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LOCATION : Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Photo above is property of Way of Escape Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Bugsy's Nightmare 📅 DATE PLAYED : November 17, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Crime 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 5.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $43.00/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You've been undercover inside Bugsy's gang for years now. Today, is the day for you to finally take him down! You must sneak into his office and find the ledger that contains all the evidence to put him in jail forever. But you must hurry, he'll be back in 60 minutes... Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE There was a unique way the designer used a prop for a directional puzzle that we haven't seen used much elsewhere. A couple of places where we discovered clues felt like a location where mobsters would hide their secrets. A final puzzle in the latter part of the game was a fun "discovery". It also required teamwork which was a nice way to end the game. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The name of the game made us feel like it was going to be an eerie/horror game. Perhaps changing it to a more relatable mobster theme would clear the confusion for players. Some props and clues needed updating. There was one clue that we could barely see. Perhaps adding in a blacklight might help. One of the clues in a puzzle was difficult to visualize. Placing it on a larger object might help. The puzzles didn't really have a connection with a clear storyline. There were times when we would discover a clue but unsure why we solved it and where to place the solution. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This is a basic Gen-1 room (in terms of tech) with some interesting twists to some standard escape room puzzles. With an added storyline, the puzzles should flow quite seamlessly. If you like sleuthing then this is the type of detective game for you. This location has a few new rooms that are undergoing renovations right now. I'm curious to see what Way of Escape would bring to the table in the future! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Beverages and snacks are available for purchase in the lobby. Free Parking lot right outside of the facility. Lobby with seating available. Party room available. Axe-throwing available. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Way of Escape 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 #WayofEscape #Crime #USA #Nevada

Photo above is property of Smoking Revolver Games Company: Smoking Revolver Games Game: The Ferryman Country: Sweden 🇸🇪 Language: English & Swedish Type of Game: Digital Escape Game 💻 Genre: Mystery, Detective Date Played: March 26, 2024 Difficulty (based on 1 player): 4/10 Size of Team: Unlimited (Can be solved alone. Recommended for ages 14+) Time: Unlimited (Suggested 60-90 mins.) Price: 4,90$ 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 On the luxury ship SS Royal Line, things take a drastic turn away from the trivia and slots games when a Swedish gentleman by the name of Johan Dahlberg is found brutally murdered. Known quite well amongst the crew and a powerful businessman, you realize that you need to solve the case quickly as the police can only hold the passengers on the ship for so long. While pondering, you cannot help but think of the most famous ferryman, Charon, and wonder if this tale may help you navigate your path forward too…if you can pay the price… Video above is property of Smoking Revolver Games 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 The game arrives as two separate pdfs. One contains the story and clues while the other has the answer key (and all the spoilers) so be careful about not opening the answer key until you are absolutely ready. Much like a lot of detective games, your job is to pour over the evidence, interviews, and logs to build a chain of events and cross examine suspects with the time of death. You want to make sure you read the introduction first and then you can dive into the rest. I ended up going in order of the page prints and that worked well but with a group of friends you can easily divide and conquer! One thing to note is that any evidence referenced in the interviews will proceed after that interview so I do recommend keeping those together. There is one hint/clue provided for this story that you can check out but I found the clue was a bit vague. Once you figure out the killer you can access to answer key and earn points based on how many clues you noticed when solving the case, which I thought was a neat addition. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 There are not so many puzzles in this story but rather it is a deduction game. It requires a careful eye to observe things you may not consider. I found this game came down to pattern recognition and general awareness. There was one clue revealed in the evidence that I felt broke the immersion of the story as it has the detective already notice something but then tasks you in parentheses to figure out why the detective noticed, which was odd. This is a circumstantial based case in some regards so generally if you have a gut feeling, run with it. Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 “ The Ferryman ” is an easy and fast detective game that I recommend for a casual group wanting something to dive into while hanging out. I felt it is quite affordable and gives you a curious story to draw you in. Definitely something for detective fiction players to keep an eye out for! (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 Smoking Revolver Games  for providing us with a sample of the game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #JillianRaymond #AtHomeGames #DigitalGames #SmokingRevolverGames #Mystery #Detective #Sweden

LOCATION: San Diego, California, USA Photo above is property of Steal and Escape 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Lost Expedition 📅 DATE PLAYED : April 20, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Historical, Archaeological 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 4-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $40.00/ pp (Min. 4 ppl required) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY 200 years ago, a group of archaeologists were exploring a dig site. Their party had begun to uncover the remains of an ancient society, but then vanished without a trace and the location of the ruins was lost…until recently, when a new group stumbled upon the site and renewed the excavation. Unfortunately, they just lost contact with their sponsors as well. It is now up to you and your team to make sure the third time's the charm. Hopefully, you can find the clues the other groups left behind, piece them together, and eventually uncover the secrets of this lost civilization before your fuel runs out and you're plunged into eternal darkness! 