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  • GTFO Escape Entertainment - "Visiting Hour"

    LOCATION: Edmonton, AB, Canada Photo is property of GTFO Escape Entertainment Photos are property of GTFO Escape Entertainment 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Visiting Hour 📅 DATE PLAYED : August 8, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Horror 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 4-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 45 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $27.50/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Nestled on the edge of town, the historic asylum shelters the afflicted with diverse conditions. Lately though, an unsettling mystery unfolds: patients have been vanishing without a trace. To redeem its name, the asylum has begun launching tours this month. Will you dare to unveil the truth behind the vanishing patients? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The ambiance of this room makes you feel like you're in a psychiatric hospital... are you admitted, or are you visiting? You start out the room by being tied up in a strait jacket, and this extra flair really captured me in the theme. Some of the puzzles must be done cooperatively, but not the entirety and I appreciate the variety. It offers a good challenge for teams, even if you have a lot of escape room experience. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There's a video to start you off in the room. It was great for adding to the ambiance and the theme but was very difficult (for me it felt impossible) to understand, so I wasn't clear on the story. This wasn't necessary for our eventual escape, but I would have liked to enjoy the experience of the story too. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? You should play this! I'm a scaredy cat and don't like too much creep; I especially hate jump scares. Thankfully I didn't suffer in this room. I wouldn't suggest it for kids, but any adult that enjoys a creepier themed room and a good challenge should definitely check out Visiting Hour at GTFO Escape Entertainment! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Street Parking Located on the 2nd floor of the building Lobby with seating area Lockers available Your victory photo is taken. on a polaroid camera that you get to take home (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 "! #MoniqueLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Canada #Horror #GTFOEscapeEntertainment

  • Thames & Kosmos - "Exit The Game: Advent Calendar - The Missing Hollywood Star"

    Photo above is property of Thames & Kosmos Company: Thames & Kosmos Game: Exit The Game: Advent Calendar - The Missing Hollywood Star Country: USA 🇺🇸 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Games 📬 Genre: Mystery Date Played: December 24, 2024 Difficulty (based on 2 player): 5/10 Size of Team: 1+ Players (Ages 10+) Time: Approximately 10-15 Mins/ per day (for 24 days) Price: $49.95 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 You’re an actor-in-the-making—well, at least in your dreams. In reality, you’re paying the bills delivering pizzas. When a delivery takes you to a sprawling Hollywood set, it’s a pinch-me moment. The sheer excitement of brushing shoulders with movie magic quickly turns into mystery, though. The set is eerily deserted, darkness envelops the soundstages, and then… a voice echoes from overhead. Someone—or something—needs your help to find a missing Hollywood star. And just like that, your average pizza run turns into an adventure worthy of the big screen. Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ The box, both the interiors of each compartment and the outer sections, features bold art that captures the essence of Hollywood. There are nods to plenty of nostalgic classics that had us smiling, but it’s no problem if you don’t know the films (it’s not required for gameplay, just adds extra charm and feels)! There were definitely some Dave recognized that I didn’t know, with enough variety to appeal to multiple generations. What stands out is just how much there is to take in. Every corner of the design feels intentional, and the layers of detail invite your imagination to wander. Some of the visual elements become vital to solving puzzles later on, while others simply enrich the world-building, leaving you wondering what role they might play. It’s the kind of attention to detail that makes the whole experience feel cinematic. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 The structure of the game will feel familiar to anyone who’s dived into an Exit advent calendar before. You’re working through 24 puzzles spread across 25 compartments, accompanied by a storybook, a hint book, and tools like a decoder, puzzle cards, and a few surprise objects. You start by reading the day’s story, then opening the day’s compartment. The goal is simple: each day’s puzzle gives you a three-digit code that you enter into the decoder to lead you to a new compartment. If the symbols on the decoder match that compartment, you’ve got it! We found that the game play to all run quite smoothly. The game pieces all stayed nicely in their compartments. (At least until we used them…we did find that it was best to paperclip some smaller “special objects” together or onto cards to keep them in their respective compartments after we’d finished that day; otherwise, some of those began to wander.) The decoding system also works very cleanly. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 The puzzles in this box are rated for beginners, but that doesn’t mean they’re boring! Far from it. There’s a delightful range of challenges, from classic paper-based puzzles to moments that engage multiple senses. We especially loved when the special objects came into play—those moments felt like little rewards tucked into the experience. The game keeps you on your toes, blending observation, logic, and close inspection into a varied and satisfying mix. A magnifying glass and flashlight are handy to have on hand, especially for detail-heavy sections. The visual components range in size from tiny to…much larger! And there’s a certain magic in the way realizations hit: when something that’s been staring at you for days suddenly clicks, it’s a fabulous a-ha! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 Unlike some of Exit’s other advent calendars, this story is not as heavily Christmas-themed - it is also a nostalgic stroll through many classic Hollywood movies. That’s not a knock against it—it only serves to make this adventure more flexible, playable any time of year - and by a wide age range! We tackled it as a duo and found it the perfect size for two players, though a small family could easily enjoy it too; they’d just need to be prepared to pass the box around more to see into the small compartments. The puzzles are approachable for older kids, making it a fun family activity. While the story didn’t grip us as tightly as some other Exit advents, we adored the Hollywood theme and the many nods to iconic films. The sheer creativity and variety packed into this box are incredible. These Exit advent calendars have become an annual tradition for us, and we can’t wait to see what they dream up next year! Check out our interview with the creators to understand more on the development side of the game: Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Thames & Kosmos 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. #KristaJones #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #PuzzlesByMail #OneOffs #AdventCalendar #Christmas #Mystery #ThamesandKosmos #USA #ExitTheGame

