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LOCATION: Austin, Texas, USA Photo above is property of Escape Hour Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Lab Rats 📅 DATE PLAYED : August 9, 2019 🎬 GENRE : Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 9 ppl) : 8.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : Up To 18 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $33.00/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Our second location to visit in Austin, Texas was at Escape Hour Austin (previously known as 15 Locks). Escape Hour Austin is in the back of the complex and there's plenty of parking available. The lobby area is quite spacious and there’s a unique “lock” lesson piece on the wall in case you need a brief tutorial on how to operate the many locks that they have (strongly suggested for new players) before you enter their rooms.    We have heard many great things about the rooms here especially this one called “Lab Rats” so we are excited to try it with our friends. We have a total of 9 experienced players tackling this room today (minimum players required for this room is 8). Two of them have played the room before but haven’t experienced it fully so they decided to come back to play it for the second time. We’ve never experienced this type of escape room before where it can be played again for new experiences so we’re very curious to see what that’s about. The story is that we’ve volunteered ourselves for a group experiment and we are assigned teams in different color zones and have to work together to solve the puzzles. We were a few minutes late and the team had already started so we’re literally thrown into the room feeling like lab rats running around and have no idea what’s going on. The room is designed to be very vibrant with 3 different colors of red, yellow and blue. Brandon and I were assigned to separate groups and started to work on puzzles right away. I have to give props to the puzzle designer of this room as I don’t know they're able to intertwine each of the rooms with each other. It forces you to work together but from so many different angles. The puzzles were all unique in its own way as well. The time call outs and utilization of player’s roles felt very board game like. You must strategize what is the best move. The only thing I could've hope for in this room was a stronger ending. Other than that, it was pretty perfect. We successfully got out of the lab and I think it was safe to say that everyone had a workout (physically AND mentally). I was literally sweating by the end. This room is great for team bonding! In order for you to succeed, you have to work together with everyone and communicate constantly. If you decide to hog onto a piece or a puzzle or do not share new information with each other on what’s in your room, you’re destined to fail. We now understand why this could be played again as you don't really get to experience every room if you don’t choose to. We loved every bit of this room design and enjoyed having a strong team playing this game with us as everyone made important contributions in order for us to successfully escape as lab rats! If you have played this room, feel free to share your experience or fun stories with us!   Photos above are property of Escape Hour ** We regret to inform you that this game is no longer available. Feel free to click the link below to check out there other games. Disclosure : We thank Escape Hour Austin for inviting us to be their first beta testers for the game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLescaperooms #escape #rooms #games #escapehouraustin #labrats #teamwork #austin #texas #tx

LOCATION: Tampa, Florida, USA Photo above is property of GAME OVER Escape Rooms Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Chocolate Factory 📅 DATE PLAYED : July 1, 2025 🎬 GENRE: Mystery 🧠 DI FFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl 🕒 LENGT H OF T IME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $75.98 (2 ppl) - $303.92 (8 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY For many years, it has been a closely guarded secret. Speculation has long suggested that a unique handcrafted machine is the source of the extraordinary flavor in their chocolates. However, this is set to change tonight as you and your team are committed to entering the restricted area of Switzerland's largest chocolate factory. Your objective is to uncover the machine's operations, activate it, and acquire the secret recipe for the most exquisite chocolate ever created. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Walking into this room was like stepping into Willy Wonka's world, minus the Oompa Loompas serenading us. With machines that looked like they were designed by a candy-crazed inventor and buttons begging to be pushed, it felt like a theme park for sugar enthusiasts. Being a chocolate factory, we expected our noses to dance with cocoa joy, and boy, did they! This olfactory sensory experiences definitely added to our delightful adventure. The puzzles were mostly a breeze, but we did face one challenge that demanded a group huddle and some serious teamwork. Once we cracked the code, the instructions were clearer than a freshly cleaned window, so hats off to the designers for their crystal-clear guidance! We didn't get to use the clue system, but the owner informed us that they created some really fun ideas that fit perfectly with the theme. If you ever encounter them, let us know if this is true! 🧩 MISSED THE MARK One of the clues was perplexing because it was aimed at a mechanism, yet when we solved the puzzle, something else was triggered. We believe there should be a clearer signal, whether through sound or light, to guide us to the "reveal." The final puzzle required more guidance on how we ultimately solved it, as we feel we succeeded by chance due to the lack of clear instructions on operating the prop. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Looking for an exciting and easy way to kick off your day at this location? This is the perfect game for you! Dive into a world of clues that engage your visual and other senses, making it a breeze to connect the dots and solve the puzzle. Both adults and kids will absolutely adore this fun-filled adventure. And guess what? If you successfully crack the recipe, you'll be rewarded with a delightful "treat" at the end of the game! How sweet is that! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking outside the facility Lobby with seating area Merchandise for sale Photos above are property of GAME OVER Escape Rooms 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 GAME OVER Escape Rooms (Tampa)   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 #GAMEOVER #Mystery #Tampa #Florida #USA

