LOCATION: Montreal, Quebec, Canada Photo above is property of A/MAZE Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Possessed 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 20, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Horror 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 Players) : 4/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $40/ pp (pending on group size) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes [28:00] 📖 THE STORY An old Victorian house has stood abandoned for decades after a series of gruesome deaths — suicides, unexplained fires, and whispers of rituals gone wrong. You and your team of paranormal investigators are sent to uncover the truth behind its curse. But once inside, the air thickens with dread, objects move on their own, and an unseen force begins to take hold of your thoughts. To survive, you must unravel the house’s dark secrets before something ancient and malevolent consumes your souls. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The room feels professionally built, with a large and thoughtfully designed space that gives a strong sense of exploration. Moving between areas feels natural and satisfying, and the layout adds depth to the overall experience. Props and set pieces are of high quality, with a realistic and authentic look that enhances the story’s believability. Everything from the furniture to the small decorative items feels chosen to reinforce the theme rather than just fill space. As the game progresses, the presence of the occult grows stronger — subtle hints give way to darker symbols, eerie lighting, and an unsettling atmosphere that builds steadily. The pacing of that shift makes the environment more and more immersive. The room strikes a good balance between exploration and focus. There aren’t piles of random items to sort through, but there’s enough material to make the world feel rich and lived in. It keeps you searching without feeling cluttered or chaotic. Special effects are present but light — they help establish tone without taking over. While subtle, they contribute to the eerie vibe rather than relying on cheap jump scares or loud surprises. The puzzles offer solid variety, including searching, logic, decoding, and decryption. There’s a good rhythm to how they appear, and they feel well integrated into the story rather than disconnected tasks. Many puzzles naturally encourage teamwork — some require multiple people to interact with objects simultaneously, while others simply flow better when the group communicates. It creates a nice sense of shared progress. While the narrative loses a bit of strength once the gameplay picks up, the ending still provides closure and wraps up the story in a satisfying way. It feels complete without dragging on. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Although the game offers both a “scary” and “non-scary” mode — which is a great concept — the scary version isn’t actually frightening at all; the tone is more eerie than terrifying. For players who enjoy the horror genre, this lack of intensity might feel like a missed opportunity. The environment sets the stage for horror but never truly leans into it. That said, for players who prefer atmosphere over fear, the lighter tone might actually be a relief and make the experience more enjoyable 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "Possessed " is a perfect gateway escape room for people looking to experience a light horror game with a strong aesthetic and an interesting selection of puzzles. The nonlinear puzzle format also offers an opportunity for larger teams to stay engaged throughout. ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO There is no parking available on site. There are some available spots on the surrounding residential streets. There are also good bus links to this location. There is a lobby area with comfortable seating and secure lockers for your belongings. 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 for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #RyanDriver #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Horror #AMAZE #Montreal #Canada

LOCATION : Ponchatoula, Louisiana, USA Photo above is property of The Escape Warehouse Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : SHHH! 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 12, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Horror 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 90 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $34.99/ pp (Min. 2 ppl required) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You and your friends have joined a haunted tour through the outskirts of New Orleans, where your next stop is an abandoned schoolhouse shrouded in mystery. Decades ago, thirteen children vanished within its walls, and their bodies were never found. The locals still whisper that the building is cursed—and tonight, you’ll find out why. What begins as a harmless ghost tour quickly turns into something much darker when you make contact with the spirit of one of the missing children. Guided by this ghostly companion, your group must piece together the truth behind the disappearances and uncover the tragic secrets that have kept the school’s halls haunted for generations 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE " Shhh! " nails the fundamentals of good escape room design. The puzzle flow is excellent—cohesive, logical, and rewarding throughout. Despite being a longer experience than many of Escape Warehouse’s other offerings, it never drags or overstays its welcome. The designers struck a perfect balance between variety and challenge, offering plenty of different puzzle types that push the story forward while keeping teams engaged from start to finish. The set design is also a standout feature. Every corner of this decrepit schoolhouse is packed with small, thoughtful details that make it feel authentic—aged furniture, weathered chalkboards, and eerie remnants of a long-forgotten classroom. Each new area feels distinct yet cohesive, and simply exploring each room becomes part of the fun. The designers clearly poured their passion into worldbuilding, and it shows in the level of polish across the entire experience. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK While the story is engaging, some of the exposition comes across as more “tell” than “show.” The delivery of key story moments—particularly through dialogue—feels slightly forced and unnatural at times, which briefly pulls players out of the immersion. These moments don’t ruin the experience by any means, but a little more subtlety in the storytelling could elevate the emotional connection even further. The other small drawback was the timekeeping mechanic. Because there’s no visible timer in the room, a child’s voice periodically provides updates every 15–20 minutes. While we appreciated the effort to integrate this diegetically, it occasionally interrupted puzzle-solving flow. A few times, our group paused mid-solve, thinking the update was story-related, only to realize it was just a time reminder. It’s a creative idea, but one that could use slight refinement to better blend with the gameplay pacing 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " Shhh! " is pure, haunting fun. It’s atmospheric, spooky, and full of personality. Escape Warehouse leans hard into the horror theme—teasing players with promises of frights—and delivers on them effectively without going overboard. The fact that there’s no in-room game master yet the room still maintains tension and immersion speaks volumes about the quality of design and automation. The scares are well-timed, the tone consistent, and the story’s dark mystery remains compelling until the end. The puzzles fit naturally into the environment, making sense within the world of the schoolhouse. While not every puzzle contributes directly to the overarching narrative, each one reinforces the setting and keeps players engaged. A few moments caused unexpected reactions—like puzzles solving automatically or appearing solved before completion—but these were rare and didn’t detract much from the experience. The set design deserves special recognition once again. The use of verticality and light physical interaction makes this game stand out among U.S. escape rooms. It’s refreshing to see a design that doesn’t shy away from giving players a more dynamic space to move through and explore. One of the most exciting aspects of Escape Warehouse is their interconnected storytelling. Each of their games—while playable in any order—contributes to a larger universe of mysteries and lore. Shhh! deepens that world beautifully and showcases just how much this team continues to learn, innovate, and grow with every new creation. Escape Warehouse has proven itself as a studio with creativity, ambition, and a love for storytelling. Shhh! is a strong example of what indie escape room creators can achieve with imagination and care. It’s eerie, smart, and full of surprises—an experience that leaves players both unsettled and smiling. If this is any indication of where Escape Warehouse is heading next, the future looks incredibly bright… and maybe just a little bit haunted. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Photos above are property of The Escape Warehouse ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Game Specific Basic physicality is recommended as there are stairs and crawl spaces Venue Specific Free Parking next to venue (Follow signs to correct door) Lobby with plenty of space and drinks and merch for purchase Private lockers for supplies during games Located ~10mins off of highway 12 and 55 between Baton Rogue LA and New Orleans LA Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure:   We thank The Escape Warehouse  for providing a media discount on the tickets for this game. Although discounted admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #MikeSchnurr #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #TheEscapeWarehouse #Horror #Louisiana #USA

LOCATION : Houston, Texas, USA Photo above is property of Strange Bird Immersive Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Man from Beyond 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 27, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Mystery (Seance) 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 4/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 4-8 ppl (Ages 13+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 90-120 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $47.00 - $58.00/ pp (depending on group size) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Harry Houdini, the famous magician, is renowned for his incredible feats of illusion and escape. Though he is long deceased, his legacy lives on through his many fans and collectors of his artifacts. One such avid collector, Madame Daphne, resides in Houston, Texas, and has amassed an impressive collection of Houdini memorabilia. As avid Houdini aficionados, you receive a special invitation from Madame Daphne to attend a séance in an attempt to contact the spirit of the beloved magician. As the séance begins, strange and unexplainable events start occurring around you. What ensues is a captivating two-hour experience filled with magic, spirituality, surprises, and unexpected twists and turns. Video above is property of Strange Bird Immersive 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Each and every detail of this room is meticulously crafted, filled to the brim with knick-knacks that seem to belong back in the 1920s. The space includes actual props used from Houdini's stage, creating an authentic atmosphere that makes you feel like you are in a collector's home of valuable artifacts. The puzzle flow and logic were extremely well done. Three experienced enthusiasts were able to complete the room with plenty of time to spare, thanks to the engaging and well-designed puzzles. There was very little time wasted, and every element of the room contributed to the overall storyline or lore of the world that Strange Bird has created. The actors and hospitality provided by the staff were impeccable. Upon meeting Madame Daphne, players will truly believe in this eccentric character as she reads the tarot, immersing everyone into the world from the very instant the game starts. The lobby you step into is a unique space filled with fun, hidden references, and fascinating details hinting at rooms to come. It's highly recommended to arrive early and explore this area as much as you can. Strange Bird seamlessly merges technology and magic tricks, making it so that there is no visible technology in the old house setting. The tricks used throughout the experience are blended so well that our group forgot technology existed and fully immersed ourselves in the story. The hint system was absolutely amazing, fitting so well into the game that we sometimes wanted to ask for hints just to see how the mechanism worked. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK After much consideration, it's clear that there's nothing significant to critique in this section. "The Man from Beyond" is a game that all players should experience. It is so well crafted that any comments here would be minor nitpicks and wouldn't detract from your overall enjoyment.. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? First off, let me start by saying that " The Man from Beyond " is a top-tier escape room that every escape room enthusiast should make an effort to play. After completing nearly 300 rooms and multiple immersive theater events, I can confidently say this room uniquely combines immersion and escape room elements, while still prioritizing the escape room experience. What sets this room apart from others is the additional 30 minutes of storyline, creating a blend of immersive theater and escape room that is truly exceptional. Despite the immersive theater elements, " The Man from Beyond " is undoubtedly a 60-minute escape room at its core. It's an excellent way to dip your toes into immersive theater while enjoying a high-quality escape room. This room is suitable for all ages, young and old, and deals with supernatural themes in a fun and engaging way. Strange Bird Immersive has crafted a story that develops seamlessly throughout the entire experience, with no part feeling out of place or random. Every element deepens the narrative, tying the two-hour experience into a cohesive and captivating adventure. Overall, " The Man from Beyond " is an outstanding experience that escape room enthusiasts should not miss. The blend of immersive theater and escape room elements, along with a well-developed storyline and engaging puzzles, makes it a must-play for anyone looking for a unique and memorable adventure. Update 11/20/2025 - Cici Cao We finally got to play "The Man from Beyond" with our UK friends on Oct 30, 2025, and what an exhilarating experience it was! We wholeheartedly agree with everything our reviewer Mike mentioned, but we can't resist adding our own enthusiastic take on this magical journey. From the moment we received that unique email with directions to Strange Bird, we couldn't contain our excitement. Stepping into the empty black and white lobby, everything felt like a puzzle. Our curiosity was insatiable—even the bathroom was intriguing! Till this day, I'm still wondering if I missed finding a key to a time portal? When it was "show" time, we were warmly greeted by Madame Daphne—an incredible actress, or was she truly living the part? From that moment, nothing else mattered. We were swept into a whirlwind of past, present, and future! The puzzles were undeniably "magical," but the true stars were the actors. They transformed this into an unforgettable experience. Parting was tough because we craved more. We cherished every moment, and all we can say is BRAVO and hats off to everyone involved in creating this masterpiece! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking Lot Complementary water or a well crafted cocktail pending on the group's experience Interactive waiting room Arrive BEFORE allotted time for best experience Photos above are property of Strange Bird Immersive 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 Strange Bird Immersive for providing a media discount on the tickets for this game. Although discounted admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. Update : ESCAPETHEROOMers also visited Strange Bird Immersive to play " The Man From Beyond " in October '25!! Thank you for hosting us and we had an amazing time in both of the games! #MikeSchnurr #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #StrangeBirdImmersive #Mystery #Seance #Texas #USA

