LOCATION: Wappingers Falls, New York, USA Photo above is property of Escape Time Adventures Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Master of Illusion 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 12, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Mystery, Magic 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 6.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 4-8 ppl (Ages 12+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 90 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $32.95/ pp or $171.80/ group (8 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY The Great Nivek, a renowned magician, died during a performance at the Magic Mansion's main stage. Venue owner Peter Zabar, a friend and illusion expert, is the primary suspect and has expressed deep sorrow over what witnesses describe as a bizarre accident. As private investigators, your task is to uncover the truth and differentiate between illusion and reality before you disappear. Gather evidence to build your case. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE We really enjoy the theatrical introduction at this location before each game. Every game transports you to a different era, enhanced by a captivating performance from the GMs, and experiencing it firsthand is a must. Be sure to check out the "peculiar items" they've collected over the years. The set design for this room is truly breathtaking. The array of magic props and posters includes both familiar items from historical magicians and intriguing pieces you might not have seen before. The designer's meticulous attention to detail in every prop is impressive. The sound and lighting significantly elevate the overall experience. The in-game character appears at precisely the right moments to expertly guide players through the experience while also unfolding a bit of backstory, enhancing the immersion profoundly. The special effects, magic tricks, and illusions in this game are on an entirely different level. We were continually amazed by the reveals, and to this day, the methods remain a mystery. I guess that's why they call it magic! The puzzles are ingeniously integrated into the props and storyline. As we uncovered solutions, we also gathered the evidence needed to unravel the mystery. Just when you think you've made quick progress, you'll be astonished by how much more awaits. It's definitely strategic to divide and conquer in this room, especially towards the end. Many of our favorite puzzles were here, demanding substantial logic and teamwork. The flow of this experience was seamless. We encountered no issues during gameplay. As I documented the information we discovered as evidence, I truly felt like a detective on a mystery case and forgot how much time has passed by. This is the level of immersion we are always looking for! 🧩 MISSED THE MARK This game is nearly a perfect experience for us. A more dramatic ending in how to reveal the conclusion would have made it a flawless performance. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? We were really excited to be able to experience " Master of Illusion " after seeing it in its pre-production stages! The anticipation was worth it, and we couldn't be more excited! We absolutely adore magic-themed rooms, especially those that seamlessly weave in real magic tricks. With the owner's background in magic, he knows exactly how to bring the magic to life. This game is a dream come true for magic lovers, murder mystery fans, and anyone looking for an extraordinary escape room experience—it's a fully immersive journey from start to finish. The special effects and magical reveals will leave you spellbound, asking, "How did they do that?" Be sure to put this game at the top of your "must-visit" list for your next escape room adventure! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking right in front of the location Lobby with seating area Merchandise available for purchase Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, an interview with the owner, the room(s) (no puzzle spoilers) and more: Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Escape Time Adventures for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #EscapeTimeAdventures #Mystery #Magic #NewYork #USA

Photo above is property of Wolf Escape Games Company: Wolf Escape Games Game: The Pharaoh's Tomb Country: United Kingdom 🇬🇧 Language: English Type of Game: Digital Escape Game 💻 Genre: Adventure, Egyptian Date Played: November 22, 2025 Difficulty (based on 3 players): 5/10 Size of Team: Unlimited (Recommended 1-6 ppl) Time: Unlimited (Approx. 120 Mins.) Price: £31.00 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Holmes and Watson have returned with a new case! Sparked by a break-in at the British Museum and an unexpected death, Holmes and Watson find themselves thrust into mystery of a missing heiress, a decades old Egyptian expedition, and a journey to an ancient tomb in Egypt that holds deadly secrets. Video above is property of Wolf Escape Games 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 From the very start, the onboarding was highly detailed. Wolf Escape Games walked us through a full checklist to ensure our Wi-Fi connection was solid, ensuring the whole group was connected properly and even running audio tests to make sure everyone could hear. At its core, The Pharaoh’s Tomb is a point and click adventure, but it is so much more. The art and graphics were beautiful, the cut scenes felt like they came from a movie, the voice actors were professional, and the music was perfectly crafted. All of this elevates the game from a typical puzzle game to an interactive story. One feature that Wolf Escape Games does well is the shared backpack feature. Any relevant and key pieces of information that is encountered along the way pops up in the backpack so that the whole team can review the information independently. What really makes this game shine though is their attention to detail. The sound effects that were added to some of the minor details, a magnifying glass that allows you to take a closer look at items but also helps zoom in on items when you are sharing your screen. And on top of that, they did their homework, as we had an Egyptian knowledge buff who recognized so much as we went through it. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 The game had a mix of visual, logic and deduction type puzzles. Something new that was included in this game was what Wolf Escape Games calls Genius Badges. The Genius Badges are earned when you complete a puzzle without using any hints. This was a neat little challenge for us but also allowed us to see what kind of puzzles we excel at and what kind of puzzles were in the game. Their puzzle design is also spot-on, with most puzzles solvable entirely using what is found in the backpack. That means you are not at the mercy of whoever is controlling the screen, which helps every player feel involved in the experience. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 Wolf Escape Games brings the whole package with " The Pharaoh’s Tomb ". Every element is perfectly considered and placed. The artwork, design, puzzles, music and experience feel meticulously crafted to not just bring you a game but create a completely immersive adventure that feels movie-esque and where you get to be a key player in it. We played with three players, but the recommended six could work well and with a game this impressive, you will definitely want to share it with as many people as you can. Check out our interview with the creators to understand more on the development side of the game: Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure: We thank  Wolf Escape Games for providing us with a sample of their game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. . #MatthewLui #AtHomeGames #DigitalGame #PointNClick #WolfEscapeGames #Adventure #Egyptian #UnitedKingdom

