LOCATION: Kingston, Ontario, Canada Photo above is property of Improbable Escapes Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Legend of The Mayan Temple 📅 DATE PLAYED: March 12, 2023 🎬 GENRE: Archaeological Expedition 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 Players): 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 3-14 PPL (Recommend 2-6PPL) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: CAD $29.95 ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: YES 📖 THE STORY You are part of an archaeological team and have been tasked with recovering the Lost Cup of the King from a Mayan Temple. You and your intrepid colleagues must figure out how to access the temple and find this coveted artifact, which has not been seen in thousands of years. The only way in or out of this remote location is by helicopter, and yours will be leaving in just 60 minutes! Video above is property of Improbable Escapes 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE We were really impressed with the use of space for this room! The overall square footage isn’t super high (and we don’t think you’d ever want 14 players in there, though it’s the listed max), but they absolutely maximize every square inch. Yet, it doesn’t feel overcrowded - and the ways that they do so actually contribute to some of the adventure-y feel of the game! And this is one of the ways the game shines - you will definitely feel like you are an explorer off on an adventure in the jungle. It starts the moment you walk in and are greeted with an incredible jungle canopy and the intriguing (but sealed) temple entrance. You will crawl, slide, poke, and peer in your expedition! However, they also keep things accessible - the crawling, sliding, and stair elements can be accomplished by a single player or bypassed entirely if they don’t work for the group. Some of the puzzles felt very fresh, and we had a few delightful a-has! There was one in particular that facilitated cooperation in a very clever fashion, and overall the puzzles were rewarding, fair, and felt well-integrated within the storyline. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK This was a great game, without any major misses, so our comments here are rather nitpicky…in the mission brief, it wasn’t clear why the helicopter had to leave in 60 minutes (and why we were doing our expedition just now, if so). Just another line or two to the story (is there a big storm coming? A rival archaeological team just behind us?) to flesh things out would make it a bit more robust. There were two puzzles where we generally knew what to do, but had some difficulty implementing, such as needing to distinguish images that were more similar to one another than they needed to be. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "The Legend of the Mayan Temple" is one of the oldest rooms at Improbable Escapes. However, it had a recent facelift with the integration of some new tech, and we would not have guessed it was an older game! It is considered one of their most difficult rooms (they offer unlimited hints), and we really appreciated their ability to craft creative and challenging puzzles that had clear solutions (once we figured out what to do). It includes almost every aspect and feature of an ancient temple you can imagine, all in a very natural and organic way. Whether you are a Jumanji-loving family, or a group of Indiana Jones and Lara Croft wannabes, you can find the South American adventure of your dreams in Kingston Ontario at Improbable Escapes. 🔎 HINT Search thoroughly everywhere you go! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO This game is located at Improbable Escapes’ Headquarters. The lobby is quite spartan, with minimal decor and no seating. There are lockers for your valuables, a coat rack, and a bathroom two flights up accessible by stairs or elevator. They do have a number of tabletop and escape games available for purchase (discounted when you purchase in conjunction with a room). Parking is paid, on-street (HONK mobile app) or in nearby lots, and was readily available on the Sunday afternoon we were there. Staff is very friendly and welcoming! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our visit to Improbable Escapes, sneak peek of the rooms and our exclusive interview with the co-owner/co-founder 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 Improbable 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 #ImprobableEscapes #Adventure #Archaeology #Ontario #Canada

LOCATION: Kingston, Ontario, Canada Photo above is property of Improbable Escapes Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Coroner's Report 📅 DATE PLAYED: March 13, 2023 🎬 GENRE: Horror, Asylum 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 Players): 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-7 PPL (Ages 16+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: CAD $89.95 (3PPL), $29.95/PP (Each Additional) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: YES 📖 THE STORY The building that now houses Improbable Escapes’ HQ was originally Ambrosia General Hospital, before the facility was shut down because of the staff's propensity for cruel and unusual treatment of their patients. Your crew was wandering around town one night and decided to stop in and explore the abandoned premises. When your gang ignores horror protocol and splits up, those who went downstairs find themselves trapped and screaming for help. The rest of you have no choice but to venture down to free your friends, and then work together to find a way out of the bowels of the building after the doors slam shut behind you. Video above is property of Improbable Escapes 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The basement lends itself naturally to the creation of a dark, abandoned environment befitting a condemned hospital. There is an early choice whereby one or two individuals will have a more intense experience - for the first few minutes. Ideal for the horror fan(s) in your group! While you are cautioned about jump scares and being touched, the live action horror components are occasional and atmospheric, rather than being relentless and 'in your face'. After all, the fear of what might be is worse than the reality of what is. The decor is severe(d), bloody, and grim. As the environment is somewhat low-light; you are provided with a flashlight. To take further advantage of this, some puzzles rely on senses other than sight. Although we are not horror room junkies, we found the level of fear to be appropriate and were able to focus on working on the puzzles despite the moments of dread. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The low-light was a double edged sword, as some of the locks were hard to read - a few more flashlights would've helped! There wasn't much linear flow to the story or overall progression through the hospital - more of an atmospheric experience than a narrative one. The most impressive set piece was for viewing only; we were hoping for a chance to interact with it and examine the components as part of the game play, but it was not to be. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you've done a number of horror rooms and are looking for something new and over the top, this might be too tame for your tastes. However, if you are on the fence and are looking for an accessible, non-confrontational horror room that still makes your heart beat fast and gives you the fear, this is the room for you! Older kids who like haunted houses will find this to have a similar level of dread; we wished our kids had been with us, as they are huge fans of all things Halloween. While I'm a fan of horror, my partner most definitely is not…yet, we both found Coroner’s Report to be a fun (and occasionally blood-curdling) experience that should be manageable for enthusiasts across the spectrum. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO "Coroner's Report" is located at Improbable Escapes’ Headquarters location downtown. The lobby is quite spartan, with minimal decor and no seating. There are lockers for your valuables, a coat rack, and a bathroom two flights up accessible by stairs or elevator. They do have a number of tabletop and escape games available for purchase (discounted when you purchase in conjunction with a room). Parking is paid, on-street or in nearby lots, and was readily available on the Sunday afternoon we were there. Staff is very friendly and welcoming! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our visit to Improbable Escapes, sneak peek of the rooms and our exclusive interview with the co-owner/co-founder 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 Improbable Escapes for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #DaveBristol #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #ImprobableEscapes #Horror #Asylum #Ontario #Canada

LOCATION: Kingston, Ontario, Canada Photo above is property of Improbable Escapes Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: The Triwizard Trials 📅 DATE PLAYED: March 12, 2023 🎬 GENRE: Fantasy, Wizardry 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 Players): 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 3-7 PPL (Competition Mode: +7PPL) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: CAD $89.95 (3PPL), $29.95/PP (Each Additional) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: YES 📖 THE STORY You have been invited to attend Wizzle Wozzle's Academy of Wizardry. In order to pass the entry exam for this prestigious Academy, you must succeed at a gauntlet of three trials that will test your ability to brew potions, tame beasts, cast spells, and more! Aspiring wizards must move quickly but surely in order to surmount the challenges and prove themselves worthy of the Wizard title. Video above is property of Improbable Escapes 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The blend of hands-on activities, modern tech, and dramatic reveals definitely captures the experience of being a wizard! The set design is extensive, well-crafted, and detailed to truly give players the feeling of working their way through the Academy. There is one room in particular where we really just wanted to pause and take in all the truly magical, wondrous, and playful elements! The combination of whimsically fun elements and more 'dangerous' aspects reflects the diverse nature of Wizardry and makes this room fun for all ages. Puzzles utilize a variety of physical senses (audio, tactile, etc.), making for a more varied solving experience and allowing people with different skillsets to shine. Some elements have recently been updated, so if you've only done this room virtually early in the pandemic, give it a whirl in real life! 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The response time on some of the technical aspects was a bit laggy, leading to some repeated attempts at the proper solution before getting it to take. The varied and colorful lighting contributed to the ambience but also led to a few moments where it was a bit difficult to see and contributed to some confusion as to what needed to be done. There were a couple of times when we felt we had completed a task but hadn't received a solid confirmation that we'd utilized the elements properly, or observed an indication of what had changed so that we could progress. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? For Harry Potter fans who have longed to be a wizard, this game is an absolute must!! And for escape room fans (whether you've done one room or a hundred) who prefer working with their hands rather than cracking codes and opening locks, this game will be a winner for sure. There are many feats of sorcery to perform, so smaller groups (like the two of us!) may find themselves pressed for time. This makes it great for groups of friends as well as families, and is light-hearted and full of life-size surprises that will put smiles on everyone's faces. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO "The TriWizard Trials" is located at Improbable Escapes’ Headquarters downtown. The lobby is quite spartan, with minimal decor and no seating. There are lockers for your valuables, a coat rack, and a bathroom two flights up accessible by stairs or elevator. They do have a number of tabletop and escape games available for purchase (discounted when you purchase in conjunction with a room). Parking is paid, on-street or in nearby lots, and was readily available on the Sunday afternoon we were there. Staff is very friendly and welcoming! Photos above are property of Improbable Escapes Check out our visit to Improbable Escapes and our exclusive interview with the co-owner/ co-founder 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 Improbable Escapes for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #DaveBristol #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #ImprobableEscapes #Fantasy #Wizardry #Ontario #Canada

