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Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers On December 9th, we were joined by the NBC CT Live reporters (Taylor Kinzler & Jimmy Marlow) to try to escape Escape Rooms Connecticut's newest room "The Asylum". We were very happy to spread our love for escape rooms and to be able to do it at one of our favorite locations was a cherry on top! Most importantly, the team really enjoyed it and we escaped with time still left on the clock! We hope to join them again for another escape room adventure soon! Check out our experience on the link below: FULL INTERVIEW - click HERE #CiciCao #Articles #ETRinthepress #escaperooms #escaperoom #escapetheroomers #weareontv #nbc #nbcct #nbcctlive #escaperoomsconnecticut #theasylum #horror #scary #eerie #creepy #taylorkinzler #jimmymarlow

LOCATION: Baarn, Netherlands Photo above is property of Escape Room Junkie Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝 ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Corpse Inc. 📅 DATE PLAYED: May 18, 2023 🎬 GENRE: Thriller 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl): 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 3-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 75 Mins. 💰 PRICE: €135/Group ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes [68:14] 📖 THE STORY Your team is employed to break inside of a morgue to steal the remains of a deceased man. But there is a catch, the morgue has onsite security 24/7, so you need to assume the identity of an AC repair man, cleaner, or other employee in order to gain his trust and be granted access. Make sure not to act too suspicious or he might just kick you out! 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The game almost begins a head of time, when you receive an email explaining what to do prior to arrival, including a password to enter the side building. Having each team member be given a unique identity is quite unique and something I have only experienced in a couple of other places. It is a fun concept with real time consequences, because the people taking on those roles will have their own responsibilities and actions to carry out. Interacting with the guard was nerve wrecking as we had been informed earlier that if he gets suspicious of us then he would remove us from the game. As it was, we managed to keep his suspicions at bay and carry out our assigned tasks. But credit to the actor, he didn’t make our time with him easy, we often had to think on our feet in response to his questions and actions. The game provides a really engaging, high adrenaline, story arch that takes a real twist at the end. We were literally running for our lives to escape! The overall design, layout, and construction was very impressive and definitely resulted in a journey that was more expansive that we had imagined. Many genuine tools and items were used to make the experience as immersive as possible. The riddles were challenging and often promoted cooperation between team members. We appreciated that some of the puzzles could only be performed by the person taking on that specific role. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Nothing to mention here. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you like the idea of light role play and light interaction with an actor then this could be the game for you. The puzzles are not always easy, but this adrenaline filled escape room is highly recommended as a must play experience. We enjoyed everything about this game. In fact, it was our favorite room from a 24-room trip to the Netherlands. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking available on site There is lobby with seating area and lockers Wide selection of drinks available for purchase This game can be played in English & Dutch Photo above is property of Escape Room Junkie (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 Room Junkie for providing a media discount on the tickets for this game. Although discounted admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #RyanDriver #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #EscapeRoomJunkie #Thriller #Baarn #Netherlands

LOCATION: Vancouver, BC, Canada Photo above is property of Find and Seek 📝 ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: The Curse of Madam Zita's Curiosities 📅 DATE PLAYED: April 14, 2022 🎬 GENRE: Mystery, Occult 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 Players): 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 45 Mins. 💰 PRICE: CAD $33/PP (Adult), $30/PP (Child) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY Working for the time traveling agency, Professor Magnus continues to elude us. This time, he has hidden a necklace in Madam Zita’s Curiosities shop that we must retrieve. Can we navigate the secrets of the shop and find the necklace before the portal home closes? Photo above is property of Find and Seek 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The props were high quality and well maintained. There were a few items that felt like we were the first people to use as well as a few props that we expected to have deteriorated over time which were still in great condition. The layout and décor of the room was marvelous. There were so many items in the curio shop but never once did we feel they were overly distracting. We knew what we needed to check out. The puzzles were not overly complicated, especially if you are able to make the right connections, but we found a lot of them promoted teamwork which allowed us both to be involved in them. There was a lot of tech used in this room but also some low-tech items which was a nice mix as the game seemed to flow as we went from puzzle to puzzle. The hint system was set up through a screen where the GM would type personalized hints and messages to us and not break the immersion of the game. Chimes were used through the game as well that the GM informed us on at the start. One would tell us if we solved a puzzle and something had opened while another would tell us to look at the screen as our GM would try to communicate with us. This was helpful to keep us on track. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK We were on the final puzzle at the 45-minute mark and the GM was generous enough to give us an extra 5 mins to complete the game. There were a few times though, we encountered a puzzle and felt with an extra minute or 2, we could have solved it on our own but with time ticking away, we opted for a hint. If the game was 50 mins to an hour, we feel we would have been able to complete more on our own. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "The Curse of Madam Zita’s Curiosities" was a room designed with high quality and care. All the props and décor of the room were top notch and made for a fully immersive game. For experienced players, the puzzles were not overly difficult but with the tight timeline, you were always moving for sure. The game says it can hold 8 but it's definitely doable with 2 people. With the linear flow of the room even with 4 people, we found some of the puzzles would have been tough with too many cooks in the kitchen. Overall, this game made for an amazing adrenaline pumping experience. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Third floor of a shopping center Wheelchair accessible No washrooms, closest washroom is in the nearby food court Photos above are property of Find and Seek (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 #FindandSeek #Occult #Canada