  • Arcane Wonders - "Foundations of Metropolis"

    Photo above is property of Arcane Wonders Company: Arcane Wonders Game: Foundations of Metropolis Country: USA 🇺🇸 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Game (Board Game) 📬 Genre: Tile Laying, Push Your Luck, Resource Planning Date Played: June 1, 2025 Difficulty (based on 3 players): 6/10 Size of Team: 1 to 4 ppl (Ages 14+) Time: Unlimited (Approximately 60 Mins.) Price: $56.81 USD 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Foundations of Metropolis is a strategic city-building game where players take on the roles of visionary developers shaping the future skyline of a growing city. As land becomes scarce and opportunity rises, you’ll acquire prime lots, construct residential and commercial buildings, and carefully position civic structures to boost your city's prestige. Set in a modern urban landscape, this game challenges players to balance economy, expansion, and planning; laying the groundwork for what will one day become a thriving empire. Part of the Dice Tower Essentials line curated by Tom Vasel, Foundations of Metropolis is the elegant predecessor to the acclaimed Foundations of Rome, offering a more compact and accessible experience while preserving the core appeal of strategic tile placement and spatial competition. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 The goal of the game is to earn the most prestige over three rounds by acquiring plots, constructing buildings, and strategically placing them to maximize income and adjacency bonuses. At the start of each round, every player draws a hidden number card between 1 and 100. Each round follows three phases and finishes once all the plot cards have been acquired: Buy Plots On your turn, choose one lot card from the market and place a marker on the matching coordinates on the city grid. The lot you choose determines where you can build. Construct a Building You may build a structure by replacing your marked lots with a polyomino building tile that exactly matches those spaces. Buildings come in different types: Residential, Commercial, and Civic. Gain Income Once per round, you may take an income action, collecting coins based on the types and number of buildings you've already constructed. Prestige is gained at the end of each round based on your buildings and how they’re positioned. Civic buildings grant bonus prestige to adjacent buildings, yours and your opponents'! Final prestige is tallied after three rounds; the player with the most wins. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 In short, Foundations of Metropolis challenges you to make the most of limited space and scarce resources, balancing short-term gains with long-term positioning in a growing, contested city. Spatial Efficiency You must carefully select and combine lot cards to form shapes that match the building tiles in your supply. Wasted space or awkward positioning can leave you unable to build efficiently, or block future opportunities. Optimal Adjacency Civic buildings score for adjacent structures, yours and your opponents’, so choosing where and when to place them becomes a key tactical puzzle. You’re often helping others while helping yourself. Timing vs. Income Deciding when to take income and what to build can create tension: should you build early to grab a desirable lot, or wait to generate more income that could help you get a more expensive lot later? Shared Grid Competition Since everyone is building on the same board, there’s constant spatial pressure. The puzzle isn’t just your plan; it’s how your opponents' moves interfere with it. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 If you’ve admired the grandeur of " Foundations of Rome " but were deterred by its size or price point, " Foundations of Metropolis " delivers much of the same satisfying city-building experience—only in a sleeker, more accessible format. With a 60-minute playtime, intuitive structure, and thoughtful production, this is a gateway game that manages to feel strategic without ever becoming overwhelming. It’s a fitting addition to the Dice Tower Essentials line: elegant, teachable, and engaging from the very first turn. I was genuinely impressed by how quick the game is to teach—on average, it took no more than 10 minutes. Even more notable was how fast it gets to the table, thanks to its clever storage and layout design. It’s one of those rare games that balances smooth onboarding with meaningful gameplay. One of my favorite aspects was the subtle "push-your-luck" tension that emerges during lot acquisition. You’re often eyeing a specific card, hoping no one else takes it before your turn—maybe even daring to wait in hopes the price drops. But more often than not, someone else will snatch it just before you do. That risk-reward dance adds just the right level of suspense to an otherwise clean and calculated game. I also suspect many players will draw comparisons to games like Chinatown or Waterfall Park, given the shared theme of acquiring plots and populating them with businesses or buildings. And that brings me to the one area I’d love to see expanded in the future: player negotiation. Adding an optional mechanic that allows players to buy, sell, or trade lots would inject an entirely new layer of depth and social interaction. Admittedly, it would likely extend the playtime, but for many groups, that trade-off would be well worth it. (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 Arcane Wonders 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. #RyanDriver #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #PuzzleByMail #CardGame #Cooperative #USA #ArcaneWonders

  • Exodus Heilbronn - "Captain Flynn and the Treasure of Poseidon"

