parking at the Amazon corporate lots is also free on weekends and after 4pm on weekdays. The space itself has two main waiting areas with some puzzles to fiddle with as you wait, lockers, bathrooms, and a water dispenser. You will need to go down stairs to enter. Photos above are property of Cognition Escapes (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 Cognition Escapes 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 #CognitionEscapes #Mystery #Washington #USA

LOCATION: Montreal, Quebec, Canada Photo above is property of A/MAZE Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Infected 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 20, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Thriller, Zombies 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 Players) : 8/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $40/ pp (pending on group size) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes [43:00] 📖 THE STORY What began as a medical breakthrough has become a nightmare beyond containment. A rogue scientist’s experiment to cure disease has unleashed a deadly virus, transforming victims into mindless hosts. Trapped in a secret underground lab, you and your team must navigate through quarantined zones, gather antidote samples, and contain the outbreak before it escapes into the city above. Humanity’s fate rests on your ability to outwit the infection — and your own fear. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE We really appreciated that A/MAZE took the zombie theme and enhanced it with a detailed backstory, presented through a video news story and woven into the current narrative. This wasn’t the typical “run from zombies” or “find a cure in a generic lab” scenario. The plot felt focused, refined, and directed toward our own team goal: working on Patient Zero to reverse the virus and find a cure for the failed experiment. The implementation of the zombie was clever and thoughtful. While there’s no actor, a large box with a TV screen shows Patient 0, who occasionally appears for jump-scare moments but also reflects our progress. Subtle changes in his appearance made it gradually clear that our efforts were having an effect, which added an extra layer of satisfaction and immersion. The central box is a smartly designed device that dominates the room. It contains Patient 0, delivers occasional special effects, and hosts several key challenges that the team must complete. Its presence keeps attention focused and creates a dynamic centerpiece for the gameplay. The puzzles themselves are diverse and engaging, covering searching and observation, dexterity and timing, logic and deduction, as well as teamwork and communication. Many challenges allow the team to split up and tackle tasks simultaneously, making the experience dynamic and interactive. Almost everything felt tied into the theme, enhancing immersion and keeping momentum high. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There weren’t major issues that impacted our enjoyment, but we noticed a few minor points: one puzzle had an English translation error, mixing up instructions to use a keypad versus a keyboard (both present in the room), and another had slightly unclear symbols. These are minor issues, but fixing them would improve clarity for future teams. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "Infected " is a challenging escape room and not ideal for beginners. Before our run, no team had completed it without hints — we were not only the first but also the fastest, setting two records! Many teams require extra time, so expect a demanding experience. Despite the difficulty, it’s an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable room, testing your mind, teamwork, and attention to detail. ℹ️    ADDITIONAL INFO There is no parking available on site. There are some available spots on the surrounding residential streets. There are also good bus links to this location. There is a lobby area with comfortable seating and secure lockers for your belongings. 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 A/MAZE for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #RyanDriver #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Thriller #Zombies #AMAZE #Montreal #Canada

LOCATION: Hamilton Township, New Jersey, USA Photo above is property of Cloak & Dagger Escape Rooms Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Game of Stones 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 19, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Medieval, Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 4.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $34.99/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY The Night King took the Queen’s Dragon's Golden Egg and concealed it within the northern walls of his castle using dark magic. Despite numerous efforts, no one has managed to recover it. You have one hour to return the Golden Egg to the Queen, or the dragon will destroy the kingdom. Act quickly to avert disaster! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Upon entering the room, the decor immediately transported us to a medieval castle. Ancient stones, swords, and dragon posters surrounded us, while the lighting added to the mysterious atmosphere. We encountered some reading material in the room, which, although brief, provided a compelling backstory about the various kingdoms and dragons. It perfectly complemented the theme. The puzzles varied in difficulty, with some relying on memory and others presenting more challenging logic problems. The triggers to open different realms were fun, each offering a unique and cleverly concealed mechanism. The game's objective was clear, and we knew exactly what we needed to collect to achieve final victory. The ending was highly satisfying as we secured our freedom and the Golden Egg! 🧩 MISSED THE MARK One of the puzzles featured visual clues that seemed misaligned with the actual solution, leaving us uncertain of their purpose. A few of the props required clearer visual guidance for proper placement. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you're a fan of medieval times or "Game of Thrones," you have to try this room to relive history! It's filled with dragon and house references that are a blast to connect, but don't worry—no prior knowledge of the show is necessary. Most puzzles are perfect for teamwork, except for one. We're thrilled they didn't include too many individual player puzzles, as there wasn't an easy way around them. This room is a fantastic adventure for both kids and adults, as kids often have a unique perspective that can be just what you need when you're stuck on a tricky puzzle! Are you ready for the challenge? Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️    ADDITIONAL INFO Parking lot available Lobby with waiting area Gel Blaster laser tag paintball Axe throwing Party room available Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, an 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 Cloak & Dagger Escape Rooms 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 #CloakandDagger #Medieval #Adventure #GameofThrones #NewJersey #USA

LOCATION: Edison, New Jersey, USA Photo above is property of Amazing Escape Room Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Super Plumber Brothers 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 19, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Fantasy 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 9/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 4-10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $132.00/ pp (4 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : No 📖 THE STORY The Super Plumber Brothers are in crisis as their legendary wrench, crucial for their inventions, has mysteriously disappeared. Rumors suggest a dimensional rift and a villain planning to use the wrench for chaos. The brothers need your help. Embark on a journey through a bizarre land, solve puzzles, and navigate traps to recover the wrench before time runs out. The fate of both worlds is at stake. Retrieve the wrench. Save the world! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE We thoroughly enjoy unique escape room themes. This one is particularly captivating as it allows us to escape from the real world and into a video game universe. The decor was incredibly fun, perfectly capturing the essence of the Mario and Luigi world. Be sure to allocate time for the final room, as the urgency peaks with numerous puzzles and a ticking clock! 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The ambiance of the room needs enhancement with improved lighting and music in order to truly capture the essence of a video game world. There are a few repetitive puzzles that only one teammate can tackle, consuming significant time. Given the room's linear nature, it's crucial to minimize such puzzles. Several props require clearer indications for placement. Some clues need an aesthetic upgrade to align with the room's overall decor. The final section contains a non-linear puzzle that must be clearly sequenced to indicate the order of steps. Currently, we find it very confusing to navigate. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? We haven't been "defeated" by a room in a long time and we can be certain that this is not due to our incompetence. Despite our high expectations for this fun-themed room, we identified several discrepancies between the visual clues, props, and the written guidance from the GM, which were all very confusing. After the game. we offered Amazing Escape Room a variety of suggestions to enhance these puzzles and clues. If they make the necessary improvements, you'll have a much better experience than we did in Super Mario Land! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking lot right in front Lobby area with seating on the second floor Merchandise available for purchase Only " Tiki Treasure Boat " and " Candy World " are accessible on the 1st floor. The other games are up one flight of stairs. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, an interview with the manager, 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 Amazing Escape Room (Edison) 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 #USA #NJ #Fantasy #AmazingEscapeRoom