LOCATION: Kloten, Switzerland Photo above is property of Next Level Escape Room Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝 ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: The Dark Memories of Elisa Doll 📅 DATE PLAYED: April 18, 2026 🎬 GENRE: Horror 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-6 ppl (Ages 16+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 90 Mins. 💰 PRICE: 195 CHF - 240 CHF ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes [80:00] 📖 THE STORY In 1985, a young woman named Elisa Doll is admitted to the Technical Health Center in Kloten with a condition that defies all medical logic. Her body is slowly changing—her movements stiffen, her skin grows unnaturally cold, and with each passing day she becomes more doll-like, less human. Despite relentless efforts and every known treatment, the doctors watch helplessly as her condition rapidly deteriorates. With time running out and science pushed to its limits, the clinic turns to experimental methods and forbidden research, convinced that Elisa’s illness may originate somewhere far deeper than the body itself. What begins as a desperate attempt to save a life soon spirals into a chilling mystery—one that blurs the lines between memory, identity, and reality, and threatens to consume everyone who dares to uncover the truth. Video above is property of Next Level Escape Room 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Set Design & Immersion: The set design is outstanding. The game is highly expansive, making excellent use of multiple rooms that represent different locations, and even different periods in time. Each space feels purpose-built and thoughtfully crafted. From time-appropriate props to subtle special effects and immersive lighting, the environments successfully draw you in and make you forget the outside world. Importantly, the rooms are not just beautiful, but also spacious and functional, allowing players to move around freely without feeling constrained. The transitions between locations and timelines are especially impressive. The segues used to link these different realities feel natural and well-integrated, enabling a seamless journey through both the physical world and Elisa’s subconscious. It may be a less common point to raise, but each location is genuinely interesting to exist in. There is always something to look at, and the surroundings spark curiosity rather than feeling like filler. Nothing feels bland, mass-produced, or stale, everything feels intentionally placed. This attention to atmosphere and detail significantly enhances the overall sense of immersion. Story & Narrative: The true standout of the experience is the narrative. Everything revolves around a unique and compelling story that has you quite literally stepping into Elisa’s life and mind to understand what has happened to her, and how she might be saved. The journey feels personal, emotional, and purposeful. As the game progresses, information is revealed organically through audio recordings and discovered materials, consistently pulling you deeper into the world. It is clear that considerable thought went into the narrative structure, from the opening moments through to the conclusion. Nothing feels detached or unresolved; instead, everything comes full circle in a very satisfying way. Puzzles & Gameplay: The puzzles follow a linear structure and are carefully designed to work hand-in-hand with the story. Every task feels justified within the narrative, meaning your actions always move both the plot and the gameplay forward. Challenges include sorting medical files, recreating medications, organizing and reconstructing memories, and confronting a threatening entity. The puzzle variety is excellent, and many tasks are designed to encourage cooperation, with several requiring two or more players to be actively involved at the same time. This makes it ideal for team play and prevents anyone from feeling sidelined. Difficulty: The difficulty level is very well balanced. The game is accessible to players of all experience levels, yet it never feels hand-holding; something that can often plague heavily story-driven escape rooms. Progression is steady, allowing enough time to absorb the environment and appreciate the detail, while still requiring genuine thought, communication, and collaboration. It’s also worth noting that the Gamemaster can adapt the experience based on the team’s skill level, bypassing certain puzzles if necessary due to time constraints. This flexibility helps ensure that the overall journey and story remain intact for every group. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There is very little to criticize, as the entire experience is produced to an exceptionally high standard. However, if there is one element that slightly detracts from immersion, it is the fact that almost all props are fixed in place, unless they are directly required for gameplay. While this is understandable from a practical standpoint, making resets easier and reducing the risk of damage, it does slightly limit the sense of exploration. The environments invite curiosity, but at times you are reminded that interaction is restricted. Allowing a bit more freedom with non-critical props could elevate the immersion even further. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? The Dark Memories of Elisa Doll delivers a deeply immersive, narrative-driven escape room experience that excels in set design, storytelling, and thoughtful puzzle integration. With only minor limitations, it stands out as a premium example of how story and gameplay can be woven together seamlessly. A truly memorable journey that lingers long after the door closes. Photos above are property of Next Level Escape Room ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking is available on site There is a lobby area with comfortable seating and drinks available for purchase. The escape room is actually connected to a bar, which was no open at the time of our visit. The bar area is very large and well designed. Players are required to wear the provided slippers throughout the game, so make sure to bring socks with you. I do believe the slippers are washed after each wearing. This game includes a smoke machine, limited space areas, and a live-actor. Game language: German or English Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!) Disclosure: We thank Next Level Escape Room for providing a media discount on the tickets for this game. Although discounted admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #RyanDriver #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #NextLevelEscapeRoom #Horror #Kloten #Switzerland