    LOCATION: Heilbronn, Germany Photo above is property of Exodus Heilbronn Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝    ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Captain Flynn and the Treasure of Poseidon 📅 DATE PLAYED : June 29, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Pirate Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : 30-48 €/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes (48:00) 📖 THE STORY Sails on the horizon! As loyal crew members of the infamous Captain Flynn, your quest is nearly at its end. After months navigating treacherous seas and chasing half-whispered legends, you’ve done the impossible—you’ve found the wreck of Old Siegfried’s ship, lost to the ocean for generations. But this isn’t just any ghost ship. Rumor has it the legendary Treasure of Poseidon lies aboard, guarded by ancient traps and secrets of the deep. Ready your courage, steady your hands, and prepare to plunder—before the sea claims you too. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The game’s strongest facet is its design aesthetic, which has a strong and swashbuckling feel. From the skeleton of Captain Flynn seated at his desk in full pirate regalia, surrounded by gold, to the full-sized replica cannon and the talking pirate, we instantly felt immersed in the story. The set design is rustic and evocative of a wooden ship, complete with prop chests, barrels, and crates. Our talking parrot companion was cleverly integrated as the game’s method of delivering hints—a thematic touch that brought the world to life and made us smile every time we needed a nudge. We appreciated how interactive the game was, with some hidden tech that elevated certain puzzles in fun and unexpected ways. The cannon proved to be more than just a decorative prop, and we also got acquainted with the ship’s rat. The puzzle selection was diverse. In addition to searching and observation, the game included mental, skill-based, and cooperative puzzles of varying difficulty. We were both always engaged, either solving something or hunting for the next clue. While the game didn’t rely on big special effects, we found the ending to be charming—and even a little tasty—as Captain Flynn’s treasure may not be what you expect! 🧩 MISSED THE MARK For the most part, this is a high-quality game. However, one large area felt noticeably underutilized and a bit empty compared to the rest of the richly themed environment. It would be great to see this space given a more active role in the experience. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you're a fan of pirate-themed adventures, this room is worth setting sail for. Its difficulty level hits a sweet spot—engaging and challenging for seasoned teams while still accessible for players with a few games under their belts. We were definitely tested and thoroughly enjoyed the journey. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Exodus are a centrally located location within walking distance from the train station. There is no dedicated car park, however there is plenty of parking within the city. There is a lobby area with comfortable seating and drinks for sale Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Exodus Heilbronn for providing us with a media discount for this game. Although a media discount was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #RyanDriver #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Adventure #Exodus #Heilbronn #Germany

  • Escape Room by Midgaard Event - "Da Vinci Escape Room"

    LOCATION: Copenhagen, Denmark Photo above is property of Escape Room by Midgaard Event Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝    ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Da Vinci Escape Room 📅 DATE PLAYED : May 28, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Mystery 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : 1,190 DKK (2 ppl) - 2,190 DKK (6 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY The Da Vinci Escape Room was inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci, the theme is linked to the legendary Da Vinci Order. You have 60 minutes to solve the mystery, unlock the key to the Holy Grail, and find the exit code to escape. Do you have what it takes? Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The GM impressed us with the introduction, enhancing the experience by providing a beautifully sealed wax envelope containing our invitation. These thoughtful touches truly excite the players for the upcoming adventure. This room includes classic puzzles that mainly involve keys and locks, with minimal use of technology. Given its historical theme, the design and props are quite appropriate. Props such as the cryptex and hidden entrances effectively capture the atmosphere of secret societies like the Da Vinci Order. The game flow was smooth. We experienced no confusion about where items belonged or which clues corresponded to which props. It was straightforward and clear. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Updating certain props will improve the overall experience. The early stages of the game were great in terms of the amount of puzzles, but the latter part lacked them. Considering the available space, we had hoped for more puzzles to be included in the game. Improving the lighting and sound in the room will effectively create a more mysterious atmosphere. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This is an fun game to kick off your brain workout at Midgaard before diving into their other rooms. The puzzles aren't too tough, but solving them feels really satisfying. Just like the Da Vinci Order, there are plenty of secrets tucked away, waiting for you to discover them. Enthusiasts might breeze through it since there are lots of classic puzzles, but newcomers will definitely find some fresh challenges. No matter what, it'll feel pretty great to open that holy grail at the end! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Lobby area with seating Drinks and coffee available for free Games available for purchase Private event space available This game is has 3 completely identical rooms (with minor changes to the props), so it’s possible for up to 18 people to play simultaneously. 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 Room by Midgaard Event 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 #MidgaardEvent #Mystery #Copenhagen #Denmark

  • PanIQ Room & Lounge Las Vegas - "The Haunted Manor"

    LOCATION : Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Photo above is property of PanIQ Room Las Vegas Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝    ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Haunted Manor 📅 DATE PLAYED : August 25, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Spooky, Paranormal 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 5 ppl) : 5.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-7 ppl (Ages 12+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 45 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $42.99 ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You've been hired to investigate one of the most haunted places in the world, Vesper Castle. Can you figure out the secrets behind these hauntings and get rid of the spirits? Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The set design definitely had an eerie manor type of vibe to it. The dim lighting also helped to set the mood. The puzzles were non-linear so our group was able to divide into two groups most of the time but the room was small enough where we didn't miss out on anything when one group completed a puzzle. There was a ritualistic type of puzzle that fit well with the theme and our group had fun implementing it together. The ending had a cool reveal moment for "freeing the spirit" as it's not a normal escape type of conclusion where we exited through the door. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK A sound puzzle was difficult to hear. We all tried but couldn't hear the solution even with the GM's hints. There were some symbols written on a prop that had nothing to do with the puzzle. This was seen as a red herring to our group. We suggested the owner to have them remove it. The cluing for this puzzle from the GM also needed to be more clear. There was a puzzle that confused all of us with the written clue. A certain prop was described in a certain way that made us think the puzzle was color-related, but in the end, it had nothing to do with that. If sound could be added, certain triggers would have more of a clear indication on what props had just opened. Sound can also add a bit more eeriness to the experience of the room's theme. The final room wasn't utilized to it's full potential. It was a very quick solve when we got in there and we were surprised that the ending followed right after. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? We're not used to playing 45 minute rooms as it's uncommon in the US, but we could understand why this room was shortened to that time frame as there weren't too many puzzles in the room. For enthusiasts, we were able to finish quite quickly with some time left over. There's potential to make the room creepier with some added puzzles and special effects because the bones of the room in terms of décor and set design is already there. If you want a smoother game play and to be challenged with more puzzles, definitely give their " Wizard Trials " a try! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO PanIQ Escape Room & Lounge Las Vegas is located inside the " Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas " Park in "The Palazzo for closest parking. Lobby area with seating available Full bar service located in the front Merchandise available for purchase Accessible to people with disabilities 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 PanIQ Room & Lounge Las Vegas 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 #PanIQRoom #Paranormal #USA #LasVegas #Nevada #TheVenetian