LOCATION: Poznań, Poland Photo above is property of Fun4Brain 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Grandpa's Secret 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 20, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Mystery 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 5 ppl) : 9/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-5 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 75 Mins. 💰 PRICE : 430-590 PLN ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes [73:00] 📖 THE STORY As children, while spending your holidays at your grandparents’ countryside home, you often noticed that your grandfather went to his tool shed. That wouldn’t be unusual, if not for the fact that he always did it at night, at the same time, and he always carried the key in the pocket of his favorite coat. Many years have passed since your grandfather’s death, and now you are grown up. Yet the thought of what he was hiding in that unassuming shed still haunts you. Now, with no one guarding the key, you decide to go inside to uncover the secret your grandfather kept. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Hard but very logical escape room. A couple of original puzzles that are uncommon for escape rooms. Good mix of different puzzle types. Interesting way of giving clues 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Hard but very logical escape room. A couple of original puzzles that are uncommon for escape rooms. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? A great family-friendly escape room with an unexpected but fun ending. A cool set of puzzles, a pleasant atmosphere, and overall a strong, well-rounded project. Don’t be misled by the name or the plot description — just go and play this excellent escape room! :) ℹ️     ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking available, a lot free spots right in front of the building; Lobby with sitting area; Restroom available; Not wheelchair accessible; Drinking water available in the seating area; 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 "!) #PaulShyshou #IRLescaperoom   #EscapeRooms #Fun4Brain #Mystery #Poznan #Poland

Photo above is property of Paper Adventures Company:    Paper Adventures Game:   Great Zombie Escape Country:    U nited Kingdom 🇬🇧 Language:     English Type of Game:    DIY Escape Kits 🖨️✂ Genre:   Kids, Spooky Date Played:     October 11, 2025 Difficulty (based on 2 kids):    4/10 Size of Team:    Unlimited Time:   Unlimited (Approx. 60 Mins.) Price:    Print-At-Home: £14.99 GBP 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 On the last day of camping with your friends at Misty Creek, you are all playing one final game of hide and seek in the forest together. While hiding though, you and your friends discover the door to what looks to be a secret lab hidden in the rocks. Have you stumbled onto the legendary laboratory of the world famous scientist Doctor Doom? And what are those scratching sounds coming from behind the door? Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ The game came as a zip file with three different pdf's. The first is the Game Master’s booklet, giving the adult a complete walkthrough of the game, setup and any other required details to run the game. The other 2 files were the game pack, where one was in full, vibrant color and detailed design, while the other was a more printer friendly option if needed. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 This game requires an adult to act as the Game Master, guiding the kids through the adventure. While the booklet suggests a setup time of about 30 minutes, I found it takes closer to 45 minutes to an hour, 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 plenty of 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 game does recommend having the experience move from room to room as they complete the puzzles and move onto the next chapter but we found an alternative is to have the kids work in one room and when they solve it, have them move through the house and come back to the same room giving me time to setup the next chapter. The kids really enjoyed this experience. The story was fun and stuck with the Halloween theme but wasn’t too spooky or scary for kids. 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. As the Gamemaster for this game, this game had some easier paper props to set up and the payoff was fantastic with some clever and innovative puzzles with them, especially the final prop and cute characters to interact with. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 The game had a variety of puzzles, each different enough to keep the kids engaged throughout the game and none were overly challenging to slow the momentum of the game down. For a paper based print and play game, Paper Adventures always does an amazing job of making hands on puzzles with just paper. 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 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 The " Great Zombie Escape " was a fantastic Halloween escape game to host. The story and design kept the kids fully engaged and pulled them right into the adventure. I was especially impressed with how simple the props were to set up and how innovative they were with the prop design. The puzzles struck a nice balance of challenge and variety using the paper props, and a few of them even surprised me with their creativity. The game also came with some fun props and a certificate as well to present and take pictures with at the end. It was perfect for my kids, ages 10 and 12, though a little on the easier side for them. Overall, it was a well designed and enjoyable experience that I’d recommend for families looking for a festive and fun Halloween activity after carving some pumpkins. (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 #Horror #Kids #PaperAdventures #UnitedKingdom