Photo above is property of La Boîte de Jeu Company: La Boîte de Jeu Game: Backstories: The Emerald Wedding Anniversary Country: France 🇫🇷 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Games 📬 Genre: Espionage, Thriller Date Played: April 22, 2026 Difficulty (based on 2 players): 6/10 Size of Team: Unlimited (Recommend 1-6 ppl) Time: Unlimited (Approx. 60 Mins.) Price: $16.95 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 As Agent Nyx, you have been tasked to infiltrate the Emerald Wedding Anniversary party of General Darcosa and steal a secret hard drive. Can you make the right choices and not blow your cover along the way? 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ This game packs into a small rectangular card box, easy to bring on the go, with text, artwork and some perforated cards that obviously show off the game's mechanism. Inside, there are 148 cards in order and a folded instruction manual. Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 This played like a point and click game, but entirely with cards. If you have any experience with puzzle card games, a quick skim of the rules is enough to get started. Beginning with the first card, the gameplay felt straightforward and intuitive. As we progressed, the cards built panoramic scenes of the environment, introduced objectives, and provided items to use. The standout feature based on the series name was the “Backstories” mechanic, where perforated action cards such as “Search,” “Discuss,” or item cards were placed on the back of a location or character card. When flipped, a small window revealed the outcome of the action and often directed us to new cards. We also enjoyed the overlay cards played on our character when using certain items, like the spy glasses. Like most point and click games, your actions change the game's ending, which we found had good variation. The game also included cutscenes with great artwork, presented in a comic style format, which added variety from the typical reading of the text. Some of these sequences played out like a “Choose Your Own Adventure,” requiring decisions that changed how things unfolded. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 We encountered only a couple of traditional puzzles with most of the game focused on figuring out what to do in each situation using the actions and items available. The game had a realistic tone to it with consequences to our actions. At times, people would either become suspicious of us or we would get hurt depending on how we chose to proceed. We ended up playing through the game twice because we died before completing the mission on the first attempt. In hindsight, there were clues along the way about what actions to take and what we should focus on. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 "The Emerald Wedding Anniversary" was a unique way of playing a point and click game using only cards. The art was fantastic, the story was engaging, the actions and consequences made sense and overall was an entertaining time to play. We played with two people which seemed like a good number. The game says it can play up to six people but that seems like it would be too much, with everyone crowded over the cards and trying to make decisions together. This would be great for people who enjoy point and click games, love to play the spy or couples who want a night in. (If you do decide to try this game, please remember to let them know that you heard it from"ESCAPETHEROOMers"!) #MatthewLui #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #LaBoitedeJeu #PuzzlesByMail #Espionage #Thriller #France

Photo above is property of Mystery Xcape Company: Mystery Xcape Game: Chapter I: The Vanishing Country: USA 🇺🇸 Language: English Type of Game: Digital Escape Game 💻 Genre: Mystery Date Played: April 24, 2026 Difficulty (based on 4 players): 7/10 Size of Team: Unlimited (Recommended 2-4 ppl) Time: Unlimited (Approx. 120-150 Mins.) Price: $35.00 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Set in 1973, Elena Morgan was accused of murdering her husband and sent to Blackwood Sanatorium but things didn’t add up. The evidence was circumstantial, the trial was rushed and now, Elena is gone. Can you find her and discover the hidden secrets along the way? 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 The game starts with a sharp intro video and short tutorial on the interface. This game plays like a classic point-and-click game, designed for one person to share their screen over Zoom or Google Meet while everyone works together to solve the puzzles. This game felt heavily AI-generated. The room aesthetic had inconsistent designs and included red herrings, with prominent elements and items that appear important but were not actually needed. While there were hotspots for investigating items, they were difficult to find. One thing that Mystery Xcape could improve on is to make the hotspots more sensitive.There were also moments where we solved a puzzle but became stuck because a new hotspot had appeared. Additionally, there were times when interacting with a hotspot produced an item that didn’t match what was shown in the larger scene, which felt a bit off. The cutscenes had decent production value with some fun AI effects and interacting with items that we picked up were neat, specifically using the black light and the knife. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 The puzzles were trying to be clever but could benefit from some tweaks. Clues included red herrings or didn’t make sense with the puzzle, specifically the flavor text. Clearer signposting would have helped us better understand what connected with what. The hint system was tiered, with penalties of three minutes for the first hint, five for the second, and ten for the final. Unfortunately, the hints themselves also felt AI-generated. Some were awkwardly worded or unhelpful, and the final hint often provided the solution without explaining how to solve the puzzle. Even when trying to back solve the puzzle, it was sometimes difficult to figure out the intended logic. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 "The Vanishing" had some visually impressive cutscenes, and interacting with the items was enjoyable. However, the graphics and puzzles could use some refinement for a more polished and intuitive experience. Our group of four was able to play together and have everyone engaged, but the experience felt like it would run more smoothly with two players. (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!) Disclosure: We thank Mystery Xcape for providing us with a sample of their game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.. #MatthewLui #AtHomeGames #DigitalGame #PointNClick #MysteryXcape #Mystery #USA

Photo above is property of Tokyo Mystery Circus (by SCRAP) Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝 ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: "Escape from the Witch's House in the Woods" 📅 DATE PLAYED: December 20, 2025 🎬 GENRE: Mystery 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl): 7.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-4 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 50 Mins. 💰 PRICE: [ Weekday Prices ] 2-Player Ticket: Advanced ¥3,500/ pp / On-the-day ¥3,800/ pp 3-Player Ticket: Advanced ¥3,300/ pp / On-the-day ¥3,600/ pp 4-Player Ticket: Advanced ¥3,100/ pp / On-the-day ¥3,400/ pp [ Weekend, Holiday & Peak Season Prices ] An additional ¥300 will be added to the price listed above ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes ** Reviewers: Cici (English)/ Chikako (Japanese) 📖 THE STORY As an apprentice wizard wandering through the forest, you stumble upon the lair of a wicked witch. Suddenly, you find yourself trapped in a puzzle-filled room! With your trusty magic wand, you cast flames and summon thunder to solve the puzzles. But wait! Just when you think you're free, another room appears. Freedom awaits beyond nine rooms, each presenting unique challenges. From a bubbling cauldron to talking portraits, you must use your magic and intelligence to overcome all nine rooms and escape. Or risk an uncertain fate! あなたは魔法使いの弟子です。ある日、森の中で道に迷い、邪悪な魔女の家に閉じ込められてしまいました。家の中は数々のパズルで満ちています。脱出できる唯一の方法は、家の9番目の部屋の先にあります。魔法と知恵を駆使して、無事に脱出し、家に帰ることができるでしょうか？ 