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Puzzles in this room are interactive, and some have multiple components that require your group to collaborate, rewarding you for your teamwork. The well thought out decor and ambience spans eras, as is appropriate for a dig site where work is separated by a couple of centuries. Much of the decor is reclaimed or otherwise reused materials. It's clear that a lot of thought and effort went into the design and build phase. Roles are assigned (with associated working props!) to each group member, helping encourage the idea that 'everyone gets their time to shine!' It has a unique timing mechanism appropriate for the experience, whereby you have until you run out of fuel. This unusual approach allows you to make choices that impact the amount of time you have to complete the mission. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The nature of the roles and the way the room unfolds can lead to at least one person with little to do for some of the time, and it's possible to end up being assigned to a task you find unfulfilling. Some of the text displayed during the course of the game was small and poorly placed, making it harder to read than it needed to be. The game is built such that there are a few different endings; ours was somewhat anticlimactic, but we are unsure of how others would have played out. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This room is a good time, especially for a smaller group of people who are observant and willing to experiment with their environment. It utilizes tech in a wide variety of ways while keeping it unobtrusive, enhancing the experience while keeping the illusion that - although it is set in the modern world - you are working on an ancient site and using some intel left by people two centuries ago. Bring your spirit of adventure and communication skills with you and you'll have an unforgettable time! ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Steal and Escape puts a lot of thought into the storyline of their rooms, as well as the build process. They use reclaimed, authentic materials whenever possible for a fabulously realistic, immersive experience that transports you into the adventure you're having. There is ample free parking out front. Inside, the waiting area has lockers, a bathroom, and a fun mix of puzzles - including a ten minute puzzle box specially designed to introduce neophytes to the world of escape room puzzles. 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 Steal and Escape for offering us a media discount for our tickets to this game. Although a media discount was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #DaveBristol #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #StealandEscape #Historical #Archaeological #California #USA

LOCATION: New York City, New York, USA Photo above is property of PanIQ Room NYC Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Guardian of Gotham 📅 DATE PLAYED : May 20, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi, Superhero 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $69.95/ pp (2 ppl), $49.95 (3-4 ppl), $44.95 (5-7 ppl), $39.95 (8-10 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY In July 2132, martial law hits Manhattan as villains run amok through the city. PanIQ Laboratories, a company excelling in high tech innovations experiences a break-in linked to a mysterious figure who calls themselves “Dr. Time”. Tasked with infiltrating her hideout, you must break in and steal back the stolen technology before she gets even stronger. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The room contained mostly tech puzzles with no combination locks. This added to the theme of the room and was a way to add some clever twists to the puzzles. The set design of the room felt futuristic and it could have belonged to a vigilante. The props and videos throughout the game was also of top quality. There were some clever puzzles with satisfying eureka moments as well as some puzzles that were large enough that many people could work on them together. The large monitor in the room was a key item in the room that was used a lot and allowed everyone to gather around to solve. The final, non-linear set of puzzles shined in that it had a mix of everything as well as let everyone in our group have their chance to solve a satisfying puzzle. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There was an audio puzzle that we had issues hearing and the recording seemed muffed. They were able to provide us with the transcript to the audio when we asked for a hint and at the time, they said they were re-recording the audio for clarity. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " Guardian of Gotham " was a futuristically designed room which created a lot of immersion to the game. The puzzles mixed from linear to non-linear which allowed everyone to participate and stay engaged. The top-quality props, intro and outro video, tech of the room and small details made for a satisfying and fantastic experience. We played with 3 people and were able to see and participate in everything. This room could have fit up to 8 comfortably though. Any sci-fi fans, tech lovers or fans of word play puzzles would really enjoy this room. ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Walking distance from Herald Square and the Empire State Building Lobby with seating area Located on the 4th floor, elevator available Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank PanIQ Room NYC (formerly Clue Chase) for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #IRLEscapeRoom #EscapeRoom #PanIQRoom #SciFi #Superhero #NYC #USA

LOCATION: Los Angeles, California,USA Photo above is property of Hatch Escapes Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Nest 📅 DATE PLAYED : April 28, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Introspective, Immersive Theater 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 1 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 1 (1-2 recommended; 14+ allowed with an adult) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $51.25-150/person (based on # of players and peak vs. off-peak booking times) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You’ve won the bid on an unclaimed storage unit, and have come to get the keys and see what all treasures you may have just purchased… 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The set is excellently presented - starting as a more realistic but a bit absurdly narrow, overpacked storage unit, and later branching into some more dreamlike facets. You should be prepared for small spaces, and some bending/crawling by at least one of you. Despite the sheer volume of stuff, they do a nice job of delineating which components are more set dressing vs. those that you should be sure to investigate. Storytelling takes center stage in " The Nest ", primarily by means of cassette tapes that you find an play throughout the different areas (recorded since childhood by the previous owner of the storage unit). The voice acting is well done, and you have the space to really focus on the content of each tape. As her story develops, you are taken on quite the emotional journey. I appreciated the way in which the ending is open to interpretation, allowing you to view it in your own way. The puzzles here are generally quite light, but worked smoothly for me. There was one unique task I got to complete as part of one that had the potential to go wrong (though they have a backup option in place), but was satisfying and something I’d not done in a room before! At the end of the experience, you’re given a small moment to reflect on it and leave behind some thoughts of your own. This was an excellent opportunity to take a breath and do some initial processing before emerging back into reality, and it was also a lovely way to contribute to a sense of community with other players of the past and future. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK I was not fully prepared for the weight of some of the subjects touched upon, and these could make the room a very difficult experience for some. However, Hatch Escapes do a nice job of providing some more details on the topics on the website, if you check out the FAQs. So, this isn’t really a criticism of the game, so much as a heads up to players to be aware and consider if you want to look into those details before going. While the experience is slated for up to 4 people, it feels like that would be too many - due both to some of the small spaces involved and to the emotional weight of the experience. It was a perfect one to do alone, but also could have been wonderful with Dave. Just be sure that you’re very close to (and emotionally open with) the other person if you go as a pair. It would have been nice to have shared the experience and be able to talk through and process a bit more after the fact. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? I’ve never had an experience quite like " The Nest "; while I wouldn’t use words like “fun” to describe it, it’s a beautiful, unique, and moving one that is well worth having as an adult. Though it does contain puzzles, at its heart it’s more of an immersive storytelling experience, and a very poignant one at that. There are some difficult subjects, so consider checking their site for more details if you like to be more aware of any potential triggers. While they have the means to check in and help move you along if needed, there’s no strict timer, and this is definitely a game to savor. I’ll admit we don’t always stop to fully hear narratives in some rooms, but - here - the narrative is the root of the experience. Whether you go solo or with a loved one, give yourself permission to sink into the narrative and some downtime afterwards to process ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Be sure to allow sufficient time to find nearby street parking. While I felt totally comfortable on arrival, I did feel slightly nervous as a woman walking alone back to my car after dark in the area, as there were not a lot of people around. Hatch Escapes has a very comfortable waiting area, bathrooms available, free wi-fi, and games, books, and t-shirts for sale. Photos above are property of Hatch Escapes (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 Hatch Escapes for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #KristaJones #ImmersiveExperiences #HatchEscapes #Introspective #ImmersiveTheatre #California #USA

Photo above is property of The Deadbolt Mystery Society Company: The Deadbolt Mystery Society Game: Ashes to Ashes Country: USA 🇺🇸 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Game 📬 Genre: Detective Date Played: April 1, 2024 Difficulty (based on 3 players): 6.5/10 Size of Team: Unlimited (Recommended 2 ppl) Time: Unlimited (Recommended 2.5 Hrs) Price: $25.89 USD 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 A murder in a funeral parlor, well that's ironic, and also convenient too. From farm to table, funeral parlor to coffin box. But who would want to kill Bernard Sparks, funeral director of Eternal Slumber funeral parlor, a man who brought comfort and comedy to those grieving. There are no leads, except the breadcrumbs of clues Bernard left, leading us to slowly uncover the snaking mystery in his copious trove of personal effects and business documents. A bullet to the head is no accident, but you still don't have a suspect. Canvas the area, see whose story doesn't add up, and use the funeral preparations that Bernard had wisely and suspiciously created for himself, to find the killer, and awaken the mystery of the Eternal Slumber funeral parlor. 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ As always the Deadbolt games have consistently high production value, and this box may even top their usual standard. They did a great job with the funeral aesthetic, incorporating it into the flavor images and puzzle design. It all adds to the magic and to the immersion when playing the game. Most of all I think with this box they've done a great job of incorporating tactile objects. They know, as we know, it's a lot more fun to root through the dead man's wallet than it is to simply be given a stack of his possessions. There's also a secret box with secret items that will keep you saying: “when do I get to open this!”. 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 The thing I love about this box in particular is how it incorporated narrative style puzzles in a big way. The beginning is perfect. You have to work through the remains of the victim and then compare this information with the testimony of the suspects to determine who is lying and potentially covering their tracks. There's something about narrative puzzles, the free form of induction and deduction, collecting all the details, identifying from out of this mass what is and is not essential, comparing it up to the suspect statements to identify the contradiction. It could very well be that that little insignificant thing is the key to it all, and the eureka moments of connecting that little bit of information and making it blossom in a revealing investigating moment. The narrative puzzling continues as we try to search the victim's personal effects for the information that will allow us to crack the personal passcodes that gate our access to what will prove quite the intriguing behind the scenes shenanigans going on. And of course it wouldn't be right if you didn't have a couple classic puzzles thrown in the mix, what comes to mind is reading the will and its instructions and how perfectly it is incorporated as a vehicle for progressing through the puzzles. The story is pretty twisty too, and will leave you guessing, and perhaps moralizing, to the end. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 Deadbolt is wise enough to realize that every box may be a person's first, so they tend to start each box with a smaller initial phase to showcase the theme and style of the puzzling, and to ease the player into the game, before you are thrust into the deep end in the second more expansive phase. The early game in Ashes to Ashes sets a great tone and begins with an ingenious narrative puzzle that is the hallmark of the rest of the case. It comes closest to approximating a real case file, where you are given a bunch of evidence and have to use it to build towards a proof. In this case you are first judging the testimonies of the suspects, but the narrative puzzling actually factors into every aspect of the game, even the interpretation of the story itself. It forces you to keep the story and its details and the unfolding case both firmly in your mind, and they are intertwined in a natural way that really makes the mystery come fully to life. I've notice that the Deadbolt boxes tend to have a finale where you kind of have to bring it all back home, and this one is no exception, having you run over a long and epic sequence of puzzling revisiting the past and putting it all together to eventually unlock the truth, which i think is a fantastic conclusion to the whole experience. A small, very small criticism: Its a fine balance in creating a puzzle, determining what to tell and what to simply show in representing a puzzle, between granting what is sufficient to allow the player to figure out the nature of the puzzle and its solution, and giving them too much so that once understood the puzzle turns into a routine follow along. You don't want to be too obtuse or it gets frustrating, but on the other hand the piecing together the riddle from undefinedness of the object is the challenge, and thus the fun in itself. Some of the puzzle became something of a follow along once the initial logic was uncovered, which can work as a matter of a reveal, but it can also become routine, and something that should be minimized as such. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 It's a solid box, were you expecting anything less? And it is a special box, made special by its unique incorporation of narrative puzzling. I really like that they leaned into this aspect, though there's nothing wrong with a little good old fashion classic puzzling. An idea that looms large in my mind when I think about these boxes is if they should move away from the puzzling and more towards a realistic style case file, with its deduction from a broad set of facts and objects, narrative focus, inclusion of motive and means. Although why mess with the perfect formula when it works very well to accommodate their diverse player base. I would love to see a long form box as well, one that might give them more room to experiment with the nature of the puzzles, as they have here, and that might bring new and exciting challenges. I am continually impressed and consistently excited every time I do a Deadbolt box and I highly recommend you try to get your hands on this stand out scenario, especially if you have already played a few of them and are hankering for a more narrative puzzle leaning box. (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 Deadbolt Mystery Society 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. #AndrewWoods #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #PuzzleByMail #SubscriptionGames #Detective #USA #TheDeadboltMysterySociety

LOCATION : New York City, New York, USA Photo above is property of Exit Escape Room NYC Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Magic Crystal 📅 DATE PLAYED : May 20, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Fantasy 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 6 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : Up to 8 ppl (Ages 9+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $37.00/ pp (pending on group size and date) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY The Magic Crystal has been stolen by the evil witch, hoping to use its power to take over the lands. The king has sent your team to the witch’s lair to retrieve the crystal and place it back to where it belongs. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE There were a lot of puzzles and a large range of puzzle difficulty. It was nice to get some quick wins to keep the experience moving and some puzzles that made us think as well. The puzzles also ramped up properly starting with some easier ones at the start. The design of the room fit the witch’s theme well with a wooden like interior, a cauldron, shelves of potions and more. The puzzles blended in with the environment with a lot fitting into the witch’s theme. There were a few props that were such nice quality and fun to interact with, such as the cauldron and fireplace. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Nothing stood out as missing the mark as this was a solid game. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " The Magic Crystal " was a solid game with a great set design and well-designed puzzles. This was the owner’s first solo designed room, and it was an enjoyable experience with a mix of combination locks, tech and fantastic props. This room would be a great introduction to escape rooms for new players. We played with 8 people and found it was getting cramped at times. 4 people would be ideal with 6 being the maximum. Any fans of fantasy, magic or beginners to escape rooms would enjoy this room. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Lobby with seating Located on the 1st Floor of the Building Wheelchair accessible game Walking distance from Time Square, Herald Square and Penn Station Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, an interview with the co-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 Exit Escape Room NYC for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #ExitEscapeRoomNYC #Fantasy #NYC #USA

LOCATION: Letchworth, England, United Kingdom Photo above is property of Agent Brains Escape Games Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Mobbery 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 8, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Mafia, Casino, Heist 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 8/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : Up to 6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : £18-30/ pp (based on # of ppl and peak vs. off-peak booking times) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You’ve discovered that your nemesis, Dr. Nogood, has been running a secret gambling ring right here in Letchworth! You’ve figured out the location of the den and determined that it also contains a vault where he’s storing all of their illegally-obtained goods! Your mission is to infiltrate the den, get into the vault and recover as much of their treasure as possible. But, once you enter, a silent alarm will be triggered that releases poison gas in just 60 minutes…so you’d best be quick and grab as much as possible before then! 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Unlike a typical escape room, this game doesn’t have a win/lose dichotomy. Instead, your goal is to get into the vault and recover as much of the goods as possible within the 60 minutes. Each lockbox that you manage to access (and the item inside) has a specific monetary value attached. More complex puzzles are associated with more expensive items. Therefore, your score at the end of the game is essentially the worth of the goods you’ve managed to recover. This is a very flexible set-up that can provide various levels of puzzles and avoids anyone feeling like they “lost” the room. It even cleverly opens the possibility of some groups coming back to play again, focusing on puzzles they didn’t solve the first time around. As 3 enthusiasts, we managed to solve all the puzzles (reclaiming all 100 million pounds worth of loot) and escape with 11 minutes to spare (though we were running around like mad until then), but we were evidently only the second team so far to do so. So completion is definitely a possibility for experienced groups, and that was super satisfying! So. Many. Puzzles. For puzzle fiends like us, this was a fantastic way to push ourselves as we ran about madly trying to solve various conundrums. There were definitely some puzzles that encourage teamwork, communication, and use of different parts of the space. However, as a largely non-linear game with lots to do, we primarily divided and conquered. As mentioned, there was a nice variety of difficulties, as well as styles. This is an incredibly lock-heavy room (as you might expect in a vault), but which locks go with which puzzle is well sign-posted. The set is really well-designed, containing several cool spaces with very distinct vibes. The puzzles in the gambling den are also very on-theme. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK While the backstory totally makes sense and sets the scene for the game, there is no real story development as you play. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? We were all on a bit of an adrenaline high when we finished this one; it definitely kept us running around like mad and operating on all cylinders. Mobbery is the most challenging game at Agent Brains; though, as mentioned, there definitely are some more accessible puzzles, and less experienced players could still have a great time just getting as much as they could. (However, for real beginners, I would suggest starting with The Lab.) It was one of my favorite games I played in London and highly recommended for anyone looking to channel their inner thief (for a just cause…)! ℹ️     ADDITIONAL INFO Agent Brains Escape Games has two locations a few minutes walk apart. Their main one, where this game is located, is on a super cute little street in Letchworth Garden City, a short walk from the train station. There are lots of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and other stores aplenty to check out and fuel up before or after your game. There’s a nice little reception area, bathroom (with some quirky branding), absolutely lovely staff, and hooks in the rooms for your things. 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 Agent Brains Escape Games 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  #AgentBrains #Mafia #Casino #Heist #UnitedKingdom

LOCATION: Prague, Czech Republic Photo above is property of MindMaze Prague Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Galactic Pioneers 📅 DATE PLAYED : May 8, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 7.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 3-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : Off-peak: 2090 CZK (2-3 ppl), 2390 CZK (4-6 ppl) On-peak: 2290 CZK (2-3 ppl), 2690 CZK (4-6 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes [42:55] 📖 THE STORY Earth is getting closer to total collapse and you have volunteered to board the Galactic Pioneer spacecraft in search of another planet for humans to colonize. During the interstellar travel something unexpected happened and the entire mission is in danger! You are woken from stasis to try and save the ship, your comrades, and more importantly the mission to save humankind! Video above is property of MindMaze Prague 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Our favorite thing about this experience was the collection of puzzles. This is a fully computerized game, which works really well with the space theme and storyline. All of the puzzles are therefore focused around fixing the ship, searching for the ideal planet, and then plotting your course to it. Often in games such as this, the puzzles can feel sterile and perhaps disjointed, but MindMaze did a great job with the way they brought them alive, making them highly interactive and cooperative. The most creative puzzle was the search for our new home planet, because in order to discover which of the possibilities was right you had to perform numerous tests and collect the data from each, before finally using a process of elimination to discover the best. This is just one example of how many of the puzzles were layered and offered depth. You don’t just solve things by putting a prop in the right place or flicking some switches. For most tasks, you had to solve at least two steps before an answer revealed itself. This not only encouraged more teamwork, but also made the tasks crunchier and more complex. There is not doubting where you are. The room has been expertly designed and constructed to a high standard, portraying the spaceship theme well. The game even starts in its own special briefing room with a well-made actor-led video, and before you leave to enter the ship you suit up in your own mini space suit. This was a nice touch and just added an extra layer of fun to the experience. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK As wonderful as the set design is, it felt like there was something missing to really push the immersion. There weren’t any special effects to really speak of, such as smoke, or damaged parts of the ship hanging from the ceiling, or big reactions when you fixed something. It would also have made more sense if we began the game in our stasis pods, rather than suddenly standing in a random corridor. This too, pulled back the level of immersion slightly. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? For fans of sci-fi or rooms with strong and challenging puzzles this is a must play in Prague and we can certainly see why it got so much recognition when it was built. Even today, some five years later, it still stands strong and is one of our favorite ever space themed rooms. Three or four might be the ideal number to play with, however due to the generous room sizes, larger teams can easily be accommodated. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Parking is not available on site. However there is street parking in the surrounding area and a tram stop close by. There is a lobby area with comfortable seating and drinks for sale. Photos above are property of MindMaze Prague (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 MindMaze Prague 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 #MindMaze #SciFi #Prague #CzechRepublic

LOCATION: Prague, Czech Republic Photo above is property of The Padlock Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : SAFE: The secret of Jack Daniel's 📅 DATE PLAYED : May 7, 2024 🎬 GENRE: Mystery 🧠 DI FFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-5 ppl 🕒 LENGT H OF T IME : 77 Mins. 💰 PRICE : 2399 CZK (2 ppl), 2499 CZK (3 ppl), 2599 CZK (4 ppl), 2699 CZK (5 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes [47:54] 📖 THE STORY There are rumours of a safe belonging to the infamous Jack Daniel’s, the contents of which are unknown. Rumours of what might lie inside have piqued your interest and you agree to help your aging uncle who has spent his life researching where the safe might be. Your uncle’s research brings you an old abandoned shack in the middle of forest; it’s time to see if he was right and to learn, finally, what secrets may be locked inside. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Prior to entering, the GM plays us the video our uncle has left. The video is well made and making the small decision to play it on an old VHS cassette helps transport us back in time, already the immersion begins. As we enter the room, we are instantly transported to a dark forest in the middle of Tennessee, with a rustic shack expertly constructed and surrounded by a small stream, trees, and of course an outhouse. Each of these elements served a purpose and was incorporated into the game somehow; it seemed nothing was there merely to look at and admire. Like the other rooms from The Padlock, you can expect a high level of authenticity from everything inside. We were so impressed to find real apples dotted about the interior of the shack, no plastic here! There were also genuine snacks in our travel bag to eat/drink, should we choose, and real hunting knives too (be careful, they are sharp!). These details are so small in comparison to the rest of the game, but they noticeable and they contribute to promoting a level of immersion other escape rooms struggle to obtain. The puzzles work in a linear way and flow in line with the story. There are puzzles based around our surroundings, as well as those focused on the subject of whisky. Each puzzle was distinct and had us constantly interacting with different elements of the game space. We also appreciated the addition of numerous team based cooperative challenges too. The absolute highlight was the finale, it was incredibly unique and most importantly memorable; something we’ll talk about in years to come, I’m sure. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There’s nothing really worth mentioning in this section. This was our favourite game of the twelve games we played in Prague. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? We can’t recommend this room enough, I am sure it will delight whoever plays it, especially if you are a whiskey drinker! We did find the room space to be quite limited, even with only three people. Although the room does allow up to five, I think (size wise), three would be the ideal number. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Parking is not available on site. It is probably best to arrive with Uber or public transport. There are other escape venues within walking distance, so if you are in town for a few you may likely find yourself just walking between venues. There is a lobby area comfortable seating and a bathroom 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 Padlock  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 #ThePadlock #Mystery #Prague #CzechRepublic

LOCATION: Prague, Czech Republic Photo above is property of The Chamber Escape Room Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Wonderland 📅 DATE PLAYED : May 8, 2024 🎬 GENRE: Fantasy 🧠 DI FFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 6.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGT H OF T IME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : 1890-2690 CZK ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes [45:00] 📖 THE STORY Legend says that next to our world, another exists, Wonderland. It is a magical place that is built around our own fantasies. Naturally, there are very few places in which we humans can access Wonderland. However, we have been lucky enough to discover a portal here, in the central part of Prague called “Anděl” (Angel in English). We, at The Chamber, were also lucky to meet one of Wonderland’s creatures. Based on our short interaction, we got a suspicion that there might be something wrong and it needs help. Although we think we know how to use the portal to get there, we are not brave enough to enter. Would you be brave enough to save Wonderland from the imminent danger? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE In terms of decoration, this is one of the better designed Alice in Wonderland rooms which I have played. The space was bright and whimsical, with plenty of interesting props and magical elements that effectively portray the fantasy theme. The Chamber does not market this as an ‘Alice’ game, which is noticeable due to the lack of character representation inside. This is neither a positive or negative, just something players should be mindful of. Above storytelling, this room is all about having fun. There are quite a few silly puzzles which make you smile, we particularly enjoyed those involving tasting and smelling! Aside from that, there are plenty of cooperative puzzles for you and your team to work on, which is always something we look for in a successfully built escape room. The room is completely nonlinear, particularly once you enter Wonderland. In order to ‘escape’ you must complete a set number of puzzles, collecting keys as you go. These can be done in any order and rely solely on the elements around you; you do not unlock information or tools to use from one puzzle to the next. We found the game weight to be very family friendly, yet there were still plenty of think-y moments for us to overcome. The way the game master interacts with us at the end of the game (no spoilers) was a fun and unexpected little twist. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK As much as we enjoyed the puzzles, it would have been good to have some with more depth or layers. Although the solution wasn’t always immediately obvious, they were overly simple by nature… which is of course perfect for younger or less experienced players. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? For players who look for fun and interesting puzzles above all else, this is a room to try! There are plenty of different tasks you can jump around from, perhaps coming back to them at a later point if you didn’t get the solution immediately and want to try something else. Even though the story plays a minimal part in the proceedings, the interactive and stylish set design make the space an engaging place to be. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Staropramenná (Wonderland, Opus Magnum) – Parking is recommended at the “Nový Smíchov” shopping centre. Parking is free for 2 hours on working days and for 5 hours on weekends and holidays There is a lobby area with comfortable seating and lockers. Photos above are property of The Chamber (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 Chamber 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. #RyanDriver #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #TheChamber #Fantasy #Prague #CzechRepublic

LOCATION: Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA Photo above is property of Decode Detroit Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Aurora Society 📅 DATE PLAYED : May 30, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi, Mystery 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 6.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 6-12 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $33.00/ pp (Min. 6 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY In Ypsilanti, there is a hidden magical society seeking new members! However, an issue has arisen with their source of power, the Aurora. Are you capable of demonstrating your skills and securing a place within their group? Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE There's a virtual parrot in this room that serves as our assistant. We appreciate the interaction facilitated by the GM with this helper. The hints delivered by the parrot also infused a calming atmosphere amidst the game's intensity. We appreciated the creative methods used to design puzzles in this room. It has become increasingly challenging for us to encounter fresh experiences after engaging in numerous games. The object we utilized to obtain "approval" and journey to a different location in this game was truly "magical". The GM has the ability to determine the type and quantity of puzzles assigned to each group according to their progress. This was particularly beneficial as we were only two individuals taking on this extensive room. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The clues for the deduction puzzle could be more clear. The process to solve one of the puzzles seemed lengthy due to the numerous prop pieces that had to be recognized and positioned.( Please note this room is not designed for two people so what we felt here might not be how a bigger group would feel). 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Joining the Aurora Society is no walk in the park. Upon gaining entry into the society, we were filled with a sense of intellectual superiority. The initial struggle we faced with a deduction puzzle only served to heighten the satisfaction we felt when breezing through a complex Math question. I recommend assembling a team of adept players, each skilled in different puzzle types, to ace these tests effortlessly. Currently, the room is only accessible on the blue track, but there are two additional tracks that makes this room replay-able. We would be thrilled to come back and challenge ourselves once more! ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Street parking (either free or metered, please read sign) If you wish to play a scaled-down version of this game or if you have a smaller group of players, consider trying out " The Library ". Lobby with seating and games Min of 3 people is needed for this room due to the design of one of the puzzles (but this shouldn't be an issues as the min for normal booking size is 6 ppl) 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 Decode Detroit 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 #DecodeDetroit #SciFi #Mystery #Michigan #USA