LOCATION: Glen Rock, New Jersey, USA Photo above is property of Escape Much Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Lost Artifact 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 10, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $36-40 PP (pending on the amt of ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You are Ohio Smith, a daring archaeologist. A mysterious government agency contacts you about a stolen ancient ceremonial dagger from a Mayan Temple in the Amazon. Suspecting your rival, Pilote, you learn the artifact could have apocalyptic consequences if mishandled. The agent insists you recover the dagger at all costs. Despite suspecting the agent's hidden motives, your love for adventure prevails. Pilote's greed drives him to the highest Black Market bidder, so you gather a trusted team to track him. Amidst competing interests, you are certain of one thing: the relic belongs in a museum! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Entering this room feels like stepping into an archaeologist professor's office, with a museum clearly visible right next door. The spaciousness makes you feel like there are numerous puzzles waiting to be solved.. The game balances the perfect amount of reading to offer context on Mayan culture and essential clues for finding the right solution, without overwhelming players with excessive reading. One of the puzzle we really enjoyed integrates information typical of a professor's study with elements from his daily life, creating a complex, multi-step challenge. The room utilizes various props in innovative ways to craft visual puzzles that captivate our attention throughout the game. Several hidden reveals emerge during the game, perfectly aligning with the theme as we aim to discover where the stolen items are concealed. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Several clues were drawn or stickered in different areas of the room. We believe these could be presented more aesthetically, enhancing their integration with the room's decor more. Additionally, one clue's visibility is compromised by its coloring. The placement of a clue might confuse players because it matches the shape of a nearby input. We recommend relocating it to a different spot. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you're a fan of Da Vinci Code-style cryptic puzzle-solving themed rooms, this challenge is perfect for you. You'll face some puzzles that are commonly found in other escape rooms, making it ideal for beginner escapees to learn the ropes. Additionally, there are a few multi-step puzzles that are very satisfying for enthusiasts to solve. Act quickly, as this game may change soon. If you want to experience this version, head to Escape Much now! ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Lobby with seating Limited free parking spaces in front and on the side. There are metered parking spaces across the railway station as well. The intro videos for this location provide valuable hints about what you'll encounter in the room. You might appreciate these insights or feel they diminish the surprise element. However, if you view them as helpful hints for the game, you'll gain an advantage over other players. So, be sure to pay attention. 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 Much 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 #EscapeMuch #Adventure #NewJersey #USA

Photo above is property of Beadle & Grimm's Company: Beadle & Grimm's Game: Murders at Karlov Manor: The Case of the Three Blade Knife Country: USA 🇺🇸 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Games 📬 Genre: Mystery Date Played: February 7, 2025 Difficulty (based on 6 players): 7/10 Size of Team: 1+ Players (Ages 14+) Time: Unlimited (Approx. 60-120 Mins.) Price: $49.99 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Three murders have taken place that have stumped the Ravnican Agency of Magicological Investigations (RAMI). Lead Inspector Tam Sennic has reached out to you and handed the case file to you, hoping for your assistance. As a junior detective, this might be the mystery that can jump start your career. Are you ready to bring a killer to justice? Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ Folding open the package, we find a lot of organized notes to what looks like 3 murders, each with interviews, suspect list and more. There is also an additional envelope for Stage 2 that states not to open it until told to do so. Some other stand out items are the map of the tenth district and the beautiful Ravnican Agency of Magicological Investigations (RAMI) badge. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 The game rules were impressively thorough, taking us step by step on how each stage works and when to proceed to the next one. A complete checklist of documents for each stage was also provided. All of this is helpful for beginners or anyone new to these types of games. From there, we were directed to the introduction note, which welcomed us as junior detectives in the Ravnican Agency and pointed us to what to look at first. One standout item was the RAMI badge, a solid metal collectible that would make a nice display piece afterwards. The badge also integrated with the Pinfinity app, which utilized AR technology for hints, code cracking and where we would submit our solutions to continue. This was a clever piece to make the game more interactive. The highlights of the game were how well designed the documents were with the posters, map, artwork and police case file notes. It was packed with Ravnican lore. We had one player who plays Magic: The Gathering and specifically the Murder at Karlov Manor set, who enjoyed the references and easter eggs sprinkled throughout. One downside of the game is the amount of reading involved. With our 6 players, we found it challenging to keep track of all the information as there were many documents and details to manage. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 The game had a few basic puzzles and ciphers for those who enjoy decoding. The bulk of the challenge was the deduction and making connections through the various documents. The first stage required us to find the suspect who had the opportunity to commit the murders. However, with so many notes and documents to dig through, we would recommend a white board or something large enough to share notes for everyone to see. Using the RAMI badge was where hints were provided. Though simple, they were direct in what key information to look at to progress in the case. One aspect that seemed unbalanced was the pacing of the stages. The first stage took us almost 2 hours to complete while the second one took about 15 mins. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 " The Case of the Three Blade Knife " was a detailed, lore-full mystery, hidden in the high quality documents, that needed to be unearthed and connected. Careful deduction and attention to details was needed to solve this difficult case. With 6 players, we found it difficult to keep track of everything. We would recommend no more than 4 players, though 2 players would be ideal. This game was excellent for a rainy day with a few hours to kill. Rather than reading a book, you can immerse yourself in the lore of Ravnica. You don’t need to know anything about Magic: The Gathering for this game but fans of Ravnican will appreciate the connection and small details. As a bonus too, the RAMI badge is a beautiful piece to cosplay with or just keep around and display after you have solved the case. This game is currently sold out, but support their new projects on Kickstarter! (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 Beadle & Grimm's 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 #PuzzlesByMail #OneOffs #Mystery #BeadleandGrimms #USA