  • PanIQ Room & Lounge Las Vegas - "The Time Machine"

    LOCATION : Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Photo above is property of PanIQ Room Las Vegas Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Time Machine 📅 DATE PLAYED : November 16, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 6.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-7 ppl (Ages 8+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 45 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $37.00 - $42.00/ pp (Public), $41.00 - $48.00/ pp (Private) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Public/ Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Something has gone wrong with Professor Hoffman's Time Machine! It seems to be stuck in a time loop! Can your team help stop this madness before it gets out of hand? Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The set design was great. It had a steampunk look but with futuristic components. We especially enjoyed the "activation" process of the time machine. As we solved different puzzle components, a segment of the time machine would come to "life". The puzzles were interesting and different. Some were simply following instructions for inputs whereas others were more difficult to figure out (i.e. I'm not sure how players would feel about one particular Math problem). 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There was one puzzle that felt a bit long in terms of the sequence that we needed for completion. But we did enjoy the teamwork process that it made us go through to achieve the final goal. We were unsure what to do for the final action. It would be great to have either a voice or paper instruction added somewhere. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This is probably one of the harder rooms at this location. There were a good amount of puzzles we had to complete on top of a little "search and find". Although you can order drinks to be brought into the room while playing, we think you probably want to give this room a little more attention if you want to get out in time. This room had a mix of teamwork and individual moments, so if you have a team with a mix of strength (physical and mental puzzles), you'll probably have a higher chance of being brought back to the present day by the time machine! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO PanIQ Escape Room & Lounge Las Vegas is located inside the " Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas " Park in "The Palazzo for closest parking. Lobby area with seating available Full bar service is located in the front Merchandise available for purchase Accessible to people with disabilities Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, an interview with the operations manager, 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 PanIQ Room & Lounge Las Vegas 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 #PanIQRoom #SciFi #USA #LasVegas #Nevada #TheVenetian

  • PanIQ Room & Lounge Las Vegas - "Casino Heist"/ "The Morning After"

    LOCATION : Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Photo above is property of PanIQ Room Las Vegas Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Photo above is property of PanIQ Room Las Vegas 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Casino Heist 📅 DATE PLAYED : November 16, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Heist 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 4.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-7 ppl (Ages 8+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 45 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $37.00 - $42.00/ pp (Public), $41.00 - $48.00/ pp (Private) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Public/Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You've been hired by a world-renowned thief to steal from the "impossible-to-break-into" vault at the Venetian Hotel Casino. Will you leave Vegas a millionaire or be locked up penniless in their jail cell? Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Photo above is property of PanIQ Room Las Vegas 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Morning After 📅 DATE PLAYED : November 16, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Mystery 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 4/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-7 ppl (Ages 18+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 45 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $37.00 - $42.00/ pp (Public), $41.00 - $48.00/ pp (Private) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Public/Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You can't remember exactly what happened last night but when you woke up, you realized all of the evidence left in this room could really damage your reputation if it got out. This is your chance to make things right. Whatever happens in Vegas should always stay in Vegas... Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE There are a couple of fun puzzles in this room that adhere to the Vegas vibe. Whether it be the heist or the morning after, your team will probably have something they can "relate" to while playing the experience. Some props that were used in the game to "tell" the story and to have the players implement the action really resembled real-life situations. There was one prop in particular that gave an "exploding" moment. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK One clue that pointed to a "hidden" object was fairly difficult to interpret. We thought the solution was for an "input" somewhere rather than searching for an object. The conclusion of the " Casino Heist " game felt more solid than "The Morning After". The storyline also was better written and more conclusive. Because this room could be used for two games, there were places where props were to be placed on there to trigger something in one game but not in the other. The empty spaces could be confusing to the players as to whether they have completed everything in the room or not. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? I've combined both of these reviews in one write-up because these two games are very similar. They were staged in the same room. We played them back to back just to see what the differences were. A couple of props were swapped out but the majority of the room looks the same. If you enjoy puzzles more, the casino heist game has a few more. If you enjoy more "adult-ish" themed props and Vegas type of "fun", you'll probably pick " The Morning After " (It's also an 18+ game). The puzzles in "The Morning After" game were also easier. Both of these games were meant for beginners to have fun in so the puzzles were not so challenging. You even have a call button in the room where you can order drinks to be bought into the room. If you are planning a bachelor/bachelorette party, this is the perfect room for the celebration! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO PanIQ Escape Room & Lounge Las Vegas is located inside the " Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas " Park in "The Palazzo for closest parking. Lobby area with seating available Full bar service located in the front Merchandise available for purchase Accessible to people with disabilities Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, interview with the operations manager, 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 PanIQ Room & Lounge Las Vegas 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 #PanIQRoom #Heist #Mystery #USA #LasVegas #Nevada #TheVenetian

  • Adventurebox Karlsruhe - "Time Unit 49°N"

