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Most of the time our trips revolve around escape rooms. Believe it or not we still try to squeeze out time to explore what else these beautiful locations have to offer. Weather you want to plan an escape room tour or a just a vacation, we hope the information is resourceful. This is our first ETR travel guide and we like to take you to no other than the remarkable country of Iceland. Our journey started in the second largest city in Iceland - Akureyri - Population: 18,295 (2019) - Currency: Icelandic króna . Credit cards are widely used. - Language: Icelandic. English widely used. - Most common transportation: Taxi (BSO), City Buses (Free), Ferries, Car rental Because we arrived from a cruise, we only had 6 hours at this destination. With the generous offer from our friend Kristiina (local escape room owner - Escape Akureyri ), we were able to visit these regional favorites: - Sushi Corner – This place is walking distance from the cruise port and right in the middle of town center. Who doesn’t love ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI and it’s on a turning table? – The fish were really fresh especially the salmon! They also have a section where you can purchase sushi to go but the price is similar to the all you can eat so it might be worth it to just eat there. - SS Pylsur – A popular stand for Icelandic hot dogs. There are many different flavors you can chose from ranging from around $2USD - $5USD. We just chose the basic one as we had just finished ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI. The flavor was a quite different than the US hot dogs as they are made mostly from Icelandic lamb with a bit of pork and beef. - Kaffi Ku (update 12/12/2024: unforunately this location has closed) – If you have a car, you should visit this location. The coffee was amazing, and the most exciting part is that this café is located on cow farm. We’ve never seen happier cows! They even have a massage machine. The entire farm is automated from poop scooper to feeding. The cows also know when it’s time to get milked by the machines and they will voluntarily go when it’s their time. - Christmas House – I wish I can be in Iceland every Christmas as they have 12 Days of Christmas celebration and you get 12 gifts! If you love Christmas as much as I do, this is a must visit destination. The two floor Christmas house was filled with so many different types of Christmas decorations and the saltwater taffy selection is out of this world! Before you leave, don’t forget to stop at the souvenir shop for lots of organic, homemade surprises. If you do intend to stay in Akureyri for a few day, here are some must dos in and near the area: - Skiing at Hlíðarfjall - Hrísey Islands - Lake Mývatn & Grjótagjá cave & Hot Springs - A must visit if you are a Game of Throne fan as this is where Jon Snow and Ygritte in “Kissed by Fire”, the fifth episode in the Season 3. - Ásbyrgi Canyon - Horseback Riding - Akureyri Church - Dettifoss Waterfall - Bjórböðin (“Beer Bath”) Spa - Goðafoss Waterfall - Grímsey Islands - Arctic Botanical Gardens - Whale Watching (Best months: April – October with peak season between June – August) - Laufás Turf Homes - Northern Lights (Best months: mid-April – mid August) Our second stop was at the capital city of Iceland, Reykjavik - Population: 128,793 (2019) - Currency: Icelandic Icelandic króna. Credit cards are widely used. - Language: Icelandic. English widely used. - Most common transportation: Buses (strætó) & Taxi. Bus tickets can be paid with cash, ticket, day-pass, bus-card, or the app. It takes about 30-40-minute walk from the cruise terminal to city center, but buses were quite easy to catch from the port as well. You will have to walk outside of the port area to catch the bus. We had about a day and a half at Reykjavík and here were the things we were able to do other than visiting Reykjavík Escape : - Harpa Theater – Concert hall and conference center. It’s free to enter. The geometric shaped glass panels create beautiful colors and it’s a great photo spot. There’s also free Wi-Fi inside the hall. - Hlemmur Mathöll (Food Hall) – Awesome choices of different cuisines and plenty of seating area. We had some amazing fusion meat selection at Kröst and after that a latte at Micro Roast Te & Kaffi is a must! - Laugavegur – This is Reykjavík’s main street which is full of boutiques, restaurants and bars. You should be able to walk through the entire length in about 20-30 minutes. - Blue Lagoon – Don’t know how else to describe it other than “Heave on Earth”. This was an incredible experience. There are different packages you can purchase which can include transportation if you don’t have a car. Reservation is strongly advised in advance as it can be very full. You are only able to enter during the time slot you’ve purchased. Check out their website and see which package suits you. Our package included complimentary “silicon mask” and a drink. If you do intend to stay in Reykjavík for a few day, here are some must dos in and near the area: - Northern Lights (Best months: mid-April – mid August) - Try local delicacies: boil sheep’s head, fermented shark, etc.… - The Golden Circle - The Sun Voyager - Reykjavík’s swimming pools - Videy Island - Tjörnin - The Saga Museum - Hallgrimskirkja Church - National Museum of Iceland - Mount Esjan I hope this guide and our YouTube video was useful to helping you plan your next Iceland trip. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions! Subscribe to our channel for more exciting content to come! #CiciCao #Articles #Guides #iceland #icelandtravelguide #travelguide #placestovisitiniceland #topplacestovisitiniceland #top10 #travel #escaperoomsiniceland #escaping #vacation #plans #icelanditinerary #akureyri #Reykjavík #gameofthrones #bluelagoon #escapetheroomers

LOCATION: Katwijk aan Zee, Netherlands Photo above is property of Escape Room Katwijk Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Pray 📅 DATE PLAYED : November 7, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Thriller 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl (Ages 18+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 80 Mins. 💰 PRICE : €189.95/ 2 ppl ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Upon the tragic murder of a beloved family member, you head to the funeral home “The Last Honor” to say goodbye. You expect to be greeted by funeral director J. Green to guide you through this difficult process… 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Escape Room Katwijk does an excellent job of crafting a very spooky game without lots of dramatic jump scares, gore, or scream soundtracks. The fear lies more in what might or could happen. In part, this feeling is created through the highly atmospheric and expansive environment. This is some impressive work! Each space is well-crafted and distinct, with additional use of smells and other effects. (While we appreciated this, be aware if you have any sensitivities.) We enjoyed the multitude of challenging puzzles in this game, with one particular standout favorite! You'll need your keen observational skills, communication, and a bit of logic to make your way through. At times the gameplay is more linear, but at others there will be multiple things for different players to work on simultaneously. If you do get stuck, lighting cues manage to give subtle hints as they draw your attention. Amongst the moments of high tension and drama, there are periods of relative calm during narrative moments, allowing you to more easily pay attention and follow the unfolding story. There is also downtime provided to focus on the rewarding puzzles. We appreciate that Escape Room Katwijk are up front about the use of actors during the game, who we felt added emotional depth to the experience. However, they also make it very clear that the game can be played without an actor if requested, which is fantastic for anyone for whom the interactions may be problematic or worrisome. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK During a mild chase scene, Dave hit his head HARD. Padding and lighting in these kinds of spaces (particularly when being navigated under those circumstances) would go a long way to help ensure player safety without taking away from the experience. One puzzle in particular was made difficult not by understanding how it worked but by needing to visually distinguish two very similar items at a distance in dim lighting. It would be an easy fix to make the pieces more distinct or to bring them into closer visual range, thereby reducing the frustration of an otherwise enjoyable puzzle mechanism. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Pray does an excellent job of balancing the experiential, dramatic aspects with engaging puzzling components. This combination makes for a thoroughly engrossing game, even as someone who is not much of a horror fan. While you will need at least one member of your party who is a bit brave, it has broader playability than the kind of extreme horror games found elsewhere (and Escape Room Katwijk classifies it as a thriller, not horror). It's easy to recommend for a broad swath of (reasonably agile, adult) players, just be sure to pay close attention to your surroundings to keep yourself safe. Prepare yourself for a dark, cinematic, puzzling adventure, and pray it won't be your last… ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO There is free parking, and bathrooms are available through an alternate entrance to the left. How to enter the game vs. the bathrooms is clearly depicted in your pre-game instructions. However, be aware that your GPS may not guide you correctly to the entrance; by looking more closely at Google maps, we were able to surmise the correct path to reach it. Once you enter the game area itself, there is a bench and coat rack for your things, as well as a smaller locked box for any valuables. As with many games in the Netherlands, players should be prepared for steep stairs and crawling; it is not wheelchair-accessible or recommended for those who are pregnant. Photos above are property of Escape Room Katwijk (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 Katwijk 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. #KristaJones #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #EscapeRoomKatwijk #Thriller #Netherlands

Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Geography: Port Elizabeth is a city on Algoa Bay in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province Population: Approx. 1-1.5 million People (there's a lot of migration so it's difficult to calculate the exact numbers) Currency: South African Rand (ZAR); Currency Converter Cruise Port: Google Map Location Tender Port: No Best Time to Visit: December to February We visited Port Elizabeth, Africa on our Norwegian Cruise Line (Dawn) on February 16, 2024. We had about 10 hours at this port. Majority of the population speaks Xhosa. Auto and tire are their main businesses here. This port also has great spots for whale/dolphin watching and diving (Have you heard of Sardine Run ?). And if these events are not exciting enough to get your adrenaline pumping then you must be looking for Shark Cage Diving . Port Elizabeth is a working port but you are able to walk out of the port area on your own. Our cruise also provided a shuttle service from the port to city center ($10 each way). Although we did see people walking on their own, it felt safer taking the shuttle. Because we booked too late, we were unable to find a tour that we could book on our own. Instead we opted to take a 8 hour guided tour (arranged by our ship) to Kariega Game Reserve. If you end up at this port, we strongly suggest taking a tour to see Addo Elephant National Park . We heard great things about this tour from our fellow cruisers and this couple even went twice (although I felt like our excursion was equally amazing)! Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers The drive to Kariega Game Reserve was about 2 hours so technically we only have about 4 hours at the location. This reserve situates on 11,500 hectares and is malaria-free. If you have your own car and plan to do the Garden Route drive, you should definitely add this game reserve as a stop. When we arrived, we were greeted with welcome drinks (water & juice). One thing to note is that the lobby only has one bathroom for each gender. My advise would be to use the restroom first before doing anything else. There's also no restrooms during the 2 hour game drive (although our tour guide did find a "spot in the nature" for us that he said was "safe" to use). Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Our bus had about 50 people and they had enough jeeps (around 10 ppl in a jeep) to separate us into smaller groups. The driver is also our tour guide. Once everyone got into a jeep, the drivers all went in different directions in order to spot more animals. The climate changes in the terrains here wasn't as bad as Botlierskop Private Game Reserve but if you need a blanket the tour guide will be able to provide one to you. Moreover, these jeeps don't have a top cover so you'll get sunburned very easily. Bring LOTS of sunblock and water to stay hydrated. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers We did find that it was much harder to find animals in this reserve as there were a lot of places they were able to hide. But when we stumbled on a tower of giraffes right in front of our eye, every bit of that sunburn was worth it! Our tour guide Nick was also amazing at spotting some other animals for us as well... Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers We ended the tour with a delicious buffet lunch that was included in the tour price. This is the first time I've tried ostrich meat. It's a bit mushy. I have to say, I think I still prefer chicken or beef. Overall, a once in a life time experience! if I had more time during my next visit in Port Elizabeth, I love to give the rest of these activities below a try! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers If you have extra time in Mossel Bay, here are some other suggestions for tour: Schotia Game Reserve Addo Elephant Park All-Inclusive Day Safari from Port Elizabeth Port Elizabeth Adventure: Tuk-Tuk, Penguins, & Cape Recife Full-Day Garden Route Safari from Port Elizabeth Port Elizabeth Walking City Tour On your own: Sardinia Bay Beach Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve SANCCOB Pengiun Rescue Feel Free to reach out to us with any questions! #CiciCao #Travel #Guide #Tips #Explore #PortElizabeth #SouthAfrica #Africa #Norwegiancruiselines #ncl #cruise

LOCATION: Groenlo, Netherlands Photo above is property of Escaperoom Groenlo Photo above is property of Escaperoom Groenlo 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : 1627 📅 DATE PLAYED : November 5, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Historical 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 3-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : €120/ 3 ppl, €130/ 4 ppl, €140/ 5 ppl, €150/ 6 ppl ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Back in the early 17th century, the Dutch city of Groenlo was occupied by a Spanish invading army as part of the 80 Years’ War. As Groenlo had long been viewed as a stronghold of great strategic importance, the Dutch amassed 20,000 soldiers outside the walls of the city, led by Prince Frederik Hendrik. By completely encircling the city, they could cut off any outside aid and begin their siege. You and your friends are currently inside the city walls, under the rule of the Spanish invaders. You have overheard news of a Spanish plot to murder Frederik, which would damage the morale of the liberation army. You are told of a secret tunnel that leads outside the city walls…can you find the tunnel and get out of the city in time to warn Prince Hendrik, saving him and the city? Video above is property of Escape Room Groenlo 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The intro video is entertaining and does a fabulous job of setting the scene, using footage taken during the biennial reenactments of the Battle of Grolle. A lot of time and thought were put into it, and it’s one that we’ll remember. While the accuracy of the murder plot is hard to ascertain, the rest of the story is completely true and a point of great pride for Groenlo. As such, this room provides a most entertaining history lesson on the local area and a key turning point in the 80 Years’ War. The decor (and virtually all puzzle components) are hand built and machined with great skill and care. The rustic nature of the room itself is historically appropriate (and also belies the difficulty of the puzzles you'll encounter). The puzzles shine in this game. They’re often challenging and unconventional, with a dash of humor! While there is a bit of modern tech hidden in the walls, most of the magic is done via cleverly designed mechanisms that will bring out your playful side, generating highly satisfying moments of disbelief and excitement. This is a room that builds momentum as you progress - the experience becomes more engrossing and challenging, the puzzles more perplexing (while remaining logical), and the payoffs more rewarding as each success builds upon the last. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Nothing in the actual room fits here… it is a room that does everything well and has no real weakness. While this game is absolutely fully playable in English, Escape Room Groenlo is still working to translate some additional aspects. Such components include the intro email (which Google Translate interpreted best when German was selected) and a large number of pre-recorded, in-character hints currently available in Dutch and German. However, your fluent GM can still easily provide hints in English themselves if needed. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? As we were planning our Netherlands escape room tour, we weren't sure about going all the way to Groenlo for one room - there are many amazing rooms in the country, and only so much time. Fortunately, we decided to go, and found ourselves in one of the truly great rooms we've ever done. It may not have some of the more dramatic immersive elements found in some of the country’s other top rooms, but it absolutely delivers a top-notch experience for puzzle-lovers while impressing with its mechanics and authentic surrounds. It is challenging, so perhaps not a good room for first timers, but if you've had some experience and are looking for a refreshing challenge that will remind you of the excitement you felt 'the first time', you must make your way to Groenlo. Hints are available as needed, but this is a room that looks to test your mettle - the stakes of the real Battle of Grolle were high, and you'll need to keep your wits about you to save the Prince. And even if you don't finish in time, the owner thoughtfully takes the time to show you what you missed, ensuring that everyone will get to experience all the confounding contraptions and beautifully built mechanisms that make this unforgettable experience well worth the trip! 🔎 HINT Think outside the box, but also investigate it thoroughly. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO This room is tucked away in the city of Groenlo, with free parking available a few minutes' walk away. Having recently moved, some of the entry areas were still under construction when we visited, and the entrance was down a small alley. (Plenty of info is provided in the pre-game email.) They have bathrooms in the reception area as well as drinks for sale, and plenty of space to store your things. To play, there are steep stairs and someone will need to crawl, so mobility is important. 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 Escaperoom Groenlo for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #DaveBristol #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #EscaperoomGroenlo #Historical #Groenlo #Netherlands

LOCATION: Emmeloord, Netherlands Photo above is property of Emmelocked Escape Room Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Water of Life 📅 DATE PLAYED : November 4, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Fantasy 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : €95/ 2 ppl, €105/ 3 ppl, €115/ 4 ppl, €127.50/ 5 ppl, €132,50/ 6 ppl ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY The magical realm of Emlia is under dire threat from the Fire People. The Water People's great protector has disappeared, and the local water has been poisoned. If you cannot reverse this tragedy before the blood moon rises in 60 minutes, this land and its people will be doomed forever. Can you traverse the land and decontaminate the water in time? Video above is property of Emmelocked Escape Room 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE As fantasy nerds, we were all about the imaginative lore and world that was created for Water of Life! The intro is creatively and effectively delivered to prime you for your quest. The world of Emlia is a beautiful one to be in. We appreciated many of the details and scale of their construction, which are evident from the moment you enter the building. Elements such as the decor outside the entrance and the fetching cloaks you can wear are small extras that ramp up the immersion and anticipation. The joy of playing in such a lovely environment certainly contributed to this very charming experience. We enjoyed many of the varied puzzles in this game, with several fresh ideas and nice hands-on elements. There is a fair bit of searching, which invites you to explore the environment without being excessive or frustrating. Overall, the challenges are on the easier side but still entertaining and feature several communication puzzles to keep you honing your teamwork. Emmelocked focuses primarily on delivering hints and nudges in more subtle but effective ways to draw players' attention, such as sound and lighting cues, along with a few other types of hidden in-game hints that can be activated as needed. We always love when this can be done in such a way that players don't even realize they've been assisted. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There were a couple of puzzles that didn't feel like part of the same world, which pulled us out of the immersion. This included one element near the finale that merged the room's creative storyline with a well-known bit of a different story. This felt out of place, and we would have loved to instead have something more in keeping with its own fresh lore. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? We were happy we made the trip out to Emmeloord for this delightful game. Its fairy tale environment delivered lots of joy and "ooh"s and was simply a joy to traverse. Between that and the accessible puzzles with suitable hints, Water for Life would be a great room for families or newbies. However, its whimsical nature has a lot to offer players at any level and makes a refreshing change from the many excellent but darker-themed rooms so common in the Netherlands. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO There is plenty of free parking, as well as bathrooms, drinks, and a cabinet for your things. Be sure to take some time to appreciate the fanciful decor outside of the building itself and the thematic lobby, both of which enhance the world-building from the moment of arrival. 🔎 HINT Consider using a traditional object in a modern fashion.… 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 Emmelocked Escape Room for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #KristaJones #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Emmelocked #Fantasy #Emmeloord #Netherlands

Photo above is property of INSCAPE Company: Stonehenge's Legacy - Puzzle Box Game: Furnace Country: Germany 🇩🇪 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Game 📬 Genre: Medieval Date Played: December 1, 2024 Difficulty (based on 2 players): 6/10 Size of Team: 1-4 ppl (Ages 14+) Time: Unlimited (Approximately 90-150 Mins.) Price: $70.00 USD 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 For centuries, there have been those who believe that King Arthur somehow still lives, hidden away in Avalon, waiting for the right time to return and rule Britain, and maintaining his mystical connection to Stonehenge throughout. You’ve never been one of those people, but recently there’s been a strange energy that's been coming from the great monument! Scientists have yet to discover what it means, so you’ve been invited as a puzzle-solving expert (naturally). When you arrive, you’re overwhelmed by sensations and called to a secret panel, where you find a mysterious box. “Release me, and the treasures of the ancients will be yours!” Sounds like a good idea, right? Now, can you just figure out how to get this thing open? Video above is property of INSCAPE 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ " Stonehenge’s Legacy " looks pretty slick! The packaging seems high quality, as does the booklet. The puzzle box itself differs from others we’ve played in having printed color images covering the exterior. We appreciated the extra visual interest this provided, without it becoming overly cluttered. All the pieces feel quite robust, and the one time we thought things were a bit janky, it was because we hadn't quite figured out what we needed to do yet. Everything fits well with the Camelot and Stonehenge theming. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 The overall style of game play here is similar to that of other puzzle boxes we've played. There is an initial story presented via the booklet. In this case, there is a clearly indicated “start” to draw your attention to what to try to do first. You'll proceed to figure out how to satisfyingly open various compartments, until you finally reach the last and innermost one. There is a nice build up as you play, with some of the coolest and most visually compelling moments towards the end. At that point, you’ll be directed to a website to hear the conclusion of the story, along with some extra bits of intrigue… Depending on your eyesight and finger size, a flashlight, magnifying glass, and tweezers may come in handy. (We didn't use tweezers, but there were a couple places they could have been useful.) The game can be easily reset once completed for others to enjoy! Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 By our count, there are 10 steps to solve the puzzle box. All of the challenges are language-agnostic, as only symbols are used (aside from the word “START”), making this an accessible game to non-English speakers as well (though they might miss out on the story bits). We found the game to have nice flow; once you completed a puzzle, you generally knew what to tackle next. There are both more mechanical puzzles to open compartments and determination of codes for combination locks. There's an online, tiered hint system for help along the way, as needed. And, if you complete all of their boxes, there will be a metapuzzle you can tackle! As we played a prototype, there were still a couple of minor kinks, such as an assembly error and some online components not yet fully built out. However, these will be sorted by the time of full production. There were also two puzzles with a bit of ambiguity in interpretation that could be tightened up a bit. Overall, though, we found the challenges to be diverse and entertaining. Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 " Stonehenge's Legacy " would make a fabulous delivery system for a small gift or note (4x4x5cm; ~1.5x1.5x2in), but comes with the added benefit that you get to play it yourself first! (I mean, that's the only way you can hide their gift, right?) It's a bit more approachable than some of the IDventure boxes, seems well-constructed, and has a lot of visual appeal. The experience provides plenty of satisfying physical manipulations, discoveries along the way, and culminates in a few final moments that bring both table presence and a bit of unexpected whimsy. Treat yourself, you and a partner, or gift it to your know-it-all friend who has everything! Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank INSCAPE 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 #PuzzleByMail #INSCAPE #Medieval #PuzzleBox #Germany

LOCATION : Amsterdam, Netherlands Photo above is property of Mystery City Games 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Operation 45: An Adventure in Diamonds 📅 DATE PLAYED : November 1, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Detective, History 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 4/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : Unlimited (Recommended 1-4 ppl) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : Approximately 2 Hrs. 💰 PRICE : €25/ pp (adult), €15/ pp (child) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY It's 1945, and WWII has just come to an end. Five years prior, the Dutch Resistance had partnered with local diamond workers to hide a massive cache of diamonds, in hopes of keeping them from falling into the Nazis' hands. Now that the war is over, the Resistance is seeking your assistance to search for and hopefully recover the stash - provided it hasn't already been raided and stolen by the Nazis during the occupation. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE As with all of Mystery City's games, Operation 45 is based on a true story. This one is of great historical importance, and we felt that it was treated with the proper respect it deserved. The story is straight forward, coherent, and ultimately uplifting. We appreciated that they recommended a particular extra stop that movingly added more context and gave the opportunity for a bit more reflection on the gravity of these events. It felt like a true historic walking tour compared to Last Night in the Red Light, leaving us feeling more well-educated and in touch with our surroundings than before we began. This game is fully self-contained, without any need for phones, Internet, or any outside knowledge. Everything you need is in your backpack or in the environment around you. Keep your eyes peeled for details large and small! We very much appreciated the quality of the materials provided. We had the satisfaction of opening real locks and engaging with what appear to be aged and reasonably historically accurate items. There is also a more tangible, physical puzzle. They manage to pack a lot in a backpack that remains quite lightweight and easy to carry. The puzzles themselves are not as complex as those you would find in a typical escape room, but they were well thought out and the subject matter was intrinsically tied into their design. Searching large landmarks factored in (providing some A-ha moments of discovery), and attention to the details of the smaller items in the backpack was also necessary. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK This game unfolds in a sequential fashion, so larger groups will all be working on the same puzzle set before moving to the next location. Fortunately, there are multiple components to each puzzle that can be shared among such a group. The on-boarding was somewhat perfunctory, and the ending seemed to suggest some sort of token would be earned beyond a simple congrats but we didn’t receive one…and thus it was a bit anticlimactic. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Although the subject matter is not as lighthearted as most escape rooms, we very much appreciated the exploration of the Jewish Quarter (and what we learned along the way) that comes with Operation 45. We would recommend maintaining a respectful attitude while working through the mission - while being sure to celebrate your successes as you go! The puzzles are designed in such a way that they are approachable to a wide range of participants, while still being enjoyable for more seasoned veterans. As it is a multi-stage event, you have the opportunity to take breaks for food and drink if need be, just make sure to be back to Mystery City before dark. There is even an extra map with other points of interest that aren't part of the mission itself, but that you might want to visit during your walk. Anybody interested in learning more about the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam, viewing some famous landmarks, and having some satisfying solves along the way will find this to be well worth their while. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Mystery City has games in a number of cities around the world; this one begins and ends at their office in Amsterdam, where you will receive a backpack with boxes and a booklet. Then you'll be off on your adventure - be prepared for a good amount of walking and to be outside the whole time. Your last location is fairly close to the office, so it makes a nice loop. Keep your eyes out opposite the office for a local celebrity - Nimis, the famous "police cat". (Each of their local games takes you through somewhat different areas of the city.) Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this experience, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Mystery City Games for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #DaveBristol #PuzzleHunts #IRLPuzzleHunt #ScavengerHunt #Detective #MysteryCityGames #Amsterdam #Netherlands

