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

Photo above is property of Prime Tower Designs Company: Prime Tower Designs Game: Cryptatrope: A Maker Adventure Country: USA 🇺🇸 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Game 📬 Genre: Sci-Fi Date Played: April 12, 2026 Difficulty (based on 2 players): various with players Size of Team: 1+ players Time: Unlimited Price: Refer to Kickstarter 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Mike from Prime Tower Designs, following an unsuccessful attempt with his time displacement device, found himself stuck in the year 1503 along with his 3D printer. To make sure he could return, he encoded a message within an invention known as a cryptatrope and placed the blueprints in a time capsule. Disclosing his temporal secret prematurely would have stopped his original timeline from coming into being. Until now, the technology required for 3D printing a cryptatrope was unavailable, keeping the message concealed until the right moment... Video above is property of Prime Tower Designs 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ We received this exquisite complete set for review purposes. The collection includes three photonic cylinders containing chapters 1-3 of the puzzle adventure, one non-adventure photonic cylinder, a cradle (stand), and progression tokens (which are collectible only and serve no functional purpose). Additionally, we received two different types of cylinders: glow-sticks and LED lights. The entire set was produced using 3D printing. The quality is impressive, with each component feeling exceptionally sturdy to the touch. The packaging facilitates easy organization of the game pieces, and it can be conveniently displayed in your living room as an attractive decorative item that may serve as a conversation starter. Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 Currently, this adventure comprises three chapters. Each cylinder contains a puzzle that must be solved to input a solution on a website, allowing progression to the next stage. Each correct solution unlocks a video explaining the situation Mike is facing, continuing until the final completion. At present, the video introductions could be enhanced for greater immersion, and the storyline could be made clearer for players. Through the Kickstarter campaign, you can purchase the core models for 3D printing (a 3D printer is required). Depending on your level of expertise, you can either install battery-operated LED lights into the core or use glow-sticks. Both options are effective, although glow-sticks may be easier to see at times due to their green light emission. Activating the LED light requires tapping to turn it on and off. We also recommend viewing the secret messages in a dark room, as they can be difficult to see otherwise. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 At present, the puzzles are entirely visual. Their difficulty varies, with some being more apparent than others, largely depending on the individual's perspective. This game is not specifically designed for puzzle enthusiasts; instead, the puzzles serve as an additional feature to showcase the capabilities of these crytatropes beyond displaying personal messages or images. This prop could be more effectively utilized as a component in an escape room or a tabletop game, providing an unexpected element to enhance the gameplay experience. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 When the creator first reached out to us, he wanted to introduce the Zoetropic Cipher — a mesmerizing spinning top that cleverly conceals messages and animations. We were thrilled by this concept, as it felt like a prop straight out of an escape room, where a hidden secret eagerly awaited discovery. He sent us a top that spins "ESCAPETHEROOMers," and we were utterly amazed by this ingenious object. Just a few months later, we were astonished to see that this initial project had blossomed into something much grander, now featuring puzzles and the cryptatrope, which is undoubtedly an enhanced version of the cryptex, a staple in the escape room world. This is truly a groundbreaking concept and prop that we haven't seen used anywhere else in the puzzle realm. It would be incredibly exciting to see how game designers might weave this into their games, whether in an escape room or on a tabletop. We believe it will provide an exhilarating reveal for players to uncover a hidden message in such a captivating way. It's durable, easy to create, and customizable. The possibilities for what the Zoetropic Cipher or cryptatrope could achieve are endless! (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 Prime Tower Designs 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 #SciFi #PrimeTowerDesigns #MakerWorld #USA

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