LOCATION: Orlando, Florida, USA Photo above is property of Escape Artists Orlando Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Ninja 📅 DATE PLAYED : February 15, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Mission 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : /10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $44.00/ pp (2 ppl), $40.00/ pp (3-4 ppl), $36.00/ pp (5+ ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY A mysterious master swordsman, believed to be a ninja dispatched by your foes, has emerged in town. Your task: penetrate his fortress, seize his sacred ninja hood, and present it to the Shogun to expose his betrayal. Master Saki is a lethal adversary, so employ stealth and cunning to outsmart him and protect your town. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯    HIT THE BULLSEYE Upon entering the room, we immediately experienced a sense of tranquility. We appreciated the authentic Japanese elements integrated into the game, such as the ninja star, scrolls, and tea ceremony. It is evident that the game designers invested significant effort in researching the daily lives of ninjas. The physical challenges we encountered were highly enjoyable, as they mirrored the obstacles a ninja would likely face to pass their tests. We were particularly impressed by the incorporation of Japanese cultural characters into the puzzles, which enhanced the feeling of being in a traditional Japanese village. One puzzle reveal included an element that felt "magical," which we found to be a brilliant addition to the theme. 🧩   MISSED THE MARK The finale appeared somewhat hurried and could benefit from a more celebratory atmosphere. We were unable to physically place the crucial item needed to trigger the conclusion, yet it prematurely indicated our escape. The Game Master mentioned that proximity was sufficient, but this diminished the sense of completion. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you're eager to unleash your inner ninja and see if you have what it takes, this room is the perfect place to make that dream a reality! Get ready to be challenged on your physical agility and your cleverness in solving puzzles. Japan is an incredible country, and I'm absolutely captivated by its culture. If you're curious about our adventures across various Japanese cities, you can dive into our journey HERE . I was thrilled about this theme even before diving into the game. Escape Artists Orlando has done an amazing job of bringing to life what they imagine a ninja's quest is to be. Are you ready to channel your inner ninja and successfully complete this mission? Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking in the back Metered parking available in front Lobby area with seating available Merchandise and beverages available for purchase Plenty of shops in the area Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, an interview with the owner, the room(s) (no puzzle spoilers) and more: Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure :   We thank Escape Artists Orlando  for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLEscapeRoom #EscapeRooms #EscapeArtistsOrlando #Mission #Florida #USA

LOCATION : Osaka, Japan Photo above is property of Studio Escape Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Dark Zen 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 3, 2019 🎬 GENRE : Mystery 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 3/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-4 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : ¥3,500/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Until the end of the 19th Century, this site was home to the DAIKOKU Monastery. The Room you're about to enter was home to the most infamous monk in the history of the order... BONTA NAKAMURA. Whilst still in training, BONTA began experimenting with a dangerous form of meditation known as "Dark Zen". It was believed that Dark Zen could be used to bend the laws of space and time. Despite warnings from the other monks, BONTA continued practicing Dark Zen in secret. But when the head monk found out, BONTA was locked in his chambers whilst the other monks discussed his fate. After an hour it was decided that BONTA was to be banished from the monastery. But when they unlocked BONTA's room to tell him their ruling... BONTA had vanished without a trace. This room has been preserved exactly as BONTA left it a century ago. Many have tried to uncover the secrets of Dark Zen and the whereabouts of BONTA NAKAMURA, and it's believed that he left some clues behind, but to this day it remains a mystery. Good luck. Video above is property of Studio Escape * The YouTube video above is when the brand name of Studio Escape was Escape Osaka. The brand name has changed, but the rooms are still the same. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The set design of the rooms is pure Japanese style. It really felt like a room in a Japanese temple! There are Buddhist statues and Japanese paintings in the room, and the accessories used for decoration are classic Japanese tools. There are many puzzles using Japanese traditional tools is good. Nice mix of tech and Japanese atmosphere. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Honestly, the room size is small. However, the atmosphere in Japan is very good and the storyline is great so I still very much enjoyed the room. There was one puzzle that was difficult to conceive, so we used a hint. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Osaka is the second largest city in Japan. The location of Studio Escape is close to the commercial areas of Osaka and is easily accessible. Parking is scarce at this location, so we recommend going by train. I don't think you will have any trouble finding accommodations. Osaka has great food (takoyaki, skewers, mixed juice), so enjoy them all! The room of STUDIO ESCAPE is very interesting even though the space is quite small. The unique traditional Japanese atmosphere is really unique. You won't be disappointed! Our recommended size of this room is 2–3 people. ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO The game can be played in Japanese or English Lobby with waiting area and lockers Photos above are property of Studio Escape Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, an interview with the owner, the room(s) (no puzzle spoilers) and more: Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) #DaisukeYamakata #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Magic #Mystery #StudioEscape #EscapeOsaka #Japan