LOCATION : Temecula, California, USA Photo above is property of MindTrap Escape Room Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : 40 Thieves 📅 DATE PLAYED : April 21, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Arabian Nights 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 8/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $51.00/ pp (2 ppl) - $40/ pp (10 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY There is a special artifact of great value, kept safe by the merchants in a great open air market in Arabia. There is a group of forty thieves who are working hard to steal the artifact. They ransack the market nightly in search of the artifact and try to bully the merchants into giving it up. They’ve recently come through the market once again, leaving it a mess. The merchants are in search of trustworthy souls to bring the artifact safely to a new, more protected location. If you can prove your worth by repairing the damage and restoring the market to its former glory, perhaps you will be selected as the artifact’s future protectors! 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Set and setting are simply incredible, with so much care and detail. Entering the room is to be transported to another (wondrous) land. There are a couple of magical moments during the introduction to the story, before you even start, so pay close attention! We loved this unexpected component that started the game off with a wow. As the room unfolds, there are surprising (but not at all scary) moments where the environment interacts with you in wonderfully unexpected ways. The puzzles cover a wide range of sensory experiences as a way to bring the sights, sounds, and smells of the market to life. The room is very non linear, so there is always something to do - no standing around while one person figures something out. This is a room where the work done to solve puzzles is completely analog, but the rewards are provided via seamlessly integrated, creative uses of technology. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The beautifully varied, colored lightning of the market did make a couple of color-based puzzles trickier than they would've otherwise been. There was one set of pieces that were worn (fitting for the scene), but it was difficult to discern if they were intended to be matched pairs or not. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Yes! This wonderfully whimsical room with lots of surprises in store that will keep everyone busy and entertained. There are countless interactive things to do, such that this game will easily delight a bigger crowd, without feeling cramped in space. A great room for large groups, birthday parties, kids, or seasoned escape artists who are looking for an immersive experience that uses technology in unexpected ways. The skill and care of the creators is evident throughout, from the intricately crafted environment to the magical moments created along the journey. Absolutely worth the trip to Temecula to experience. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO MindTrap is easy to find, with clear signage and plenty of free parking. They created their own goofy video to introduce people to the general rules of escape rooms - we enjoyed the clever creativity after seeing so many of the same style! The small lobby has lockers, a bathroom, and some drinks and snacks - including Dippin' Dots!. Our GM was similarly friendly and engaging - just a great vibe overall. They also have a variety of boxed puzzly escape and board games for sale and a party room for group events. 🔎   HINT It's Arabia, so a seemingly ordinary carpet is likely to hold secrets aplenty. 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 MindTrap Escape Room 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. #DaveBristol #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #MindTrap #ArabianNights #California #USA

LOCATION : New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Photo above is property of Escape My Room Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Smugglers Den 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 27, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Mystery 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 5 ppl) : 4/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl (Ages 16+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 45 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $32.00 - $50.00/ pp (Depending on group size) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Back in the DeLaporte Mansion, your assistance is urgently needed to uncover a long-lost smuggler's ring that once operated within the mansion during the prohibition era. With the mansion's funds running dry, rumors abound of a hidden treasure tucked away in the 100-year-old speakeasy somewhere on the property. The authorities are set to arrive in just 45 minutes to collect taxes owed on the mansion, and time is of the essence. Can you unravel the secrets of the speakeasy and secure enough wealth to satisfy the tax bill before it's too late? Video above is property of Escape My Room New Orleans 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE From the moment you step into The Speakeasy, the atmosphere is palpable with anticipation and mystery. The requirement to stow away all light-emitting devices immediately heightens the sense of immersion, signaling that this will be no ordinary escape room experience. As you venture deeper into the darkness, the initial room reveals itself with intricate details and captivating decor that transport you back to the prohibition era. Every element of the setting feels authentic, from the vintage furnishings to the subtle hints of clandestine activity lurking in the shadows. Once the hidden speakeasy is discovered, the real challenge begins. With sight rendered obsolete, you must rely on your other senses to unravel the puzzles that lie ahead. The absence of light adds a thrilling layer of complexity to the gameplay, forcing you to listen closely, feel your way around, and trust your instincts as you navigate through the darkness. Each puzzle presents a unique and thought-provoking challenge, cleverly woven into the fabric of the speakeasy's clandestine history. Despite the initial disorientation of playing in complete darkness, the experience quickly becomes exhilarating as you adapt to the sensory deprivation and immerse yourself fully in the game. The adrenaline rush of solving puzzles without the aid of sight adds an extra level of excitement and engagement, making every discovery feel like a triumphant victory. And as you progress through the speakeasy, the intricate storyline unfolds, revealing secrets and surprises that keep you captivated until the very end. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The puzzles played in complete darkness provide a distinct challenge, prioritizing sensory engagement over a linear storyline. While the primary objective is to enjoy the immersive experience of solving puzzles without visual cues, the lack of structured narrative may be noticeable to some players. Nevertheless, the ambiance of the room adds an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay, enhancing the overall thrill of the experience. Additionally, communication becomes crucial in the echoey chamber, especially for larger groups. The reverberating sound can make it difficult to hear and contribute effectively, requiring participants to maintain clear and coordinated communication throughout the game. Despite this minor inconvenience, mastering teamwork and ensuring everyone's voices are heard can enhance the enjoyment and success of the escape room endeavor. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Entering the " Smugglers Den ", our group was initially unaware of the unique challenge that awaited us: navigating the room in complete darkness. However, any apprehension was quickly dispelled by the immersive storyline presentation by the game master. With great enthusiasm and in character, the game master set the stage for our adventure, providing context and adding depth to the experience. Once left to explore the room in darkness, our senses were heightened, and every sound and touch became magnified. Despite the initial disorientation, we quickly adapted to our surroundings, communicating effectively and working together to unravel the room's mysteries. While the darkness added an exciting and immersive element to the experience, it also posed challenges in aligning the puzzles with a cohesive storyline. The overarching goal of finding hidden silver dollars provided a sense of purpose and direction, but some puzzles felt disconnected from the narrative. Nevertheless, the ingenuity and creativity of the puzzles were evident, offering a variety of challenges that catered to different skills and abilities within our group. From tactile puzzles to intricate riddles, each puzzle presented a unique opportunity to test our problem-solving skills and teamwork. Despite the occasional disconnect between puzzles and storyline, the sheer enjoyment derived from navigating the darkened room and uncovering its secrets made Smugglers Den an unforgettable adventure. The sense of camaraderie and excitement that permeated our group throughout the experience speaks to the room's ability to captivate and engage players. With its innovative approach and immersive atmosphere, Smugglers Den offers a refreshing twist on the traditional escape room experience, promising hours of excitement and enjoyment for all participants. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Ample street parking, some free. Merchandise and board games for sale. All guests will be in complete darkness for up to 30 minutes of gameplay. Crawling for a short distance is required. Photos above are property of Escape My Room New Orleans (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 My Room New Orleans for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MikeSchnurr #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #EscapeMyRoom #Mystery #Louisiana #USA

LOCATION: San Diego, California, USA Photo above is property of Steal and Escape 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Missing Season 📅 DATE PLAYED : April 20, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Fantasy 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-5 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $40.00/ pp (Min. 3 ppl required) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You exist in a world of three seasons - fall, winter, and spring. Nobody has time to relax. Strategos Enterprises is a company created with the goal of building the fourth season. They are looking for applicants who are qualified to help with this important mission! Will you be able to pass the initial interview and then succeed in creating the fourth season, for the benefit of all humanity? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The progression through the experience is very much driven by the unique, well-developed story. The puzzles are also centered squarely on the challenge itself. They all make sense and are fitting for the experience; nothing feels tacked on or put in 'just because'. It's a very tactile room; the puzzles are highly interactive and appropriate for a wide range of ages because of their whimsical and fun nature. That is not to say the puzzles are simple! There was one notable challenge that we’d never seen before! The non-linear progression was also well implemented. Our GM Manny was friendly and engaging, providing an entertaining introduction to the room, as well as donning a story-specific role (as GM) that was fully integrated into the experience, as well personalized around our successes, struggles, and celebrations during the solve. It was excellently managed and brought an extra dimension to the game. The room itself is beautifully constructed, fully immersing us in the adventurous, magical undertaking. There is lots of care take and small details that create a wonderful ambience. The ending is one of a kind and will put a lovely bow on the entire experience. We definitely left grinning! 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There's a ton of tech in this room, all of which worked well - save one puzzle, which we actually had to operate in a counterintuitive fashion to achieve the necessary result. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " The Missing Season " is a refreshing experience that will feel 'like the first time' for those who have dozens of puzzles under their belts, while also being approachable, fun, and interactive for anyone who has never played a room before. We did some things we hadn't done before, had to take off our 'I know how this usually works' hats, keep our eyes and minds open, and think creatively. It’s a true delight that we’d recommend for all but the most curmudgeonly of folks! ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Steal and Escape puts a lot of thought into the storyline of their rooms, as well as the build process. They use reclaimed, authentic materials whenever possible for a fabulously realistic, immersive experience that transports you into the adventure you're having. There is ample free parking out front. Inside, the waiting area has lockers, a bathroom, and a fun mix of puzzles - including a ten minute puzzle box specially designed to introduce neophytes to the world of escape room puzzles. 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 Steal and Escape for offering us a media discount for our tickets to this game. Although a media discount was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #DaveBristol   #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #StealandEscape #Fantasy #California #USA