Photo above is property of Solar Wind Publishing Company: Solar Wind Publishing Game: Forsaken Souls: Hidden Ward Country: Greece 🇬🇷 Language: English Type of Game: DIY Escape Kits 🖨️ ✂ Genre: Mystery Date Played: August 1, 2025 Difficulty (based on 5 players): 5/10 Size of Team: 1-6 ppl (Ages 14+) Time: Approximately 1.5 - 2 Hrs. Price: $22.99 USD 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Thirteen years have passed since you, Detective Nathan Reed, uncovered the dark secrets of Hawksley Asylum. Now, a mysterious letter urges you to return one more time. It speaks of a hidden ward and pleads for your help to expose it and finally uncover the truth that was buried long ago. Video above is property of Solar Wind Publishing 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ The game comes in three print and play files. One with the clues, one for the GM guide, and a bonus file with extras to help the game run more smoothly. The multiple clue pages feature some polished artwork and detailed item designs that really give it that escape room feel. Even the GM guide is well-designed and easy on the eyes. Photo above is property of Solar Wind Publishing 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 Since this is a print and play game, you’ll need to print and cut everything out before playing. A few puzzles require colour to solve but as long as you make note of the colours beforehand, you should be good. Be sure to give yourself some prep time. For myself, it took about 45 minutes to cut and organize everything. The game provided a detailed GM guide that walks you through the entire setup process. So thorough that beginners who have never run an escape room would have no issues. The GM guide includes a link to the introduction video, the cutscenes and the ending. There is also the transcript as well if you want to read it out loud, but the video gives more immersion. One neat feature is you have options for gameplay. You can either set the game up around your house using real lockboxes and envelopes (or print the ones provided), or you can just play it at a table, revealing items as you go. Gameplay wise, as we unlocked pieces and solved puzzles, we would either get a number or word, which was indicated on the lock, to enter into their online validator. The validator would spit out a key (number). If the key matched the key on the lock, then we had the correct solution and could open that envelope. There were a few things that stood out to us. First, there was the detailed artwork. It was fantastic with the pieces and was all thoughtfully designed. I also appreciated how well everything was organized. I was a bit worried I might spoil something while cutting, but the game pieces were sorted in a way that kept everything spoiler free. Though none of us had played Forsaken Souls, we understood the story and if anything, piqued our interest in checking it out. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 We were really impressed by the variety of puzzles throughout the game. Even though it was all paper-based, there were some surprisingly creative puzzles that made clever use of just paper that had us manipulate, match and equate things The hint system was also really well done. The clues were tiered in a way that helped guide us without giving too much away, and we got those satisfying “aha!” moments even when we needed a little nudge. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 " Forsaken Souls: Hidden Ward " was a fantastic print-n-cut game. The GM guide was detailed and thorough for easy set up and it lets you build a story driven and immersive game right in your own living room. The puzzles were solid and was perfect that we could all work through together. We had 5 players but the pieces were large enough for us to see gathered around the table. This is a perfect pick for introducing someone to escape games or just enjoying a casual, puzzle-filled evening with friends. (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 Solar Wind Publishing for providing us with samples of the game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #PuzzleByMail #PrintNCut #Mystery #SolarWindPublishing #Greece

LOCATION: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada Photo above is property of Eliviascape Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Abstraction 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 13, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Horror, Paranormal 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 Players) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 70 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $36/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Waking up in an abandoned hospital waiting room, you and your group find yourselves unable to leave. There is a news broadcast playing on the TV, a sign-in sheet, and no one is around. Confused, the group starts to explore the space and what is to come in the next 70 minutes is a story you won’t soon forget. "Abstraction" by Eliviascape is a game that embraces storytelling through immersive puzzles and adventures. It invites players to explore the abstract realm of reality, where the narrative unfolds through unique and thought-provoking experiences. Each puzzle encountered in the game weaves together the fragments of a larger story, challenging players to think outside the box and shape their own journey. Prepare for a mind-bending adventure where reality is blurred and the narrative is discovered through enigmatic puzzles. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The set design of "Abstraction" is a stunning display of intricate decorations, filled with intriguing details that aim to convey the narrative to your group. The abundance of nooks and elements within the set adds depth to the experience, immersing players further into the abstract world. While some transitions may be jarring, they contribute to the overall abstract atmosphere, enhancing the unique and immersive nature of the game. "Abstraction" stands out by ingeniously incorporating a winding puzzle that effectively conveys important information while offering a distinctive solution. This innovative approach adds a fresh and captivating element to the game, showcasing the creativity and thoughtfulness of the designers. The tension in "Abstraction" builds swiftly, reaching a climax that leaves groups both deeply invested and genuinely terrified. This pivotal moment creates an intense and memorable experience, making it one of the most standout moments in any escape room. The game effectively elicits strong reactions from players, enhancing the overall immersion and excitement of the gameplay. This is the only company that we've encountered so far that gave us a summary of the storyline to read at the end of the game. It really opened our eyes to things we missed during the game and how certain puzzles were designed to fit into the story. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The story in "Abstraction" can be challenging to fully comprehend during the game, particularly for English speakers (since French is the predominant language there). While the set and puzzles effectively contribute to the overall experience, a clearer explanation or resolution felt needed at the end to truly understand the vision of the creator. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "Abstraction" stands out as a truly unique game that explores the theme of near-death experiences. It immerses players in a captivating adventure filled with fascinating locations, intriguing puzzles, and thrilling scares. The seamless integration of the set design and puzzles creates a cohesive and immersive experience, blurring the lines between reality and the game. However, at times our group was a bit lost through the intricacy of the development of the story. Fortunately, with hints and explanations, the story eventually becomes clear. Despite this minor drawback, Abstraction is highly regarded for its exceptional design and gameplay. It is a must-try game that offers a well-crafted and unforgettable experience. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Photos above are property of Eliviascape ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking in the front (make sure to read the sign) Lobby with seating area Lockers available You need to go down a flight of stairs This game can be played in English & French 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 Eliviascape for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #MikeSchnurr #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Eliviascape #Horror #Paranormal #Canada

LOCATION: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada Photo above is property of Eliviascape Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Longest Night 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 13, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Horror, Paranormal 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 Players) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $33/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY As the day of hiking progresses, everything seems to be going according to plan. However, fate takes an unexpected turn when your group gets caught in a torrential rainstorm during the night. Seeking refuge from the downpour, you stumble upon an abandoned cabin deep in the woods. Huddled together in the shelter, a sense of trepidation fills the air as the distant howling intensifies, amplifying the unease within the group. With venturing out into the rain being an unwise option, the only choice left is to explore the mysterious cabin and uncover its secrets. "The Longest Night" is an exceptional game that masterfully weaves its story into every aspect, from its intricate puzzles to its atmospheric setting and stunning scenic design. Each action you take unravels the rich backstory and unveils the current situation, building towards a heart-pounding climax that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Eliviascape takes the scenic design to a whole new level with their game set in an abandoned cabin in the woods. The attention to detail is akin to a movie set, as the lighting and soundscape flawlessly simulate the ominous atmosphere of a raging thunderstorm outside. With each passing moment, the threat lurking in the shadows is gradually unveiled, adding a thrilling sense of anticipation and mystery to the game. The tension in the game is palpable from start to finish. What initially appears to be a seemingly innocent location gradually unfolds into a nerve-wracking experience as you delve deeper into the game. With each step forward, the tension builds, keeping you on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating what lies ahead. As the game reaches its climax, the intensity reaches its peak, leaving you with a mix of relief and uncertainty, hoping that you've successfully escaped the gripping challenges that the game presented. The sense of relief and accomplishment after completing the game is truly gratifying, knowing that you've navigated the tense atmosphere and made it through (or have you?). The puzzles in the game are seamlessly integrated into the world and story, feeling less like traditional riddles and more like practical actions that need to be taken. As you immerse yourself in the narrative, the puzzles begin to align with the logic and dynamics of the game's world, making them feel like natural challenges that you must overcome. Each puzzle serves a purpose in advancing the story, and as you delve deeper into the game, the pieces start to fit together, creating a sense of coherence and understanding. It's a testament to the game's design that the puzzles feel like genuine recreations of the actions required in the given scenario, enhancing the immersion and making the experience all the more captivating. This is the only company that we've encountered so far that gave us a summary of the storyline to read at the end of the game. It really opened our eyes to things we missed during the game and how certain puzzles were designed to fit into the story. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK While not necessarily a drawback, it's important to note that " The Longest Night" relies heavily on player actions and engagement to uncover the story. If your group misses or overlooks crucial information, there is a possibility of confusion regarding the puzzles and subsequent actions. Paying close attention to details, actively exploring the environment, and carefully listening to audio cues or dialogue can greatly enhance your understanding of the story and help you make informed decisions throughout the game. While the game's immersive and interactive nature adds to its charm, it also emphasizes the importance of thorough exploration and attentive participation to fully grasp the narrative and effectively progress through the challenges. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Prepare yourself for an extraordinary adventure unlike any other. The Longest Night" delivers an immersive and captivating experience that seamlessly blends story, puzzles, and set design to create a near-perfect escape room journey. From the moment you step into the abandoned cabin nestled deep within the eerie woods, the game's immersive nature takes hold, transporting you into a world of suspense and mystery. The attention to detail in the scenic design by Eliviascape is simply exceptional. Every aspect of the game has been meticulously crafted to resemble a movie set of the highest quality. The realistic lighting and atmospheric sounds immerse you in the midst of a raging thunderstorm, intensifying the sense of danger and foreboding lurking outside. It's an incredibly immersive experience that sets the stage for the thrilling events about to unfold. What sets The Longest Night" apart is its ability to seamlessly integrate the story into the gameplay. As you progress through the puzzles, you unravel the narrative thread, discovering the secrets and uncovering the dark truth that surrounds you. Each action you take is intricately linked to the story, making it feel like a recreation of the actual events rather than mere riddles to solve. This unique approach keeps you engaged and invested in the unfolding mystery, enhancing the overall sense of immersion. The puzzles themselves are intelligently designed, making perfect sense within the context of the game world. They serve as essential steps in unraveling the story, providing a natural progression that keeps you on your toes. The game cleverly hides these puzzles throughout the environment, rewarding your keen observation and exploration. The masterful use of lighting creates an ominous atmosphere, adding an extra layer of suspense to dark areas and making certain actions nerve-racking and adrenaline-inducing. "The Longest Night" strikes a perfect balance between storytelling, puzzle-solving, and a touch of horror. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you captivated from start to finish. If you're seeking a game driven by a gripping narrative, featuring outstanding puzzles, and sprinkled with just the right amount of thrill, this is the perfect choice. Brace yourself for a night you won't soon forget as you embark on this remarkable journey into the heart of darkness. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Photos above are property of Eliviascape ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking lot outside You need to go down a flight of stairs Lobby with seating Lockers available This game can be played in English & French 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 Eliviascape for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MikeSchnurr #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Eliviascape #Horror #Paranormal #Canada

LOCATION: West Reading, Pennsylvania, USA Photo above is property of Encrypted Escape Room WR Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Viking Raid 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 1, 2019 🎬 GENRE : Medieval 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $36.00/ pp (Min. 22 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Read our review of the " Biker's Revenge " room to find out more about this escape company. The next room that we are attempting to escape from is "Viking Raid". Since we came so close to escaping the last room, we were back with a vengeance this time! The "Viking Raid" room was a lot more immersive due to the set design and innovative puzzle challenges. This room was mostly tech with no traditional locks. The storyline was very creative and entertaining from the beginning to the end. We could definitely see the upgrades that were implemented into this room after the last one. Which leaves us to believe that their newest room, " The Last Vampire " is going to set the bar. Read the next review to find out... Photos above are property of Encrypted Escape Room WR (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 Encrypted Escape Room WR  for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLEscapeRooms #EscapeRooms #EncryptedEscapeRoom #Medieval #Pennsylvania #USA