LOCATION: New York City, New York, USA Photo above is property of Escape The Room (NYC) Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Th e Home 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 15, 2026 🎬 GENRE : Mystery 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : Up to 8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $44.00/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Something is seriously wrong in this Victorian mansion. You're trapped inside, and time is ticking away. This gothic mystery boasts breathtaking set design and puzzles that will challenge your perception of reality. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The red-colored wall and dim lighting perfectly crafted an atmosphere brimming with the mysterious aura of Sherlock Holmes's residence. While the game relies on classic gen-1 elements like locks and keys, it remains true to the storyline's theme. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The props and set design in this room are outdated and require a refresh. One of the props does not clearly represent what we were seeking, as it isn't properly labeled to align with the given clues. Two props can be used for the same puzzle, causing confusion as they vary in height but are interchangeable. One prop is used multiple times, but at one point, it can't be repositioned, which is challenging in an escape room. Later, it becomes maneuverable again. It would be more effective to have two sets of these props. The lighting in one of the rooms should be dimmer, particularly for a puzzle's clue. It's currently difficult to see. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This is one of the oldest rooms at Escape The Room, and both the props and puzzles require updates to align with the standards of their other rooms. While high-tech elements are not necessary, the flow and logic of the puzzles are crucial. This room certainly needs improvement in that regard. It does have potential, as some puzzles were innovative for their time, but to remain competitive in the current market, the game is now considered outdated. Our favorite game at Escape The Room remains Jurassic Escape , we highly recommend giving it a try! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Street parking is available after hours and Sundays. We suggest taking public transportation. Lobby area with seating available. Elevator available to the 8th floor. 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 Escape The Roo m (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 #EscapeTheRoom #Mystery #NYC #NewYorkCity #NewYork #USA

LOCATION: Sion, Switzerland Photo above is property of SionEscape Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝 ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: The Secret of the Electric Empire 📅 DATE PLAYED: March 8, 2026 🎬 GENRE: Steampunk, Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl): 8/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: 110 - 300 CHF/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes [51:00] 📖 THE STORY In the late 19th century, the world was racing into a new technological era. Nations competed to lead this rapid modernization, and all eyes were on the United States, an electric empire at the forefront of innovation. But progress attracts danger. One of the era’s most notorious thieves has set his sights on stealing these groundbreaking technologies to sell to the highest bidder. His first attempt failed… but he won’t stop until he succeeds. That’s why you’re here today. As inspectors and scientists, you must enter a strange laboratory, uncover what he’s after, and stop him before the balance of this new age is lost forever. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Exceptional world-building: The room immediately impressed me with how cohesive and intentional the environment felt. Every prop, mechanism, and puzzle element looked like it genuinely belonged in this strange experimental laboratory. There was a satisfying level of hands-on interaction, turning dials, connecting components, aligning machinery, so the room never fell into the trap of feeling like a collection of padlocks and boxes. Floor-to-ceiling immersion: The décor was striking throughout. I caught myself looking up several times to admire the sculpture-like piping suspended overhead, and it was clear that every corner of the room had been carefully considered to bring the steampunk aesthetic to life. The props were sturdy, high-quality, and convincingly industrial, adding a sense of authenticity that elevated the whole experience. Strong puzzle integration: The puzzles were thematically rooted in early electrical experimentation, charging, powering, linking circuits, and figuring out how prototype devices might function. Even though the story wasn’t heavily delivered during gameplay, the puzzles themselves reinforced the theme beautifully. The flow was smooth and we rarely encountered bottlenecks where the entire group had to wait on a single task. Fully nonlinear gameplay: The open structure encouraged us to explore freely and split up naturally. There were multiple tasks available at almost all times, making the room highly engaging for teams who like to divide and conquer. When we split up, we regularly regrouped to share what we had completed and what had been triggered as a result, which kept the experience dynamic and collaborative. This format works especially well for slightly larger teams, ensuring everyone has something meaningful to do. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Limited space: The room is on the smaller side. While the layout is smartly designed to make the most of the available area, I can see it feeling tight with a larger team. Our group size worked well, but with too many players you risk crowding, especially around the more tactile puzzle elements. Lack of story development: Although the room is thematically strong and visually impressive, the narrative doesn’t really evolve as the game progresses. The puzzles often feel like independent tasks rather than meaningful extensions of the storyline. A stronger link between puzzle progression and narrative, and some form of story arc, would elevate the immersion significantly. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Overall, "The Secret of the Electric Empire" was a fun, smooth, and very atmospheric experience that captured the feeling of stepping into a forgotten 19th-century lab. I’d recommend it to players of all levels, but especially to teams who enjoy hands-on, thematic puzzles more than highly story driven adventures. For the best experience, I’d keep the group to four players or fewer, ensuring everyone gets to engage with the many interactive elements. It’s a creative, well-constructed room that delivers exactly what it promises: a plunge into an “electric empire” with a satisfying mix of exploration and puzzle-solving. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO There is no private on-site parking, however there are public parking spots in front of the building which you have to pay for. There is a comfortable briefing area with a chairs and lockers to store your belongings. This game is accessible for wheelchair users. 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 SionEscape 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 #SionEscape #Steampunk #Adventure #Sioin #Switzerland

LOCATION: Lavey-Morcles, Switzerland Photo above is property of Etsapaté - Escape Game Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝 ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: Fritz's Cellar 📅 DATE PLAYED: March 7, 2026 🎬 GENRE: Mystery 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl): 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE: 120 - 210 CHF/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes [43:00] 📖 THE STORY The day had begun pleasantly with a tasting in Fritz’s cellar… but little by little, something felt off. Your memories blur at the edges. Yes, you sampled his specialties, perhaps a few too many, but that alone doesn’t explain this fog creeping through your mind. How did you end up here, exactly? Why does everything feel hazy? And is Fritz truly as friendly as he appeared? One thing is certain: you need to get out of here… quickly. The only question is how. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE A standout intro that begins before you even realize it: Being offered a flavored water of your choice, cleverly representing the wine-tasting element, was an immediate and memorable hook. The intro then shifts into a small theatrical moment that segues seamlessly into the game itself. It’s one of the more creative and immersive briefings we’ve seen and a great model for how to elevate the pre-game experience. A thoughtfully crafted entry sequence: Instead of simply blindfolding players and shuffling them through a door, the company put creativity into the “journey” to the room. Different floor textures and a few subtle effects (avoiding spoilers!) make the walk-in feel purposeful rather than perfunctory. Small space, big imagination: The room itself is compact but impressively constructed and furnished. The abundance of thematic props boosts immersion and makes the area feel larger than its footprint, especially with several cleverly concealed spaces. The props feel authentic and plentiful, giving search-focused players lots to dig through while staying on-theme. Thematic, story-connected puzzles: The puzzle design leans heavily on searching and observation, but everything ties sensibly into the narrative. Several moments require strong teamwork and communication—particularly at the start—which helps the group feel engaged. The final reveal explaining why Fritz’s wine was so good was a fun payoff, especially since it matched my initial joking guess. Highly nonlinear structure: With many puzzles available at once, teams can split tasks naturally. This is ideal for groups who prefer having multiple things to do simultaneously. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Puzzle depth is on the lighter side: While everything is thematic and accessible, experienced players may find the puzzles a bit straightforward and lacking in layered complexity. A little more variety or multi-step logic would elevate the challenge. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? The room exceeded our expectations, offering creativity, immersion, and a well-executed theme that makes it enjoyable for players of all experience levels, especially those who appreciate search-heavy, story-driven games with a theatrical touch. While the puzzles and space are best suited for smaller groups, ideally two to four players, it remains a polished and charming escape room. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO There is free on-site parking available. There is a lobby area with lockers and a bathroom. Photo above is property of Etsapaté - Escape Game (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 Etsapaté - Escape Game 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 #Etsapate #Mystery #LaveyMorcles #Switzerland

