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LOCATION: New Port Richey, Florida, USA Photo above is property of Time Trap Escape Room Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: The Box 📅 DATE PLAYED: November 17, 2021 🎬 GENRE: Thriller 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 7.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: Up to 6PPL 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $25.95/PP ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY You step inside a 4x4 room shaped like a box. The room is dark with only one source of light. There are a bunch of boxes in front of you with all different types of locks on them, challenging you to see if you've got what it takes to open them. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Really unique concept and a cool way of utilizing just boxes to showcase puzzles. We actually really enjoyed the part where we have to figure out where the starting point is. It really bought out the mysteriousness of the boxes. The satisfaction of opening them one by one and discovering how they're connecting with each other had us engaged with the game the entire time. The hidden compartments of the boxes were unexpected. It's always a delight to discover item within items like a Matryoshka doll. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Since there's not many items considered to be movable, the ones that are (used for decor purposes) would seem to a player to be a useful "tool" within the game. We would suggest removing them or actually making them to be a part of a puzzle so they are not seen as a red herrings. Certain triggers were not as obvious on the box where we knew it has opened. Perhaps a sound or light alert would be great. If the clues/puzzles could lead into more of a story reveal (especially with the clown decors in the room), that would enhance the experience as currently they feel like no relevance to the room. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Since there's not much of a set design or storyline, I probably wouldn't categorize this as an escape room but more like a mobile take home box experience on a larger scale. The ideal size for this room would be 2-4 people (if you can have coverage from all sides, it might be easier to spot "changes"). The dim lighting might make it harder to see certain puzzles with players with eye sight issues. Player's that enjoy purely on the puzzle side will like this challenge than ones that are seeking for a full on escape room experience. We did try a traditional escape room there as well called "The Cooperative - Episode 1: The Cyclist's Lab". Make sure to check that review as well and if you want to know what they are like before making a decision, check out our tour video above! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking in front of the facility. Lobby with seating and games. 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 Time Trap 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 #DarkExperience #Thriller #TimeTrapEscapeRoom #USA #Florida

LOCATION: Davie, Florida, USA Photo above is property of Lockbox Escape Room Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: The Puzzler's Lair 📅 DATE PLAYED: November 19, 2021 🎬 GENRE: Thriller 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 9/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 3-10PPL 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $30/PP ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY The infamous killer known as The Puzzler is at the top of FBI' s "Most Wanted" list. He's a vigilante determined to bring justice to those who haven't been adequately punished by the system. Unfortunately, you are his next victim and have been trapped inside the Puzzler's Lair. The Puzzler likes to watch his victims struggle to survive, so he's offering you a series of tests to try and escape. Do you have what it takes to outsmart him and escape? Video is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Like the name, this room is FULL of puzzles. For players who are looking for puzzles that feels endless, you have found the right spot. If you have a large group, it might be quite easy to divide and conquer as the room is quite spacious and the puzzles are not linear. We saw a good amount of puzzles that we've seen as enthusiasts in other escape rooms but it was still a nice solve but there were many innovative puzzle ideas that we really enjoyed. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Although the game master did state that it's best to not move around much when solving these puzzles, some were placed really close together in terms of clues. There are also decors that could be "red herrings". We don't think those decors are really necessary in a room that's already so heavy with puzzle amounts. Perhaps putting them further away from the actual clues is ok to add some backstory. This room is mainly focused on puzzles so there's not much of a set design to it. We think there should at least be a "divider" between the first part of the room and the other to create a sense of "surprise". Perhaps a lock on it or a hidden reveal. One puzzle in the latter part of the game was a bit confusing in terms of the wording. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? For two people, there was A LOT to do. We rated the difficulty level mainly because of how many puzzles there were versus difficulty level of the puzzles. We got out at the last second which was such a adrenaline rush. Never think you can take a breather unless you're really at the end. Just keep opening locks until you ran out of them. For lock lovers, this room will be heaven for you. From time to time we really enjoy a room just for the sake of puzzles. This room has a lot of potential with a bit more budget to make it more immersive with the storyline with added sound and lighting. We first played Lockbox Escape Room's games remotely online back in 2020. They were one of the first to create a hybrid of remote avatar with point-n-click games. Since then, they've evolved to producing tons of digital games for corporate events and more! We've had the pleasure of playing "CIA Taskforce: The Gamer", "Timeline", "Order of Illusionists", "Gallery Heist", and "Vampire Hunters"! So this was a bit surreal to see the rooms in-person. We look forward to seeing more of their creative ideas in the future! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO There's a free parking lot right in front of the facility. Lobby area with seating and water available. 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 Lockbox 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 #LockboxEscapeRoom #USA #Florida #Thriller #Puzzles #Challenges