LOCATION: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Photo above is property of TRAPPED Mississauga Escape Room Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Room 057 📅 DATE PLAYED: September 30, 2021 🎬 GENRE: Thriller 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 Players): 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 3-7 PPL (Recommended 4-6PP) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: CAD $28/PP ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: YES 📖 THE STORY The year is 2036 and you have had another vague dream of a time in a hospital on a remote island long ago. They keep reoccurring but always stop on a door labelled #057 that never opens. You want to remember if this is real, but the virus stripped you of your memories that you have been struggling hard to gain back. With your recruited team, your vague recollections have led you back to this same hospital to uncover the truth. Can you reclaim your lost memories and discover what happened within these eerie halls? *Note: This is a standalone sequel of a previous game by TRAPPED, "Contaminated Hospital". Video above is property of TRAPPED Mississauga Escape Room 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Room 057 combines clever use of objects and well-made technical components to guide players through the discovery. A truly unexpected surprise is carefully crafted into the game that thrilled my team and made us stop to appreciate it. Set design was solid and the use of coloured lights helped build atmosphere. There is a good variety of puzzles that provide excellent “aha” moments as they physically open boxes or reveal secrets. Each players had something that could play to their strength and could have their moment to shine in the room. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There was one puzzle that were a little long and tedious for a 60-minute escape room. Time became a key thing as there is a lot to do in the hour. There is component that is used by several puzzles that wasn’t made clear in the beginning. More of a heads up than anything else but there is a safe in the room that will lock you out for 2 minutes at a time if you input the incorrect code twice. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "Room 057" provides some really unique and interesting twists that kept my team engaged and determined to follow solve this mystery and I admit I didn’t expect the ending! This is a challenging game that would benefit more experienced players as it requires more layered puzzling to piece together clues and solutions. I recommend this type of game for groups looking for a break from the tradition locks and who enjoy a little eeriness to their games. Each time we solved a puzzle was a true experience as things unfolded and opened before our eyes. The surprise at the end was a perfect way to end this experience. 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 TRAPPED Mississauga 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. #JillianRaymond #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #TRAPPEDMississaugaEscapeRoom #Canada #Thriller

LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Photo above is property of Daydream Adventures Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: The Ice Cave 📅 DATE PLAYED: March 16, 2023 🎬 GENRE: Sci-Fi, Fantasy 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 5 Players): 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 3-8 PPL 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: CAD $43/PP + Tax ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: YES 📖 THE STORY A meteorite has struck the Danforth, causing portals to open up that will take you to strange new worlds. One of these portals has opened into an ice cave. Stepping in, you realize this mystical cave bares the resemblance of a temple that looks like it has been abandoned for quite some time. As you listen you realize that this cave has a creature trapped within it, holding them there with magic. As brave adventurers, can you uncover the tale that lies within these walls? Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Daydream Adventures describes the room as an “immersive art installation” which barely describes how beautiful this room is. The décor and set design of the room is something we would expect from a world class play. Not a single padlock to be found in this room which contained so many hidden secrets. The tech used for the puzzles were clever and concealed well to make the room that much more magical. They used a lot of light direction to guide you to where you needed to look next. As we transitioned from one part of the story to the next, it was clear what our goal was. Each puzzle worked with a cryptic poem. Each puzzle would also have a crystal that can be touched to repeat the poem as many times as you need. A very dramatic final puzzle made for an amazing finish to the overall experience of the room. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There is nothing major that stood out as a miss. This was a top room that needs to be experienced by all. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "The Ice Cave" teleported us into a another world with the amount of detail put into the set design and audio of the game. The crafty puzzles and the detail of the story weaved seamlessly together for a memorable experience. The bulk of the puzzles also encouraged teamwork as they would be easier solved with more hands. We played with 5 and found that to be a solid number to allow everyone to participate and see all the puzzles. For anyone who loves a gorgeous set, an engaging story or magical puzzles, you would enjoy this room, but this room is highly recommended for any adventurer looking for an unforgettable time! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Street Parking available Off the Line 2 (Bloor – Danforth) subway, between Coxwell and Woodbine stations Lobby with seating area Located in the basement, one flight of stairs down There are 2 toilets. This is worth mentioning as you will need to experience these rooms as well with the lights on. 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 Daydream Adventures for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #DaydreamAdventures #Fantasy #SciFi #Ontario #Canada