    LOCATION: Karlsruhe, Germany Photo above is property of Adventurebox Karlsruhe Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝    ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Time Unit 49°N 📅 DATE PLAYED : June 28, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 8/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : 90-159 € ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes (53:00) 📖 THE STORY The Ministry of Inter-dimensional Security has detected bizarre power fluctuations emanating from a student flat at KIT, in Karlsruhe. You are elite specialists in paranormal phenomena, sent in to investigate. Upon arrival, you uncover something astonishing — a sleek, futuristic door standing in the middle of the apartment. The student who built it has vanished without a trace, leaving behind cryptic notes and experimental equipment. Your mission: figure out what the door does and where it leads. Is it a prototype for time travel? A passage to a parallel universe? Or something even stranger? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE We were impressed with all the games offered by Adventure Box, but Time Unit was by far our favourite; an excellent finale to our visit to Karlsruhe. The room delivers a well-rounded and consistently strong experience, excelling in set design, immersive storytelling, cooperative gameplay, and creative, thematic puzzles. Starting with the storyline, what stood out most was the evolving narrative. The game begins with the strongest video introduction across all of Adventure Box’s rooms, offering clear context and setting the stage for a compelling sci-fi mystery. Once inside, the story continues to unfold organically. You're not just reactivating a time machine; you're unravelling a tale of a missing student and her disappearance across time and space. As the story progresses, a major twist adds a thrilling layer, keeping us engaged right to the end. For us, everything — from story beats to puzzle integration — worked in harmony to create a captivating journey. The set design was a standout highlight. The space was larger than expected and impressively constructed. Just when we thought we had seen everything, the game continued to surprise us with more hidden areas and unexpected transitions. The attention to detail was superb; items replicated seamlessly across timelines showed real commitment to thematic consistency. After the game, we had a chance to chat with the gamemaster, who shared how the room has evolved over time and even teased upcoming enhancements, including the integration of AI into the narrative and puzzle design, a sign of continued innovation. The puzzles were the third pillar of this room’s success. Much of the gameplay is non-linear, requiring players to complete several tasks to get the time machine back online. This setup allowed for broad collaboration and exploration, especially important in a room with such generous space. Once we made it into the future timeline, the puzzles became less intuitive, but intentionally so, pushing us to think more laterally and communicate closely. This shift from hands-on to mental problem-solving added variety and helped reinforce the escalating tension and stakes of the story. We particularly appreciated how these puzzles felt like a natural continuation of the narrative, rather than interruptions. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Nothing. This is a top-class escape room experience from start to finish. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Absolutely. Out of the 15 rooms we played during this regional escape room trip, Time Unit was arguably our favourite. It’s a game best suited to experienced players, thanks to its size, complexity, and narrative depth. A group of 2–4 players is ideal, although we were happy to have played as a duo, it meant being directly involved in every puzzle, rather than splitting up as might happen in larger groups due to the room’s nonlinear structure. Play this game. If you're in or near Karlsruhe and looking for a top-tier, story-driven escape room that balances action, emotion, and brainpower—this is the one. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Parking is not available on site. However, street parking is available on the residential streets surrounding the escape room. There is a lobby area with comfortable seating and drinks for sale Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Adventurebox Karlsruhe for providing us with a media discount for this game. Although a media discount was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #RyanDriver #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Adventurebox #SciFi #Karlsruhe #Germany

  • Thames & Kosmos - "Spy Labs: Spy Location Tracker"

    Photo above is property of Thames & Kosmos Company:    Thames & Kosmos Game:   Spy Labs: Spy Location Tracer Country:    USA 🇺🇸 Language:     English Type of Game:    Tabletop Games 📬 Genre:   Adventure Date Played:     May 30, 2025 Difficulty (based on 2 players):    N/A Size of Team:    1 Player to set up, 1+ Player to find (Ages 8+) Time:   N/A Price:     $44.95 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈: A Spy Adventure Awaits! The Spy Location Tracker from Thames & Kosmos isn’t just a puzzle game; it’s a spy-themed tool ready for action! I decided to fold it into a surprise mini-date for Dave. Picture this: a sweet little “spycapade” leading him across the property to uncover clues. The grand reveal? A cozy setup with a two-person camp chair, a warm blanket, snacks, and hot cocoa. His final challenge? Using the Tracker to find the cocoa! I’m thrilled to report he secured it without needing backup. But wait, that’s just one way to use it! You could incorporate it to find a treasure chest, lead someone to a secret meeting point, or even track a moving “suspect.” The possibilities are endless! Video above is property of Thames & Kosmos 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞: What’s in the Box? Built from sturdy plastic, the Tracker feels solid in hand. It’s clearly designed with younger spies in mind (the box says 8+), but it doesn’t feel like a toy. Instead, it’s more like “kid-friendly field gear” than secret-society steampunk. It’s functional, surprisingly hefty, and has a modern aesthetic. Think James Bond, not Da Vinci Code. The device features LED lights for tracking. These lights show up well in most conditions but may require a hand-shield in bright sunlight. Just a heads up: there’s no indication of water resistance, so keep it away from unexpected drizzle or damp foliage. One delightful touch? The manual includes educational facts about bats and their use of ultrasound. It’s a charming way to tie the tech into nature! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈: How Does It Work? Here’s the scoop: once powered on with a small switch, the transmitter sends out a silent ultrasonic signal. You then press a trigger on the handheld receiver to scan for a signal. When it picks one up, it displays directional guidance using LEDs on a display. A yellow LED lights up in the center to indicate scanning, regardless of whether it’s receiving a signal. Now, here’s where it gets a tad tricky. The display can feel slightly counterintuitive. The left side of the receiver always uses red LEDs, while the right side uses green. Whichever side lights up tells you which direction the signal is coming from. Once you get used to that logic, it’s straightforward and super fun to feel like you’re honing in on your target! The stated range is up to 50 feet (15 meters), but in our testing, it performed best at around 25-30 feet with a clear line of sight. My original plan was to have the picnic set up in the woods, but the signal wasn’t strong enough to reach somewhere not immediately visible. Even a thin blanket could block the signal unless we were very close. Both crowded and empty spaces can lead to some bounce, and there was occasional flickering of the LEDs. Overall, while it may not have surgical precision, it’s functional and fun at smaller distances with clear lines of sight. A word of caution: ultrasonic signals can affect pets and wildlife, so it’s best to steer clear of animals while playing! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂: The Puzzling Potential While it’s not a puzzle game in itself, it’s a gadget that powers one! The puzzling is up to you! 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂: Final Thoughts on the Spy Labs Tracker "Spy Labs: Spy Location Tracker" is a simple, tactile tool that adds a satisfying layer of hands-on exploration. It makes any puzzle or roleplay scenario feel more real. There’s something instantly gratifying about pointing the device and watching the lights flicker as you close in. Whether you're planning a family scavenger hunt, a secret-agent-inspired date night, or an immersive quest for friends, this little device brings a touch of spy-fi energy and lets you play the part. It’s a high-charm gadget that can turn an ordinary search into something a little more cinematic. Its limitations (range, signal bounce) mean it’s best treated as a close-range mechanic, not a long-range GPS replacement. And keep it away from the animals! But once you know how to wield it, the device functions reliably and adds a genuinely fun layer of discovery. Would I use it in a future mission? Absolutely! Would I keep a spare set of batteries and a clear field in mind? You bet! It earned its place in our puzzle challenge arsenal, and I’m already scheming up ways to integrate it into the next mission for the kids. For anyone who enjoys planning “missions” or explorative games—whether for kids or the young at heart—this little gadget could be just the signal boost you need. Note: This is part of Thames & Kosmos’ extensive Spy Lab series, which has lots of other fun little mission gadgets. It requires 2 AA batteries for the receiver and 2 AAA batteries for the transmitter, along with a small Phillips head screwdriver. Check out our interview with the creators to understand more about the development side of the game: Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure: We thank Thames & Kosmos 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. #Kristajones #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #PuzzlesByMail #OneOffs #ThamesandKosmos #Adventure #Spy #Espionage #USA

