LOCATION: Poznań, Poland Photo above is property of Fun4Brain 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Grandpa's Secret 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 20, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Mystery 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 5 ppl) : 9/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-5 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 75 Mins. 💰 PRICE : 430-590 PLN ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes [73:00] 📖 THE STORY As children, while spending your holidays at your grandparents’ countryside home, you often noticed that your grandfather went to his tool shed. That wouldn’t be unusual, if not for the fact that he always did it at night, at the same time, and he always carried the key in the pocket of his favorite coat. Many years have passed since your grandfather’s death, and now you are grown up. Yet the thought of what he was hiding in that unassuming shed still haunts you. Now, with no one guarding the key, you decide to go inside to uncover the secret your grandfather kept. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Hard but very logical escape room. A couple of original puzzles that are uncommon for escape rooms. Good mix of different puzzle types. Interesting way of giving clues 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Hard but very logical escape room. A couple of original puzzles that are uncommon for escape rooms. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? A great family-friendly escape room with an unexpected but fun ending. A cool set of puzzles, a pleasant atmosphere, and overall a strong, well-rounded project. Don’t be misled by the name or the plot description — just go and play this excellent escape room! :) ℹ️     ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking available, a lot free spots right in front of the building; Lobby with sitting area; Restroom available; Not wheelchair accessible; Drinking water available in the seating area; 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 "!) #PaulShyshou #IRLescaperoom   #EscapeRooms #Fun4Brain #Mystery #Poznan #Poland

Photo above is property of Paper Adventures Company:    Paper Adventures Game:   Great Zombie Escape Country:    U nited Kingdom 🇬🇧 Language:     English Type of Game:    DIY Escape Kits 🖨️✂ Genre:   Kids, Spooky Date Played:     October 11, 2025 Difficulty (based on 2 kids):    4/10 Size of Team:    Unlimited Time:   Unlimited (Approx. 60 Mins.) Price:    Print-At-Home: £14.99 GBP 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 On the last day of camping with your friends at Misty Creek, you are all playing one final game of hide and seek in the forest together. While hiding though, you and your friends discover the door to what looks to be a secret lab hidden in the rocks. Have you stumbled onto the legendary laboratory of the world famous scientist Doctor Doom? And what are those scratching sounds coming from behind the door? Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ The game came as a zip file with three different pdf's. The first is the Game Master’s booklet, giving the adult a complete walkthrough of the game, setup and any other required details to run the game. The other 2 files were the game pack, where one was in full, vibrant color and detailed design, while the other was a more printer friendly option if needed. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 This game requires an adult to act as the Game Master, guiding the kids through the adventure. While the booklet suggests a setup time of about 30 minutes, I found it takes closer to 45 minutes to an hour, especially with all the cutting required. On top of that, there are some nifty items that will need to be assembled, which if glue is used, will take time to dry. My advice would be to give yourself plenty of time for setting up or consider setting up the night before. As the Game Master, start by reading through the booklet to understand the flow of the story and puzzles. Once complete, begin with the preparation of the game. The game does recommend having the experience move from room to room as they complete the puzzles and move onto the next chapter but we found an alternative is to have the kids work in one room and when they solve it, have them move through the house and come back to the same room giving me time to setup the next chapter. The kids really enjoyed this experience. The story was fun and stuck with the Halloween theme but wasn’t too spooky or scary for kids. The game also made use of QR codes to substitute some solutions out and for a timer, to add a little tech to the game. As the Gamemaster for this game, this game had some easier paper props to set up and the payoff was fantastic with some clever and innovative puzzles with them, especially the final prop and cute characters to interact with. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 The game had a variety of puzzles, each different enough to keep the kids engaged throughout the game and none were overly challenging to slow the momentum of the game down. For a paper based print and play game, Paper Adventures always does an amazing job of making hands on puzzles with just paper. The puzzles also tied into the story and solving them moved the story forwards. The hinting for the game was fun and independent so the kids could use it at their own leisure. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 The " Great Zombie Escape " was a fantastic Halloween escape game to host. The story and design kept the kids fully engaged and pulled them right into the adventure. I was especially impressed with how simple the props were to set up and how innovative they were with the prop design. The puzzles struck a nice balance of challenge and variety using the paper props, and a few of them even surprised me with their creativity. The game also came with some fun props and a certificate as well to present and take pictures with at the end. It was perfect for my kids, ages 10 and 12, though a little on the easier side for them. Overall, it was a well designed and enjoyable experience that I’d recommend for families looking for a festive and fun Halloween activity after carving some pumpkins. (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 Paper Adventures for providing us with a sample of this game. Although complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #AtHomeGames #DigitalGames #PrintNCut #Horror #Kids #PaperAdventures #UnitedKingdom