LOCATION: Guelph, Ontario, Canada Photo above is property of FantEscapes Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Magicarium 📅 DATE PLAYED: December 29, 2023 🎬 GENRE: Magic 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 Players): 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-8 PPL (Groups 5-8PPL will be split into 2 teams) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: CAD $25/PP ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: YES 📖 THE STORY Seeking to prove yourself in the ways of magic, you have been given a choice. Follow the path of light to gain access to the white crystal and the Magicarium or to take head the path of dark by seeking the dark crystals and the power of the Magicarium you hope to steal. Regardless of your choice, all you need is a wand, a cloak, and a desire to succeed. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The duality of this experience is outstanding - you can easily replay this game by switching paths with no puzzle overlap. The set design was nuanced and I loved the little additions that helped immerse players from the wands, the ceiling tiles, and the way artifacts were used to guide players. The puzzling uses a mix of newer puzzles (using the wand to activate passages) and old school (locks) which I enjoyed. It gave satisfaction throughout as we moved through rooms and revealed hidden elements. The puzzles made use of logic based situations and the erasable notepad made things so much easier to help track. The side puzzles do a great job to ensure all players have something to do during the game as some sections are tight quarters - these side quests gave us a chance to spread out. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK I wish there was more impact with the choice you made - I felt regardless of the choice the outcome would not change much in the story. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "Magicarium" is a fantastical magician adventure that is filled with whimsy and intrigue for all players. Holding a wand up as you navigate the puzzles, pear into display cabinets, and complete the tasks laid before you immersed us in ways we haven’t seen in awhile. The level of detail and dedication is obvious and the payout is an enjoyable experience that is tailored to all players. We ended up needing no hints and still felt the challenge which, to us, is a strong sign! Now get your cloak and head on over to get your membership. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Street Parking only Not wheelchair accessible (basement facility) Lobby with couch seating, costumes for photos, and various memorabilia to examine and explore Geeky Boutique has oddities, gifts and treats you can purchase like: Harry Potter hats, Lego, Steampunk jewelry, etc. 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"!) #JillianRaymond #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #FantEscapes #Magic #Ontario #Canada

LOCATION: Guelph, Ontario, Canada Photo above is property of FantEscapes Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: The Arcane Archives 📅 DATE PLAYED: December 29, 2023 🎬 GENRE: Fantasy 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 Players): 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-8 PPL 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: CAD $25/PP ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: YES 📖 THE STORY You have always been curious about the artifacts and wonders hidden in the world and still needing to be discovered…but also kept safe out of dark hands. The membership houses these secrets for only the few chosen to be privy too and you, my dear Arcanian, are being tasked to prove your worthiness. It will take your strength, curiosity, and wit to move through the bureaucracy of the archives…and maybe a few catastrophes in the mix. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Having a attendant in the room to run the archives really elevated this experience to make you feel like you were searching the archives for clues. The balance of new age puzzling and traditional once again ticked all the boxes for me as it increased suspense and rewarded players as they moved through the game. The little easy level bag was a very nice touch for players needing just a little nudge without have to ask for a hint. Having players use tokens to bribe the attendant for clues is a very fun and interactive touch. I was not expecting the final puzzle reveal and it was extremely well done in its build up! You get a membership card (with your photo!) at the end and an opportunity to join a Discord group that will offer more games and experience to create a more immersive experience outside the room 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The way the file and box puzzles worked made me think larger groups may struggle to all be involved - 3 people were a good number for us. There were these added details in files that were labelled red herrings but I would have loved to see more information integrated in the game story. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "The Arcane Archives" reminded me of the wonders of immersive escape rooms on a level of cosy and whimsy I have not seen in awhile. If you want to feel like a true applicant to a unique and quirky society that mixes archival investigation with stopping the demise of the order then this adventure will be for you. I love the possibility of this room expanding in Discord and further experience outside the room and am eager to explore it. If you are looking for immersion on a deeper scale this room hits the spot! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Street Parking only Not wheelchair accessible (basement facility) Lobby with couch seating, costumes for photos, and various memorabilia to examine and explore Geeky Boutique has oddities, gifts and treats you can purchase like: Harry Potter hats, Lego, Steampunk jewelry, etc. 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"!) #JillianRaymond #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #FantEscapes #Fantasy #Ontario #Canada