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Standing outside a mysterious door, we eagerly anticipated its opening into a magical world. The unfolding story captivated us! Each room featured a unique set design, distinct from the others, providing constant surprises. It felt like we were navigating through nine mini escape rooms! The four magic wands, each with a unique power, impressed us with their diverse applications in puzzle-solving. Every player felt purposeful. It was rewarding to connect the story with the gameplay by the end. The final room delivered a surprising twist to conclude the story. We thoroughly enjoyed the "thinking outside the box" aspect of the puzzles. NINE ROOMSの第三作目。ストーリーの魔法の世界観によくマッチするよう、破部屋の装飾が丁寧に作り込まれており、雰囲気がとてもよく表されていた。魔法を演出するための電子ギミックが謎の中に自然に取り入れられている部屋もあり、驚きが多く、没入感も高かった。ストーリー展開も面白いため、謎解きを楽しみたい人にも、物語を楽しみたい人にもおすすめ。 各部屋の謎も謎の構成にバリエーションがあり、最後まで飽きずに楽しめた。他のSCRAPのゲームと同様、最後の謎はやや難しめではあるが、全体的に理にかなった謎が多く、解けた時の爽快感は格別。 料金はかかるものの、時間切れになってもコンテニューやリベンジができる点はありがたい。 タブレットに段階的なヒントが表示される仕組みは、とてもわかりやすかった。 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Occasionally, we heard noises that weren't related to the game. If these disturbances could be better concealed, it would significantly improve the gaming experience. The waiting times were rather lengthy at certain points during the game. It might be beneficial to have two paths for all the rooms, not just the final room, to enhance the game's flow. 他のNINEROOMSと同様、自分たちの前のチームがつまっている場合、彼らが先に進むまで待ちが発生する。ゲームの勢いや流れが止まってしまい、少し冷めてしまう場面があったのは残念。特に土日祝日は混雑しやすいため、待ち時間を減らしたいなら平日に遊ぶのがおすすめ。 前作のEscape from the Runaway Trainと比べると、NINEROOMSの構造に意味を持たせた演出はやや弱く感じた。 部屋は壁で仕切られているものの、天井が開いているため、他の部屋や別のゲームの騒音が聞こえてしまうことがあった。そのため、音声の情報が聞き取りづらく、集中しにくいと感じる場面がやや多かった。 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? The concept of navigating through nine challenges to escape is an innovative approach! It immerses players in a magical realm while providing them with a clear purpose. The game’s use of props, including four unique wands with distinct powers, and the diverse room set designs truly draw players into a world of magic. However, the game’s flow could be better managed in terms of timing. The wait time for the other team detracted from the immersion and disrupted our momentum. Addressing this issue would unlock significant potential for the Nine Room series, and I eagerly anticipate what SCRAP will create next! 「Escape from the Witch's House in the Woods」は、NINE ROOMSシリーズの第三作目の魔法をテーマにした脱出ゲームです。一作目の「Escape from the Nine Rooms」や二作目の「Escape from the Runaway Train」とはまた雰囲気がガラリと変わって、謎解きと魔法を使う演出がうまく融合した、没入感高めの楽しいゲームでした。初心者から謎解き熟練者まで誰でも楽しめると思います。Tokyo Mystery Circusを訪れ際は、ぜひ遊んでみてください。 Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO You can pay to retry the game or just the final room. Near "JR Shinjuki Station" and "Seibu Shinjuku Station." Located on the 4th floor of Tokyo Mystery Circus (elevator available). Disability: please check the "game limitations" section on the website. There is no place to store any luggage during the game. Do not bring large bags with you. There is a cloakroom on the first floor of TMC (500 yen~). There are luggage lockers at nearby stations. Photos above are property of Tokyo Mystery Circus (by SCRAP) Explore our trip to Tokyo Mystery Circus (by SCRAP) and read our exclusive interview with the manager to gain insights into the game's development: 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 Tokyo Mystery Circus by SCRAP for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #ChikakoOmura #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #TokyoMysteryCircus #SCRAP #Japan #Mystery

Photo above is property of Logic Locks Company: Logic Locks Game: Amsterdam Catacombs Country: Netherlands 🇳🇱 Language: English Type of Game: Remote Escape Room 🗣 Genre: Horror Date Played: June 14, 2020 Difficulty (based on 7 players): 4/10 Size of Team: 2-7 Players Time: 90 Minutes Price: Check website for details. Depend on: Weekday/Weekend/Total Players We were very upset when our Netherlands trip got cancelled due to COVID as we were scheduled to speak at Up The Game but everything got switched to online mode. We were so excited when we found out "Amsterdam Catacombs" was able to be played remotely. This was on our "must do" list for the Netherlands trip. As we "met up" with our avatar on the street of Amsterdam at 2AM in the morning, we were on our way towards Posthoorn Church. He explained to us that he will be illegally breaking into the Church as he needed to found out what's hidden in those catacombs underneath the Church grounds. Our team of 7 will act as his backups since who knows what's down there.... The video feed of this game was presented to us on Youtube and our communications was through Google Meet. There was a slight delay of our avatar receiving our commands when utilizing these two apps together. It didn't really affect our game play but it's worth noting in case you think he's ignoring you. It's best way to play the game is to speak one at a time and wait a bit until he is able to capture the suggestion. We did notice a bit of video lag at the beginning since we were underground but majority of the time it was pretty smooth. Due to this reason, some pre-recorded scenes were added (you wouldn't even notice if you didn't specifically look for them). The set design of this game was amazing! Right from the start of the game, we were "wowed" by the grand presence of the Church. You were literally standing inside a Church! From there, we went down the stairs and this was where our game began. OMG how I wished I was there in person but was also glad I was not there (yes, I screamed a little again...). The ambiance was so eerie and pretty at the same time. There were so many secrets that made some of us open our eyes really wide and some of us covering our eyes from seeing the screen. The special effects made it felt like we were watching a movie. At one point during the game, I didn't really care to solve puzzles anymore. The main focus was on the characters and what was going to happen next. You don't need to rush your avatar as the puzzles were not difficult. They were more like "complements" to the story line. They helped to open the next chapters but it was the set design, story line, and character performances that made this game a "must do" experience. If you think you will never make it there to play in person then definitely don't miss this opportunity to play it online! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers *** This game can no longer be booked as a remote game but can still be booked as an in-person experience *** (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 Logic Locks for providing us with a media discount for our tickets for this game. Although a discounted experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #AtHomeGames #EscapeRooms #LogicLocks #AmsterdamCatacombs #Horror #RemoteEscapeRoom #Avatar #Catacombs #Netherlands