LOCATION: West Reading, Pennsylvania, USA Photo above is property of Encrypted Escape Room WR Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Last Vampire 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 1, 2019 🎬 GENRE : Horror 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 8.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $36.00/ pp (Min. 2 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : No Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Read our reviews of the " Biker's Revenge " and " Viking Raid " room to find out more about this escape company. The next room that we are attempting to escape from is their newest room -"The Last Vampire". After trying the "Viking Raid", we could see the progression from the first room. With that said, "The Last Vampire" room was amazing! This room checked all the boxes for us - immersive, challenging, story-driven, technological and traditional! We expected this room to outshine the other two mainly because it was newer and had a more engaging theme. Encrypted did NOT disappoint! The decor of the room was top notch and the puzzle designs were cleverly created to compliment the storyline. Overall, all the rooms were impressive but this one exceeded our expectations! Photos above are property of Encrypted Escape Room WR (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 Encrypted Escape Room WR  for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLEscapeRooms #EscapeRooms #EncryptedEscapeRoom #Horror #Pennsylvania #USA

LOCATION: West Reading, Pennsylvania, USA Photo above is property of Encrypted Escape Room WR Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Galactic War: The Invasion of the Xarnai 📅 DATE PLAYED : May 27, 2021 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-5 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $36.00/ pp (Min. of 2 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY There's a deadly alien race called the Xarnai and they have declared war on humanity! You have been recruited by The Pax Infinitum to infiltrate their mothership undetected. Your mission is to extract the Xarnai Energy Core, destroy their communications, and disarm their defenses. Do you have what it takes to save mankind and the fate of our existence? Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The storyline for "The Galactic War: The Invasion of the Xarnai" was epic! We definitely felt like the protagonists in sci-fi horror film. As an elite warrior recruited to sneak onto an enemy alien mothership, the entire experience was extremely immersive and allowed us to really feel like we were embarking on a vital mission to save the world! The lighting, sound, atmospheric special effects made this game felt like we just experienced a Disney ride. We love it when the set design for the escape game starts before entering the actual game. The door for a space pod right in the middle of the lobby is definitely eye catching! Because this is an alien mothership, everything onboard the ship was extremely high-tech! There was so much tech built in to the design with blinking lights, control panels, and holograms! The puzzles were all related to the theme and definitely made us feel like we were completing the objectives (cutting their communications, depleting their fuel resources and disarming their defenses). There was a good mixture of challenges involving us using various senses. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Overall, this game was pretty solid from beginning to end. One thing that we felt with 4 players was that the beginning part could feel a bit crammed if you have more than 4 people. For some players, you could potentially spend quite some time in there if you're not sure what you're supposed to do. Unfortunately there's not much space currently for Encrypted to build it bigger but I would love to see an expanded version of this game into a space ship with multiple cabins. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? So far we've played all four of the escape rooms at Encrypted - " Biker's Revenge ", " Viking Raid ", " The Last Vampire " and now " The Galactic War: The Invasion of the Xarnai ". We are truly amazed by the creativity and unique experiences that they consistently provide to the customers. Each room is a completely different genre. If you love Sci-Fi and are fans of films like " Independence Day ", " Alien ", or " Doom ", this is right up your alley. The mission to stealthily infiltrate an alien mothership and disarm their defenses screams action/adventure and is definitely one not to be missed! ℹ️    ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking Lot (across the street) Merchandise for sale Lobby area with seating available Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Encrypted Escape Room WR 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 #USA # PA #EncryptedEscapeRoom #ExclusiveLook #SciFi #Space

LOCATION: West Reading, Pennsylvania, USA Photo above is property of Encrypted Escape Room WR Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Biker's Revenge 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 1, 2019 🎬 GENRE : Mystery 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 8.