LOCATION: Zürich, Switzerland Photo above is property of Hidden Games Zurich Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The National Bank 📅 DATE PLAYED : November 3, 2024 🎬 GENRE: Heist 🧠 DI FFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 6.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-7 ppl 🕒 LENGT H OF T IME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : 30 CHF/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes [44:57] 📖 THE STORY Switzerland is caught in the ruthless grip of the Great Depression. Yet, within the Swiss National Bank lies something worth risking it all for. With skill and precision, your crew of expert burglars has breached its heavy security, slipping quietly into the bank director’s office. But just as you’re about to crack open the vault, one of your team turns on you. In a swift betrayal, you’re overpowered, chained, and left behind. Now, you must not only free yourself but unravel the mystery behind this treachery. If you’re quick enough, you might even escape with the gold. The clock is ticking - within 60 minutes, the guard will be back on his rounds, and you’ll need to be long gone. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE One of the most intriguing twists in The National Bank is the time-based challenge. Unlike almost every other escape room, where you get the full game time upfront, here you start with only 30 minutes on the clock. To earn the remaining 30 minutes, you have to solve a specific puzzle first. Although most teams will likely secure the extra time before the initial countdown ends, this mechanic adds a layer of suspense and urgency that we loved. The opening puzzle was the second most impressive element to the game. We found ourselves separated, and that each of us had to play our own part in order for us to escape our cuffs and begin the hunt for the remaining gold. After this, the puzzles become more independent, but the cooperative kickoff was a strong beginning. The puzzle variety is excellent, covering a broad range of tasks that kept us moving through the space, using different props and found information in interesting ways. This is something I often appreciate in older, less tech-heavy rooms, as many newer "prebuilt" rooms rely too heavily on simple "find and place" mechanics, which can feel repetitive. Here, each puzzle felt purposeful and engaging, making the experience much more rewarding. The level of difficulty of this room was well balanced. We encountered several quick puzzles that kept the momentum up, but there were also a few that challenged us to slow down and think things through. This variation made for a satisfying mix of easy wins and tougher hurdles. The room design was adequate for the setting, representing a bank office well enough to convey the theme. While it’s clear the room was built with a budget, the thematic layout of the office was effective overall. Some elements, like the vault door, could have used higher-quality materials, but it didn’t detract too much from the overall experience. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The décor and props felt a bit underwhelming, especially compared to today’s more immersive, highly detailed escape rooms. The room lacks any special effects or extra touches that might have elevated the excitement and immersion, which would make it more memorable. While the premise of a team betrayal sounds interesting, it wasn’t fully developed in the game. The story could have benefitted from some twists or unexpected moments to reinforce the plot and make the betrayal feel more impactful. We didn’t get much insight into why we were betrayed or how we ended up handcuffed, which made the narrative feel thin. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This room is a step up in complexity compared to The Secret Hideout, however, still one which is going to be most suitable to beginner or less experienced groups. I think that teams who have played a lot of games might be underwhelmed by the look of game, although it definitely has some worthwhile puzzles, which even after 700 escape rooms, I still found rewarding to complete. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Parking is available on site. The escape room is found within a bowling alley. The bowling, is however, owned by another company that follows different opening hours. During our first game the bowling was not yet open, nor was the restaurant. So, snacks and drinks may not always be available during your visit, if the bowling is closed. The escape room company do not have any food or drink for sale. There is a dedicated seating area for people attending the escape room. Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure :   We thank Hidden Games Zurich  for providing a media discount on the tickets for this game. Although discounted admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #RyanDriver #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #HiddenGames #Heist #Zurich #Switzerland

LOCATION: King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA Photo above is property of Expedition Escape! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Blind Tiger Speakeasy 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 31, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Speakeasy 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-12 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $39.00 - $58.00/ pp (depending on # of ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY It's 1923, and your mob boss has been jealously observing Maxie Malone's success selling his incredible booze at "The Blind Tiger". While Maxie and his crew are out celebrating for an hour, you've been tasked with finding his hidden stash (so your boss can reverse engineer the recipe). But you'd better hurry! If you can't find the contraband and get out in time, you'll be swimming with the fishes one way or another. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE This room starts off strong with a great intro video. It isn't particularly flashy, but the acting is excellent and does a fabulous job setting the scene. We didn't wanna cross that guy… This room was very cleanly designed, and everything worked smoothly. While there are a few traditional locks, there are also plenty of fun, interactive tech solves. The puzzles are solidly on theme and smoothly integrated into the decor. Perhaps our favorite component were the multiple cooperative puzzles, requiring teamwork and cooperation across different areas. A great team-building game! Expedition Escape! uses lighting to great effect, to both subtly and not-so-subtly draw your attention to various items or demonstrate progress through a puzzle. Withholding some of these cues could increase difficulty for one puzzle in particular for more experienced players, but overall this was an impressive use of the medium. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK While there's nothing wrong with the practice, it could be a bummer if you showed up only to realize you've played something very similar before. So be aware that they have made some customizations, but the same base game can be found elsewhere (e.g., Escaparium in Montreal). There is one element that could be more clearly distinguished from a similar one in the room. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " The Blind Tiger Speakeasy " delivers smooth gameplay that is suitable for less experienced groups or team-building ventures but still has some fun challenges for those with more rooms under their belt (though it is likely to be on the shorter side for enthusiasts). While there is no specific stand-out element, it does everything it does really well for a high quality experience that will keep you engaged and have the time flying by. We're glad we didn't have to stay in Philly with cement boots but thrilled we had the chance to swing by and channel our inner mobsters. Additional Info Expedition Escape! has plenty of free parking and is also just a few minutes walk from the closest bus stop. The lobby provides seating while you wait and has merch and some games for sale. Two bathrooms are available and there are areas available to leave 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 E xpedition Escape! for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #davebristol #IRLescaperoom  #EscapeRooms #ExpeditionEscape #speakeasy #Pennsylvania #USA