LOCATION: Amsterdam, Netherlands Photo above is property of Logic Locks Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝 ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: The Amsterdam Catacombs 📅 DATE PLAYED: November 3, 2024 🎬 GENRE: Horror 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 4/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-6 ppl (Ages 16+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 90 Mins. 💰 PRICE: 155€ - 227€ (2-6 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY Hmm, well, we remember responding to an ad to investigate some unusual happenings in the basement of an old church. There was a nun involved, I think…definitely a lot of skulls. And chains. And some curse-type stuff, I think? It was so chaotic I have forgotten the specifics. You'll find out the story if you are savvy enough to make it past the gates. Even the gatekeeper himself is oddly creepy and in no way inviting. The real story is that you are going to be the main characters in a live action horror movie and could quite possibly have the best (or last) time of your lives…The talented actors with which you are fortunate enough to interact are not going to harm you - they are professionals who respect normal boundaries of human behavior. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of anything else that dwells in cover of darkness, underneath a once holy site, long bereft of sanctuary. Video above is property of Logic Locks 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Between the introductory email (received shortly after booking), beautiful old church, and "welcome"/game intro, the fully immersive nature of this experience is felt before you descend the stairs into the main event. The decorations within the catacombs themselves also serve to maintain the suspension of disbelief. Virtually all set dressing is from old metal, wood, and stone. The heft and weight of the items allowed us to remain fully invested. (None of those 'your spray-painted foam is showing' moments…) Take the time to examine your surroundings, look at the objects, and appreciate the care that went into creating the scenes. The actors were convincing but not wooden, able to react in character to us. You simply must play along to get the most out of this experience!! There are moments of very high tension and drama, as well as periods of (relative) calm where you can explore your surroundings, work on the puzzles, and let your vital signs regain some semblance of stability. At least until the next unexpected event occurs to start your heart racing once again. There are strobe lights, crawling, and loud noises - so be prepared for an experience that will be at times very intense - but nothing feels overdone. As with the best thriller experiences, it is in the quieter moments that the true terror takes hold. The well-designed puzzles aren't the most difficult challenge in this nightmare, so it is an accessible adventure for neophytes - and there's no need for experienced players to rush through the solves. Soak in the incomparable atmosphere. The finish is…powerful. Give it your all! If you make it that far, of course. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Very little misses the mark - this is a completely engrossing experience. That being said, there was one puzzle section with text and pictures where the text matched what we were experiencing but the pictures did not. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Every horror enthusiast needs to give this room a try, without question. If you have medical conditions that could be aggravated by flashing lights or heart/BP issues, kids under 16, or are sensitive to occult/religion themes, check with Logic Locks first. They want you to feel immersed in horror, while having a memorable, unforgettable experience. If you're on the fence: this isn't a gorefest (far from it). It isn't a haunted house where you're being chased around by screaming zombies with fake chainsaws. It is a thoughtful, well-designed and fabulously implemented experience that is beautifully curated. We believe it can be enjoyed by people who don't typically appreciate horror rooms. In fact, one of us is a huge horror fan, while the other is not, and we are hard-pressed to say which one of us had the better time… ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Located below ground level, in the basement of a church about ten minutes' walk from Centraal Station, this is an easily accessible venue via public transportation and on foot. Parking is hard to find in the heart of the city, so if you are coming by car, you will need to plan ahead to make sure you have a place to park; the website has information about this. As usual, there are bathrooms and places to store your belongings - they will be easy to retrieve should you choose to push the panic button to leave early, or in the unlikely event you somehow make it out alive. While we seem to have escaped unscathed, we are unsure as to whether we are still in the bodies we brought, or if something else has taken over our mortal forms… anyway, make sure to read the introductory email carefully, or you may not even make it into the gates that surround this historic building. Photos above are property of Logic Locks (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 Logic Locks for providing a media discount on the tickets for this game. Although discounted admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #DaveBristol #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #LogicLocks #AmsterdamCatacombs #Horror #Amsterdam #Netherlands

LOCATION: Barcelona, Spain Photo above is property of Maximum Escape Barcelona Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝 ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Prisoners of Alkaban 📅 DATE PLAYED: September 23, 2022 🎬 GENRE: Adventure, Fantasy, Prison Escape 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 4.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-4 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: €25-40/ pp (pending on team size) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY You really messed up this time. Now you're being sent to the darkest and most dreadful place, Alkaban. It's a prison that locks up magicians, creatures and other "things" (you probably don't want to find out). You only have 60 minutes to escape or else you might remain in this treacherous place forever... 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The game master was great at being in character. We enjoyed the way we were bought into the game (although I am hoping the items used on us were sanitized especially during the COVID times). The game started us in separate cells and we really enjoyed working together to set ourselves free. The ambient lighting, props, and special effect in this room was on par with feeling like we were in Harry Potter world. There was one "spell" that we had to do to escape the cell that "wowed" us. We were thinking in our minds: "There's no way that's going to happen...". There was an alchemy transformation that fit perfectly with the story. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK A puzzle that required a lot of agility was extremely difficult for us because we couldn't see what we had to avoid as the "special effect" had worn off. We didn't get a "refill" for a very long time. This puzzle also took up most of our time during the game. The latter part of the game felt a lot quicker and before we knew it, it was already over. The solution to two of the puzzles felt like giveaways. We didn't feel like we solved anything. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? The creators did a great job with creating magical moments in this game. From the start, our escape was different than a normal prison escape since we possessed powers. The entire game experience was focused on that fundamental element. The only complaint is that the game felt a little too short. If you want to feel like an almighty wizard for an hour, this is the game for you! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Parking on the street Maximum Escape has many locations with different games. Make sure you are at the right location. Lobby with seating & water 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 Maximum Escape Barcelona 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 #Prison #Escape #Wizards #MaximumEscape #Barcelona #Spain