LOCATION: Miami, Florida, USA Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Photo above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Zodiac Serial Killer 📅 DATE PLAYED: November 20, 2021 🎬 GENRE: Horror 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl): 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-6PPL (Ages 18+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $37-55.50/PP (pending on group size) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY You and your friends have been abducted by a serial killer!! In his apartment, he tied you guys up and placed a bag over your heads. Counting down the seconds until you meet your demise, you notice that his methods are quite similar to the Infamous Zodiac Killer! Could this be a copycat or has he returned? You only have 60 minutes to escape... Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Knowing about the real story behind the Zodiac Killer already added intensity before the game even begin. We were surprised by how REAL the experience was going to be. All of us were instructed to put on a brown bag (don't worry, it's COVID safe and one time use only) and were handcuffed in various areas in the room. If you like theater and immersion then you'll definitely FEEL it in this room. I don't want to give out anymore spoilers here so email us if you think you might be too afraid of this set up. The set design was pretty impressive as it could be deceiving from the beginning since you're just in a dim lit room. You'll definitely be surprised especially in the latter part of the game. There was a moment when we wondered if we really had to do something and we did! That was definitely a "wow" moment for us as we've only seen one other game that've used this mechanism in a puzzle before. While solving puzzles, the room made us feel like we're on "survival mode" the entire time. The hints were also given "in character" which added to the creepiness of the game. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK A lot of the time was spent on searching in the first part of the game. It's hard even for the GM to tell which ones we've found and what else are we missing. If more puzzles could be added that requires actual solving, it would make this game more solid. The ending had a "scenery" that we were a bit confused about as it felt like more puzzles could be added there rather than a place used for victory photos. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you enjoy serial killer type of theme and that adrenaline rush, you'll love this game. This game does have a different type of "opening act" than other escape rooms but it's not going to be scary throughout the experience. If Cici (the scaredy-cat) can do it, so can you! Fox In A Box Miami location currently has 6 games available to choose from. So far, we've played (3) games from the franchise: "The Other Side" (In-Person) at their Los Angeles location (unfortunately has closed down), "Virtual Nuclear Bunker" (Remote) and this one. We've really enjoyed their games so far for the creative storylines, quality set designs, and cleverly designed puzzles! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Street parking will be difficult to find. There are various parking lots in the area (the one we found was $5 for the entire hour). Definitely remember to take down the address of the parking lot as every street will look the same (yup, we wondered around for like 30 minutes after to find our lot). There's a lobby area with seating and merchandise for purchase. Lockers available. 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 Fox In A Box (Miami) for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #BrandonChow #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Horror #SerialKiller #Survival #FoxInABox #Miami #USA

LOCATION: Miami, Florida, USA Photo above is property of Exit Escape Room Miami Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Operation: Dive 📅 DATE PLAYED: November 2, 2022 🎬 GENRE: War, Submarine 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-10 ppl (Ages 12+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $35-50/PP (pending on group size and date) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes (30:35, no hints) 📖 THE STORY The US is facing an imminent threat from a rogue enemy submarine which is rapidly approaching the East Coast. The only available submarine who can intercept it in time is the USSR Intrepid. The only problem is, it hasn’t been used in almost 60 years. You need to bring everything back online and hunt down the enemy, before it’s too late. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The appearance of the submarine is very immersive. Careful attention has been paid to the small details, such as the curvature of the hull, the pressure gauges, doors, etc. All the puzzles make thematic sense. The actions you take inside work with what you may expect you would have to do in order to get a submarine to dive into the ocean and hunt an enemy vessel. The puzzles are interactive and promote cooperation to complete them. There are a few cool special effects and lots of technology to promote the feeling you are in a sub under the ocean’s waves, such as the periscope and port holes. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There’s not too much to dislike in this room. There are a few small details, like excessive dead space in the most forward area of the sub, or adding a couple more puzzles to extend game length, but other than that, this is a solid production. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "Operation: Dive" is a game which has a high level of synergy between the story and the puzzles, so despite its relative level of ease, it should satisfy all levels of experience. Players will love the level of immersion and abundance of technology inside and transports you deep below the waves of Miami! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO There is paid parking available on the street or in a parking garage directly behind the building. There is a Lobby with seating area, places to leave your stuff and a few puzzle games. 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 Exit Escape Room Miami 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 #Submarine #War #ExitEscapeRoomMiami #Florida #USA