Photo above is property of ChizSix Company: GGBGNSSG Game: Good Guy, Bad Guy, Not So Smart Guy Country: USA 🇺🇸 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Games 📬 Genre: Board Game, Party Game, Family Date Played: September 28, 2025 Difficulty (based on 4 players): 3/10 Size of Team: 2-6 Players (Ages 7+) Time: 5-15 Mins. Price: $14.95 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Be the first person to lay down five consecutive cards to win but look out for the “guys”. Some guys are good, some are bad, some are not so smart and some are just jerks. They can help you out but other times, they will just derail your plans. 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ The game comes in a small black box containing all the cards you need which include the numbered cards and the guy cards. The design is simple but charming with the guys looking irresistibly cute. One fun detail is that on the outside of the box, you see the three main guys the game is named after but inside the tuck area, you can see a little jerk popping his head out. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 The goal of the game is to be the first person to lay out five consecutive cards in front of you. To start, deal out five cards to each player. Going around the table, you can choose one of five actions. Place a card in front of you, which can be either a number card or a Good Guy card (a wild card) to build your sequence. Play a Guy card and perform its effect. Bad Guys lets you take one card in front of someone, Not So Smart Guys let you take a random card from another player’s hand and the Jerks wipe out all the cards in front of someone. Discard a card from your hand. Pick up a card from the draw pile, keeping in mind that you can only have a maximum of five cards in your hand. Pick up the top card from the discard pile as long as it’s a number card. Play continues around the table until someone gets their five card sequence and wins the game. The rules are simple and easy to learn. One slightly odd thing we found was that discarding a card and drawing a card takes two turns, which feels off and especially when we were trying to get our last card, could make the game feel longer. Luckily the game moves quickly and there is minimal idle time in between turns. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🆁🅰🆃🅴🅶🆈 We found the main strategy is to try and get middle cards down first like the four, five and six. This will keep your options open for the 5 consecutive cards. Keep an eye on someone and if it looks like they are having trouble finishing their sequence, maybe don’t play your Jerk card yet and clear their cards when they are only one away. I also like to keep some of my sequence cards in hand and play a few in a row so it looks like I’m behind and can swoop in in a few turns, though it’s a risk if someone has a Not So Smart Guy. 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 This is a cute little game that’s easy to learn and perfect for families or young kids who are into games like Uno or Crazy 8s. It’s quick to deal out, simple to play, and compact enough for travel or game nights on the go. The adorable artwork and lighthearted theme makes it appealing for kids, while still offering enough interaction to keep adults entertained. There’s not a lot of deep strategy here, but offers a feel good game that’s great for a few quick rounds whenever you have a bit of time to play. (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 GGBGNSSG 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 #Family #PartyGames #GGBGNMSSG #USA

LOCATION : Passaic, New Jersey, USA Photo above is property of Brighton Asylum Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🎭 EXPERIENCE : Brighton Asylum, SubCULTure, The Bleeding Grounds 📅 DATE VISITED : October 19, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Immersive 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 5 ppl) : N/A 👥 TOTAL # OF PEOPLE : Up to 25 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : Approx. 10 Mins. (Once inside the maze) 💰 PRICE : General Admission: $50.87 - $61.47/ pp (all 3 haunted houses) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Public 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : N/A 🎭 THE EXPERIENCE Brighton Asylum, the renowned haunted asylum complex highlighted on The Today Show, Cake Boss, Buzzfeed, ABC, NBC, FOX, and various media outlets nationwide, was closed in 1952 due to the disappearance of staff and patients, along with unbearable living conditions. Now, the asylum has reopened and is welcoming new patients! Brighton Asylum is an extensive walk-through dark attraction featuring frightening live actors, horror movie-style scares, and Hollywood-quality special effects. Remember... once you check IN the asylum, you may never check OUT! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Photo above is property of Brighton Asylum 📖 THE STORY Brighton Asylum, once housing the most troubled minds, has been in ruins for almost 60 years. Now, its doors are open again, exposing the terrors that have lingered in the darkness since 1952. Discover the sinister secrets inside—if you dare. Are you brave enough to endure? Photo above is property of Brighton Asylum 📖 THE STORY They were some of the most feared and dangerous individuals at Brighton Asylum. During a routine patient transfer, they escaped into the tunnels, adapting to the darkness and preying on anyone passing through. They'll attempt to deceive you. They'll attempt to recruit you. And if that doesn't work, they'll simply capture you! Can you escape, or will these inhabitants overpower your mind and spirit? Photo above is property of Brighton Asylum 📖 THE STORY Explore the deserted staff quarters on the abandoned second floor of Brighton Asylum, closed off since 1952. This is where the staff once lived, worked, and carried out their disturbing experiments. Discover the eerie truth behind why this once-busy floor was condemned, gaining the ominous title of The Bleeding Grounds. Will you leave with your sanity intact? 