Photo above is property of ChizSix Company: GGBGNSSG Game: Good Guy, Bad Guy, Not So Smart Guy Country: USA 🇺🇸 Language: English Type of Game: Tabletop Games 📬 Genre: Board Game, Party Game, Family Date Played: September 28, 2025 Difficulty (based on 4 players): 3/10 Size of Team: 2-6 Players (Ages 7+) Time: 5-15 Mins. Price: $14.95 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Be the first person to lay down five consecutive cards to win but look out for the “guys”. Some guys are good, some are bad, some are not so smart and some are just jerks. They can help you out but other times, they will just derail your plans. 🆃🅷🅴 ❞🅻🅾🅾🅺🆂❞ The game comes in a small black box containing all the cards you need which include the numbered cards and the guy cards. The design is simple but charming with the guys looking irresistibly cute. One fun detail is that on the outside of the box, you see the three main guys the game is named after but inside the tuck area, you can see a little jerk popping his head out. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 The goal of the game is to be the first person to lay out five consecutive cards in front of you. To start, deal out five cards to each player. Going around the table, you can choose one of five actions. Place a card in front of you, which can be either a number card or a Good Guy card (a wild card) to build your sequence. Play a Guy card and perform its effect. Bad Guys lets you take one card in front of someone, Not So Smart Guys let you take a random card from another player’s hand and the Jerks wipe out all the cards in front of someone. Discard a card from your hand. Pick up a card from the draw pile, keeping in mind that you can only have a maximum of five cards in your hand. Pick up the top card from the discard pile as long as it’s a number card. Play continues around the table until someone gets their five card sequence and wins the game. The rules are simple and easy to learn. One slightly odd thing we found was that discarding a card and drawing a card takes two turns, which feels off and especially when we were trying to get our last card, could make the game feel longer. Luckily the game moves quickly and there is minimal idle time in between turns. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🆁🅰🆃🅴🅶🆈 We found the main strategy is to try and get middle cards down first like the four, five and six. This will keep your options open for the 5 consecutive cards. Keep an eye on someone and if it looks like they are having trouble finishing their sequence, maybe don’t play your Jerk card yet and clear their cards when they are only one away. I also like to keep some of my sequence cards in hand and play a few in a row so it looks like I’m behind and can swoop in in a few turns, though it’s a risk if someone has a Not So Smart Guy. 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 This is a cute little game that’s easy to learn and perfect for families or young kids who are into games like Uno or Crazy 8s. It’s quick to deal out, simple to play, and compact enough for travel or game nights on the go. The adorable artwork and lighthearted theme makes it appealing for kids, while still offering enough interaction to keep adults entertained. There’s not a lot of deep strategy here, but offers a feel good game that’s great for a few quick rounds whenever you have a bit of time to play. (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 GGBGNSSG for providing us with samples of the game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #PuzzlesByMail #OneOffs #BoardGame #Family #PartyGames #GGBGNMSSG #USA

LOCATION : Passaic, New Jersey, USA Photo above is property of Brighton Asylum Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🎭 EXPERIENCE : Brighton Asylum, SubCULTure, The Bleeding Grounds 📅 DATE VISITED : October 19, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Immersive 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 5 ppl) : N/A 👥 TOTAL # OF PEOPLE : Up to 25 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : Approx. 10 Mins. (Once inside the maze) 💰 PRICE : General Admission: $50.87 - $61.47/ pp (all 3 haunted houses) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Public 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : N/A 🎭 THE EXPERIENCE Brighton Asylum, the renowned haunted asylum complex highlighted on The Today Show, Cake Boss, Buzzfeed, ABC, NBC, FOX, and various media outlets nationwide, was closed in 1952 due to the disappearance of staff and patients, along with unbearable living conditions. Now, the asylum has reopened and is welcoming new patients! Brighton Asylum is an extensive walk-through dark attraction featuring frightening live actors, horror movie-style scares, and Hollywood-quality special effects. Remember... once you check IN the asylum, you may never check OUT! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Photo above is property of Brighton Asylum 📖 THE STORY Brighton Asylum, once housing the most troubled minds, has been in ruins for almost 60 years. Now, its doors are open again, exposing the terrors that have lingered in the darkness since 1952. Discover the sinister secrets inside—if you dare. Are you brave enough to endure? Photo above is property of Brighton Asylum 📖 THE STORY They were some of the most feared and dangerous individuals at Brighton Asylum. During a routine patient transfer, they escaped into the tunnels, adapting to the darkness and preying on anyone passing through. They'll attempt to deceive you. They'll attempt to recruit you. And if that doesn't work, they'll simply capture you! Can you escape, or will these inhabitants overpower your mind and spirit? Photo above is property of Brighton Asylum 📖 THE STORY Explore the deserted staff quarters on the abandoned second floor of Brighton Asylum, closed off since 1952. This is where the staff once lived, worked, and carried out their disturbing experiments. Discover the eerie truth behind why this once-busy floor was condemned, gaining the ominous title of The Bleeding Grounds. Will you leave with your sanity intact? 🎯    HIT THE BULLSEYE Atmosphere : Outside, the Monster Midway area showcased horror CarnEVIL games, a horror museum, mini-escape games, a gift shop, and much more! It was vibrant, colorful, and welcoming. Inside, it was eerie, dilapidated, and filled with ghastly items. Storyline : Brighton brings our favorite horror films with an insane asylum theme to life. The sadistic backstory of peculiar staff gatherings experimenting on mental patients is what serves as the final touch to this horrific experience. Set design : The set designs truly established the mood; being inside a dim, aged warehouse gave it an authentic, decayed, industrial vibe. Upstairs in " The Bleeding Grounds ", it resembled an old Victorian-era structure. There was an abundance of visual elements that perfectly captured the themes and ambiance of an asylum filled with lunatics and an ancient haunted house. Actors : The actors remained in character, whether they were out in the open setting the scene or popping out for an unexpected jump scare. Varying intensity : There were several unexpected jump scares that eventually started to feel repetitive. However, when it came to a climactic ending, Brighton Asylum did not disappoint. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Psychological elements : Set in a mental asylum, the overarching theme of disturbed residents should instantly establish a strong basis for what is anticipated. It would have been interesting to delve into the psychological fears common to most people and incorporate an element of surprise in that aspect. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Unlike typical haunted houses, Brighton Asylum elevates the experience with contemporary techniques and a full-contact approach to unsettle and scare visitors. At Brighton, you'll explore " The Brighton Asylum " itself, an industrial complex that delves into other nightmares as well. In " SubCULTure ", you will also traverse Brighton's underground service tunnel, which was once utilized for transporting medical supplies to other buildings. For those brave enough, the 2nd floor staffing area known as " The Bleeding Grounds " is open! This area is where the staff once worked, slept, and experimented... it has earned its name for a good reason! 👋   CUSTOMER SERVICE Location of the venue isn't that easy to find. The entrance is through a small alleyway that leads to their parking lot. The parking lot attendants were not helpful and weren't very visible when directing traffic. We ended up driving in circles until we found parking on a residential street. All attractions are indoors and there is some coverage if it rains on their main queue lines outside. The line formations were organized with both a standard pass and a fast pass option. They have security on staff every single night including police officers, retired police officers, and SORA licensed security. Customers will have to be wanded by a security officer before they will be allowed to enter the park, and a photo ID is needed if you purchased your ticket in advance. Additionally, there are cameras recording in every room of the haunted houses and in the queue line, midway and parking areas. All the actors were professional and gave a satisfactory performance. As media/ press guests, it would have been more convenient to have a wristband or some form of identification indicating that we were there to take photos and film, as consent had been granted before our arrival. The staff was somewhat rude each time I had to explain that I had permission. ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Parking lot available. In addition, they also offer a large off site parking lot available at Clifton High School, 333 Colfax Ave, Clifton NJ 07013 Do not touch actors, staff, props, or sets. Violations = eviction without refund. No weapons, alcohol, drugs, vaping, smoking, running, or disorderly conduct. No cameras, flash, or livestreaming inside attractions. Photos/videos allowed outside only. Refreshments vary night to night. They have horror themed chocolates, a non-alcoholic drink bar, various packaged snacks, hot chocolate, and various food trucks providing hot food and deserts. Stay on marked paths and keep moving forward. Anyone appearing intoxicated, impaired, or otherwise unfit may be refused entry. Event includes stairs, darkness, strobe lights, fog, loud sounds, moving floors, and other physically demanding features. Participation is entirely at your own risk. In addition to the (3) haunted houses, Brighton Asylum also offers escape rooms, a horror museum, photo op stations, fear shop, and games! Restrooms are available Photos above are property of Brighton Asylum Note : This is a limited run. The last day to book is November 1, 2025 (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 Brighton Asylum for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #BrandonChow #IRLEscapeRooms #ImmersiveExperiences #Attractions #BrightonAsylum #NewJersey #USA