LOCATION: Miami, Florida, USA Photo above is property of Exit Escape Room Miami Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: The Mission 📅 DATE PLAYED: November 2, 2022 🎬 GENRE: Espionage, Spy 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-10 ppl (Ages 10+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $35-50/PP (pending on group size and date) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes (23:50, no hints) 📖 THE STORY Your spy agency has been infiltrated by a double agent. No one is to be trusted! You are tasked with figuring out who the double agent is, tracking them down, and taking them out before they can sell all the agency’s secrets. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The game is focused on the story and your advancement within it. You’ll actually feel like a spy on the hunt. All the puzzles relate to your mission goals and advancing the story, resulting in a high level of immersion. There is a fun and unexpected ending, the best we’ve seen in a room of this genre. The props and décor, particularly in the last two thirds of the game are of a high level. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK We felt that the room you begin the mission in is actually too large and since all the puzzles relate to items at or on the walls there is a large dead space in the middle of the floor (minor point). The audio in subsequent spaces, you have not yet discovered, could be heard which was a little distracting and broke a little the immersion (another minor point). 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "The Mission" offers plenty of flow and will transport you around the world on your search for the double agent. We felt the story telling was incredibly well done and appreciated how it continued to unfold as you progressed. Escape rooms always provide a back story before you enter, however very few ever develop further, this is not the case here. The space is large enough to cater to large groups and the puzzles easy enough for beginners to enjoy. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO There is paid parking available on the street or in a parking garage directly behind the building. There is a Lobby with seating area, places to leave your stuff and a few puzzle games. 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 Exit Escape Room Miami 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 #Espionage #ExitEscapeRoomMiami #Florida #USA

LOCATION: Kissimmee, Florida, USA Photo above is property of Doldrick's Escape Room Photo above is property of Doldrick's Escape Room 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Crazy Train: The Ballad of Skeemin' Plotz 📅 DATE PLAYED: September 30, 2023 🎬 GENRE: Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl): 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-5 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 75 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $37.99/ pp (adults), $27.99/ pp (children) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY Embark on a whimsical journey aboard the Crazy Train as you find yourself entangled in the escapades of the notorious Skeemin' Plotz. The room, intricately designed with a 1920s cartoon theme, promises a delightful adventure filled with major twists and turns. In this immersive experience, players take on the challenge of thwarting Skeemin' Plotz's mischievous plots before they unfold completely. As you navigate through the whimsical world, be prepared to encounter the charm and humor reminiscent of a vintage cartoon. The room not only tests your puzzle-solving skills but also invites you to unravel the secrets of the storyline. Save the damsel in distress and outsmart Skeemin' Plotz in a quest that promises laughter, excitement, and an unforgettable journey back in time. Do you have what it takes to triumph over the cartoonish chaos and emerge victorious on the Crazy Train? All aboard for an animated escapade like no other! 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Step into a monochromatic wonderland of 1920s nostalgic cartoons with one of the most uniquely designed sets you'll encounter in an escape room. From the moment you enter, you're enveloped in the charm of black and white aesthetics, immersing you fully in the creativity that defines each element of the game. Set aboard a train, the experience unfolds across multiple cars, culminating in the engine where you hold the reins of the story's outcome. The technological marvels of this game truly stand out, eliminating the traditional lock-and-key mechanism entirely and relying on seamless electronics. Remarkably, our playthrough encountered no technical hiccups, enhancing the immersive flow of the experience and infusing it with contagious enthusiasm. Puzzles within the game strike a delightful balance between simple solves and intricate challenges, consistently keeping our team engaged. The puzzles seamlessly interconnect, creating a smooth progression once the initial disorientation of entering the vibrant cartoon world subsides. Effort has been poured into crafting a story world that authentically mirrors the cartoon aesthetic. From in-game advertisements to clever references, the room captures the essence of classic tropes, fostering a playful atmosphere suitable for all ages. It's a captivating adventure where discovery and amusement intertwine to deliver a memorable escape room experience. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Despite the immersive experience of the Crazy Train adventure at Doldricks Escape Rooms, the room's size posed a challenge for our team of four, feeling notably cramped. The optimal group size for comfort might be three players. Nevertheless, all participants navigated and engaged with puzzles effectively, ensuring an enjoyable experience. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "Crazy Train: The Ballad of Skeemin' Plotz" at Doldricks Escape Rooms stands out as an absolute gem in the world of escape rooms. Its unparalleled charm and unique design create an experience that is not only enjoyable but also memorable. The family-friendly humor adds a delightful touch, aligning perfectly with the room's theme and showcasing Doldricks' meticulous attention to detail in incorporating every scenario seamlessly into the game. The use of innovative technologies, such as monitors and magnets, elevates each discovery to a master class in environmental storytelling. The game manages to deliver the expected cheesiness with finesse, keeping players engaged and hanging onto every twist and turn until the final moments. The attention to detail is commendable, and the game world is a whimsical blend of nostalgia and creativity, making it a delightful experience for players of all ages. Despite its challenging nature, Crazy Train offers a generous and immersive hint system that doesn't compromise the overall experience. In fact, I recommend taking advantage of it, not just for guidance but also to savor the concluding moments of the game, which are sure to leave you with a sense of accomplishment and a desire to revisit this unique and entertaining escape room adventure. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking Strobe effects are used but can be minimized upon request Lobby filled with games and puzzles Photo above is property of Doldrick's Escape 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"!) #MikeSchnurr #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #DoldricksEscapeRoom #Adventure #Florida #USA

LOCATION: Worcester, Massachusetts, USA Videos/ Photos are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Fallout 📅 DATE PLAYED: February 2, 2020 🎬 GENRE: Suspense, War 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: Up To 8PPL 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $27/PP ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Public/Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY It is the year 1977. In front of us stood a fallout shelter, which is the last few remaining standing buildings after US was attacked in a Nuclear war. We had no choice but to explore what was inside… 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The entryway to the room was a great mood setter for what was about to come. We always enjoy that extra touch. Once we entered, the dim light and set design immediately captured our attention. Some props used were from that era and that really pulled us more into the story. The game flow was great. Since this wasn't a linear room, we were able to explore separately and still come together for the important pieces of the puzzles later. A “centerpiece” of the room became our favorite challenge to solve. It created that last moment of “urgency” we all yearn for in an escape room and gave us that final satisfied feeling when we completed the task. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There were a few places that we thought we were going to be “surprised” with more than meets the eye, but that could also just be our selfish desire for wanting more. One puzzle was hard to visualize for us but we were still able to be solve it using deduction. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you love a little exploration, discovery, and excitement, you’ll want to try this room out. We were able to escape with just the two of us, but it’s best recommended to go with at least 3 people. We can’t wait to journey back for their other adventures. 🔎 HINT Be quick and accurate. Additional info Free parking lot across the street on weekdays after 4PM or weekends Use street parking before 4PM on weekdays Must be able to go up/down a flight of stairs Lobby with seating area Event room available for booking ** We don't want to go into detail and ruin any surprises for you, but if you'd like more information on the room, feel free to email us. (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 Games Worcester for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #escapetheroomers #etr #review #escaperoomreviews #escaperooms #escape #rooms #games #escapegamesworcester #fallout #worcester #massachusetts #ma #usa

LOCATION: Salem, Massachusetts, USA Photo above provided by Escape Room Salem 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Outbreak II: High Voltage 📅 DATE PLAYED: February 9, 2020 🎬 GENRE: Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: Up To 10PPL 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $24/PP ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Public 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY Dr. Conundrum was blown up into pieces during an experiment he was doing to find the cure for virus “Z”. We have an hour to “reassemble” and revive him so we can get the code for the antidote! 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE With the owner’s “haunted house” background, it was no surprise that the room provided us with chills right from the beginning (Full Disclosure: due to a power outage the previous day, we were not able to experience the full effect of the game with the lighting and sound but from what the game master described to us, it should be eerier than what we’ve experienced). This room was not linear at all and with just the two of us, there was a lot to do around the room. We liked the implementation of a device that gave us the “heart pounding” moment. This made the game felt like a real-life situation. The final puzzle really put all the “pieces” together. We enjoyed the originality. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Some props felt like they needed an upkeep. There were no clues as to why we had to utilize something at the beginning which just felt like a “search and find” mission. We were unsure how that related to the story. A puzzle had pieces that had been improperly placed which messed up the clues and confused us for a long time. This could be resolved if they can glue down the pieces or just not have the confusing numbering system that could potentially be misplaced during reset again. We were able to get a key for a lock too early on in the game. For some reason the same key was able to open two locks. This really confused us for the latter puzzles as we found clues that didn’t make sense at the time. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Love Frankenstein? Enjoy putting things back together? This should be on your list of to-dos when visiting the town of Salem, MA. We hope Escape Room Salem can fix the minor things mentioned above as this game has a lot of potential. Our recommended group size is 4 but it can easily fit more. The town is also very big on doing street fairs and haunts during the Halloween time frame. So, if you are a horror fan, this is where you want to be in October. 🔎 HINT Lower your perspective... Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ** UPDATE - We regret to inform you that "Escape Room Salem" has closed its doors. Disclosure: We thank Escape Room Salem for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #escapetheroomers #etr #review #escaperoomreviews #escaperooms #escape #rooms #games #escaperoomsalem #outbreakiihighvoltage #outbreakii #highvoltage #salem #massachusetts #ma #usa

LOCATION: Arlington, Massachusetts, USA Photo above provided by Amaze Escape 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Art of the Heist 📅 DATE PLAYED: February 10, 2020 🎬 GENRE: Adventure, Mission 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 3-10PPL 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $30/PP ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Public 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY We are a group of professional thieves hired by an international crime syndicate to recover a priceless suitcase inside of a police station. Can we break out before the police returns in 60 minutes? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Being that the building used to be a prison, it already added a few elements of surprises to the room and the surrounding areas of the escape room. Some props really resembled the era the story was set in. One prop in particular reminded us of our high school days. We probably got an upper hand on knowing what it is whereas the millennials would probably need to read the operation manual. The game flow as well as a few unexpected moments kept the momentum of the game going. The ending puzzle provided us with some “heart pounding” moments. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK We didn’t notice that we already solved a puzzle right at the beginning. Perhaps some kind of signal could assist as an indicator. Some clues may be a bit hard to reach for shorter people (I’m 5 ft tall) but I would assume most groups may have a mixture of different heights. It would help to position it lower perhaps for groups with shorter players. Some props needed a bit of updating. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This building used to be a prison. The owner was great at utilizing the history of the building to build the two background stories of the rooms they have available. Their other room “Escape from Death Row” is set in real jail cells! The room we played used to be a “shooting range”. See if you can find any reminiscence of the past in there! 🔎 HINT Precision is a must. Additional Info Street Parking (some free 4 hour parking, some metered) Two lobbies with waiting area Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers We don't want to go into detail and ruin any surprises for you, but if you'd like more information on the room, feel free to email us. (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 Amaze Escape for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #escapetheroomers #etr #review #escaperoomreviews #escaperooms #escape #rooms #games #amazeescape #artoftheheist #arlington #massachusetts #ma #usa

LOCATION: New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA Photo + Video property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: The Eckstein Experiment 📅 DATE PLAYED: February 11, 2020 🎬 GENRE: Sci-Fi 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl): 7.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: Up To 10PPL 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $22-29/PP (pending on group size) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Public 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY No one knows what goes on inside Dr. Eckstein's Lab located in the mysterious brick building at the edge of town. Strange noises can be heard all throughout the night with massive power surges running through the building. You decide to respond to an ad in the local paper regarding clinical trials being held at the facility. Let's see what you can find out... 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE This room was quite challenging and a lot of "tricks" up its sleeve. We started off inside of a cage as one of the patients that has enrolled for the clinical trials. The GM was great at playing his character. It felt like we're in the hands of a complete lunatic. The set design felt like a mad scientist's laboratory. The props looked and felt so real. There was a "special" discovery that definitely had us by surprise. It's not something you'll see in a typical escape room yet the creators were able to make it as a part of a puzzle. Each obstacle and puzzle challenge entangled with each other allowing for players to divide and conquer yet also communicate with each other at the same time. There was so many unexpected wow moments in this room. From beginning to end, we felt the need to uncover the truth no matter how "shocking" (literally) the discovery. Our favorite moment was definitely towards the end of the game. The set design along with the nerve-wracking count down gave the game a phenomenal ending. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK At one point, we were required to communicate with each other through a speaker but had difficulty hearing the conversation clearly. A sensor needed to be re-positioned for a prop towards the end as it wasn't triggering properly. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you love that supernatural Dr. Frankenstein type of vibe, this is the room for you! This room is not linear at all and allows you to spread out yet still requires you to come together as a team. Communication is very important in this room and it will challenge your all of your senses. The authenticity of the set design and decor really transports you to that fantasy world. 🔎 HINT Don't be afraid to reach in there... Additional Info Street parking available (meter free after 5PM) Elevator or stairs to 2nd and 3rd floor (pending on the game) Lobby with seating area ** We don't want to go into detail and ruin any surprises for you, but if you'd like more information on the room, feel free to email us. (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 Mass Escape for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #escapetheroomers #etr #review #escaperoomreviews #escaperooms #escape #rooms #games #massescape #theecksteinexperiment #bedford #massachusetts #ma #usa

LOCATION: New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA Photo + Video property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: 44 Winterwood Lane 📅 DATE PLAYED: February 11, 2020 🎬 GENRE: Horror 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl): 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: Up To 8PPL 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $22-29/PP (pending on group size) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Public 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY Your relative has suddenly died and you've been named the sole heir to a relative's house and all of its possessions. You must visit the house to claim your inheritance from the caretaker. Something eerie about this place leaves you to wonder what exactly happened to your relative and what's been left behind? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE "44 Winterwood Lane" is storytelling at its finest! During our game play, we kept getting chills down our spine every time we unraveled a mystery and a piece of the backstory. The set design was spot-on with simple little details to really create that eerie atmosphere. The usage of props and dolls and the positioning of them was well thought out. The puzzles were implemented creatively with the story line and the misdirection was well executed. GM was in character even before the game even started. This really bought the immersion to another level. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK If I were to suggest anything to make the room better, it would be the use of lighting effects. Although the room already has a haunting atmosphere, it would've been great to have blackout moments which would require the use of lanterns/ flashlights to enhance the spooky vibe. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you love films like "Annabelle" or "The Boy", then you'll enjoy "44 Winterwood Lane"! Haunting mysteries that reveal their backstories are great and even better when utilized in an escape room because you actually feel like you're apart of it. There's also a couple of jump-scares in this room to satisfy the haunt fans. Our favorite moment was when we had to vote on who gets to open that door! 🔎 HINT Search high and low... Additional Info Street parking available (meter free after 5PM) Elevator or stairs to 2nd and 3rd floor (pending on the game) Lobby with seating area ** We don't want to go into detail and ruin any surprises for you, but if you'd like more information on the room, feel free to email us. (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 Mass Escape for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #escapetheroomers #etr #review #escaperoomreviews #escaperooms #escape #rooms #games #massescape #44WinterwoodLane #bedford #massachusetts #ma #usa

LOCATION: Boston, Massachusetts, USA Photo above is property of Boxaroo 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Storyteller's Secret 📅 DATE PLAYED: February 10, 2020 🎬 GENRE: Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 7.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-5PPL 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 75 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $40-47/PP (pending on group size) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY We are visitors of Emily Carter’s cabin. She’s a young writer whose bestseller adventure novels are known by fans from all over the world. What’s her secret? Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE From the moment that we stepped foot inside the cabin, our world changed. Reality disappeared and we were now inside of a story book. It was almost poetic the way the transition happened. There’s probably just one word to describe the scene that we saw... "BEAUTIFUL". The colorful set design felt like a large canvas. As we were going through the room and solving the puzzles, every “brush stroke” made the room become more “alive”. The more we divulged ourselves into the room, the deeper we felt connected with it. The music and lighting also went perfectly with each chapter. Set design and puzzle was fully absorbed as the story literally wrote itself. We’ve never seen this done by any other escape room that we’ve played till date. Even though the physical space of the room was not the largest we’ve seen, the amount of content was surprisingly satisfying. Especially for a 75-minute room. There were so many “wow” moments we didn’t even have time to think about it until the game finished. But this only left us wanting more. The ending puzzle was another big “wow” moment for us. We loved the creativity behind it and how the developers even thought of it is beyond us. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK If there’s one thing we can say to make this a perfect game for us (this is probably us nitpicking since we already love it so much), it would be to start the immersion from the door. It would be great if an “intriguing small puzzle” could be added to lure us into the storyline with some more interactive storytelling from the game master. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This room easily made it to our top-rated room list for 2020. It’s one of our favorite games for sure. We actually felt the emotion of the storyteller and still think about it until this day. If you are in Massachusetts, Boxaroo is a "must-do"! If you love adventure, a beautiful set design, and tons of intriguing puzzles, you’ll love this room for sure! We can’t wait to return to play their other games. ** Fun fact: It’s ingenious the way this room was making you reset the room for them as you complete your journey. You might want to rethink though the game after you played it on how they are able to do that. 🔎 HINT “Revisiting” may not be a bad idea. Photos above are property of Boxaroo (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 Boxaroo for providing us with a media discount for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. Update: Our reviewers Krista & Dave also visited Boxaroo to play "Storyteller's Secret" in December '21!! #CiciCao #etr #review #escaperoomreviews #escaperooms #escape #rooms #games #boxaroo #storytellerssecret #boston #massachusetts #ma #usa

LOCATION: Boston, Massachusetts, USA Photo above is property of Boxaroo 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Mystery of the Magician's Study 📅 DATE PLAYED: September 28, 2021 🎬 GENRE: Magic 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-10PPL 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $20-40/PP (pending on group size) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY You and your team have been invited to investigate Viltore Madom's study. It has been said that the study of this once-legendary magician is a mystical place and your mission is to discover the secret of it! But you must act fast before it's too late... Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE When it comes to the storylines, Boxaroo always delivers something extremely unique and poetic. As soon as we started "Mystery of the Magician's Study", it felt like a show had just begun, literally. The secret behind the magician's study already builds the curiosity within the player. But, it's the "not knowing" of how or when this secret will be revealed that really keeps the game going! One thing we haven't noticed other escape room done before as their intro is that they have a voice reading over the intro story so you don't need to designate one person to read the letter and the entire team can hear at the same time. The set design was impressive and not to mention spacious! The puzzles are pretty linear in this game but due to the space, your team can still split up and "search and find" items you might need to piece together in later parts of the game. Boxaroo is great at incorporating theatrical moments within the room whether it's technical or not. The obstacles in this room were so cleverly constructed! After playing a good amount of escape rooms, certain puzzles can start to become repetitive as they are presented in the same ways. In the "Mystery of the Magician's Study", we saw familiar puzzles but designed in a way that it gave us an entirely different solving experience! Every thing that we accomplished in order to proceed felt like we were slowly unlocking the secret of the study. The sound and special effects accompanied each of the magical reveals quite nicely. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There's not really to pinpoint out here other than that there are some props that could use a bit of refreshing but other than that this is a solid room! 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This is the 2nd time visiting Boxaroo and after playing "The Storyteller's Secret", we knew what we were in for. Their games not only provide you with an escape room experience, but they also make you feel something, like a theater performance! We were pleasantly surprised about this room as it is their oldest room designed back in 2016. They were definitely way ahead of a lot of escape rooms back then and even now with their set design, tech and storytelling. We definitely look to complete the list when we return to Boston next time with their third game "Conundrum Museum". Additional Info Parking lot nearby Lobby area with seating Handicap accessible 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 Boxaroo for offering us a media discount for our tickets to this game. Although a media discount was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. Update: Our reviewers Krista & Dave also visited Boxaroo to play "Mystery of the Magician's Study" in December '21!! #BrandonChow #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Magic #Magician #Mystery #Boxaroo #USA #Massachusetts

LOCATION: Fitchburg, Massachusetts, USA Photos above are property of Curious Escape Rooms Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: The Dollhouse 📅 DATE PLAYED: September 29, 2021 🎬 GENRE: Mystery, Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 6.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 1-10PPL (Recommend 4-6PPL) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $84/Team ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY There's a woman who has come into possession of something extremely valuable, yet dangerous. Instead of discarding it, she decided to hide it where no one would ever think to look... inside a child's dollhouse. The only way to step inside the child's dollhouse is through a portal. Once inside, you only have 60 minutes to find the item and make it back before the portal closes. If you don't, you'll remain in the dollhouse... forever!! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The storyline for "The Dollhouse" is so creative and unique that it becomes not just an escape room, but an experience. Stepping inside a life-size dollhouse in search for a dark secret is enough to peak the interest of any escape room player. We normally don't get to see the room before actually entering it but this set design provided an "outside looking in" feeling. Even when we're playing the game we had to look over a few times to make sure no one was "watching" us. As we progressed throughout the game, there were other surprises that reminded us of our stature of being inside a dollhouse. Although there were no sound/drop down type of jump scares, certain things in the dollhouse definitely gave us the creeps. Most players would probably remember the ending as it's quite memorable and iconic. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There was a way where the game could be made for "challenging" for more players. We thought that it would be more interesting to add various types of puzzles rather than just repeating the same one. There's a good amount of "search and find" in the room. We are just really bad at this category and spend a good amount of time looking for things and had to even ask for hints for a few. There was a repetitive puzzle in the room that was fun to solve the first time. However, it did become a bit repetitive when we had to use the same decoder to solve it a couple of more times. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This room was created 5 years ago. Being that they had this type of idea and puzzle creativity is quite impressive as they were considered the early pioneers in the MA area. The room doesn't have a lot of high tech but it does fit the theme and the storyline. I'm sure everyone has wondered at some point what it would be like to shrink down to size and step inside a miniature house. In "The Dollhouse" you get to fulfill that curiosity and investigate the premises. We wouldn't classify this game as scary but it does have an eerie vibe to it. Especially since there are dolls throughout the game that always seem to be staring at us! At one point, Cici put one on a "time-out" and made him face the corner! As enthusiasts that played hundreds of escape room, we also start to assume a lot of things. There was something visible to us right at the beginning that we had access to the entire time but because most of the other rooms we've seen needed it to be triggered, we didn't even both to check! So don't assume anything when playing this room! And if you still can't be satisfied after coming back to your real size from "The Dollhouse", lock yourself up in their 10-minute escape game - "The Hero's Phonebooth"!! Additional Info Free parking across the street Lobby area with seats "We The Enthusiast" Passport available for purchase Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ** Also they are the creators of "We the Enthusiasts Escape Room Passport". Make sure you pick one up and stamp all your victories! Photos above are property of We The Enthusiasts (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 Curious Escape Rooms for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #BrandonChow #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Mystery #CuriousEscapeRooms #WeTheEnthusiasts #USA #Massachusetts

LOCATION: Ashland, Massachusetts, USA Photos above are property of Puzzle Escape Ashland Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Running Into The Roaring Twenties 📅 DATE PLAYED: October 2, 2021 🎬 GENRE: Mystery 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl): 3.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 4-8 PPL 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 45 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $42.50-$95.20/Team (pending on size of team) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY The year is between 1897-1923, you are two blocks away from the original starting line in a parlor where the runners meet and hang out. It is time for the runners to start and after the marathon, the star runner got his trophy stolen. Can you help him find the trophy in the parlor? He is quite sure that one of the other runners stole it for themselves. Figure out who stole first prize and get it back to its rightful owner. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Learning about the historical context of this event is quite interesting. This story is all based on true events that happened in the town of Ashland. This is a side gig the owner is doing mainly to provide some entertainment to local Veterans of Foreign Wars. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Due to budget and this more as a passion project rather than a true escape room business, there's not much of set design (a few furniture pieces) involved. You're greeted by the game master as soon as you enter lobby of the escape room but also the game itself. The props were mainly just simple locks and keys and some homemade paper clues. Most of the puzzles were all reading based. There were no surprises on what you'll need to do next. Once you figure out the clue, you'll need to find a box that you can input an answer to then get to the next clue. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Having this room run by the VFW and using it as a fundraising opportunity for them is a commendable idea; however, the room that was played was sub-par. The puzzles were quite simple (the owner has informed that there's many family with kids that come and attempt this room so they can't make it too difficult due to their audience) and there is no immersion to make you or your team feel like you are in the years 1897-1923 (there was never a specific year picked that the story took place in). The best part of the whole experience was learning about the true event of when the trophy got stolen but having to read about it throughout the game. It felt more like a history assignment. If you are looking to support a local non-profit organization and want to learn some history along the way, check out PuzzleEscape-Ashland. Unfortunately for enthusiasts, I would recommend searching for other games to play. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers *** We regret to inform this company has closed its doors *** (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 Puzzle Escape Ashland for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MikeSchnurr #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Mystery #History #PuzzleEscapeAshland #USA #Massachusetts