Photo above is property of Thames & Kosmos Company:    Thames & Kosmos Game:   Spy Labs: Digital Snake Scope Country:    USA 🇺🇸 Language:     English Type of Game:    Tabletop Games 📬 Genre:   Adventure, Treasure Hunt Date Played:     October 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:     $43.95 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈: The Digital Snake Scope isn’t a “story-driven” experience or game in itself, but rather a tool you can bring into your own adventures. Think of it as spy gear waiting for a mission: a gadget you can deploy when designing your own mystery, crafting a kid-friendly secret op, or even doing some grown-up snooping (the legal kind). 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞: For something designed for ages 8+, the Snake Scope feels surprisingly sturdy and satisfyingly gadget-y. The aptly spy-ish black-and-red plastic exterior has a toy vibe, but one that adults will still want to play with. The handheld display unit features a 2.3” color LCD screen, and attached to it is a 26” flexible arm that bends into just about any angle you want and largely stays put until you reposition it. On the end is a tiny waterproof camera paired with an LED light. There’s even a removable shade hood for cutting glare if you’re sleuthing outdoors. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈: Operating the Snake Scope is very intuitive: one trigger for powering the camera, a separate button for toggling the LED light. The flexible “snake” arm functions well: it’s quite easy to shape, fairly steady once positioned, and incredibly useful when peering around corners, behind furniture, or down ominously dark basement stairs (gotta be sure there’s no ghosts down there…). The LED light is bright enough to illuminate darker spaces and dramatically improves visibility, especially since the camera leans toward a darker, grainier image without additional lighting. Colors and details become much clearer when the light is on, though in sunlit or bright environments you may not need it at all. And if you’re doing more subtle reconnaissance, keeping the light off can help you stay sneaky. Everything functioned smoothly, though the power trigger is a little sensitive, so we turned it off by accident a few times. The one-page instructions are enough to get you started, and, at <1lb, the whole unit is light enough to carry around on your missions with ease. We didn’t test the waterproof claim, but the idea of using it to investigate underwater coins or mysterious puddle-dwelling secrets is undeniably fun and adds to the endless possibilities of how you can use it! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂: This isn’t a puzzle experience in the traditional sense, though it can absolutely enable puzzles, clue hunts, and espionage hijinks of your own making. 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂: Overall, the Digital Snake Scope is a delightful little gadget, both for imaginative spy-play, themed puzzle adventures, and even potentially some practical real-world tasks. The flexible arm is fantastic for checking high, low, or awkwardly tucked-away spaces, and the LED light significantly boosts the clarity so you can read that hidden code, identify the correct colors, or clearly see the design details. No, it’s not cinematic-quality footage, but for kids, puzzle events, or household reconnaissance (“which vent did the cat slither into this time?”) it gets the job done and then some. We can see this being a hit in spy-themed parties, DIY missions, escape room–style scavenger hunts, and off-the-cuff detective games. And honestly? We’re already plotting ways to use it in our own puzzle adventures, and maybe to see what actually lives under the fridge in our old farmhouse… Note : This is part of Thames & Kosmos’ extensive Spy Lab series, which has lots of other fun little mission gadgets. Requires 3 AAA batteries, along with a small Phillips head screwdriver. Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 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. #DaveBristol #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #PuzzlesByMail #OneOffs #ThamesandKosmos #Adventure #Spy #Espionage #USA

LOCATION: Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA Photo above is property of Red Door Escape Room (Gaithersburg) Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Fair Game 📅 DATE PLAYED : June 4, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Action, Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 7.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-7 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $39.95/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY A mysterious circus has arrived in town, where things are not as they appear. Visit the Tooth Toss, explore the Funhouse, or watch a show. Employ a mix of cleverness and playfulness to unravel the hidden clues scattered throughout the fairgrounds. Distinguish between what is genuine and what is merely an illusion. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯    HIT THE BULLSEYE Upon stepping into this room, the lively carnival music and vibrant games immediately draw us in, creating a sense of excitement that permeates the entire experience. The plot unexpectedly shifted, and the set design cleverly reflected this twist. The room featured some unconventional puzzles that required a mindset akin to playing fair games in order to solve them successfully. 🧩   MISSED THE MARK There was an unexpected challenging puzzle in the first room that proved to be quite difficult for two people. We were not warned about this in advance. We managed to solve it through sheer luck. We enjoyed the first room more because the puzzles were clearer in terms of clues. The hints provided by the Game Master seemed like puzzles themselves and the speed could be more efficient. One of the puzzle props requires maintenance as it is challenging to operate. Additionally, the clue for that puzzle was hard to comprehend. I'm still unsure about the conclusion of this room. What's the story again? There was a cool puzzle design towards the end of the game, but it was confusing in terms of how to utilize it. Some clear directions would have been beneficial. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? We are truly passionate about carnival-themed escape rooms because they offer a unique and engaging experience that combines the thrill of solving puzzles with the excitement of playing games. However, it is crucial for the puzzles and challenges within the room to be seamlessly integrated into the overall logic of the game. In this particular room, some of the puzzle concepts may have felt a bit disconnected, which could have potentially disrupted the flow of the game and hindered the overall experience. To enhance the game flow and ensure a more cohesive and engaging experience, it may be beneficial to introduce more clarity and coherence in the puzzle design. One way to address this issue could be by providing clearer and more direct clues from the game master. By offering more explicit guidance and hints, players can better understand the objectives and solutions to the puzzles, leading to a smoother and more enjoyable gameplay experience. With some adjustments and enhancements, such as refining puzzle concepts, providing clearer clues, and ensuring logical coherence throughout the game, there is a great opportunity for this room to elevate the level of excitement and deliver an even more thrilling and memorable escape room experience for players. ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Street metered parking or garage near by Lobby area with seating & lockers Merchandise available 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 Red Door Escape Room (Gaithersburg)  for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLEscapeRoom #EscapeRooms #RedDoorEscapeRoom #Adventure #Maryland #USA

LOCATION: Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA Photo above is property of Red Door Escape Room (Gaithersburg) Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Once Upon a Time 📅 DATE PLAYED : June 4, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Fairy Tale 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-7 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $39.95/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Three powerful magical items have been stolen and concealed within a castle. When wielded by the right individuals, they have the potential to bring prosperity to the realm. However, if they fall into the wrong hands, they will undoubtedly lead to destruction and despair. Journey through the enchanted forest, explore the castle, and recover the items before the tale reaches its conclusion! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯    HIT THE BULLSEYE Commencing a fairytale with an enchanted forest is always a captivating choice. We also appreciated a unique "entrance" that guided us deeper into the mystical realm as the game progressed. The incorporation of a character from the magical world to engage with the players and integrating puzzles into the interaction proved to be highly enjoyable for the participants. A straightforward physical puzzle provided a great deal of amusement. Several small props were utilized for uncomplicated puzzles, which unexpectedly became some of the most memorable moments in the game. 