LOCATION: Stony Plain, AB, Canada Photo above is property of Hourglass Games 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Candymonium 📅 DATE PLAYED: November 21, 2021 🎬 GENRE: Mystery, Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 Adults, 2 Kids): 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-8 PPL 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 45 Mins. 💰 PRICE: CAD $25/PP ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: YES 📖 THE STORY The HG Candy Company has put all their money on the research and development of a new line of candy. Unfortunately, their top researcher has disappeared, and the secret recipe for the new candy is missing. To save the company, you must break into the lab and find the recipe but you need to hurry. The bank is on its way to take control of the company and close its doors forever! 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE There was a nice mix of puzzles that spanned from logical to “aha”. The puzzles were non-linear in this game which made it perfect for everyone to keep busy and stay involved. Most puzzles also promoted teamwork as working together made them much easier to complete. The story was lighthearted with lots of fun humor sprinkled throughout that kept us smiling and laughing throughout the game. The room and puzzle design very much felt like a whimsical candy laboratory. The puzzle and room was all tech based with no combination locks which they executed very well. The GM was watching us and provided us with hints when we asked for it as well as nudged us along if we were stalled for too long. One thing we appreciated was that one of the puzzles seemed to be acting up and the GM was following along with our progress and were able to fix it right away from outside the room without us having to say anything. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There was a puzzle that we felt required some outside knowledge. We were able to solve it but others who may not have that knowledge might have some trouble and need some hints to guide them. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? We brought the whole family to this room and everyone had a fantastic time. The puzzles were accessible enough that the kids could follow along, help or even complete, while it was challenging enough for adults as well. The story and décor added to the feeling of being in a secret candy lab. The hint system and the GMs were supportive as they nudged us along the right amount and was able to do that through a computer terminal, which was also part of the story. We would recommend 5 people of all ages and experience to give it a try as the room did start to feel a little cramped at this point. Definitely an escape room we would recommend and worth the drive out from Edmonton. Asking the kids what their favorite part was? That Hourglass Games has custom lollipops in multiple flavors as a reward if you are able to get the recipe back (Spicy Watermelon? Yes please!) ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking Lot, Disability Friendly/ Ground Floor. Photos above are property of Hourglass Games (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 Hourglass Games for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Canada #Mystery #Adventure #HourglassGames #Alberta #Canada

LOCATION: Stony Plain, AB, Canada Photo above is property of Hourglass Games 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Deck The Halls 📅 DATE PLAYED: November 20, 2021 🎬 GENRE: Christmas 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 Adults, 2 Kids): 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-8 PPL 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 45 Mins. 💰 PRICE: CAD $24.99/PP ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: YES 📖 THE STORY Your Grinch of a family has decided not to get into the festive season this year and has locked away all the decorations. You are determined to get them into the holiday mood and spread some Christmas cheer. You need to find all the decorations and get them set before they get home to help warm their hearts for the holiday season! 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE We were fully immersed into the story from the second we stood outside the door into the room. The doorway in and the surrounding area looked like the outside of a house. There was also Christmas music playing in the background as we played the room to keep us in the holiday mood. The puzzles were not overly complicated which made this room very family friendly. The kids loved to help solve the puzzles, open the locks, and then decorate with what we found. The transformation of the room was extremely satisfying from walking into a near empty room to having all the decorations out and set up at the end of the game. No way our family would continue to be scrooges walking into this! There were some nice surprises delivered to us in the middle of the game that completely added to the immersion and put a smile on our face. This was an all combination and pad lock room but all the boxes and locks that we needed to open were decorated in a holiday theme. There were a lot of small details throughout the game that they added that really made a big difference to the experience. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK We had a great time in this room which was a solid experience. If we had to get nit-picky, there were a few locks that did require a little more strength than we were used to. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? We were looking for something to kick off the festive season and this was it! This was a great family friendly room that everyone was able to participate in. One tip for this room is to ensure you are organized and moving stuff out of the way that have already been solved. We were fumbling a few times wondering if certain items and clues had already been used. We would recommend 4 to 5 people in this room as this was a tight living room. (There are comfy sofas though for some people to sit on). The room has a mix of linear and non-linear puzzles and there is so much to do for everyone that you will feel the holiday rush. Put on your ugliest Christmas sweater and definitely give this room a try over the holiday season! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking Lot, Disability Friendly/ Ground Floor. Photos above are property of Hourglass Games (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!) #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Canada #Christmas #Family #HourglassGames #Alberta #Canada