🎯    HIT THE BULLSEYE Atmosphere : Outside, the Monster Midway area showcased horror CarnEVIL games, a horror museum, mini-escape games, a gift shop, and much more! It was vibrant, colorful, and welcoming. Inside, it was eerie, dilapidated, and filled with ghastly items. Storyline : Brighton brings our favorite horror films with an insane asylum theme to life. The sadistic backstory of peculiar staff gatherings experimenting on mental patients is what serves as the final touch to this horrific experience. Set design : The set designs truly established the mood; being inside a dim, aged warehouse gave it an authentic, decayed, industrial vibe. Upstairs in " The Bleeding Grounds ", it resembled an old Victorian-era structure. There was an abundance of visual elements that perfectly captured the themes and ambiance of an asylum filled with lunatics and an ancient haunted house. Actors : The actors remained in character, whether they were out in the open setting the scene or popping out for an unexpected jump scare. Varying intensity : There were several unexpected jump scares that eventually started to feel repetitive. However, when it came to a climactic ending, Brighton Asylum did not disappoint. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Psychological elements : Set in a mental asylum, the overarching theme of disturbed residents should instantly establish a strong basis for what is anticipated. It would have been interesting to delve into the psychological fears common to most people and incorporate an element of surprise in that aspect. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Unlike typical haunted houses, Brighton Asylum elevates the experience with contemporary techniques and a full-contact approach to unsettle and scare visitors. At Brighton, you'll explore " The Brighton Asylum " itself, an industrial complex that delves into other nightmares as well. In " SubCULTure ", you will also traverse Brighton's underground service tunnel, which was once utilized for transporting medical supplies to other buildings. For those brave enough, the 2nd floor staffing area known as " The Bleeding Grounds " is open! This area is where the staff once worked, slept, and experimented... it has earned its name for a good reason! 👋   CUSTOMER SERVICE Location of the venue isn't that easy to find. The entrance is through a small alleyway that leads to their parking lot. The parking lot attendants were not helpful and weren't very visible when directing traffic. We ended up driving in circles until we found parking on a residential street. All attractions are indoors and there is some coverage if it rains on their main queue lines outside. The line formations were organized with both a standard pass and a fast pass option. They have security on staff every single night including police officers, retired police officers, and SORA licensed security. Customers will have to be wanded by a security officer before they will be allowed to enter the park, and a photo ID is needed if you purchased your ticket in advance. Additionally, there are cameras recording in every room of the haunted houses and in the queue line, midway and parking areas. All the actors were professional and gave a satisfactory performance. As media/ press guests, it would have been more convenient to have a wristband or some form of identification indicating that we were there to take photos and film, as consent had been granted before our arrival. The staff was somewhat rude each time I had to explain that I had permission. ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Parking lot available. In addition, they also offer a large off site parking lot available at Clifton High School, 333 Colfax Ave, Clifton NJ 07013 Do not touch actors, staff, props, or sets. Violations = eviction without refund. No weapons, alcohol, drugs, vaping, smoking, running, or disorderly conduct. No cameras, flash, or livestreaming inside attractions. Photos/videos allowed outside only. Refreshments vary night to night. They have horror themed chocolates, a non-alcoholic drink bar, various packaged snacks, hot chocolate, and various food trucks providing hot food and deserts. Stay on marked paths and keep moving forward. Anyone appearing intoxicated, impaired, or otherwise unfit may be refused entry. Event includes stairs, darkness, strobe lights, fog, loud sounds, moving floors, and other physically demanding features. Participation is entirely at your own risk. In addition to the (3) haunted houses, Brighton Asylum also offers escape rooms, a horror museum, photo op stations, fear shop, and games! Restrooms are available Photos above are property of Brighton Asylum Note : This is a limited run. The last day to book is November 1, 2025 (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 Brighton Asylum for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #BrandonChow #IRLEscapeRooms #ImmersiveExperiences #Attractions #BrightonAsylum #NewJersey #USA