🧩   MISSED THE MARK There was a puzzle prop that didn't have clear input direction. We were puzzled about why an item should be placed there instead of here. Surprisingly, it still worked and led to the finale, which left us confused. There is room for improvement in the clarity and efficiency of how hints are provided. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you're into cool experiences that whisk you away to a world of magic and wonder, then diving into the enchanting adventure of a mystical forest might just be your thing. As you explore deeper into this fantastical realm, the mystery of the unknown calls out to you. This special room in the forest is designed with everyone in mind, so both kids and grown-ups can have a blast. The challenges are fun but not too tough, so people of all ages can enjoy the excitement of the quest. While wandering through the twisting paths and hidden corners of the forest, keep your eyes peeled for enchanted items waiting to be found. So, ready to take a leap into this magical world? You never know what amazing surprises are in store for you at the end of this thrilling adventure. ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Street metered parking or garage near by Lobby area with seating & lockers Merchandise available 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 Red Door Escape Room (Gaithersburg)  for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLEscapeRoom #EscapeRooms #RedDoorEscapeRoom #FairyTale #Maryland #USA

Photo above is property of MysteryLocks Company:    MysteryLocks Game:   The Pyramid Country:    Romania 🇷🇴 Language:     English Type of Game:    DIY Escape Kits 🖨️✂ Genre:   Adventure Date Played:     October 22, 2025 Difficulty (based on 2 players):    8/10 Size of Team:    Unlimited Time:   120 Mins. Price:    $35.00 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Embark on an exhilarating adventure with The Pyramid, a printable escape room experience set in ancient Egypt. Explore The Pyramid of the Four Kings, discovering hidden canopic jars, secret sarcophagi, and complex mazes. Solve mysteries using ten diary pages and an interactive online platform as you delve into Ma'at's tomb. Prepare for an unforgettable journey through time! Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ When you purchase a game on MysteryLocks' website, you can immediately download and print the game at your convenience, whether it's a single copy or multiple. This game includes 3 instruction pages (optional for printing) and 19 game material pages. Although the company provided us with a printed copy for review, this option isn't available as an add-on on their website, which would be a valuable feature for players without printer access. The vibrant and beautiful colors of the game pieces captivate us, drawing us into the game instantly. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 On each page with game pieces, cut them out along the clear outlines. If assembly or folding is required, you'll see the outlines for that as well. We found that using double-sided tape instead of glue was much easier and less messy. Although the game's instructions were challenging for some assembly parts, following their YouTube instructions made it significantly easier. Once everything is assembled, you'll need a device to connect to the internet, though there is an offline option if you download it beforehand. This is where you'll access the storyline, input your answers, and receive helpful hints if you're stuck. When we played " The Box ", we enjoyed some cool interactive sounds that we wish this game included. One improvement we suggest is for the website to record your game progress, as currently, if the website freezes, you must re-enter all answers from the beginning. Having learned from previous experiences, we recorded our answers for this one, but re-entering everything is still inconvenient. Having a notepad and pen/pencil are invaluable for taking notes or solving puzzles. Organizational skills are crucial since there will be many game pieces after cutting. The creator excelled in visually indicating which pieces are needed for specific puzzles, and most are "one and done," allowing you to set them aside afterward. However, there was one instance where a visual match was missing and we had to figure it out ourselves. Main puzzle pieces, like the pyramid, may be used multiple times. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 We tackled numerous puzzles, approximately 10, and were impressed by the extensive playtime this print-and-cut game offered. An interactive story accompanied the solving process, and as we "peeled" away the pyramid, we felt immersed in the unfolding storyline. The puzzles presented a range of difficulties, with some relying on perception and others demanding logic and multiple steps to solve. One particularly enjoyable aspect was maneuvering the paper to reveal something previously unseen. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 This game is an exciting upgrade from "The Box" with both setup and playtime nearly doubling. It's absolutely worth the effort, especially if you're a fan of arts and crafts—it feels wonderfully meditative. The completed pyramid and ancient relics are colorful and beautiful. The storyline transforms a simple print-and-cut puzzle into an immersive experience, making you feel like a part of ancient tomb raider history. Once the tech aspects are fine-tuned, this game will be a seamless adventure. Are you ready to enter the secret passages of The Pyramid and uncover its hidden treasures? Whether you go solo or team up, you'll have a blast either way! And that's the magic of these at-home games. (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 MysteryLocks for providing us with a sample of this game. Although complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #AtHomeGames #DigitalGames #PrintNCut #Adventure #MysteryLocks #Romania

LOCATION: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Photo above is property of The Locked Room Photos above are property of The Locked Room 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Game Over 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 5, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 4/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $37.75/ pp (2 ppl), $34.25/ pp (3 ppl), $30.95/ pp (4+ ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Oh no! The princess has been kidnapped and it’s up to you and your group to travel through Video Game Land, solve the puzzles, beat the boss in the final level and save her! “Let's-a gooo!” 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The room set was homemade, but they did not skimp on the quality. This was what I dreamed my childhood bedroom would have been like with many beautiful video game levels designed on the walls and beautiful props key to the experience. There were some props that were just for looks too and we were impressed with how much effort went into them. The entire room was a huge nod to retro video games which was amazing. Though there were many references, you didn’t need to know anything about video games to solve the puzzles. There were plenty of clever puzzles blended into the theme with some great variety but all fit the video game theme perfectly. They did a great job of making you feel immersed in the world of retro video games. There was great signposting for all the puzzles so we knew where everything went and what went with which lockbox. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There were no major misses in this room. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " Game Over " was such a fun, family friendly room. While the puzzles leaned on the easier side, the variety and clever design made them a blast to solve. The video game themed set design was spot on, which created the perfect nostalgic atmosphere. We tackled the room with one adult and two kids which worked perfectly but the room could easily fit a couple more players. Fans of retro video games or people who like creative puzzles would have a great time with this room and you wouldn’t even need the Konami Code or any extra lives to complete it. Photos above are property of The Locked Room ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking Lobby area with seating available Free sticker after completing the game Lockers available Photo above is property of The Locked Room (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #TheLockedRoom #SciFi #VideoGames #Alberta #Canada