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $32.50/ pp (Min. 2 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Our next stop is at Encrypted Escape Room in West Reading, Pennsylvania. There is so much to do in this area from restaurants to shopping. There was metered parking all around and a couple of parking lots in the area as well. The facility is located in the basement so as of right now they are not handicap accessible. They currently have three rooms available - "Biker's Revenge", "Viking Raid", and their newest room "The Last Vampire". Fortunately for us we get to try all three of them and meet with Mechelle, the general manager to learn more about the company. The owner of Encrypted is also one of the co-owners of Captured LV Escape Room in Bethlehem, PA. The lobby area was quite spacious a lot of decorations including a huge graffiti mural which was designed by one of their local artists. We are going to be trying the rooms in order from oldest to newest with "Biker's Revenge" first. As soon as you're ready to start your game, they peel back the curtains for you to walk down this long hallway. When you enter the "Biker's Revenge" room, you are instantly immersed into a biker bar w/ tons of decor. The room design was incredible and the puzzle challenges correlated with the objective of the storyline very well. There was a good mixture of high tech incorporated into the room as well as traditional locks. For the most part, the game was linear from start to finish. Although Mechelle was our game master and provided some really good hints, we failed. Sadly, we had the last item in our hands and could not find where to place it in time in order to complete our mission. Photos above are property of Encrypted Escape Room WR ** " Biker's Revenge " is no longer available at their West Reading, PA location. However, you can book the game at their Bethesda, MD location. (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 Encrypted Escape Room WR  for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLEscapeRooms #EscapeRooms #EncryptedEscapeRoom #Mystery #Pennsylvania #USA

LOCATION: Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA Photo above is property of Captured LV Escape Room Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Devil's Den 📅 DATE PLAYED : May 28, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Thriller 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 4-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $34.99/ pp (Min. of 4 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Upon awakening, you find yourself in a nightmare scenario: captured by a notorious serial killer who selects victims based on their sins. Reflect on your actions that led to this situation. Investigate the killer's lair for hints that could help you devise an escape plan and survive. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE My favorite parts of this room was the beginning and the end. The lighting matched the sound flawlessly, creating a highly eerie atmosphere. While playing the game, there are also instances where you'll sense goosebumps as if someone is observing. The ending was also very unexpected and since we had about 2 minutes on the clock, it was definitely a heart pounding moment. As captives, we were separated into different rooms. It was only through collaboration that we managed to come together again. Each player had their chance to stand out, ensuring that no one could the "hogger" of the game. The idea of 7 deadly sins was perfectly incorporated into the storyline. I appreciate how the puzzles were centered on this theme as well, with creative representations for each sin. As we advanced in the game, more secrets were revealed, just like the expanding spaces. Do not be deceived by appearances, as there were much to accomplish in this room for a successful escape.. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There was a puzzle that gave two different solutions. It would be great if the direction could be more clear. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This room was designed for fans of the movie "Se7en" and truly captures the essence of the film, immersing players in a world filled with suspense and intrigue. Each Easter Egg and reference cleverly incorporated into the room adds layers of depth and excitement, creating a sense of familiarity for enthusiasts like us. Captured LV's attention to detail shines through, as they skillfully weave their own unique twist into the game, ensuring that every moment is filled with surprises and challenges. As players navigate through the room, they are met with a series of puzzles and clues that not only test their wits but also transport them into a thrilling escape experience. The culmination of the game leads to a victorious escape, leaving players with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. For escape room enthusiasts, this meticulously crafted experience is a dream come true, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia, creativity, and excitement. ℹ️    ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking Lot Merchandise for sale Lobby area with seating available 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 Captured LV Escape Room for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLEscapeRooms #EscapeRooms #CapturedLV #Thriller #Mystery #Pennsylvania #USA

LOCATION: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA Photo above is property of Captured LV Escape Room Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Alchemy Lab 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 8, 2018 🎬 GENRE : Thriller 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 9/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 4-10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $34.99/ pp (Min. 4 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Public 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : No Video above is property of Captured LV Escape Room For more information on our previous experience at Captured LV Escape Room, check out our review on " The Pirate's Chamber " room. In our last review of this location, we forgot to mention that they do have puzzles in the lobby area for you to play with while you wait. They also give out little prizes like tie-string and sunglasses if you solve the puzzles which was cool since we haven't seen other places do that. The room definitely had an eerie vibe to it being that you are being held captive inside a serial killers room. The sound also elevated the intensity. There's not much of a storyline except that you have figure out how to escape based on the clues left from the killers deceased victims which are mostly linear puzzles. There were a few points where we got stumped for awhile as there's quite a handful of puzzles in the room and it could be overwhelming for two people to lose their sense of direction. It was hard to piece together what solution went with what clue. We would definitely suggest a group of six people to comfortably tackle the puzzles together. We were approximately 80% complete with the room with just the two of us. (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) ** We regret to inform you that "The Alchemy Lab" is no longer available for booking. Check out the other games on their website. #BrandonChow #IRLEscapeRooms #EscapeRooms #CapturedLV #Thriller #Pennsylvania #USA