Photo above is property of Bluefish Games Company: Bluefish Games Game: The Case of the Curiously Correct Blueprints Country: USA 🇺🇸 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Game 📬 Genre: Comedic M ystery Date Played: March 1, 2025 Difficulty (based on 2 players): 5/10 Size of Team: 1+ players (Ages 14+) Time: Unlimited (Approx. 2-4 Hrs) Price: $39.00 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 The SHhhh, We're Reading Book Club in Hincksville is abuzz with excitement…and it’s your turn to read the hotly anticipated new Ells and Ernie mystery! But tragedy (or at least mild inconvenience) strikes: your copy has taken a dive into a vat of candy. Luckily, the ever-resourceful Mr. Hincks has concocted a plan to save the day! He’s recorded an abridged version of the book, supplemented with some peculiar “reference materials” to help you reconstruct the mystery before the book club meeting. But there’s a twist…book club rules say no spoilers allowed! How can he retell the story without giving away its biggest surprises? With his cryptic reference materials to guide you to resolve each of the book’s cliffhangers, Mr. Hincks has set the stage for a delightfully tangled literary adventure. Can you unlock all the audiobook segments and piece together the story before the club convenes? 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ From the moment you lay eyes on the box, it’s clear that the signature Bluefish Games whimsy is in full effect. Playful flavor text sets the mood before you even start, and the design stays true to the signature Hincks aesthetic: bright, clean, and full of charm. This is primarily a paper-based game, with high-quality printed materials that make the experience feel polished. You also receive a keepsake pen and bookmark (perfect for preparing for your next book club meeting!). Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 The unusual game structure alternates between audio segments (3-12 minutes each) that end in a half-finished cliffhanger sentence and an envelope of puzzles you solve to discover the end of that sentence. The playful tone throughout is what you’d expect from Bluefish. You'll need internet access to listen to the audio clips and check your answers. While there are audio transcripts provided, trust us, you want to listen! The voice acting is top-notch, delivering just the right balance of humor, mystery, and theatrical flair. The narrative itself is a joy, full of Hincksian absurdity, though it’s more of a delightful bonus (and adds a deductive mystery component). The content itself isn’t required for solving the puzzles though the structure of the final cliffhanger sentence can be helpful. Overall, though, no need to take notes during these interludes - just sit back and enjoy the story! Each of the five envelopes is packed with multiple “reference pages” that ultimately lead to a single answer. Since every envelope is self-contained, you can pause between sections… in theory. In practice, we found ourselves saying, just one more envelope! Each section takes about 30-45 minutes, but the format makes it easy to play at your own pace. You’re specifically provided with a place to record your answers for each of the five envelopes, leading us to expect a final meta puzzle…but, alas, no. (Unless we have somehow missed it…) Mr. Hincks left us wanting more (as usual). You can play without destroying anything, so the game can then be shared with others. Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 No big “reveals” or 3D elements here…this game is all about clever wordplay, lateral thinking, and some well-placed logic. It’s a pure paper puzzling experience, but one packed with variety. As is typical for Bluefish, the puzzles are also clearly very well play-tested, cleanly designed, and well signposted. We didn’t always know what to do immediately, but we were always sure once we had it! They are self-contained, without need for outside knowledge. Within each envelope, some puzzles do build off of others. So, if one puzzle has you stumped, try another! That one might provide the info you need for the first. However, each envelope in all stands alone. We didn’t need any hints (though one puzzle did require an overnight break), but we checked out the hint system after the fact and it provides well-structured, tiered hints, with full solutions available if needed. While the game is very approachable for enthusiasts (with perhaps easy to moderate difficulty levels), it’s not necessarily the best starting point for absolute beginners. If you haven’t yet played The Curious Elevator of Mr. Hincks, we’d recommend starting there. Photo above is property of Bluefish Games 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 Bluefish Games continues to prove why they’re one of our favorite puzzle companies. Their clever, clean puzzles are top-tier, their humor is refreshing, and they know exactly how to craft an experience that feels fresh, fun, and delightfully quirky. This light-hearted game is packed with wordplay and that signature Hincks charm, while adding in the novel audiobook and deduction elements. While The Curious Elevator of Mr. Hincks still holds the top Bluefish spot in our hearts, this was another great time in Hincks universe. Best suited for puzzle lovers rather than those looking for elaborate reveals, ephemera, or 3D puzzles, it’s a perfect date-night activity and also family-friendly for older kids. Did we want more? Always. Did we laugh and grin our way through every moment? Absolutely. Highly recommended for anyone who loves their puzzles with a side of whimsy. Check out our interview with the creators to understand more on the development side of these game: (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. #KristaJones #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #PuzzlesByMail #SubscriptionGames #Comedy #Mystery #BluefishGames #USA