LOCATION: Zürich, Switzerland Photo above is property of Escape City Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Houdini 📅 DATE PLAYED : November 3, 2024 🎬 GENRE: Mystery, Thriller 🧠 DI FFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 8/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGT H OF T IME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : 99-210 CHF ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes [49:00] 📖 THE STORY Step into the shoes of the legendary escape artist Harry Houdini! You and your team find yourselves chained, with water rising around you. But don’t panic—the spirit of Houdini is within you. Trust your logic, expertise, and teamwork to pull off the impossible: escape! 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The biggest win for this room has to be its theming. We loved how every puzzle related to some kind of trick or illusion, many of which I am sure Houdini performed himself. There were definitely lots of “oh cool” moments as we completed a challenge that resulted in something ‘magical’ happening. Talking of puzzles, many were team based, either by design or because collaboration was encouraged to solve the problem before you. Even when you start the game, you are all separated and have to solve different tasks either independently or jointly in order for everyone to free themselves. This set the tone for what would continue to be a very dynamic experience where prop interaction would be a key game element. The room’s décor, while minimalistic, reinforces the Houdini theme effectively. Classic Houdini posters cover the walls, and the props are iconic, from water tanks and sword boxes to cages, making for an immersive environment. Each prop not only looks the part but also plays a role in the puzzles, so the setting never feels just decorative. The room’s dark, muted aesthetic added a fittingly eerie, almost sinister vibe. Unlike many magic-themed rooms that lean toward bright, colorful designs, this room’s subdued tones amplified the suspense and mystery. The finale delivered a thrilling rush, with one of the most dramatic endings we’ve experienced in a long time. It capped off the game memorably and left a lasting impression on all of us. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK We found the general room design to be polarizing, because as cool as all the big chunky props and pieces of furniture were, they also made the room feel sterile and ‘cold’. There were no ‘soft’ furnishings or detailed touches to make the space feel less mass produced, which is a common complaint for these types of prefabricated escape rooms. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " Houdini " ranks as our third favorite room at Escape City, and we’d recommend it for players of all experience levels. The game offers some enjoyable special effects and challenging puzzles that will engage even seasoned teams. Magic and illusion fans, in particular, will appreciate the tasks that bring Houdini’s spirit to life. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Parking is available on site. Parking is available around the escape room. The escape room is about a 10–15-minute walk from the train station, which is only one stop away from Zurich’s main station. There is a lobby area with comfortable seating and both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages for sale. Photos above are property of Escape City (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 City  for providing a media discount on the tickets for this game. Although discounted admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #RyanDriver #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #EscapeCity #Mystery #Thriller #Zurich #Switzerland

LOCATION: Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA Photo above is property of HomeTown Escapes Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Wizard's Academy 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 25, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Magic, Wizards 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $25.00/ pp (Min. 2 ppl) (Children ages 7 and under are free) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY The Dark Wizard has stolen the Elder Wand, and Stumbledore has challenged him to a duel. In the meantime, Malifoy has hidden the wand somewhere in the school before going to watch the battle. You must first find the four wands of the four houses of the school, and use their collective power to free the Elder Wand before Malifoy can use it for evil! 🎯    HIT THE BULLSEYE You’ll find your wizarding dreams coming true with the fun Harry Potter(esque) theming. You get to partake in a variety of magical interactions and there are even some dress-up opportunities (for up to 4 players). Tech has been well-integrated into some key areas of the experience. We expect this to an extent with a magic-themed room, but there was also one new implementation we haven’t seen before. Play flows smoothly between different areas of the game. While we realize some people prefer the opposite, we’re always fans of getting to revisit prior sections and integrating various components. There’s a nice variety of challenges - from searching to a minor agility test to jigsaws and anagramming. There will be something for everyone. While not one of the more elaborate sets we’ve played, the game has several really notable props and bits of set dressing that really add to the ambience. Hometown definitely looks to have groups succeed (particularly groups of kids), and they have a mechanism for those that are struggling to earn some extra time. Ensuring players have fun is their paramount goal! 🧩   MISSED THE MARK One logic puzzle appeared to have two possible correct configurations. While it was not a major time suck to try both, it would be ideal if there were sufficient info provided to lead to a single possible answer. It was not always clear which combo goes to which lock; thankfully, there are limited options of each type so, again, not a huge deal. However, it would be a bit cleaner if there was some obvious link between them. There are a few minor red herrings, where we thought we might need a given piece of info but it turned out to be more scene-setting. Just be aware that there is quite a bit of supporting material (which we appreciated!), but you may not use EVERYTHING you encounter. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? As a bit of a Potterhead, I thoroughly enjoyed diving into this somewhat-similar-but-totally-not-copyright-infringing world. Wizard’s Academy is a fabulous room for younger or less experienced players, with lots of experiential components in addition to the puzzling and plenty of parallel projects to keep everybody busy. Yet, it holds enough magic to keep light-hearted enthusiasts like ourselves entertained. So don your cloaks, grab your brooms, and be prepared to be spellbound. ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking spots available in front. There is a small lobby, as well as an additional waiting area with seating. There are bathrooms, free lockers, and a water cooler available. They also have a small meeting room that can be rented out for birthday parties or other events. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, an interview with the owner, the room(s) (no puzzle spoilers) and more: Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure :   We thank HomeTown Escapes  for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #KristaJones #IRLEscapeRoom #EscapeRooms #HomeTownEscapes #Magic #SouthCarolina #USA

Photo above is property of Arcane Wonders Company: Arcane Wonders Game: Furnace Country: USA 🇺🇸 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Game (Board Game) 📬 Genre: Economic Engine Builder, Auction Date Played: September 14, 2024 Difficulty (based on 4 players): 6/10 Size of Team: 1 to 4 ppl Time: Unlimited (Approximately 40-60 Mins.) Price: $40.00 USD 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 " Furnace " is a fast-paced engine-building board game set during the Industrial Revolution, where players become 19th-century capitalists competing to amass wealth and build powerful industrial empires. Each player bids on factories and resources in an auction-style mechanic, using strategic foresight to acquire assets that enhance their production engines. The key lies in optimizing your engine by converting raw materials into refined goods and profits over four rounds. With streamlined gameplay and tactical decision-making, Furnace challenges players to balance risk and reward, outmaneuver rivals in auctions, and maximize efficiency to become the richest industrial magnate by the game's end. 