LOCATION: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada Photo above is property of Sauve Qui Peut Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Falderon Forest 📅 DATE PLAYED : July 15, 2022 🎬 GENRE : Fantasy, Enchanted 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 Players) : 8/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl (Ages 8+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $36/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY The enchanted forest of Falderon is a magical place, full of lush greenery and mystical creatures. In order to replenish its magic, a special ritual must be performed on every 100th full moon at the sacred well. However, the hobbit normally in charge of this task has disappeared! The Queen has called you together to take on the task of finding the well and completing the ritual before all magic is wiped from the land (and all the creatures along with it)! Your party consists of a knight, a sorcerer, a fortune teller, and an apothecary - each with your own special skills… 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE A visit to Falderon is truly a magical experience, and it all starts with the gorgeous set! Each space is utterly charming, with its own unique feel. While they are not huge areas, the designs in some ways make them feel more expansive than they are. The exception to this is perhaps the middle bit, which could get a bit tight for some, though we had no problems with this in our group. Not only do the scenes hit you visually, auditorily, and tactically, but they even have a unique (and appropriate) scent for each room! For us, this totally enhanced the immersion (and was not overly cloying or overbearing), though anyone sensitive to such things should be aware. We loved the light-hearted and humorous tone of this game, most epitomized by your 6 faerie guides! Each faerie has its own unique personality, and you will hear their banter throughout the game as they try to help you along in your mission - their lives hang in the balance, after all! You have opportunities to interact with them, and each individual faerie will respond slightly differently, according to their character. This contributes to the fact that there are an incredible number (more than 400) of different audio clips you might hear, helping to make your game unique and to have more agency in determining your exact experience. The faeries do like to tease you…so be prepared for some ribbing! There is a super immersive and fun primary hint system. (Though, if you run through the programmed hints, you may eventually need to ask the GM, and you do have a walkie-talkie for that purpose as well.) Falderon Forest has adaptive difficulty, in that it can both adjust the number and the difficulty of puzzles based on the amount of time that has passed. This is an awesome system that means more experienced groups will feel more challenged and get more puzzles, while those who are struggling can get some additional help and will never quite know how many additional puzzles they never saw in the last room. Our group did not get to experience all of the puzzles, but in talking with the GM, it seems like there were quite a few more! We did get to see how some of the clueing for puzzles shifted over time to help us get through when we were struggling, which was really cool and clever! This game is designed to be played by exactly four people, with each one taking on one of the four unique roles, each with its own special powers. I thought that this was well-implemented! They do a good job in the initial description of each role to describe the attributes each person ideally has to help you pick, and the use of the special powers was quite well distributed throughout the game. This gives each person an opportunity for their own moments to shine and to help ensure everyone is involved. Though, it did slightly backfire on us a few times, when one of the kids got frustrated that they were not able to complete a task that was “theirs.” However, we were able to trade objects around as needed in the room in that case. Overall, it was certainly a cool aspect of the game. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There were a couple of bits of tech that were slightly finicky, which is not surprising given the amount of tech in this room!! There was one really cool moment for my character, the sorcerer, for instance, which I couldn’t get to work, and the GM had to come in to do for me. However, the vast majority of things worked well. While we found them highly entertaining and a positive that made the game more fun and memorable, there are some who could find the faeries distracting, annoying, or even a little rude). They do talk quite a bit throughout the game. You do need to pay close attention to determine what is a good hint vs. what is just banter or might otherwise mislead you. Sauve Quit Peut recommends this game for those 13+ who have some experience. Despite the adaptive difficulty, it is not intended for newbies! So, really we were the ones who missed the mark on this one by not totally listening to their advice. I played with my brother and his kids (13 & 15), who had only played one (not well-designed) room previously. The theme definitely appealed to them, and they loved all of the immersive and entertaining aspects, but it was a little more challenging than ideal for them. We initially did not complete the ritual…though you still get a victory of sorts! The GM very kindly actually then let us stay an extra few minutes to do the ritual! So do pay attention to those recommendations. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "Falderon Forest" is an enchanting experience and incredibly impressive design feat! While it is a ways outside of Montreal (though closer to the US if you are driving up from the border), it is absolutely worth the trek. You do want to have a group of 4 that have at least a handful of rooms under their belt and are 13 or older. Then be prepared to embrace the silliness of the faeries and delve into this magical world! I can’t wait to go back and try some of their other rooms… 🔎 HINT Look VERY closely when interpreting the clue to the code for the front door! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO The lobby/waiting area where you check in and have your rules/intro also has lockers and seating. There also are bathrooms available. There are a variety of parking options (both paid lots and some that should be free) in the area. 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 Sauve Qui Peut 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 #EnchantedForest #SauveQuiPeut #Canada