LOCATION: St-Maurice, Switzerland Photo above is property of Escape World Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝 ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Mekalitopia 📅 DATE PLAYED: March 7, 2026 🎬 GENRE: Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl): 8/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 4-10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 120 Mins. 💰 PRICE: 249 CHF - 499 CHF ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes [108:00] 📖 THE STORY Discover a world long left in slumber: Mekalitopia. Hidden deep within the cliffs of St-Maurice lies an enigmatic realm, once the playground of brilliant, if slightly unhinged, scientists. For decades, their strange machines and cryptic experiments have remained silent… until now. A looming cataclysm threatens humanity, and Mekalitopia must awaken once more. Time is running out. The last remaining notes, scattered across the laboratory ruins, hold the key to restarting this forgotten world. The fate of humankind now rests in your hands. You have two hours to decode the scientists’ messages, reactivate their mechanisms, and bring Mekalitopia back to life before the final countdown reaches zero. Video above is property of Escape World 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Mekalitopia’s setting inside an authentic WWII bunker is one of its defining strengths. The sheer scale of the steel doors, industrial equipment, and structural features creates an atmosphere both imposing and credible, far beyond standard escape-room scenery. The entry alone is imposing and heightens the expectations for the game beyond. While the experience isn’t driven by special effects, the presence of multiple hidden rooms and concealed access points significantly elevates the sense of exploration. There are moments when you know there must be a way forward, but uncovering the method to open a passage becomes part of the challenge itself. The space is vast and unfolds progressively, offering a high number of parallel tasks. The game is dense with content, supporting larger teams without causing congestion. The design allows for simultaneous puzzle streams, making coordination and role distribution essential. Mekalitopia’s puzzles rely heavily on mechanical interaction, physical manipulation, and logical reasoning, with many requiring strong teamwork to complete successfully. A significant portion of the challenges revolve around large, functional apparatus, creating an authentic feeling of operating real machinery rather than interacting with small, decorative props. This design choice was a major highlight for us, as our team particularly enjoys hands-on, puzzle-dense experiences that truly put our skills to the test. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Given the large number of tasks, the spacious environment, and the volume of information in circulation, it’s easy for teams to lose track of puzzle statuses, item locations, or who discovered what. Maintaining clear communication and coordination is essential, not only for completing the mission successfully, but also for avoiding unnecessary frustration if progress stalls. While the initial premise is compelling, the narrative does not meaningfully progress during gameplay. Once inside, the experience becomes primarily puzzle-focused. Players who prefer a more dynamic, story-driven arc may find the narrative lighter compared to the room’s strong emphasis on mechanics and problem-solving. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "Mekalitopia" stands as a technically impressive, ambitious, and large-scale experience that leverages its real bunker environment to deliver a level of immersion few escape rooms can replicate. Its puzzle density, mechanical integration, and spatial complexity make it particularly appealing to seasoned players seeking a substantial, non-linear challenge. While not primarily narrative-driven, "Mekalitopia" excels in atmosphere, craftsmanship, and intellectual challenge, earning its reputation as one of Switzerland’s standout escape-room experiences, reaching #65 in the 2025 TERPECA awards. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO There is no on-site parking available. However, several small paid car parks are located within walking distance of the venue, so it’s advisable to plan a few extra minutes for parking before your session. The venue does not have a traditional lobby; instead, players are welcomed into a simple hall equipped with lockers for storing personal belongings. There are also no on-site toilets. A public restroom is available approximately two minutes away from the entrance. This also means that if a player needs to use the bathroom during the game, they must temporarily leave the premises to access the public facilities. Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!) Disclosure: We thank Escape World for providing a media discount on the tickets for this game. Although discounted admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #RyanDriver #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #EscapeWorld #Adventure #StMaurice #Switzerland

Photo above is property of Bluefish Games Company: Bluefish Games Game: The Case of the Curiously Quiet Theater Country: USA 🇺🇸 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Game 📬 Genre: Comedic Mystery Date Played: April 12, 2026 Difficulty (based on 2 players): 5/10 Size of Team: 1+ players (Ages 14+) Time: Unlimited (Approx. 2-4 Hrs) Price: $39.00 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 As a member of the SHhhh, We're Reading Book Club in Hincksville, you've been eagerly awaiting the latest Ells and Ernie mystery. Unfortunately, the library lost the book, but Mr. Hincks has provided an abridged audio version and reference materials for you to experience the story before the meeting. In "The Case of the Curiously Quiet Theater," Ells and Ernie investigate a mystery at a popular play involving special effects, costumes, and suspicious characters, where someone is sabotaging the production. The duo encounters classically trained actors, making deception convincing. Can you unlock all the audio clips before the meeting and decipher the mysterious annotations? 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ The game is packaged in a box designed to resemble a book, complete with a thoughtfully crafted book cover. Upon opening the box, you'll find the signature phrase for their curious book series: "Shhh, we're reading B›››››››››››››OOK CLUB, no spoilers, please" inscribed inside. Included in the package are five sealed envelopes labeled A-E, which serve as reference materials, a bag containing a pen and an answer sheet, a bookmark, an introduction from Stephen Hincks, and a personal note from the owners. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 An internet connection is required for this game. Initially, you must visit the designated website to begin the game's narration. It is commendable that a storyteller is included, who reads with emotion and incorporates sound effects, while also offering the option to follow along with a written transcript. The website will also provide subtle hints for each puzzle and a section for submitting your answers. As there are five envelopes, it should be apparent that five solutions are necessary to complete the game. Each envelope contains 2-3 puzzles that can be solved independently, with information that ultimately needs to be combined to determine the final answer. Once you have the final answer, you may proceed to the next chapter. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 We thoroughly enjoyed the element of surprise that each envelope brought. The contents were unpredictable, and each chapter offered a distinct variety of puzzle styles and types. At times, we were impressed by how the puzzles interconnected, while at other times, it was gratifying to solve them individually before collaborating to reach the final solution. Although some puzzles were more challenging than others, each one provided us with an "aha" moment and a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Among our favorites were the puzzles featuring humorous puns that kept us laughing as we solved them. There were also puzzles that encouraged us to develop our own ideas, creating new challenges from seemingly nonexistent ones. Ultimately, we appreciated how all the elements were relevant to the game, and everything made sense. It was particularly clever how the puzzles were seamlessly integrated into the storyline. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 We first stumbled upon Bluefish Games with their "The Hincks Gazette", and since then, they've amazed us with "The Elevator" series and now their incredible book series! The sheer creativity packed into their games is truly mind-blowing. We've witnessed an exciting evolution in their storytelling, seamlessly integrated with puzzles. Just like escape rooms, they're crafting immersive experiences, not just puzzles on paper. Out of all their games, this series has become our absolute favorite! It brilliantly brings theatrical flair to a tabletop game, which is no easy feat. The story grips you, and the twist at the end is fantastic. As we puzzled over solutions, we were equally captivated by how the story unfolded, just like binge-watching a TV series. We can't recommend these games enough, whether you're playing with friends or solo. It's a thrilling few hours of entertainment and absolutely worth every penny! Check out our interview with the creators to understand more on the development side of these 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 Bluefish Games for providing us with a sample of their game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #PuzzlesByMail #SubscriptionGames #Comedy #Mystery #BluefishGames #USA

Photo above is property of The Mysterious Package Company Company: The Mysterious Package Company Game: Dead Man's Tale Country: Canada 🇨🇦 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Games 📬 Genre: Adventure Date Played: April 10, 2026 Difficulty (based on 2 players): 8/10 Size of Team: 1-4 players (Ages 14+) Time: Unlimited (Suggested 7-10 Hrs.) Price: $75.00 USD 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Can you discover the fate of a missing treasure hunter? When an ancient tavern reveals a disturbing artifact, the innkeeper suspects it's a sign from their missing father. This clue takes you across seas to an isolated island, where a cursed treasure has led to numerous downfalls. As you uncover truths, you'll realize that some legacies are best left concealed. Video above is property of The Mysterious Package Company 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ The game is elegantly packaged in a sophisticated hardcover book-style box. Within, there is an additional hardcover box that contains five folders and a hint booklet. Each folder showcases a pop-up stage equipped with hidden chambers, pull-tabs, and tactile mechanisms that conceal symbols, passages, and clues. Additionally, the folders incorporate narrative elements crafted to resemble century-old letters, ship's logs, maps, clippings, sketches, and artifacts, effectively immersing players in the storyline. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 If you are unfamiliar with the gameplay by MPC, it is advisable to review at least the initial few pages of the hint book. This section contains no spoilers but provides a foundational understanding of the game's mechanics. This guidance proved beneficial for us, as the game has no areas for inputting or verifying answers. The storyline's narration can be extensive, so merely starting by reading the chapter may lead to confusion about which elements are clues and what needs to be solved. Once you complete Chapter 1 and recognize that each chapter contains two puzzles, which must be solved to engage with another meta puzzle on the map, the process becomes more straightforward. The game does not require internet access for research or input, allowing you to set aside your phones. However, we did use a flashlight occasionally for prints that were challenging to read. Additionally, the hints are written in mirror reflection, so using your phone to take a photo and flip the image can facilitate easier reading. We appreciated that the hints do not directly reveal answers as there is a grid available where you can input the provided coordinates to avoid unintended spoilers. If you choose to regift the game, ensure that you print out any pages that may require writing, either from their website or by making a copy yourself. Repackaging is straightforward, and instructions were not necessary for us. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 Many of the puzzles we encountered were multi-step challenges, and even as enthusiasts, it took us some time to solve them. However, once we did, the sense of gratification was felt right away! These puzzles were not straightforward; instead, they required finding clues by engaging with the narratives and identifying connections between the storyline and the provided illustrations or items to arrive at a solution. The game's pop-up design significantly enhanced our ability to visualize the puzzles from a fresh perspective. Discovering hidden elements beneath floorboards or a concealed treasure box became tangible experiences right before our eyes. The process of searching for clues that ultimately led to the discovery of secret items or props often reminded us of physical escape rooms, while also reinforcing the notion that we were on a quest to unearth lost treasures. Additionally, we found it beneficial to remember items or props used in previous chapters, as they could prove useful later on. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 This game, or rather immersive experience, is designed for the more seasoned player who is not primarily focused on solving puzzles quickly, but instead prefers to engage with a narrative that unravels the truth behind a long-lost mystery. Patience is essential, and it may be beneficial to approach the gameplay as if you were watching a long series on Netflix. Enjoying one episode each night might be more rewarding than binge-watching. Each new chapter brings a sense of surprise, as the outcome is always unpredictable. MPC consistently stands as an innovator in the realm of tabletop games, introducing concepts that are novel to the market. This game is no exception. If you appreciate the 3D pop-up experience, be sure to explore Doomensions: Mystery Manor as well. While this might cater more to beginner puzzle enthusiasts in terms of puzzle difficulty, it offers equally enjoyable gameplay! (If you do decide to try this game, please remember to let them know that you heard it from"ESCAPETHEROOMers"!) Disclosure: We thank The Mysterious Package Company for providing us with a sample of their game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #PuzzlesByMail #Adventure #TheMysteriousPackageCompany #Canada