  • A Maze In - "A Monster in the Closet"

    LOCATION: Strasbourg, France Photo above is property of A Maze In Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝    ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : A Monster in the Closet 📅 DATE PLAYED : June 27, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Paranormal 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 6.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 90 Mins. 💰 PRICE : 38-55 €/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes (64:00) 📖 THE STORY It’s a family reunion weekend at Grandpa’s house, and everything seems perfectly normal—until bedtime. Your young nephews are terrified, claiming a “monster” is lurking nearby. Brushing it off as childish imagination, you offer to sleep in their room to calm their nerves. Big mistake. You awaken in a bizarre and dangerous realm—one ruled by monsters and filled with strange magic. This isn’t just a dream; it’s a full-blown adventure where your wits will be tested across fantastical worlds. To return home, you’ll have to face the monstrous overlord known as the Big Boss. But before that, you must travel through three parallel dimensions, each guarded by a powerful creature, to locate and destroy the monster’s three life artifacts. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE We don’t usually dedicate much space to the lobby experience in our reviews, but A Maze In isn’t your average escape room venue. In addition to their collection of five escape experiences, they also run quiz nights, game evenings, and more from their adjoining bar and lounge. It gave us a comfortable spot to relax between games and enjoy a refreshing beer—and we’d be remiss not to mention that they may have one of the funkiest bathrooms we've ever seen in an escape room… and we mean that in a good way! Leaving the bar behind, we found ourselves in the hallway of our grandparent’s house—a narrow, dimly lit space lined with old family photos that evoked a strong sense of nostalgia. It’s here that we received our mission briefing before entering the child’s bedroom. We appreciated this immersive touch. Many venues might default to a neutral lounge or un-themed area for the intro, but placing it in a story-relevant setting helped anchor us in the narrative from the start. The child’s bedroom was large and packed with detail—bunk beds, artwork, posters, and, of course, a mountain of toys and plushies. Within this believable and charming setting were cleverly disguised enhancements and puzzle elements, including a Connect Four game, a video game console, and more. Audio cues play a major role in Monster in the Closet, keeping the story alive and engaging throughout. The demon—our elusive antagonist—frequently chimes in, making excuses for our progress, which only adds to the atmosphere. Well-timed audio elements can elevate an escape experience significantly, and here they were used to great effect. The game gradually shifts through various "worlds," taking players from the comfort of a child's bedroom to unexpected realms like a demonic toy factory. This progression allows for a broad variety of puzzle types, starting playful and becoming progressively more eerie. We especially liked how interactive and tactile the experience felt, with many puzzles requiring you to engage directly with your surroundings. There’s also a welcome emphasis on teamwork throughout—something we always value in a strong escape design. After navigating through the demon’s twisted game, it all culminates in a final showdown: a video game-style street fight between us and the demon. It was a light-hearted and fitting conclusion—defeating a monster using the very things meant to bring joy to Jimmy, our tormented nephew. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There’s little to critique here. Perhaps the puzzle difficulty could have been a touch more mentally demanding in places, but overall, the game offers a well-rounded, complete experience. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " A Monster in the Closet " earns its reputation as one of Strasbourg’s must-play games. It’s an immersive journey that blends nostalgic charm with surprising twists and varied gameplay. While the puzzles aren’t especially complex, the experience is rich in detail and suitable for all skill levels. More experienced teams might breeze through a bit quickly, but we found it most enjoyable as a team of two. That said, newer players could comfortably play in a group of up to four before the space and tasks start to feel a bit cramped. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Parking is not available on site, however there are plenty of car parks in the surrounding area, as well as a Park & Ride scheme There is a large lobby area with comfortable seating and a bar that serves food and drink. 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 A Maze In for providing us with a media discount for this game. Although a media discount was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #RyanDriver #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #AMazeIn #Paranormal #Strasbourg #France

  • Escape in Time! (Secret Studio London) - "Escape from the Golden Hinde"