LOCATION: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA Photo above is property of Captured LV Escape Room Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME: The Pirate's Chambers 📅 DATE PLAYED : August 5, 2018 🎬 GENRE : Adventure, Pirate 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-5 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $34.99/ pp (Min. 2 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes Video above is property of Captured LV Escape Room The staff was very friendly. We originally booked another room but last minute there was a huge family group that came in and we really didn't want to be the two people to join their group of eight, so the staff was able to put us alone in "The Pirate's Chamber" room instead and we had a great time. There's really no limit to the hint system here, the game master would provide clues if they see that you are stuck. We escaped with good time left for this room so it's definitely playable with two people. There wasn't that many puzzles to be solved so if you have more than two people you might get out much faster. The design of the room stuck with theme but in in terms of how immersive it feel, we would say it needed a bit more decor. There wasn't that much technology incorporated, but they definitely implemented a few creative usage of puzzle pieces that we haven't seen before. Overall, we had fun and would come back to try another room soon. (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 "!) #CiciCao #IRLEscapeRooms #EscapeRooms #CapturedLV #Adventure #Pirate #Pennsylvania #USA

LOCATION: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Mayan Temple 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 1, 2020 🎬 GENRE : Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 10 ppl) : 5.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 4-10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $34.99/ pp (Min. 4 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Our team of archaeologists just arrived at the entrance of the Tikal temple. It's the last known resting place of the apocalyptic Calendar Cycles. We have to reset the calendar and save human kind but if we don't do it in 60 minutes, we'll be killed by the toxic release from the chamber walls. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The intro felt like we were about to enter a Disney attraction. There was a nice build up on a intensity of wanting to get into the next area quickly. We were glad the first area didn't "constrict" us (since we had 10 ppl) for too long and most of the puzzles were designed to be in the latter parts of the game. There were a few physical puzzles that were our favorites. One of them required some collaboration with precision. It was clever to build the puzzles around the theme of the elements. It was easy to follow and to track our progress. This also made it easy to break up the team to work on the different segments of the puzzles. The use of rocks, paint and symbols really enhanced a temple vibe. The blue light was also a nice touch on the ambiance. The temple had a well designed centerpiece. Besides giving us some "wow" moments, it also served as a nice spot for the team to regroup and compile all their findings. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The English words on the rocks kind of took away from the Mayan temple feel. It would've been great if they could be represented by Mayan symbols instead (perhaps a mini translation puzzle) just to keep the immersion. Some parts of the room were quite dark so it was difficult to see especially when we had a large group where people were all trying to get in on one puzzle. There was one color puzzle that had us confused for awhile as some colors took quite similar in the dim light. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This game was a lot of fun especially with a large group. We played the game with 8 strangers. It was a lot of space to cover so we're glad we had help. It's definitely doable if you had less people in your group as the puzzles had a nice flow and for experienced players, you should be able to "divide and conquer" easily. With this room, we now completed all of their rooms at the Bethlehem location (4 rooms total). Good thing their Allentown location will be open soon with brand new rooms to explore! ℹ️    ADDITIONAL INFO Parking meters Merchandise for sale Lobby area with seating available Located on the lower level Warning: This experience features moments of flashing lights 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 Captured LV Escape Room  for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLEscapeRooms #EscapeRooms #CapturedLV #Adventure #Pennsylvania #USA