LOCATION: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada Photo above is property of Lockdown Escape Rooms Inc. 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Secret Agent 55 📅 DATE PLAYED: June 12, 2022 🎬 GENRE: Spy 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 5 ppl): 4/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-8 PPL 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: CAD $29/PP (Adult), $25/PP (Youth), $23/PP (Child) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY Secret Agent 55 has been secretly involved in some illegal activities while working for a mysterious figure known only as “The Boss”. Your special ops team has been tasked to break into Agent 55’s apartment, discover the identity of “The Boss” and figure out where Agent 55 is headed. Your intel also informs you that you only have 50 minutes as a bomb has been planted to destroy all the evidence. Can you collect all the information and defuse the bomb before time runs out? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The room was nicely set up to look like an apartment with some small touches that added to the experience. The room has been around for a few years but all the props seemed to still be very solid with not a lot of wear to them. Each lock had a cryptic clue on how to open the lock or what items you needed to solve the puzzle in order to open the lock which was very helpful. Even though sometimes we did not need them, they were all fairly clever and even after solving them, it gave a nice eureka moment. All the puzzles were solid and with the fairly nonlinear flow of the puzzles, we all got to check out different things and stay busy. The final puzzle with the bomb was a nice overall ending to the room. It also made it more dramatic that you could potentially detonate the bomb if you did not defuse it correctly. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK This was a solid experience. There is nothing that I can think of that missed the mark. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This was a great room with lots of variety in the puzzles. The puzzles also had a wide variety of tech implemented which kept things interesting. The décor and look of the room was nice with a few fun surprises throughout and the ending really wrapped the experience together quite nicely. We did play with 5 experienced players, but this would be a great room for a large group of beginners or even just a couple of veteran players. Everyone working there has a huge passion for escape rooms and it shows through the rooms they designed and their interactions. Lockdown Escape Rooms is currently the only escape room location in Red Deer. If you are passing through the area, definitely check out the escape rooms. You will not be disappointed. Photos above are property of Lockdown Escape Rooms Inc. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking Lot The game did have a moving floor. While most people would not have an issue with the motion, some who are extremely sensitive with balance may need to have them modify the shaking. Lobby with seats At-home escape room games for purchase in lobby (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 Lockdown Escape Rooms Inc. for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Spy #Espionage #LockdownEscapeRoomsInc #Alberta #Canada

LOCATION: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada Photo above is property of Lockdown Escape Rooms Inc. 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Tornado Shack 📅 DATE PLAYED: June 12, 2022 🎬 GENRE: Survival, Natural Disaster 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 5 ppl): 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-5 PPL 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 50 Mins. 💰 PRICE: CAD $29/PP (Adult), $25/PP (Youth), $23/PP (Child) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY As you and your friends are helping your Grandpa clean out his shed, a storm begins to approach with a tornado not far behind. With things flying everywhere, some debris has also blocked the door out of the shed. Can you figure out a way to escape and make it to the bunker before it’s too late? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE There was a lot of things that made this game feel realistic. The biggest one was the shed actually shaking as you played. It also shook the right amount as we never felt nauseous from the movement nor distracted us from the task at hand. Other fun aspects added to the experience such as the windows showing animated images of the farm to feeling the storm once you get out of the shed. All the puzzles were nicely designed with a lot that promoted teamwork to help solve. Most of them were also large enough or had enough items that we could all work on them together without too much crowding around. There was a nice shift from linear to non-linear puzzles. This allowed everyone to be able to work on something all the time and not have anyone feel idle in the game. One thing that Lockdown did was try to get the puzzles to work seamlessly and make sense with the story. Not all of it was perfect, but some the key elements and puzzles did make sense from a story perspective. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK This was a solid experience. There is nothing that I can think of that missed the mark. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "Tornado Shack" was entertaining to play. The shack shaking was something that did not disappoint to make the game more immersive among other things. The non-linear puzzles were also designed so that no one seemed to be idle for very long as we progressed through the game. We played with 5 experienced players and though it was a little tight at times in the shack portion of the game, we were still able to move around each other. Everyone working there has a huge passion for escape rooms and it shows through the rooms they designed and their interactions. Lockdown Escape Rooms is currently the only escape room located in Red Deer, Alberta. If you are passing through the area, definitely check out the escape rooms. You will not be disappointed. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking Lot The game did have a moving floor. While most people would not have an issue with the motion, some who are extremely sensitive with balance may need to have them modify the shaking. Lobby with seats At-home escape room games for purchase in lobby Photos above are property of Lockdown Escape Rooms Inc. (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 Lockdown Escape Rooms Inc. for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Survival #NaturalDisaster #LockdownEscapeRoomsInc #Alberta #Canada

LOCATION: Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada Photo above is property of Underground Escape 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Dr. K's Secret Bunker 3 📅 DATE PLAYED: August 4, 2022 🎬 GENRE: Family, Dimensional Travel, Whimsical 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 5 ppl): 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 50 Mins. 💰 PRICE: CAD $25/Adult, $20/Youth (12-17), $15/Child (2-11) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY Dr. K’s attempt to steal some alien top secret information has gone awry and he has been captured. To exact their revenge, the aliens are headed to Dr. K’s bunker to steal his most prized secrets. You and your team have been recruited to head those aliens off at the pass and find Dr. K’s secrets in his bunker first and replace them with a decoy. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The puzzles were non-linear, and we don’t find too many rooms where the more people the better. This room though had so many streams of puzzles that a few extra hands would be helpful. At first, the theming of the room seemed random throughout the game, but it eventually tied together and made sense in a fun reveal at the end. There were a lot of word clues that were well written and helped guide you around the room to what needed to be solved. There were a few cool props in the room and some unexpected reveals that made this experience enjoyable. There was a fun introduction with a live actor that started us off on the right foot. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There was a lot going on in this room with a lot of props everywhere, which did create some red herring moments at times. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? At first, this room may seem like a hodge podge of stuff but as we progressed through, it did make sense at the end, and we really enjoyed the experience. If you are one who loves searching, then you would be a big fan of this game. The game was primarily combination locks and key locks with a few tech puzzles sprinkled in. A lot of the puzzle streams were short and satisfying as we hit the end of the line and were ready to find another string of puzzles to solve. We did the room with 3 adults and 2 kids but even with 3 more people in the room, we would have had just as much fun. This was a fantastic family friendly room with some fun eureka moments! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Street Parking Located beneath Jonny Bean Coffee Shop One flight of stairs down to get to the location Lobby with Seating (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!) Disclosure: We thank Underground Escape for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #UndergroundEscape #Family #Whimsical #Alberta #Canada

LOCATION: Edmonton, AB, Canada Photo above is property of Escape Emporium 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Welcome to the Jungle 📅 DATE PLAYED: February 19, 2023 🎬 GENRE: Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl): 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: Up to 8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 55 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $32.50/PP ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY Hearing the drums and the sounds of the jungle animals, you and your friends investigate the noise. As you approached, you are all dragged into a surreal world full of plants, animals and bugs. You have entered the jungle game. Can you and your friends roll the dice, survive the dangers that lie ahead, and finish the game, before becoming trapped in here forever? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The central puzzle and prop that you interact with through the game was a lot of fun and delightful to play with. It also played some confirmation audio whenever we were correct which brought up the energy level in the room. There were a few no tech puzzles that were creative and ones we have not seen before. There was also another fun puzzle that was no tech and encouraged a lot of teamwork to complete. The objectives of the room and the overarching story was nicely laid out on the central puzzle so we could know how far along we are and what stage of the room we were at. The art that decorated the room was beautifully painted with the different animals we would find around the jungle. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK A couple of puzzles could have had better confirmation when we were correct. For one, we had to ask for a hint only to be told we did it right and look closer at the item. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "Welcome to the Jungle" was a solid experience with some creative puzzles, some with lots of tech and some with no tech. The beautiful paintings really added to the décor of the room. The highlight of the game though was the central puzzle prop which really tied the game together. This would be a fun game to play with some beginners or anyone who is a fan of Jumanji. We played with 4 people and found that it was the right amount to enjoy the game and allow everyone to still experience everything. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking Lobby with Seating Area Wheelchair accessible (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!) #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Adventure #EscapeEmporium #Canada