LOCATION: Lincoln, Rhode Island, USA Photo above is property of R1 Indoor Karting - TimeMission 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : TimeMission 📅 DATE PLAYED : May 30, 2021 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi, Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 6.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-5 ppl (Ages 14+, Ages 6-13 need accompany by 18+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $25.00/ pp (various packages available) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Public 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, the room(s) (no puzzle spoilers) and more: Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers TimeMission is an immersive gaming experience with 25 portals to choose from. Each portal is completely unique and different from each other, designed to test your intellect, endurance, and other abilities!! We love the idea of "The Largest Time Machine in the World", Before opening each door with your time travel bracelet, you'll know what year and theme you'll be traveling to. This concept kept us intrigued the entire time as behind every door was an amazing set design full of surprises. At times we're in a jungle and others we're in outer space (check out our YouTube video above for a sneak peek)! Although it's not like a typical escape room type of feel (there were two that we felt like could pass for a short escape room experience), the urgency of the timer in the room definitely made it feel similar. You have 1-2 minutes to figure out what you need to do and if you fail, you'll have to go back out and retry the room again. The high quality lighting and sound also enhanced our gaming experience. The puzzles in each room varied in levels of difficulty and type. Some were more focused on logic puzzles whereas others are more about the physical challenges. Before entering a room, make sure to check the room type printed on the plaque right outside on the wall. We tried every single room at TimeZone and by the time we finished the second one, we're already sweating. TimeZone really knew how to keep our adrenaline running throughout the entire time! Since there are 25 rooms and each one only takes approximately 1-2 minutes to play through, there's isn't really much of a wait time even if you go on a super busy weekend (like we did). The most we waited was 2 minutes for a room that we haven't played yet, but you can easily go somewhere else and return when that room becomes available. TimeMission's 25 Portals is sure to intrigue any individual that would like to teleport to another time and challenge themselves. We highly recommend checking out all of the rooms and seeing as much as possible while you're there. Because we were able to travel to different portals throughout time, it felt a lot like "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure"! If you've done Boda Borg in MA, this would be in the same category because each room felt like mini quests. The challenges were easier and actually doable at TimeZone as most of the time we knew what we did wrong and what we would have to do the next time. At Boda Borg, we had to use a lot of trial and error as sometimes you can just step into a room and fail. If you're the competitive type, definitely check out the score board. It's updated in real time with points your team has earned at each quest. We finished 4th on that day which probably means it's time to go back soon for another challenge! If TimeMission doesn't interest you, I'm sure R1 Indoor Karting has something else for you. Make a day trip out of it and check out their huge indoor go-kart track, axe throwing, arcade, and more! This place is perfect for events and parties of all ages! For our beloved followers, you're in luck! ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Parking lot in front Lobby area & Bar Indoor karting, axe throwing, arcade Event space available Dress code: sneakers & comfortable clothing Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Discount: Use "ROOMERS" for 10% off. (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 R1 Indoor Karting - TimeMission for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #ImmersiveExperiences #R1IndoorKarting #TimeMission #SciFi #Adventure #RhodeIsland #USA

Written by: Miley Dowing, Daily Cup of Tech // Guest Writer Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/fortnite-computer-game-game-gamer-4129124/ 2023 is certainly going to be a great one for gamers of any platform. In fact, this year promises some of the biggest titles in a range of genres from both major studios and independent developers. Some of these games will let us travel to new realms, while others reimagine well-known titles. However, they all have one thing in common: we are eager to play them all! Hogwarts Legacy Calling all Harry Potter fans! If you loved the franchise, Avalanche Software is giving you a chance to make your dreams come true, and become a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In this action role-playing game, you'll be able to explore and learn spells in an open-world environment, as well as battle magical creatures. Of course, you can find everything you need to know about "Hogwarts Legacy" and many other games on this website . Peaky Blinders: The King's Ransom If you loved the hit British crime drama set in 1920s Birmingham, this adventure game from Microids will satisfy your craving for more "Peaky Blinders" action. In "The King’s Ransom" , you play Tommy Shelby himself. As the leader of the notorious criminal family, you’ll try to take over the city with some shady dealings, complete with thrilling missions and daring escapes along the way! The Last Of Us "The Last of Us" isn’t just hitting television screens this year - gamers can also expect a treat! The much-anticipated sequel to one of gaming's favorite stories returns with an all-new experience of post-apocalyptic horror. This version is set half a decade after the first game and follows Ellie and Joel while they search for a cure for the infection that has swept across the planet. With intense combat, deep narrative choices, and stunning visuals, The Last Of Us is sure to be one of the year’s must-play games. Resident Evil 4 One of the most famous horror franchises is offering even more zombie slaying in "Resident Evil 4" . This remake of the classic survival horror features all-new visuals, improved gameplay mechanics, and a whole lot of new content, making it more satisfying than ever. Expect tense boss battles, spine-tingling scares, and plenty of puzzles along the way. Aliens: Dark Descent For those gamers who prefer an old-school shooter, this one's for you. Cold Iron Studios takes us into a dark world of Xenomorphs and terror. "Dark Descent" is set aboard an abandoned space station, where you'll use your wits and weapons to survive hordes of aliens, who are determined to end your life. Sea Of Stars The Game Baker’s newest offering promises to mix classic combat with modern visuals to deliver an epic journey through the cosmos. In "Sea of Stars" , you’ll encounter enemies and allies as you battle your way through to the truth and explore the universe. With its vibrant look, deep story and explosive combat, you definitely won’t want to miss it! Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League In this action shooter from Rocksteady Studios, you can join the DC Comic-verse and assemble your own team of supervillains as you fight through Metropolis to take down the Justice League! Featuring an extensive campaign, co-op multiplayer mode, and a range of customization options, "Kill The Justice League" is destined to be a hit with all DC fans. Conclusion If the offerings we have listed above are anything to go by, 2023 really is set to be an incredible year for gamers. With titles from major studios and independent developers alike arriving across genres, there's going to be something for everyone this year. #MileyDowing #WhatAreTheBestDigitalGamesWeCanExpectIn2023 #videogames #articles #perspectives #USA #History