LOCATION: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada Photo above is property of Sauve Qui Peut Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Falderon Forest 📅 DATE PLAYED : July 15, 2022 🎬 GENRE : Fantasy, Enchanted 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 Players) : 8/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl (Ages 8+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $36/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY The enchanted forest of Falderon is a magical place, full of lush greenery and mystical creatures. In order to replenish its magic, a special ritual must be performed on every 100th full moon at the sacred well. However, the hobbit normally in charge of this task has disappeared! The Queen has called you together to take on the task of finding the well and completing the ritual before all magic is wiped from the land (and all the creatures along with it)! Your party consists of a knight, a sorcerer, a fortune teller, and an apothecary - each with your own special skills… 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE A visit to Falderon is truly a magical experience, and it all starts with the gorgeous set! Each space is utterly charming, with its own unique feel. While they are not huge areas, the designs in some ways make them feel more expansive than they are. The exception to this is perhaps the middle bit, which could get a bit tight for some, though we had no problems with this in our group. Not only do the scenes hit you visually, auditorily, and tactically, but they even have a unique (and appropriate) scent for each room! For us, this totally enhanced the immersion (and was not overly cloying or overbearing), though anyone sensitive to such things should be aware. We loved the light-hearted and humorous tone of this game, most epitomized by your 6 faerie guides! Each faerie has its own unique personality, and you will hear their banter throughout the game as they try to help you along in your mission - their lives hang in the balance, after all! You have opportunities to interact with them, and each individual faerie will respond slightly differently, according to their character. This contributes to the fact that there are an incredible number (more than 400) of different audio clips you might hear, helping to make your game unique and to have more agency in determining your exact experience. The faeries do like to tease you…so be prepared for some ribbing! There is a super immersive and fun primary hint system. (Though, if you run through the programmed hints, you may eventually need to ask the GM, and you do have a walkie-talkie for that purpose as well.) Falderon Forest has adaptive difficulty, in that it can both adjust the number and the difficulty of puzzles based on the amount of time that has passed. This is an awesome system that means more experienced groups will feel more challenged and get more puzzles, while those who are struggling can get some additional help and will never quite know how many additional puzzles they never saw in the last room. Our group did not get to experience all of the puzzles, but in talking with the GM, it seems like there were quite a few more! We did get to see how some of the clueing for puzzles shifted over time to help us get through when we were struggling, which was really cool and clever! This game is designed to be played by exactly four people, with each one taking on one of the four unique roles, each with its own special powers. I thought that this was well-implemented! They do a good job in the initial description of each role to describe the attributes each person ideally has to help you pick, and the use of the special powers was quite well distributed throughout the game. This gives each person an opportunity for their own moments to shine and to help ensure everyone is involved. Though, it did slightly backfire on us a few times, when one of the kids got frustrated that they were not able to complete a task that was “theirs.” However, we were able to trade objects around as needed in the room in that case. Overall, it was certainly a cool aspect of the game. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There were a couple of bits of tech that were slightly finicky, which is not surprising given the amount of tech in this room!! There was one really cool moment for my character, the sorcerer, for instance, which I couldn’t get to work, and the GM had to come in to do for me. However, the vast majority of things worked well. While we found them highly entertaining and a positive that made the game more fun and memorable, there are some who could find the faeries distracting, annoying, or even a little rude). They do talk quite a bit throughout the game. You do need to pay close attention to determine what is a good hint vs. what is just banter or might otherwise mislead you. Sauve Quit Peut recommends this game for those 13+ who have some experience. Despite the adaptive difficulty, it is not intended for newbies! So, really we were the ones who missed the mark on this one by not totally listening to their advice. I played with my brother and his kids (13 & 15), who had only played one (not well-designed) room previously. The theme definitely appealed to them, and they loved all of the immersive and entertaining aspects, but it was a little more challenging than ideal for them. We initially did not complete the ritual…though you still get a victory of sorts! The GM very kindly actually then let us stay an extra few minutes to do the ritual! So do pay attention to those recommendations. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "Falderon Forest" is an enchanting experience and incredibly impressive design feat! While it is a ways outside of Montreal (though closer to the US if you are driving up from the border), it is absolutely worth the trek. You do want to have a group of 4 that have at least a handful of rooms under their belt and are 13 or older. Then be prepared to embrace the silliness of the faeries and delve into this magical world! I can’t wait to go back and try some of their other rooms… 🔎 HINT Look VERY closely when interpreting the clue to the code for the front door! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO The lobby/waiting area where you check in and have your rules/intro also has lockers and seating. There also are bathrooms available. There are a variety of parking options (both paid lots and some that should be free) in the area. 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 Sauve Qui Peut 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 #EnchantedForest #SauveQuiPeut #Canada

LOCATION: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada Photo above is property of Sauve Qui Peut Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Clandestine Bar 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 10, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Mystery, Adult, Bar 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 Players) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl (Recommend 2-6, ages 18+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $32/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY A local bar is long suspected to be a cover for running some clandestine operations, but it’s been impossible to get in there and gather any evidence. But tonight’s the night! The hottest jazz band is in town, and everyone is there! Sneak into the bar and see if you can prove what shady dealings have been going on - before the show ends and everyone is back in an hour! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE There were a number of satisfying, hands-on manipulations and problem-solving moments (which seems to be common for Sauve Qui Peut in general, based on the three rooms I’ve played). Several times Cici and I tried to tell Brandon he shouldn’t be doing something…but he was totally right! These are super tactile but don’t necessarily require a lot of dexterity, and they’re great for people who might consider themselves better problem-solvers than “puzzlers”. "The Clandestine Bar" definitely has a dramatic reveal that none of us expected! There was some shock, and a lot of laughter, and it’s not something we’ll forget. It’s a bold choice, and not your typical theme, bringing something unusual to the market - which some people will love! Sauve Qui Peut has an excellent artist who works on a lot of their rooms, resulting in some really cool paintings (one of which is apparently even 3d?!). The set dressing in general does a great job making you feel like you’re in an alley and then a bar - if only those draught taps had been pouring some beer! 🧩 MISSED THE MARK This game is listed as 18+, and they do state that the scenario may be offensive to some. We definitely respect wanting to minimize information to maximize surprises, but we see potential for some people to have a very awkward, embarrassing, or even upsetting time playing the game. Certainly not one to play with your parents or for a work team-building game! If you have concerns, you might want to touch base with them beforehand and see if you can get a little more information (or feel free to reach out to us)! The ending was a little anticlimactic. We weren’t sure if we had actually finished or exactly what we needed to do at that stage. Just bear in mind that once you’ve completed the given goals - you’re done! 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you’re not easily shocked or offended and are looking for something a little different (and highly memorable), The Clandestine Bar might be for you! I can particularly see this room being a hit for bachelor/bachelorette parties or just folks out with a group of mates. SQP does rate this as an “Expert” room, and there are some puzzles that may not be super beginner-friendly. However, you get unlimited hints (but after three, they don’t officially count your game as a “win” if that’s important to you.) So, go start your investigation, if you think your group can handle it… 🔎 HINT: Don’t be afraid to mess with things in the room, so long as they don’t have a “Do not touch” sticker on them! And remember that in Canada, the day goes before the month when it comes to listing dates! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO The lobby/waiting area where you check in and have your rules/intro also has lockers and seating. There also are bathrooms available. There are a variety of parking options (both paid lots, free lots, and paid street parking) in the area. The closest free lot is about a 3-5 minute walk. 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 Sauve Qui Peut 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 #Adult #Bar #SauveQuiPeut #Canada