LOCATION : Osaka, Japan Photo above is property of Studio Escape Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Shadow Zen 📅 DATE PLAYED : August 22, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Mystery, Sci-Fi 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-4 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : ¥9,900 (2 ppl), ¥13,860 (3 ppl), ¥17,600 (4 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY In the 1920s, a notorious Japanese monk, Bonta Nakamura magically disappeared from a closed chamber in Osaka. What happened? Where did he go? Your investigation begins at a shopping alley about a century ago in Osaka. Track Bonta's pathway and solve the mystery of Shadow Zen! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE I enjoyed the whole experience a lot. I loved the opening video, which set a nice tone for the game. I enjoyed the flow of the game, which progressed whimsically from the beginning to the end. The story was unique and original. The decoration of each room was impeccable. I admired the details of the sets in each room. Many of the decor showed the essence of authentic Japanese culture in different eras. I felt like I was in the old times in Osaka, Japan. Most of the puzzles were straightforward. All of them fit well with the theme of each room. There were various types of puzzles in each part of the game. Although most puzzles in this game might be easy for escape room enthusiasts, those were fun and exciting to solve with teammates. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Since the space for " Shadow Zen " is relatively large, I wish we could've explored more and interacted with other parts of the experience. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? “ Shadow Zen ” was a unique escape room that took us to Japanese scenes from different times. The decor of each room was magnificent. There were delightful puzzles to work on with teammates. This game is enjoyable for everyone who likes to be immersed in Japanese scenes. If you visit the western part of Japan, I strongly recommend the game at Studio Escape in Osaka! ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Studio Escape Oasaka has two locations available. “ Shadow Zen ” is a 7-minute walk from "Daikoku-cho" station of the Osaka Metro Midosuji line (Exit 2). There is no lobby area. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure :   We thank Studio Escape 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 #StudioEscape #SciFi #Mystery #Osaka #Japan

LOCATION : Salem, Massachusetts, USA Photo above is property of Stained Hourglass Escapes Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Witch's Hollow 📅 DATE PLAYED : December 15, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Magic 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 3-8 ppl (Ages 10+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $39:00 - $45.00/ pp (Min. 3 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY When an older woman in town hasn’t been seen for a while, you do the neighborly thing: pack up a basket of food and head to check on her. However, what starts as a thoughtful visit quickly turns into a magical predicament that asks you to make a choice and see it through. From the very beginning, the game lets you know that intent matters here… 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Whimsy over wickedness . We adore games that lean playful instead of grim, and Witch’s Hollow absolutely embraces that energy. While there are moments of spookiness, the tone is far more mischievous than menacing. We wish more rooms would dare to have this much fun. Perfectly on-theme for Salem . If you’re going to play a witchy game anywhere, this is exactly where it should be. The magic-forward design, folklore vibes, and ritualistic elements feel tailor-made for a town steeped in witch history. Delightful character interaction . You get to engage with a wonderfully silly live character who plays a central role in puzzles, story progression, and hints. It’s one of our favorite aspects of the game. Importantly, this interaction is low-pressure (no forced improvisation or close physical contact) making it friendly even for players who are usually wary of live actors. Delivers the magic . While there are a few traditional escape room elements, much of the experience is powered by smooth, well-integrated tech that truly sells the illusion that magic is afoot! Meaningful choices. Both the opening and closing moments ask you to make decisions that affect your experience. These are implemented cleverly: minimal disruption to gameplay and flow, but noticeable differences in story and even a special keepsake at the end. We love the ability to meaningfully impact your own experience. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK We wanted more! There’s very little to nitpick here. Our main wish was simply that the experience lasted longer. The game smartly uses adaptive difficulty to allow for removal of puzzles or interactions to ensure success for its core audience (Salem visitors and newer players). However, enthusiasts will likely finish on the early side. Expanding the adaptive difficulty further by adding extra challenges or dialing up complexity would make an already excellent game even more satisfying for seasoned players. We were having such a good time, we didn’t want the spell to break. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " Witch’s Hollow " proves that Boring Office was no fluke. Stained Hourglass Escapes has a real knack for blending whimsy, creativity, and thoughtful design into a satisfyingly complete experience. This game delivers across the board: immersive and engaging, clean puzzle flow, clear narrative, and tech that enhances rather than distracts. We loved how the game empowers each group to make decisions that tailor their experience. And it was just SO. MUCH. FUN. There’s a clear sense that this was made by an enthusiast who genuinely loves the craft and that care shines through in every detail. It’s very family-friendly and suitable for beginners, but there’s plenty to enchant enthusiasts too. It’s well worth the drive out to Salem! We were absolutely entertained and enthralled, and we can’t wait to see what spell they cast next. 🔎 HINT It’s a playful room! You won’t get to play pin the tail on the donkey, but you might get to take a chance on a different carnival game. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO There is metered parking available right in front of the clearly marked location. If you come during high tourist season in October, parking may be hard to find, especially after noon. The spacious lobby is beautifully decorated with hanging pieces of colored “glass”. The owner takes accessibility seriously, and makes sure that the rooms are flexible, adaptive, and accessible for people of varying mobility. There are bathrooms, lockers, and room to hang coats. 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 Stained Hourglass 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 #Magic #EscapeRooms #StainedHourglassEscapes #USA #Massachusetts

Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Company: The Curious Correspondence Club Game: Chapter XXII: Crossroads Country: Canada 🇨🇦 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Game 📬 Genre: Mystery Date Played: January 1, 2023 Difficulty (based on 3 players): 8/10 Size of Team: Unlimited (Age 12+) Time: Unlimited (Suggested: 60-90 Minutes) Price: $21.95 (free shipping in North America); Monthly Subscription: $19.95/Yearly Subscription: $179.00 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Journeying through the mountainous terrain and climbing along the rocky trail, you reach the Great Valleys. Surrounded by the breathtaking landscape of mountains, trees and rock, the Nexus confirms that you are in the right place. As you enter the nearby village of Luska, a man recognizes you right away and pulls you aside. Handing you a package left by his great aunt, he tells you that she travelled and roamed these lands her entire life and if she hid something here, all the information you need to find the next disc are in this package. 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ Opening up the CCC envelope, you find many curious items including a pamphlet similar to the one you would find at a national park, wooden signs, a translator wheel for the local language, a language board and more. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 After reading the novel-quality introduction and checking out the beautiful sketches on the envelope, the tone was set to play the game. The set up for CCC games is that there are 5 puzzles and the solutions of the 5 puzzles will help you solve the final meta puzzle. For this game, there is a lot of information that you will have to read. One tip is to pay attention to the details of the text. There is always a clue there to help you along to solve the puzzles no matter how cleverly blended into the text it is. There were a few puzzles that after rereading a few times, the eureka moment hit us. One of the things I always love with CCC is once you know the final answer and head to the website, you can input the final answer and if you are correct, you are rewarded with an outro video to close off the chapter of the adventure. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 The range of puzzles were a mix of logic, ciphers, and some that required some eureka moments. We found this game to ramp up nicely as there were a couple of puzzles we recognized and were able to solve right away with a few others that required some reading and rereading to get us to that eureka moment. One complaint we did have with this game was that one of the puzzles was based around a cipher but the text we were looking to translate had a different style than the decoder, which made for some difficulty in matching them up. The hint system for this game requires you to go to their website and for each puzzle, there are 2 hints before providing you with the solution. For this game, we found the solutions to be more straight forward than their other games. Since the introduction stated that the solutions were to be 6 letter words, it was easier to tell if we had gotten to the correct solution or not. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 "Crossroads" was another fantastic chapter in the CCC universe. There were some nice eureka moments in the game with the clever cluing in the text. The pamphlet and translator wheel were things I could imagine picking up in a National Park as well as the 3D signpost really brought the game to life. This time around, there were 3 of us playing together and found that there was a lot of overlapping information, so it was difficult to solve things separately. A tip here was to have your camera phone on hand so you could easily snap a picture of what you need to solve your puzzle and hand off the information. Any puzzling nature lovers would easily get on board with this game. With the season 2 ending coming up fast, the story started to take an exciting turn and we cannot wait to see how the story continues. (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure: We thank The Curious Correspondence Club 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 #TabletopGames #PuzzlesByMail #SubscriptionGames #Mystery #Canada #TheCuriousCorrespondenceClub

Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Company: The Curious Correspondence Club Game: Chapter XXIII: Destination Pt. 1 Country: Canada 🇨🇦 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Game 📬 Genre: Mystery Date Played: February 7, 2023 Difficulty (based on 1 player): 7/10 Size of Team: Unlimited (Age 12+) Time: Unlimited (Suggested: 60-90 Minutes) Price: $21.95 (free shipping in North America); Monthly Subscription: $19.95/Yearly Subscription: $179.00 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 As you race up the steps, you can barely recognize the place due to all the chaos; M.B. Franklin Museum of Natural History. As you reach the top, you run into a familiar friend, Arjun, who debriefs you quickly as he leads you down the hall. Starfall agents have converged here, believing that the last dial is hidden in the museum somewhere as well as discovering a secret lab underneath for unknown purposes. With many Brightstar agents trying to fight them off, Arjun leads you to the surveillance room. Sitting you down in front of the CCTV screens, he needs you to dispatch the Brightstar agents to the appropriate locations to take down the Starfall operatives and get their keycards to access the underground lab. 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ Unsealing the envelope, I was greeted with the story written on the envelope with a list of the contents on one side and a QR code to the hints on the other side. Investigating the contents, I find some interesting paper items that include security screens, trading cards and pieces of a pamphlet. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 After reading the narrative, I was immediately sucked into the urgency and struggle of the story. The narrative is fantastic. If you have been following along for all of Season 2, you will not be disappointed. You do not need to know the story to play but you will exponentially get much more out of the game if you do. This game was a little different from CCC’s standard flow from previous games as there were additional puzzles on the front end before leading to the non-linear puzzles that lead to the meta puzzle. There was a lot of great content packed into this envelope. Though there was no 3D item to be built, this game did have the standard CCC feel in the game with a “card scanner”. One new addition in this game were the trading cards of key characters from previous chapters. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 As a big fan of trading cards, I loved that some of the puzzles revolved around something similar to a collectable card game (CCG). The overarching story and goal of the game was clued well but I did find that some of the more detailed signposting lacking with the puzzles. Once I read one or 2 hints for the first puzzle though, the entire game fell into place. There were a nice variety of puzzles that ranged from logic to eureka to matching. The puzzles were set up to be played non-linearly which would help with a big group but I found that with CCC’s use of all the sides of the paper, coordination is key. The back of a puzzle someone would be working could be required for a different puzzle. One tip would be to have people bring their phones so they can take a picture of the text to read and hand the paper off to others. The hint system for this game requires you to go to their website and for each puzzle, there are 2 hints before providing you with the solution. For this game, I found the solutions were only obvious once you completed all the puzzles and noticed the pattern, but I was not sure if I had the solution correct looking at each puzzle individually. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 "Chapter XXIII: Destination Pt. 1" was an absolute blast to go through. This game had the right amount of difficulty, and they were able to translate the feel of an action movie into the puzzles. As a big fan of trading cards, I really enjoyed how they were able to make some fun puzzles with them and incorporate them into the game. This would be a good game for a small handful of veteran solvers. This would not be the first CCC game I would dive into but one that rewards you if you have been following along season 2. This penultimate chapter had me on the edge of my seat and has me anticipating the final chapter. (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank The Curious Correspondence Club 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 #TabletopGames #PuzzlesByMail #SubscriptionGames #Mystery #Canada #TheCuriousCorrespondenceClub

LOCATION: Brooklyn, New York, USA Photo above is property of The Escape Game Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Cosmic Crisis 📅 DATE PLAYED : July 20, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : Up to 8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $49.99/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Your spacecraft is caught off guard by a fierce and voracious black hole! If it is not stopped within the next hour, the entire solar system will be devoured! Your sole chance lies in a neighboring space station holding antimatter to obliterate the black hole. Are you able to inject the antimatter into the black hole to halt its rampage and rescue the solar system in time? Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE We absolutely adore the interaction with the AI that served as our introduction and our trusty "helper" throughout our incredible journey in space! It truly enhanced the excitement and immersion of the experience. The meticulous attention to the set design of the spaceship, particularly the window offering a view of outer space, truly enhanced the realism of the experience. It completely transported us out of our everyday world for an hour. Throughout the experience, we frequently sensed the pressing nature of the situation, particularly as it neared its conclusion. Our hearts were racing intensely. The team had numerous instances of collaborating as well as splitting up tasks to work independently. It truly felt like we were space cadets, each with our own specific role to fulfill. Normally, our focus would be on repairing a damaged ship, but in this instance, we had to approach it from a different perspective. This certainly presented a one-of-a-kind situation. The unexpected turn towards the end was particularly enjoyable. It was like watching a emotional scene from a drama. Throughout the game, there were many well-crafted puzzles incorporated with the props. I especially liked the tasks that demanded the use of various tools and encouraged innovative thinking. Even with the modern technology available in the setting, I still found the classic lock and key puzzles to be equally delightful. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK This game has become one of the best games we've experienced at The Escape Game! There's absolutely nothing to complain about here - it's simply outstanding! 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Have you ever dreamt of embarking on a space journey, exploring the unknown depths of the universe? If so, you're in for a treat! This game is not just a game; it's a portal to a world where problem-solving, teamwork, and pure immersion converge to create an unforgettable adventure. Each member of the team brought a unique perspective, a different set of skills that, when combined, propelled us further into the unknown. The feeling of accomplishment that washed over us with each successful mission was unparalleled; it was as if we were truly astronauts on a critical mission in outer space. As the game drew to a close, none of us were ready to leave this extraordinary world behind. The thought of facing another crisis in space seemed almost inviting. I'm ready for the next adventure! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Located inside City Point mall in the basement level (where the food court is located). You can take either the elevator or escalator to C1. Lobby with seating and merchandise for sale Parking will be difficult, we suggest either subway or taxi. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank The Escape Game Brooklyn 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 #SciFi #TheEscapeGame #USA #Brooklyn #NYC