Written by: Patrick Luzano, Escapely // Guest Writer Sometimes the best adventures happen right from your couch. Whether planning a cozy date night, a Friday hangout with your roommate, or a virtual challenge with your best friend, virtual escape rooms have become a clever way to play, laugh, and connect without leaving home. A virtual escape room transports the excitement of a physical escape room to your screen, complete with puzzles, secret clues, and storylines that develop as you solve each one. With versions that don't require massive teams, these titles can also be ideal for couples. Game providers like Escapely make it simple to enter theme worlds for any mood—whether action-packed mysteries or slapstick comedies. Below, we'll walk through how to pick the right setup and some of the best virtual escape room themes designed just for two players. What to Look for in a Two-Player Virtual Escape Room Before picking a theme, understanding what makes a great escape room for two is important. A solid Virtual Escape Room experience should: Match your team size. Too many simultaneous puzzles can make two players feel overwhelmed. Offer a clear story arc. Smaller groups shine when there's a cohesive narrative you can follow together. Have smooth tech and minimal setup. Look for browser-based options with built-in hosts or moderators to guide you through. Last about 45 to 60 minutes. That's long enough to feel immersive without dragging on. Some sites even offer personalizing, like selecting storylines or composing clues tailored to your relationship. For example, you can reserve a Custom Escape Room scenario where the puzzle is designed according to your vacation spots, jokes, or passions. It's all about discovering a theme that fits your mutual vibe, whether it's mysterious, romantic, or good ol' goofy. Romantic Themes for Couples Virtual escape rooms can make date night unforgettable. Instead of dinner and a movie, you're teaming up to solve clues, beat the clock, and share a few laughs. Couples love the sense of collaboration because it's not just about winning; it's about communicating, trusting, and celebrating small victories together. Date-Night Deluxe For a more thrilling experience, try a story in which you are two players on a collaborative quest—imagine spies on a clandestine mission or adventurers searching for lost riches. The tale is suspenseful, but it is also totally loaded with team fun. You'll have to think fast and work together to advance, but the game's design allows you both to shine. Close the lights, grab some of your favorite treats, and make it a home run night. Memory Lane Mode Certain games allow you to add personal memories to play. With customizable features, you can add questions only you and your partner would know, such as "where we met" or "the greatest trip ever taken." This makes a game feel intensely personal and significant. Surprise-Twist Adventures Other couples like to have some suspense. Perhaps your virtual getaway is initially romance- based but ultimately travels in the direction of suspense. You never know what will unfold next, holding both in suspense from beginning to end. If you appreciate pre-organized activities for two, Virtual Escape Room for Couples sessions are made for you. The organized sessions are all about teamwork, wit, and bonding—all while providing that great "we did it!" sensation at the end. Remember: most romantic sessions rely on good ambiance. Dedicate time, prepare your favorite drinks, and have fun in the comfort of your home. Suspense and Thrilling Themes for Two Players If you'd like to test your teamwork against pressure, choose an adrenaline-filled theme. Suspense themes are perfect for couples or friends who love mystery, crime, or sci-fi stories. Murder Mystery Duo Classic and always exciting, the murder mystery theme has you solve mysteries as detectives in an online whodunit. You'll collect clues, question suspects, and solve puzzles to reveal the murderer before time runs out. It requires two players, and good teamwork is crucial. One can decipher clues while the other deciphers hidden messages. Haunted House Escape A haunted-themed virtual escape room combines horror and lighthearted terror . You and your teammate wake up inside a spooky mansion, with creepy trinkets and cryptic memos staring you back in the face. Every challenge takes you closer to the house secret. It's scary enough to get hearts racing, but still playful enough for a chill Friday night. Heist or Spy Mission Prefer action more than horror? Play a spy or heist game where you'll crack an imaginary safe or turn off an imaginary bomb. The suspense, timing, and coordination are tight since one wrong step means you must improvise. No matter the story, it's best to choose small-group sessions so you're not juggling too many tasks. Platforms like Escapely offer games designed specifically for two—to four-person teams , balancing challenge with accessibility. Use headphones, keep your mic clear, and switch roles mid-game so both players stay equally involved. When you're finished, debrief together—what was the toughest clue? Where in the experience had you and your best friend laughing or freaking out? Retelling the story afterwards keeps the laughter flowing. Lighthearted and Fun Themes for Roommates or Best Friends Sometimes you want to have a chill night and a good laugh. For roommates, best friends, or siblings, the perfect escape room sometimes isn't so serious - it's about creation and connection. Cartoon Adventure Imagine being transported into a world of cartoons where physics warp and clues are ridiculously absurd. You could shrink to the size of a mouse to flee from a kitchen or leap between comic-page panels. Time-Travel Comedy These themes play with pop culture, nostalgia, and absurd scenarios. Maybe you've fallen into a malfunctioning time machine and need to fix it by answering trivia from the 1990s—or maybe you're bouncing between eras trying to restore the timeline. The puzzles are more wordplay-driven and less logic-heavy, perfect for relaxed teamwork. Work-From-Home Gone Wrong A popular pick for young professionals: you're trapped in a digital office meltdown, trying to rescue your files and escape a never-ending Zoom meeting. It's a tongue-in-cheek nod to modern life and remote work burnout, perfect for a Friday night laugh. Couples ideally play these since the atmosphere remains casual, the puzzle-solving is achievable, and they can replay sections if needed. Some Virtual Escape Room websites also accommodate different group sizes without charging per head, making them cost-effective and cozy. Pour snacks, create a group playlist, and toast each time the puzzle gets solved. It's not a matter of winning—it's smiles and togetherness. How to Choose the Right Theme and Platform Your mood and the number of players should determine your theme and platform. Begin by simply asking yourself: What's our vibe tonight? Romantic, thrilling, or funny? How much time do we have? Most sessions last 45–60 minutes. Do we want story depth or light puzzles? Choose accordingly. Is the setup easy? Avoid downloads or complicated tech checks. Look for sites that clearly post difficulty levels and the number of players. Escapely simplifies things, as games are designated by length, team size, and topic, so you can easily scan and look for what suits you. Get ready ahead of time for an optimal experience: Choose a quiet spot with stable Wi-Fi. Test your audio and video before starting. Use one shared screen and a notepad for notes. A bit of practice makes all the difference in keeping the mood light rather than frustrating. Most sites charge by team, not per person, so two-player sessions are reasonably priced. An Escape Room Example: One Night, One Puzzle, Lots of Laughs Imagine this: Ben and Sarah were looking for something new for an evening out. They discovered a Paris-themed puzzle via Virtual Escape Room for Couples and decided to try it. ]They flipped off the lights, ordered in, and began the challenge—two star-crossed lovers working their way to each other before a countdown in the virtual window expired at zero. It wasn't all plain sailing, though, as one puzzle left them struggling for ten minutes. But when they finally solved it, the team high-five was well worth the wait. In another example, Jake and Lauren attempted a "Work-From-Home" escape, giggling through coffee spills and unnecessary meeting puzzles. Both couples ended their games with huge smiles and promised to book another round soon. The takeaway? These experiences turn a simple night into an unforgettable story when chosen thoughtfully. Conclusion Whether you're a couple looking for a cozy challenge, best friends chasing a laugh, or roommates wanting a digital adventure, virtual escape rooms turn teamwork into entertainment. Theme sessions can help people connect, work together, and create memories anywhere. Online platforms like Escapely provide everything from pre-set games to completely Custom Escape Room designs for that night in. So grab a favorite drink, choose a theme, and unlock clues together. You may find that the best escape is the one you enjoy without ever leaving your house. #PatrickLuzano #TheBestVirtualEscapeRoomThemesforTwoPlayerTeams #virtualgames #articles #perspectives