    LOCATION: London, United Kingdom Photo above is property of Escape in Time! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝    ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Escape from the Golden Hinde 📅 DATE PLAYED : May 21, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Pirate, Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : /10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 3-12 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 90 Mins. 💰 PRICE : £33 / pp (Ages 10+) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Embark on a thrilling live interactive adventure aboard a historic 16th-century galleon in the heart of London! The Golden Hinde, an exact replica of the ship Sir Francis Drake used to circumnavigate the globe in the 1570s, stands ready for your exploration. This remarkable vessel also completed its own global journey in the 1970s. Rumored to be haunted by spirits from both voyages, it offers an intriguing mix of ghosts—akin to a bold Rum Mojito, which legend attributes to Drake himself. You'll be locked on the ship with these spirits for 60 minutes, challenging you to escape while immersing yourself in fascinating historical insights. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The historical ship being a natural set design provided an exciting starting point. We were happy to be invited aboard, while those on the dock watched us with envy. Escape in Time brilliantly utilized the ship's features to craft inventive puzzles. During the day, it's a museum, so certain elements remain unchanged, but by night, they transform into engaging puzzle props. We felt "disoriented" (in a good way) on the ship, unable to discern how we moved from one room or deck to another, eventually finding ourselves back at the top. The live actors excelled in their roles throughout the game. Their passion for their characters is evident, especially as they remain "below" the decks for extended periods of time. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK If you have back issues or difficulty crouching or kneeling throughout the game, this experience may not be ideal for you. The GMs excelled in their character portrayals, though there were moments, particularly during the "transportation" to another era, where the storyline left us momentarily confused. Uncovering a key piece of information through a live actor was intriguing, though its purpose was initially unclear. We later understood it was a pre-set clue for the next area, which left us questioning our actions on that deck floor. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Escape in Time made excellent use of the space that's available to them. Playing an escape room on a ship, particularly one with such rich history, is always an exciting experience. However, we occasionally felt uncertain about the seamlessness of the gameplay. There were moments when we questioned the relevance of certain elements. By refining the storyline to better connect with the puzzle components, the experience could be even more cohesive. Nonetheless, simply being on the ship, reenacting history with live actors, and exploring the interior was an adventure in itself! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Live actors The area is filled with numerous bars and restaurants. Being on the ship is a delightful experience as the view is truly a sight to behold! If possible, please use public transportation since parking in the local area is very limited. The Golden Hinde is located within the congestion charge zone. Parking is available at Kipling Street, London Bridge. The nearest accessible parking bays for Blue Badge Holders are at London Bridge station. Regrettably, there are no toilets on site. However, restrooms can be found nearby in Borough Market. The ship features steep stairs, low ceilings, confined spaces, trip hazards, and dim lighting in some areas, making it inaccessible for wheelchair users. To solve the mysteries, at least one crew member should have reasonably good hearing, and one or two team members will need to kneel or crouch a few 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 Escape in Time! (Secret Studio London) 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 #Pirate #Adventure #EscapeinTime #SecretStudio #London #UnitedKingdom

  • Arcane Wonders - "ito"

    Photo above is property of Arcane Wonders Company: Arcane Wonders Game: ito Country: USA 🇺🇸 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Game (Card Game) 📬 Genre: Co-operative, Deduction Date Played: June 1, 2025 Difficulty (based on 5 players): 3/10 Size of Team: 2 to 10 ppl (Ages 8+) Time: Unlimited (Approximately 10-15 Mins.) Price: $17.99 USD 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 " ito " is a charming cooperative party card game where 2–10 players work together to sequence face-down secret numbers, based on a selected common theme, from lowest to highest — without revealing them! If you put all cards in the correct order, then the team wins. The game is also part of the Dice Towers Essentials line. 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 At the start of each round, every player draws a hidden number card between 1 and 100. A category card is revealed – this could be anything from “Types of pizza toppings” to “Movie villains” or “Your favorite kind of weather.” Each player then gives a clue related to the category that reflects the relative value of their number, without referencing numbers, rankings, or quantities. 💡 Example: If the category is “ice cream flavors” and you have a very low number, you might say “ old sock flavor ”. That hopefully signals you’re near the bottom… unless you secretly love the taste of laundry day. Based on the clues, players take turns placing their number cards in what they believe is the correct order. After all cards are placed, they're revealed—and if the sequence is right, you win the round! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 At its core, " ito " is a cooperative deduction game, but the simultaneous play and the need for creative, indirect communication make it a uniquely social and engaging experience. The game offers three flexible modes; Family, Everyone, and Action, alongside 50 double-sided category cards. This variety not only boosts replay-ability but also makes the game broadly accessible, whether you're playing with kids, casual gamers, or a more energetic crowd. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 " ito " is a game that will naturally draw comparisons to popular social party games like Just One or Codenames, and with good reason. It captures the essence of what makes those games so beloved: clever communication, group deduction, and big social energy. But ito manages to streamline the experience, making it quicker to teach, faster to play, with and even more conducive to open table discussion and laughter. This is without a doubt a great family-friendly, fast and easy to play game. " Codenames " has long been my go-to party game, I love the bizarre connections people come up with as they stretch their minds to link unrelated words. But one drawback has always been the downtime while the clue giver tries to craft something clever. With ito, there’s virtually no downtime at all, and I think that’s one of its biggest strengths. Everyone participates simultaneously, which keeps the energy up and the group engaged throughout. Like " Codenames " and other social deduction games, though, " ito " is highly group-dependent. The kind of responses and overall vibe you get will vary a lot depending on who’s at the table, which is both part of the fun and something to keep in mind. I’d also be curious to see if Arcane Wonders eventually releases a more adult-oriented expansion with edgier or more risqué category cards, much like Codenames: Deep Undercover. That could open the game up to a whole different audience while keeping the same core mechanics. (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 Arcane Wonders 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. #RyanDriver #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #PuzzleByMail #CardGame #Cooperative #USA #ArcaneWonders