LOCATION: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Haunted Theatre 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 1, 2020 🎬 GENRE : Mystery 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 6 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-7 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $34.99/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY We were on a tour to visit the historic Ritz Theatre in downtown Bethlehem. This theatre always had strange occurrences ever since the disappearance of actress Lily L'Amour and the death of her under study back in 1921. Hopefully we'll be able to uncover the mystery and reverse the curse for the theatre during our investigation! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE We always give brownie points to set designs that went a bit further at developing the story line by starting us off in outside of the actual room. This game gave us a nice "warm up" in the elevator. It's a great medium to use to transport us to another era in time. Everything felt untouched as we entered the dressing room of the actress (clothing, accessories, instruments, etc.). The red lighting gave us a sense of mystery yet also a bit of fear. The stillness of the room along with the decors made us feel like there was another "presence" among us. We loved the little jump scares that occurred at the exact right moments. There were many variations of the puzzles that ranged in difficulty. We played with another family who doesn't usually play escape rooms and some puzzles were quite challenging for them. It was nice to have them on the team as they did great at searching (which we are usually pretty bad at). One of our favorite moments in the room was when no one wanted to be the brave one to interact with a prop. Captured LV definitely did a great job by using minor tech to create the ambiance and the scare factory. The ending was made relevant to the story. Instead of a typical escape room where you had to exit the door, they made it felt more realistic like a real life experience. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK If I had to nitpick about the game, we felt like the decor for the latter area could be a bit more enhanced since it doesn't really match up to the quality of the rest of the designs. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? You'll enjoy this game if you like murder mystery with a little horror twist. There were no live actors involved and the jump scares were even acceptable by a scaredy-cat like me. Since the room was quite dim, you'll want to gather a team that's good at searching and with good eye sight. The puzzles were not too difficult but definitely not easy either. Our recommendation would be 4 for experienced players and 6+ if you just started playing escape rooms. Regardless we wish you luck as the spirits of the Ritz Theatre awaits for your visit... 🔎 HINT Order is important. ℹ️    ADDITIONAL INFO Parking meters Merchandise for sale Lobby area with seating available Located on the lower level 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 Captured LV Escape Room  for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLEscapeRooms #EscapeRooms #CapturedLV #Mystery #Pennsylvania #USA

LOCATION: Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA Photo above is property of Captured LV Escape Room Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Murder of '89 📅 DATE PLAYED : May 27, 2021 🎬 GENRE : Detective, Mystery 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $34.99/ pp (Min. of 4 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY The year is 1989 and there's been an unsolved murder! The victim was 18-year old Roxy Warner, a beautiful and popular senior in high school with a passion for journalism. The murder took place in her own bedroom where her body was found. Prior to the murder, Roxy discovered some secrets at school which began to make her feel unsafe and ultimately led to her demise. Although there's a police investigation underway, the parents of the victim strongly believe the evidence lies in her bedroom. That's where you and your team of private detectives come in... Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE We always love a classic whodunit murder mystery game. What's great about this storyline is all of the suspects that are being investigated. Was it the best friend, a counselor at school, the boyfriend, an arch-enemy, etc. This game is extremely story-driven with twists and turns that will slowly unravel as you discover more clues revealing the murderer and the murder weapon. Since this game is about solving a murder mystery, the objective is not really to escape the room. This game was right up Cici's alley as she's a big fan of Criminal Minds and CSI type of TV shows and it really made her detective dream come true. The set design was what you would expect from a teenage girls bedroom in 1989 - a bed, wardrobe, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, roller skates, dresses, posters, scrap albums, etc. It was amazing how authentic some of these props were and it bought back a lot of memories for us. The puzzle designs were creatively implemented based on the props, the era and the room itself. We loved how Captured LV was able to incorporate evidence through puzzles. As we solved them, certain information would reveal. The physical tools to collect them nicely tied in with a solid "ah-ha" moment ending. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK One puzzle could be hard to detect and solve especially if there's a large group. I would be great if there could be a trigger in the room for the players to activate and reinvestigate it. The way we gave the final answer felt less connected with the storyline as we didn't know who we're giving the answer to. Instead of voicing the answer to someone out loud, perhaps sending it in through some sort of device that could be given at the beginning of the game? 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? For those that are fans of "Clue" and other classic whodunit games, "Murder of 89" will definitely put you in the detective role. In this escape room, you'll have the opportunity to investigate the scene of the crime and analyze all of the data and evidence leading you to a final conclusion. Don't forget to check those wall posters and I'm pretty sure you'll find one of your teenage crush on there! (Full disclaimer: this last sentence was added by Cici). ℹ️  ADDITIONAL INFO Merchandise is available for purchase in the lobby. Free Parking lot right outside of the facility. Lobby with seating available Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Captured LV Escape Room  for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #BrandonChow #IRLEscapeRooms #EscapeRooms #CapturedLV #Detective #Mystery #Pennsylvania #USA