LOCATION: New York City, New York, USA Photo above is property of The Escape Game Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Timeliner: Train Through Time 📅 DATE PLAYED : August 12, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 5 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : Up to 8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $49.99/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Y ou are a member of the Time Crisis Management team onboard the "Timeliner", the time-traveling train. Something went wrong and our past has been tampered with resulting in the alteration of our reality! The fate of our history is in your hands and you only have one hour to fix everything. "This is heavy!" Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The concept of time travel will get any player excited. I was curious how The Escape Game was going to implement the actual "traveling" but they did a great job with the "train concept" and incorporating a "window" for us to preview the world that we had just arrived in. The narration and sound effects also perfectly complemented the storyline. Within the limitations of their space (in the expensive real estate of NYC), I was amazed they were able to fit so many different time eras that we were able to visit. The puzzles also perfectly complimented that particular time frame. The clues were clear and easy to follow but also presented moments where we had to work together as a team. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK One of the timelines we traveled to was in the future. One of the props used as a "lock" could have been more futuristic. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? We've played almost all of The Escape Game's rooms by this point so every time when a new room is released, we get super excited. This time travel one, in particular, hit the spot for us. From boarding the train to being able to be transported to different time zones made something unrealistic in the real world (for now) a reality. The mixture of puzzles from simpler physical manipulation ones to harder ones that required some logic deduction made this experience great for beginners and experienced players. This is the exact reason why we love escape rooms so much. How many people can say they've experienced time travel? Buy your ticket to the "Timeliner" now! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Since this venue is close to Grand Central, the best way to travel would be either by walking or taking the train. Paid parking lots (expensive) are available around the venue. The game is located on the lower level. An elevator is available. Merchandise 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 "!) Disclosure : We thank The Escape Game NYC 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 #SciFi #TheEscapeGame #USA #NewYork

LOCATION: Orlando, Florida, USA Photo above is property of The Escape Game Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Mission: Mars 📅 DATE PLAYED : November 15, 2021 🎬 GENRE : Adventure, Space 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 8/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : Up to 8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $39.99/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You and you crew have just landed on Mars, but your spaceship experienced some damage upon your arrival. However, there is a bigger problem: you've just received intel that there's a large amount of cosmic radiation approaching Mars which will destroy your ship! ETA shows that you have 60 minutes to repair the ship before it arrives... Hurry!! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE We have yet to be disappointed by a set design from "The Escape Game". This one made us feel like we've step foot onto a spaceship right away. The controls, lights, and sound (air pressure from open and closed doors) complimented each other perfectly. There were some clever puzzles in there that is not your typical escape room logic puzzles but more like tasks. It fit the theme since our mission is to repair the ship. I really enjoyed one particular puzzle where you'll really need to focus and notice the details to understand the pattern or else you could literally spend a ton of time on it if you're trying to brute force it (never brute force a puzzle! what's the fun in that?). The result was a rewarding reveal. When we talk about attention to details, this is where "The Escape Game" really stands out amongst other escape rooms. Even the little escape pod was designed with wires, switches and little lights that made us feel like we're really about to take off in it. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There's a "search and find" object that's pretty tough to find as a two person team. Good news is that it's only part of a "bonus mission". But it always feels like a fail especially when it's something that we had to complete under pressure of a time constraint. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? We actually played " Space Race: Mission Mars " online and really wanted to play this one in person to see if we're able to connect any similarities. There was nothing that we could have remembered to help us with any of the puzzles. I do feel that the implementation of the puzzle type in terms of "tasks" and similar in the sense that it's not linear and some actually did require teamwork just like the online game. One puzzle actually was quite challenging to do in real life as two player. I'm glad my partner had long arms and sometimes being somewhat physically fit definitely will give you a bit of edge as we definitely did some running in this room. This room is great for small or large groups that like task oriented puzzle times as it really gives a sense of accomplishment at the end of the game. The Escape Game Orlando is their largest location in terms of square footage and is actually going to expand even more soon! For any fan waiting to play " Depth " and " Ruins: Forbidden Treasure " , you're in luck! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking lot right outside the facility. Close to lot of other Orlando entertainments. Lobby with seating and merchandise for sale. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank The Escape Game Orlando 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 #Adventure #Space #TheEscapeGame #USA #Florida

LOCATION: Georgetown, Washington, DC, USA Photo above is property of The Escape Game Photo above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Dr. Whack's Elixir of Life 📅 DATE PLAYED : November 9, 2021 🎬 GENRE : Voodoo Magic 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : Up to 10 ppl (Recommend ages 13+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $34.99/PP ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Rumor has it, Dr. Whack discovered the secret of eternal life and it's being kept safely protected by her. As a 920 year old lady, she is very protective of her powerful elixir and has safeguarded it somewhere safely hidden in her voodoo magic shop! Can you and your team find and retrieve " Dr. Whack's Elixir of Life "? Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The set design made us feel like we were at a circus and stumbled upon a voodoo magic shop filled with books, candles, potions, and yes... shrunken heads! The room felt like it possessed some sort of magical power and just drew us right in when we saw the decor. There's a good mixture of locks and tech in this room. Since there's a lot of decor in this room, we appreciated that items were bolted down when they were not part of the game. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Some props had to be replaced or repaired but we weren't notified before the game so one of the puzzles was quite confusing to solve utilizing a different piece of the puzzle that was a last minute replacement. One puzzle felt confusing to us as we thought that it had to be done in a certain order or a certain time frame but it was due to the fact that the sensors were very sensitive so it wasn't staying on after the initial contact. This will probably need to be looked into. The latter part of the room felt much mess decorated than the first. They just felt like puzzle boxes left in a bulk. This room could be better decorated or connected with the storyline There's a cauldron photo in the room that we thought would become interactive at some point with perhaps a character from the story but was a bit disappointed that nothing happened. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? The Escape Game DC acquired the Escape Room Live (Georgetown) location along with their games. We played " A Pirate's Adventure " (previously titled " A Pirate's Curse ") before the acquisition. The set design was always on par with the storyline but the puzzles and upkeep felt short with Escape Room Live. We hope that TEG can bring these games to their standards in the future. Although there's still some work needed to be done with this game, we still had a lot of excitement looking for that bottle of Elixir of Life! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO There is street parking (metered) available in front of the facility on weekends (see note below) and in the surrounding area. Downloading the App might be easier. Because The Escape Game DC is located on a busy street in Georgetown, there's a paid parking garage 1-block away that we recommend. There's a huge lobby area with seating and games to entertain you while you wait (Connect Four, Jenga, etc.). The games are located downstairs (elevator available). Not all games are wheelchair accessible. *Please note that parking is not permitted Monday through Friday along M Street and on the 1100-1600 blocks of Wisconsin Avenue, NW from 7 to 9:30 a.m. and 4 to 6:30 p.m due to rush hour. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank The Escape Game DC for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #BrandonChow #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Magical #Magic #Voodoo #WitchDoctor #WashingtonDC #TheEscapeGame #USA

LOCATION: Washington, DC, USA Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : A Pirate's Adventure 📅 DATE PLAYED : July 6, 2019 🎬 GENRE : Pirate, Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 8/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : Up to 8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 45 Mins 💰 PRICE : $28.00/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Public 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : No Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Escape Room Live is our first ever Washington DC location escape room that we are visiting. They also have another branch in Alexandria, Virginia. Since it was early Saturday morning, it was quite easy to find parking on the street (although you still have to pay the meter). On weekdays, it may be a bit more difficult as they are on a very busy street. You can read more about parking in Georgetown  HERE .  The décor of the lobby is top notch. You can easily have a fun party here with the fully operational bar and tons of space to mingle. All of their escape rooms are located in the basement level so when the time comes, your game master will escort you downstairs for your debriefing. As we descended down the stairs into their escape room hallway, it was really amazing to see how large the space was and how they were able to freely utilize it and divide it anyway they wanted (I felt like I was a kid again and visiting Disney World)! For more information on the rooms, check out their 3D tour HERE . We are excited to be the FIRST ONES to review their newest room “ A Pirate's Curse ”. As we sailed away on this forever cursed ship, we must find the lost gold of the Aztec Sun God to free ourselves. The game master was dressed as a ship crew member and started his role play as he debriefed us on the game rules. We were then led to what looked like a cabin inside the ship and the timer started right away. We really felt the immersive set design with this pirate-themed room (we’ve played many at this point) and with the visuals of the outside sea and the music, it definitely kept us engaged! The puzzles felt linear as we were pretty much working on them together throughout. The props used for the puzzles correlated with the theme very well! As we moved forward, we did feel that one of the puzzles was going to be challenging for me due to the height (5-feet), but good thing Agent #1 was there for the rescue. There was also a final puzzle in there that was quite difficult to understand, and the clues that were provided were also not as clear. It would be great if they can either figure out a way to clear up the hint system or make the puzzle less confusing to complete. We did hear from the game master say that there were a few other test groups that experienced similar scenarios and was a bit frustrated at the end. We had plenty of time with just the two of us when we got to the last room. However, it was on that last puzzle that we pretty much used all that’s left and was unable to escape. It is not necessarily a difficult puzzle, but we just think that the clues needed to be clearer. Other than that, this room was amazing and definitely worth trying out. Currently, Escape Room Live in DC offers three other rooms: “ Curse of the Mummy ”, “ Titanic ” and “ The Cabin ”. We had the privilege to peek at all of them and included a quick tour in our video. They all looked really immersive and the quality of the finishes are "theme park" level. We can’t wait to go back and give their other rooms a try to redeem our defeat! Arrrrrgh! * Check out our YouTube video above for a sneak peek of the location, interview with the owner, the room and more! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank The Escape Game DC 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 #TheEscapeGame #Pirates #Adventure #TheEscapeGame #DC #USA