  • Escape Room by Midgaard Event - "Downfall Spy Mission"

    LOCATION: Copenhagen, Denmark Photo above is property of Escape Room by Midgaard Event Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝    ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Downfall - Spy Mission 📅 DATE PLAYED : May 28, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Espionage 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : /10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 120 Mins. 💰 PRICE : 1,590 DKK (2 ppl) - 2,990 DKK (6 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You are international spies on your most challenging mission yet. Deep behind enemy lines in 1989, you have penetrated General Kolnikov's headquarters in the Soviet wasteland. You have just 2 hours to derail his plans to trigger World War 3. Your objective is to uncover his strategy and guarantee his failure. Are you ready for your mission? Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE From the start, the actor (GM) excelled at immersing us in his character, ensuring we were fully engaged before the game even began. We thoroughly enjoyed dressing up, embracing our assigned roles, and fully committing to them throughout the game. The side bonus mission was very entertaining, even though the main mission took precedence and we momentarily forgot about it until the end. It's perfect for players who love a "search and find" challenge. The disguises, spy tools, and mission objectives truly made us feel like we were going undercover. The integration of the tools into the storyline was seamless. The set design, complete with numerous Easter Eggs revealed by the owner afterward, and the carefully selected props, effectively portrayed the wartime atmosphere. The final room, in particular, impressed us with the sheer size and realism of the props. The sound system was outstanding, often making us feel genuinely under pressure, with a real sense of urgency and the thrill of impending danger. There was one mode of "transportation" that truly impressed us. The sound, movement, and a clever trick at the end made the transition exceptionally smooth. At the end, you'll receive a final score based on the objectives you've completed. It was immensely fun to debrief, see what we missed, and celebrate our achievements. Hearing about others' creative solutions was fascinating, as there are often multiple ways to succeed. We love this innovative approach, which feels more like a real-life experience than the typical "escape or not" scenarios. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK This game delivered an outstanding full-on experience. Our only suggestion is for the actor/GM to be more attentive to the room's situations. We encountered a delay when entering a solution into a device that may have had an issue that day, which slowed our progress. Additionally, without clocks in the game, the delay felt prolonged, leaving us uncertain about the remaining time to complete the rest. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This experience transcends typical puzzle-solving by engaging participants in thought-provoking challenges. Success requires a multifaceted approach, encouraging players to think outside the box and apply real-life decision-making skills. Participants must engage in critical thinking, quick decision-making, risk assessment, and teamwork to overcome obstacles. A unique feature is the interaction with a live actor, essential for achieving game goals, which enhances the immersive quality and adds depth to the narrative. Players assume historical roles, enriching gameplay and providing educational insights into historical events. This experience blends entertainment, education, and personal development, offering a memorable adventure for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers. In the end of the game (if you had succeeded), you will feel like a true war hero! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Lobby area with seating The game is situated in the basement, so you'll need to go down one flight of stairs Drinks and coffee available for free Games available for purchase Private event space available Live Actor Deck of cards is gifted at the end of the game 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 Room by Midgaard Event 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 #MidgaardEvent #Espionage #Copenhagen #Denmark

  • Escape-topia - "Nightmare Lands"

    LOCATION : Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA Photo above is property of Escape-topia Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Nightmare Lands 📅 DATE PLAYED : November 21, 2021 🎬 GENRE : Horror, Supernatural 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-5 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $35-40/PP (pending on group size) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY A demented young woman who has been experiencing night terrors, enlisted herself to see a psychiatrist. As part of her treatment, the psychiatrist is seeking participants to voluntarily enter inside her nightmare to try and help. Are you brave enough?? Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE " Nightmare Lands " is truly a unique experience with a strong backstory to support it. Based on the premise, the storyline is wonderfully unpredictable as anything can happen along the way and the set design really supports the creation of this dream world. Starting off with the simplicity of the doctor's waiting room was perfectly deceiving! The layout of the game was definitely structured to make it feel like we were being pulled deeper into her nightmare. The way that the clues were dispersed within the game made it feel like we're piecing her dream together. As more information revealed, we're able to discover what was really behind this nightmare. What better way to complete the experience than to provide a "wow" ending! We definitely felt rewarded for our heroic effort. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Due to the dim lighting, it was quite difficult to find some "hidden pieces" throughout the room. Some puzzles lacked clarity in the cluing. We had to use hints to direct us to the right direction. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This game really reminded us of a combination of " Nightmare on Elm Street ", " Insidious ", and " The Cell ". There's a secret force that seems to pull us into the danger ahead even though we know there might be something hidden in the darkness. The special effect in the later part of the game was unexpected but at the same time greatly appreciated. It really showed us what to expect in a nightmare. If you're brave enough to help the Dr., sign up for a session! Escape-topia provides a complete package when it comes to immersion. Once you walk into the door, you'll be greeted by "Mother" and the concierge. You'll then proceed to check in like you're in a hotel and receive the keys to your room. Every time you enter a room, it'll be as if you've entered into a different realm. Only when you get out of the room will you realize that you're back into reality. If you enjoy immersive theater while solving puzzles, you might want to spend an entire day here! I know "Mother" will love for you to stay. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking lot in front of facility Lobby area with seating Merchandise available for purchase Beverages available for purchase Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ** We regret to inform you that Escape-topia has closed it's doors. However, they have a new immersive experience called called "Mythos Escapes" located in Davie, Florida (click below)!! (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-topia for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #BrandonChow #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Horror #Nightmare #Supernatural #StrangerThings #Escapetopia #USA #Florida

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