🆃🅷🅴 🅲🅾🅼🅿🅾🅽🅴🅽🆃🆂 From the moment you pick up the box, it's clear that this game is relatively light on components. However, the quality is undeniable. The chunky wooden auction tokens and beautifully illustrated cards exude craftsmanship, perfectly capturing the spirit of the 19th century. What stands out most is the artwork’s attention to detail. Each card is double-sided, with one side showing a factory in its initial state and the other displaying its upgraded version. The visual progression is subtle yet striking, with the addition of buildings, coal carts, or chimney stacks illustrating the facility's growth. You might also interpret the increasing smog, cloud cover, and darkened skies as a nod to the environmental toll of the Industrial Revolution, highlighting both the progress and the damage it left behind. So, what’s inside the box? Four sets of differently colored Capital disks, numbered from one to four. Plus, one neutral colored disk, for us with a specific Capitalist card. Three types of wooden resources, coal, iron, oil An assortment of money and upgrade tokens Three decks of cards; Company cards, Capitalist cards, and unique Start-up cards A round counter, first player token, and single die for us in 2-player games Overall, we really liked all the components, in addition to the excellent above-mentioned artwork, the resource tokens are individually shaped and colored, making them easy to identify, and the money comes in six denominations. Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 " Furnace " is a game of two halves; the Auction Phase and the Production Phase, which are played over four short rounds. At the beginning of each round players will pit themselves against one another in a creative twist to more traditional auctions, because here everyone has something to gain… win or lose. The auction works with players, in turn order, placing one of their numbered disks on to one of the displayed Company cards that have been laid on the table (the number varying as per the player count), following two rules: There can’t be two disks belonging to the same player on the same card There can’t be two disks of the same value on the same card Players continue placing their remaining disks, one at a time, until there are none left to place. Players then proceed to resolving the now concluded auction. Each card in the auction is resolved one at a time, starting with the left-most card. This is an important point to note, as resources gained from one card can be used when resolving later cards from the auction. The player with the highest disk receives the card and places it in front of themself. Any other player who had a losing disk on the card will receive the Compensation which is listed at the top of the card – The winning player does not receive this reward! If a card has no disks on it, then it is simply discarded from the game. Once all cards are removed, players take back their Capital disks and proceed to the Production phase. The Production phase is where players get to resolve their Company cards, one by one. This is where the engine building comes in to play; one card might give you some coal, the next card might turn that coal into oil, and the following card might then allow you to sell that oil for cash. It is important to know that whilst you can activate the cards in any order, once they have been activated, they must be resolved fully and can only be actioned once per round. All Company cards are double sided with the Upgraded side offering an additional effect. If a card has been upgraded before its basic effect gets resolved then it can use both the basic and additional effects once activated. However, if the basic effect was already used, then it must wait until the next round before the additional effect can be utilized. Since the Production phase offers no player interaction, it is possible for players to all work through their cards simultaneously; this will save time, but requires a certain level of trust and competence. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅴🅽🅳 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🆂🅲🅾🆁🅸🅽🅶 The player with the most money at the end of the four rounds wins. If there is a tie, the player with the most cards wins. If there is still a tie, the player with the most resources wins. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 The two distinct phases that " Furnace " has, offers contrasting yet equally strategic gameplay. Both demand careful planning to maximize returns, but it was unanimously agreed that the Auction phase is the standout. Interestingly, the goal isn’t always to win every card; sometimes, losing an auction can yield even better rewards. In my last game, the player with the fewest Company cards ended up winning comfortably, thanks to consistently receiving excellent Compensation during the auctions. The auction’s open format, allowing any disk value to be placed on any card (with only two key placement rules), ensures uncertainty until the final disk is placed—unless you play a '4', of course. Even a low-value disk like a '1' could secure a card if other players bypass it, adding to the intrigue. The Production phase may not appeal to everyone. Sitting quietly, rearranging cards to figure out the most efficient activation order can feel a bit slow and dry. However, I personally enjoy this type of productivity puzzle. Unlike other engine-building games, *Furnace* is streamlined and straightforward, with limited options that prevent it from becoming an overwhelming brain burner. Plus, since new cards are added gradually, you have time to adjust your engine bit by bit, ensuring it never feels too daunting. Initially, the iconography felt overwhelming, but once I read through the well-written and illustrated rulebook, everything became intuitive. Credit must be given to the clarity of the rulebook—after a single read, we were able to dive into the game without confusion or lingering questions. I often hesitate to use an AI or dummy player in games when there aren't enough human players. However, since player interaction is mostly confined to the Auction phase, we decided to try it, and I’m glad we did. The dummy player, controlled by a die to select Company cards, works brilliantly. The unpredictability of the die roll adds tension and occasional frustration, keeping the auction phase exciting. For added stakes and replayability, we always include the variable player powers, the Capitalist cards distributed at the start. These inject an extra layer of unpredictability and strategy into the auction, making it even more engaging. Overall, Furnace delivers a fast-paced experience that’s quick and easy to teach. The Auction phase is lively and suspenseful, while the streamlined Production phase gives you time to plan for future auctions. With only four rounds, the game ends before it overstays its welcome, though I often find myself wishing for a fifth or sixth round, just as my engine is really starting to churn out profits. (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 #EconomicEngineBuilder #USA #ArcaneWonders

LOCATION : Yokohama, Japan Photo above is property of Dark escapE Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Escape from the Dungeon 📅 DATE PLAYED : August 19, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Thriller 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-5 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : 3,200 ¥ / pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You (Gavin) are a police officer who is trying to catch a serial killer, Jeff who murdered your daughter. Unfortunately, he was released due to the lack of evidence. You, as an undercover, are intentionally captured by Jeff to look for the proof of his crime in his hideout. By cooperating with another officer, Nathan who remotely supports your revenge, can you find the evidence of what Jeff has done and escape from his hideout? Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE I was greatly immersed in this thrilling escape game. The two characters, Jeff and Nathan, who partially appeared in several scenes, helped create some realness in the game. I liked how the space was utilized. Even though the entire room was not that big, the room was divided into smaller rooms. I felt as if it was like a maze or a dungeon. All puzzles were related to the theme well. Many of them were physical and situational puzzles to escape from the place. The use of the device to contact Nathan was clever. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Although there are many good elements in the game, some tiny things were missed. For example, one part of a puzzle was not written in English. Our game master, who was friendly and helpful, forgot to put a handcuff on us in the beginning. Even though these are tiny things, they may confuse players. Hopefully, they will not happen again while others play. It would be nice if there is another way to let players know the remaining time rather than a game-master telling it via a transceiver so that players can be fully immersed in the game. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? “ Escape the Dungeon ” was an exciting prison-escape-themed escape room. Although there are many prison escape games, the presence of the characters in this game enhanced the immersive feeling. This game is perfect for a fun night out with friends and family. If you are looking for a thrill and excitement in an escape room, why don’t you visit the hideout of this serial killer? Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Dark escapE is located near Chinatown in Yokohama. Many shops and restaurants are in this area. Located in the basement (elevator available) Lobby area with some seating available Lockers available TRANSPORTATION (to Dark escapE) 8-10 min walk from Ishikawacho station of JR Keihin Tohoku/Negishi Line 8-10min walk from Motomachi/Chinatown station or Nippon Odori station of Minatomirai Line TRANSPORTATION (to Yokohama) It takes about 20 min from Tokyo Station to Yokohama Station by JR Tokaido honsen(Ueno/Tokyo Line). 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 Dark escapE for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #ChikakoOmura #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #DarkescapE #Thriller #Yokohama #Japan

LOCATION: St. Charles, Illinois, USA Photo above is property of iPanic Escape Room (St. Charles) Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Witching Hour 📅 DATE PLAYED : May 31, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Witches 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $66.00 (2 ppl) - $264.00 (8 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Your friend has been taken by the witch, and you have just one hour to infiltrate her house and rescue your friend before the witch comes back! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Upon entering the room, we were immediately struck by the eerie lighting illuminating the creepy cabin. Should we even venture inside? However, an even more ominous "shadow" lurked in the darkness, watching our every move. It seemed entering was the better choice here. The witch's cabin was adorned with a variety of strange and peculiar items one would associate with the lair of an evil sorceress. While this room lacked live actors and jump scares, the eerie ambiance alone was enough to send shivers down our spines. One of the initial puzzles presented a unique twist on a familiar puzzle type (We just wished the clues were a bit larger for better visibility). Several puzzle-solving moments in the room had a "magical" unveiling sensation that left us pondering whether the room was truly enchanted. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Some puzzles required visualization, whether for clues in very high areas or very small details that were hard to see. Due to the dim lighting, confirming the solution was challenging. GMs were provided with pre-typed clues, and there were instances where we found it difficult to ask for hints tailored to our specific needs. It would be beneficial if they could provide hints more flexibly, as otherwise, they would have to directly give us the solution. The conclusion in this room felt somewhat less impactful compared to the other games we've experienced here, lacking the same grand finale with special effects. Additionally, we didn't feel a sense of closure in completing the storyline. However, we faced a slight problem with one of the props towards the end, causing uncertainty about experiencing the complete ending. Nonetheless, our GM confirmed that we did indeed witness the full ending. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Witch-themed escape rooms have a unique allure that draws in enthusiasts seeking a blend of eerie ambiance and mystical intrigue. The fusion of dark magic and supernatural elements creates an immersive experience that transports participants into a realm of fantasy and mystery. In the case of "The Witching Hour," the attention to detail in set design undoubtedly set the stage for an atmospheric adventure. However, the true essence of an escape room lies in the narrative that unfolds and the intricacy of the puzzles presented. While the ambiance of "The Witching Hour" may have captivated with its sinister charm, the storyline and puzzle design are crucial components that can elevate the overall experience to new heights. Despite the room's shortcomings, the allure of the witch-themed setting undoubtedly succeeded in transporting participants away from reality for a brief but thrilling hour. With a more robust storyline and thoughtfully designed puzzles, "The Witching Hour" could have the potential to truly enchant and captivate players, immersing them in a world where magic and mystery reign supreme. Photo above is property of iPanic Escape Room (St. Charles) ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking in front Lobby with waiting area & lockers available Merchandise for sale WARNING: This room has a few startles and may scare you throughout 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 iPanic Escape Room for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #iPanicEscapeRoom #Witches #Illinois #USA

LOCATION: Huntington, West Virginia, USA Photo above is property of The LOST Escape Room Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Shine 📅 DATE PLAYED : June 3, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Western 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 6.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : Up to 8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $26.00/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY It's time to retrieve your family's renowned Moonshine and secret patent that your thieving neighbors have taken. Break into their home while they are away in town, but be cautious not to get caught to avoid escalating the conflict in the neighborhood. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE So, picture this: you're on a mission to swipe your family's top-secret Moonshine recipe back from your neighbor's house. As you sneak into their backyard, you can't help but notice how everything looks oddly familiar - the fences, the grass, even the booze crates and bottles strewn around. It's like a scene straight out of a fun heist movie! And then, that "duh" moment hits you like a ton of bricks when you figure out how to "break into" the house... Once inside, things seem pretty normal at first glance, but lo and behold, there are some unexpected surprises lurking in the shadows. Oh, and let's not forget about that mind-boggling puzzle we stumbled upon later - the activation was really cool. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Enhancing the connection between the puzzles to reveal the storyline further would be a great add-on. The GM could inject more creativity (especially considering the fun theme) into incorporating hints within the game. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This escape room experience is designed to be particularly engaging for novice players looking to dip their toes into the world of escape games. The initial setting outside a private yard, complete with intimidating "no trespassing" and "beware of dog" signs, sets the tone for an exciting adventure to come. The unconventional puzzles found throughout the game offer a distinct element, ensuring to engage new players and also test experienced escape room enthusiasts to avoid overanalyzing. As players navigate through the various puzzles, they are encouraged to think creatively and work together to unravel the mysteries within the game. Just remember, don't snooze when there's booze or else you'll lose... ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Metered parking in back and on the street and a 4 story parking garage across the street Lobby with seating Merchandise for sale Food court on site 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 LOST Escape Room for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #TheLOSTEscapeRoom #Western #WestVirginia #USA