Photo above is property of Virtual Escaping Company: Virtual Escaping Game: Murder in the Alley Country: Netherlands 🇳🇱 Language: English, Dutch Type of Game: Point-N-Click 🖱️ Genre: Mystery, Detective Date Played: March 25, 2026 Difficulty (based on 1 player): 5/10 Size of Team: 1-6 ppl Time: 75 Mins. Price: $40.00 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Frank Calloway was an investigative reporter who was on to something big that involved everyone from crooked cops to top businessmen. Unfortunately, before Frank could expose them, he was found murdered in an alley. The official story claimed it was a mugging gone wrong, but you know better. Can you follow the trail and find out what Frank discovered? Video above is property of Virtual Escaping 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 At the start of the game, I was given the option to view the tutorial explaining the navigation as well as the choice to set a 90-minute time limit, which is great for those with a competitive spirit. The game also included a built-in video conferencing feature, which having used it in the past, is a great in-game addition. The gameplay was a point-n-click experience, exploring the alley where Frank was murdered, just outside his office in the dodgy part of town. The navigation was straight forward and intuitive. Though I played solo, one thing I like about Virtual Escaping games is that everyone can explore independently. Depending on your preferred style of play, teammates can solve puzzles elsewhere that would then unlock for you, which means you might not see everything. The game had some high quality and satisfying intro and outro videos, as well as some video elements during the game. It offered more storytelling than I expected with narrative woven into the documents that were scattered around, where I learned more about Frank and what he discovered. The final puzzle required me to deduce the killer, their motive and how they killed Frank, which was a key motivator to reading everything. Photos above are property of Virtual Escaping 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 This game focused more heavily on searching and collecting items then figuring out where they fit rather than more traditional puzzle solving. I did have some difficulty with the lighting and having trouble spotting some items against the dark backdrop of the alleyway. That said, there were some strong connection puzzles. The hints were helpful and thoughtfully tiered, giving me the opportunity to solve the puzzle on my own without ruining the “aha” moment. At the end, you receive a tally of your hints and to make the leaderboard, you will have to use 3 clues or less. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 " Murder in the Alley " was a solid point and click experience with puzzles that would test any gumshoe’s deduction skills. The video cutscenes and voiceovers were well done, which was enough to draw me in at the start and wrap the game up. I did play solo but would have benefited from a few other teammates to help with the searching. Armchair detectives would find plenty to enjoy here. Overall, it was a fun point and click game to play with friends over distance, whether you’re seasoned escape room players or newcomers to the genre. (If you do decide to try this game, please remember to let them know that you heard it from" ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Virtual Escaping for providing us with a sample of the game. Although complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #AtHomeGames #DigitalEscapeGames #PointNClick #VirtualEscaping #Detective #Mystery #Netherlands

LOCATION: Westbury, New York, USA Photo above is property of RYCO's Escape Room & Lounge Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝 ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Dreams Work 📅 DATE PLAYED: February 15, 2026 🎬 GENRE: Fantasy 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 4.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-12 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: $45.00/ pp (Min. 2 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes 📖 THE STORY Your parents trust you to look after your younger sister, Olivia. You succeed in getting her to bed early, but after a call from your parents saying they'll be home in an hour, Olivia screams about a "MONSTER" taking her favorite toy. She's in tears, threatening to tell your parents you did a terrible job. You can't find the toy, and she hasn't left the room. If Olivia is still awake when your parents return, they may lose trust in you. Find her toy before they get back! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The set design was bursting with whimsical items and vibrant colors, instantly transporting us into a world that felt just like a Disney movie set! We encountered some clever puzzles that were refreshingly unique compared to other escape rooms. Solving them was immensely satisfying! It required a bit of visualization, but the thrill of discovery was absolutely fantastic! This room was a treasure trove of innovations, from fancy gadgets to a "wow" moment that blew our minds like a confetti cannon, catapulting us into a dream world of imagination. We adored the mix of challenges and games that were thrown into the room. It was like a kid's playground on steroids, with everything supersized and multiplied! 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Dimming the lighting at some parts of the game could enhance the sense of eeriness during the "monster" discovery for the players. One of the color puzzles was somewhat difficult due to the similarity between two colors; maybe consider changing one to a more easily distinguishable color? 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Have you guys seen Monster's Inc? This room instantly brought back so many amazing memories of the film that I literally felt like I was Mike and Brandon was Sully (our height even matches)! It might look like a normal bedroom at first glance, but it's bursting with hidden surprises just waiting to be uncovered. This was the first room we tackled there (and we ended up playing all four), and we thought it would be a breeze, but it was jam-packed with so many puzzles that we had to split up to solve them in time. There are fun puzzles that kids will absolutely love, and others that will put a big smile on adults' faces, bringing back those cherished childhood memories. Come and challenge the "monster" yourself—you won't be disappointed with what you find at the end! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Located within the Samanea New York Mall Go up one flight of escalator, and the venue will be on your right Complimentary parking is available outside the mall The venue offers a selection of food and beverages, including alcoholic options Lockers equipped with charging ports are available Lobby features seating and games The venue hosts various events such as board game nights and trivia nights. Please contact them for specific dates and times 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 RYCO's Escape Room & Lounge 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 #RYCOsEscapeRoom #Fantasy #Westbury #NewYork #USA