LOCATION: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Photo above is property of Escape60 Photos above are property of Escape60 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Party Planning Committee 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 2, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Comedy, Family 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl) : 4/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 4-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $39.95/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Guess who’s back from Jamaica just in time for the holidays? It’s your favorite boss! After missing last year’s Christmas party, the office is sparing no expense to welcome him back. The decorations are up, the snacks are ready, and there’s just a few last minute things to wrap up. Can we finish first before Pam dashes off to the airport to grab him (That’s what she said…)? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE For any fans of the TV show, " The Office ", there are so many references and easter eggs for your enjoyment with many key props all around such as the reception desk and Pam’s painting. All the puzzles were signposted well that we had no issues knowing what puzzles belonged to what lock. There was a playful ending that wrapped things up and gave us a solid conclusion. There were a few puzzles that required dialing a phone number and listening to the response. They did a great job ensuring the audio could be heard all around the room. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The room feels a little worn and had some lockboxes that felt unnecessarily large that it took away from the immersion. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? As fans of the show, " The Office ", we had a blast in this escape room. There were so many clever nods to the show everywhere from the look to the subtle references through the puzzles. There was plenty of searching which kept all of us busy from start to finish. The puzzles were well paced and flowed making some satisfying solves. With our group of four it felt about right with the space size and ensuring no one was left out. This would be a great room for escape room beginners or someone who was looking for an excuse to say “Bears, Beets, Battlestar Galactica” in the middle of an escape room. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking This room is located in their basement Located with a licensed lounge where you can order drinks and hangout Photos above are property of Escape60 (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #FRIENDS #Comedy #Family #Escape60 #Canada #Alberta

Updated as of October 18, 2025 Checking off the bucket list of countries that we've heard so many great things about, we are excited to continue to travel the world and meet new people! This year, we are super excited to travel to Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Germany, France, China, USA and more! Please email us if you are: - Enthusiasts that are in the area or might be also playing the same games on our tour. We love to say hi! - An owner that would like us to visit your location if it's on the route of this tour (if time permits). - Have suggestions of other locations and escape rooms that we should add to this list (if time permits). ASIA Tour  - December 15, 2025-January 6, 2026 TOKYO, JAPAN - December 20, 2025 "Escape from the NINE ROOMS"  -  Real Escape Game by SCRAP  (Tokyo, Japan) "Escape from the Underwater Puzzle Challenge"  -  Real Escape Game by SCRAP  (Tokyo, Japan) "Escape from the Blue Room"  -  Real Escape Game by SCRAP  (Tokyo, Japan) "Escape from the Witch's House in the Woods"  -  Tokyo Mystery Circus (SCRAP)  (Tokyo, Japan) SINGAPORE - December 22, 2025 "T/B/A"  -  Immers Play  (Singapore) "T/B/A"  -  Grounded Escape Room  (Singapore) "T/B/A"  -  Escapee World  (Singapore) "T/B/A"  -  LOST Singapore  (Singapore) "T/B/A"  -  Trapped Singapore  (Singapore) TEXAS, USA Tour  - October 29-November 1, 2025 October 29, 2025 "The Forgotten Feature"  -  Break Free Escape Room  (Webster, TX, USA) "The Dolls Escape"  -  Break Free Escape Room  (Webster, TX, USA) "Wizard's Tale"  -  Escape Again Rooms  (Sugar Land, TX, USA) "Outlaw's Hideout"  -  Escape Again Rooms  (Sugar Land, TX, USA) "William's Hike"  -  Escape Again Rooms  (Sugar Land, TX, USA) October 30, 2025 "Lost in Time" - Escape IT Houston  (Houston, TX, USA) "Meow Wolf Houston"  -  Meow Wolf Houston  (Houston, TX, USA) "Slime Bomb Mission"  -  Beat The Bomb  (Houston, TX, USA) "The Endings"  -  Strange Bird Immersive  (Houston, TX, USA) October 31, 2025 "Enola Holmes" - Escape In Time  (Woodlands, TX, USA) "Squid Game Time" - Escape In Time  (Woodlands, TX, USA) "The Cabin" - Escape In Time  (Spring, TX, USA) "Death Diary" - Escape In Time  (Spring, TX, USA) "Chainsaw Massacre"  -  PanIQ Room Houston  (Houston, TX, USA) "Cowboys vs Zombies"  -  PanIQ Room Houston  (Houston, TX, USA) "Aurora"  -  Locktopia Escape Room  (Houston, TX, USA) "Endurance"  -  Locktopia Escape Room  (Houston, TX, USA) TAMPA, FLORIDA Tour  - July 1, 2025 July 1, 2025 "The Caretaker"  -  America's Escape Game  (Tampa, FL, USA) "The Shack"  -  America's Escape Game  (Tampa, FL, USA) "School of Magic: The Four Secret Keepers"  -  GAME OVER (Tampa West)  (Tampa, FL, USA) "Chocolate Factory"  -  GAME OVER (Tampa West)  (Tampa, FL, USA) "Toymaker"  -  GAME OVER (Tampa West)  (Tampa, FL, USA) "20,000 Leagues"  -  GAME OVER (Tampa West)  (Tampa, FL, USA) EUROPE Tour  - May 21-June 3, 2025 LONDON, UK - May 21, 2025 "Sherlock: The Official Live Game"  -  Sherlock Escape Rooms  (London, United Kingdom) "Escape from The Golden Hinde"  -  Escape In Time! (Secret Studio)  (London, United Kingdom) "The Emerald Phantom"  -  Escape In Time! (Secret Studio)  (London, United Kingdom) AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - May 24, 2025 "Arcade Invasion"  -  Questomatica Amsterdam  (Amsterdam, Netherlands) OSLO, NORWAY - May 26, 2025 "Sinking Blücher"  -  Perfect Escape  (Oslo, Norway) "Virus Lab" - The Escape Games (Oslo, Norway) COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - May 28, 2025 "Da Vinci"  -  Escape Room by Midgaard Event  (Copenhagen, Denmark) "Downfall - Spy Mission"  -  Escape Room by Midgaard Event  (Copenhagen, Denmark) AARHUS, DENMARK - May 29, 2025 "USS Tritron"  -  Escapist Klostergade  (Aarhus, Denmark) READING, UK - June 3, 2025 "The Reading Witch"  -  Deadlocked Escape Rooms  (Reading, United Kingdom) CHENGDU, CHINA Tour  - April 30, 2025 April 30, 2025 "Treasure Quest"  - Adventure Tour (Chengdu, China) ORLANDO, FLORIDA Tour  - February 15-16, 2025 February 15, 2025 "Area 51"  -  The Escape Ventures  (Winter Garden, FL, USA) "Dragon Challenge: A Hero's Choice"  -  The Escape Ventures  (Winter Garden, FL, USA) "Dream"  -  Escape Artists Orlando  (Orlando, FL, USA) "Ninja"  -  Escape Artists Orlando  (Orlando, FL, USA) "Baldwin Manor"  -  Escape Artists Orlando  (Orlando, FL, USA) "Neighborhood Watcher"  -  The Escape Ventures  (Orlando, FL, USA) "Operation Arctic Storm: The Final Meltdown"  -  The Escape Ventures  (Orlando, FL, USA) February 16, 2025 "Jewel Thief"  -  Edge Escape Room  (Kissimmee, FL, USA) "The Society of Adventurers and Explorers"  -  Edge Escape Room  (Kissimmee, FL, USA) "Mountain Top Murders"  -  The Great Escape Room (Orlando)  (Orlando, FL, USA) "Smoke & Mirrors"  -  Think Escape Games  (Kissimmee, FL, USA) "Two Can Keep a Secret"  -  Think Escape Games  (Kissimmee, FL, USA) "Haunted House"  -  Escapology Escape Rooms Orlando  (Orlando, FL, USA) "Possession at Haddon Heights"  -  The Bureau Adventure Games  (Orlando, FL, USA) "UFO: Go for Launch!"  -  The Bureau Adventure Games  (Orlando, FL, USA) #escaperoomtours #2025 #escaperooms #schedule #events #escapetheroomers #inpersonescaperooms