LOCATION: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Photo above is property of TRAPPED Edmonton Escape Room 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Room 057 📅 DATE PLAYED: July 26, 2023 🎬 GENRE: Thriller 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl): 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 3-7 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: CAD $36PP (2PPL), CAD $32/PP (3+PPL) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY In the year 2036, you wake up with a recurring dream of being trapped in an abandoned hospital and continually see a room labeled "057"; on a remote island. Saved by a rescue team in the dream, you have memory loss due to a mysterious virus from the island. Unsure if it was merely a dream or a lost memory from 30 years ago, you decide to recruit a team and revisit the hospital to uncover the truth behind your forgotten past. Video above is property of TRAPPED Mississauga Escape Room 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The puzzles and story flowed seamlessly together, leading to intuitive solutions that worked well with the narrative. The bulk of the puzzles were either grand enough that allowed everyone in the room the chance to solve it or had enough pieces that everyone was able to be engage in the solve. A few props stood out for their quality, creativity, and unique usage. One particular puzzle distinguished itself for its inventiveness and led to a fantastic eureka moment that felt movie worthy. The GMs were skilled at giving hints that were cryptic enough to help us solve the puzzle and not take away the excitement of our eureka moment. Having some group members with some mobility issues, the GMs were very considerate in accommodating them. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK One puzzle could have been clued slightly better as we knew the solution but not the order of input which delayed a key part of the story. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "Room 057" was a solid room that had some creative puzzles that gave us some great eureka moments. The puzzles and narrative flowed together smoothly for an immersive experience. The set design was creative with some appealing props. We played with 4 people and found that it worked out to allow everyone the chance to see everything and stay involved. Even an additional person would have worked well in the room. Anyone who is a fan of mystery or science type rooms should give this room a shot. Overall, our group had a blast solving this mystery, and the ending wrapped up the room beautifully. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking. Lobby with seating area Located on the ground floor Wheelchair accessible Small selection of board games available for purchase. 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"!) #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #TRAPPEDMississaugaEscapeRoom #Canada #Thriller

LOCATION: Edmonton, AB, Canada Photo above is property of Escape Hour Edmonton 📝  ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Senator's Battle 📅 DATE PLAYED: November 27, 2021 🎬 GENRE: Spy, Espionage 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl): 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: CAD $25/PP ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY There are some recent suspicions that the Senator has ties to an elusive brotherhood. As one of the top FBI’s agents, you have been sent to investigate the Senator office and see what you can find out. Video above is property of Escape Hour Edmonton 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE This room has been here for a few years but there was not much wear and tear from play which shows they maintained the room. Everything from the props to the décor was in great shape. The décor and props that they used had a nice authentic touch to it. The things that mattered had a high-quality feel and looked fantastic. One of the puzzles was a different kind of light puzzle that we had never seen before and was very cool to play with. There was a reveal in the middle of the room that was unexpected and very creative. The room was not bogged down with red herrings and unused items. Everything that stuck out in the room had a purpose. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The ending seemed a little anti-climactic since there was a lag in performing the last task and the final video. As well as if you were not in the right place, you could not hear what was being said in the final video. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? One of the neat things is that the Senator’s Battle can be played as a regular room or what they call “battle mode”. In battle mode, they have 2 identical rooms set up and you can compete with another team on who can finish the room first. There is also a progress tracker on top of the door that will tell you how much of the room you have completed and how much of the room the other team has completed. Absolutely for the competitive players or trying to determine who are the top escape room players in your group of friends. For anyone who likes the spy theme escape rooms, this is a solid one to play. There were a few puzzles that we felt used some more difficult solving method which any enthusiast would be able to solve but might not be as easy for some escape room beginners. There was a lot of space in the room, but the puzzles were linear so 4 people felt like a perfect number for everyone to see everything and help solve the puzzles. This room could definitely be played with 6 people though. If you are up for a night of spying, round up your top agents and give this room a try. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Large Lobby Area, Paid Parking, Inside Mall (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!) #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Canada #Spy #Espionage #SenatorsBattle #Edmonton