LOCATION: Georgetown, Washington, DC, USA Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Photo above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Cabin 📅 DATE PLAYED : November 9, 2021 🎬 GENRE : Horror, Survival 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : Up to 8 ppl (Recommend ages 13+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 45 Mins 💰 PRICE : $31.99/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY While camping with your friends, you discover that there's a psychopath on the loose in the woods!! You need to seek shelter and find a place to hide!! Luckily, you stumble upon a cabin but it' s locked. Your only option is figure out a way to get inside and bolt the doors shut before it's too late!! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE We always love a survival-based escape room with a suspenseful storyline! Most cabin-themed games lean towards the horror side and it usually takes place once you get inside. In this game, the threat is outside in the woods and your mission is to find a way to get in and seek refuge!! Knowing that a maniac is on the loose a couple yards away from our campsite definitely heightens the sense of urgency! The blue lighting to resemble the moonlight, the gravel on the ground, and the forest sounds all contributed to a really immersive outdoor experience. Some of the puzzles were creative and allowed us to actually think outside the box. We literally got to see what it would be like to bunker down and use our surroundings to do so! Our favorite puzzles were the physical ones where we got to "build" things in order to keep us safe and survive the night. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The starting puzzle was a bit difficult to solve due to the dim lighting and having to work on the floor. It might be easier if there was a "workspace" prebuild to hang up the items. There was a prop in the room that we had to use to block something from coming in. We didn't get an actual "visitor" or "attack" so maybe by adding some visuals during that part of the game would enhance this experience. Some things that were on the "check list" that we thought we were following didn't actually happen after we've done what we're suppose to do. One of the props was malfunctioning but was not removed from the game. But the ending could have been much more impactful with a bit of character play. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? The Escape Game DC acquired the Escape Room Live (Georgetown) location along with their games. We played " A Pirate's Adventure " (previously titled " A Pirate's Curse ") before the acquisition. The set design was always on par with the storyline but the puzzles and upkeep felt short with Escape Room Live. We hope that TEG can bring these games to their standards in the future. We still had a lot of fun with this cabin themed game even though it's a shorter experience (45 min) as survival mode type of games is always a must play for us! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO There is street parking (metered) available in front of the facility on weekends (see note below) and in the surrounding area. Because The Escape Game DC is located on a busy street in Georgetown, there's a paid parking garage 1-block away that we recommend. There's a huge lobby area with seating and games to entertain you while you wait (Connect Four, Jenga, etc.). The games are located downstairs (elevator available). Not all games are wheelchair accessible. *Please note that parking is not permitted Monday through Friday along M Street and on the 1100-1600 blocks of Wisconsin Avenue, NW from 7 to 9:30 a.m. and 4 to 6:30 p.m due to rush hour. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank The Escape Game DC for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #BrandonChow #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Horror #Survival #Cabin #WashingtonDC #TheEscapeGame #USA

LOCATION: East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA Photo above is property of The Escape Game Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Heist 📅 DATE PLAYED : June 16, 2022 🎬 GENRE : Heist, Mission 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 5.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : Up to 8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $42.99/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You and your team have been called in to investigate an art heist at the museum. One of the masterpieces has been stolen and new intel suggests that it's been stowed away somewhere inside the Vincent Hahn's office, the museum's curator. One of your agents has managed to buy you one hour to get inside Hahn's office, locate and recover the painting, and extract it before Hahn returns. Can you complete your mission? Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE We enjoyed a different type of storyline for a typical heist game that we would normally yet. The backstory focused on a heist that already happened and our team had to find a way into the office and steal the item back. So we were actually the good guys for once. Even though "The Heist" is one of their older games, it still outperforms a lot of the other companies in the maintenance of their props and tech. It's nice to be able to discover some hidden reveals as we had to find the secret hiding place for the art piece after all. There were several props used that were able to reflect this. It was nice to be able to see this in person as it's definitely a completely different type of feeling than playing this online . The use of alarm alerts (especially towards the latter part of the game) really heightened the intensity of the heist. It got us to think that people are coming back soon and we have to hurry to get out of there. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There are a good amount of items that required search and find in this game. Some were hidden quite well. One of the puzzles felt like we didn't use the final product. If only that last piece was discovered earlier, we could have gotten the answer that way. The one thing that I wish " The Heist " had, was a more climactic ending or a surprise reveal. We felt the sense of completion, but I think having a little unexpected twist would really set this room apart from other normal exits. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This game has actually been used a lot during the pandemic as online avatar games. Besides their original heist game, they also collaborated with Amazon Prime to promote their new show "Truth Seekers" and revamped this game to provide " Truth Seekers Remote Adventure " with the same layout, but with an added supernatural experience and different puzzle designs. So if you've played this online before, you might recognize some similarities. We always love heist themed games and this would be a perfect game if you just started to get into escape rooms and want to discover some of the secret hidden within. So are you ready agent? Go get that stolen art back! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO The Escape Game NJ is located inside the American Dream mall on the third floor Parking is free for the first hour and $5 unlimited thereafter. We recommend parking in Parking Deck A. When you enter the mall, you want to walk to the restaurants Yard House and 1st RND. Head towards the right side of 1st RND. They are right in front of Angry Birds Mini Golf. Lobby with waiting area and merchandise for purchase. Bathroom available inside the location. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank The Escape Game NJ for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #BrandonChow #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Heist #Espionage #Spy #TheEscapeGame #USA #NewJersey