LOCATION: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada Photo above is property of Sauve Qui Peut Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Clandestine Bar 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 10, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Mystery, Adult, Bar 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 Players) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl (Recommend 2-6, ages 18+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $32/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY A local bar is long suspected to be a cover for running some clandestine operations, but it’s been impossible to get in there and gather any evidence. But tonight’s the night! The hottest jazz band is in town, and everyone is there! Sneak into the bar and see if you can prove what shady dealings have been going on - before the show ends and everyone is back in an hour! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE There were a number of satisfying, hands-on manipulations and problem-solving moments (which seems to be common for Sauve Qui Peut in general, based on the three rooms I’ve played). Several times Cici and I tried to tell Brandon he shouldn’t be doing something…but he was totally right! These are super tactile but don’t necessarily require a lot of dexterity, and they’re great for people who might consider themselves better problem-solvers than “puzzlers”. "The Clandestine Bar" definitely has a dramatic reveal that none of us expected! There was some shock, and a lot of laughter, and it’s not something we’ll forget. It’s a bold choice, and not your typical theme, bringing something unusual to the market - which some people will love! Sauve Qui Peut has an excellent artist who works on a lot of their rooms, resulting in some really cool paintings (one of which is apparently even 3d?!). The set dressing in general does a great job making you feel like you’re in an alley and then a bar - if only those draught taps had been pouring some beer! 🧩 MISSED THE MARK This game is listed as 18+, and they do state that the scenario may be offensive to some. We definitely respect wanting to minimize information to maximize surprises, but we see potential for some people to have a very awkward, embarrassing, or even upsetting time playing the game. Certainly not one to play with your parents or for a work team-building game! If you have concerns, you might want to touch base with them beforehand and see if you can get a little more information (or feel free to reach out to us)! The ending was a little anticlimactic. We weren’t sure if we had actually finished or exactly what we needed to do at that stage. Just bear in mind that once you’ve completed the given goals - you’re done! 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you’re not easily shocked or offended and are looking for something a little different (and highly memorable), The Clandestine Bar might be for you! I can particularly see this room being a hit for bachelor/bachelorette parties or just folks out with a group of mates. SQP does rate this as an “Expert” room, and there are some puzzles that may not be super beginner-friendly. However, you get unlimited hints (but after three, they don’t officially count your game as a “win” if that’s important to you.) So, go start your investigation, if you think your group can handle it… 🔎 HINT: Don’t be afraid to mess with things in the room, so long as they don’t have a “Do not touch” sticker on them! And remember that in Canada, the day goes before the month when it comes to listing dates! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO The lobby/waiting area where you check in and have your rules/intro also has lockers and seating. There also are bathrooms available. There are a variety of parking options (both paid lots, free lots, and paid street parking) in the area. The closest free lot is about a 3-5 minute walk. 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 Sauve Qui Peut 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 #Adult #Bar #SauveQuiPeut #Canada

LOCATION: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada Photo above is property of Sauve Qui Peut Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Wrath of Poseidon 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 10, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 Players) : 8/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl (Recommend 2-6) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $32/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Poseidon, the god of the sea, is furious about the mass environmental destruction that humans are wreaking, particularly our impacts on his beloved oceans. He sees only one option - unleash a massive flood to wipe out our species, and let the Earth rebuild again. Our only hope now is to get hold of his trident - the basis of his powers - before he has a chance to enact his punishment. Can you save humanity?! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Sauve Qui Peut are experts in set design and creating immersive environments, and The Wrath of Poseidon is no exception. You begin in a submarine chock full of all kinds of pipes, gauges, and other maritime gadgetry. But the design of a later space, in particular, is truly magical - evoking a sense of calm, joy, and wonder. An absolute standout! You’ll need a moment to take it all in. Given how much is packed into the sub where you begin, we appreciated that part of our brief was instruction on which sets of things we could safely ignore as set dressing. It would have wasted a lot of time and led to frustration had we needed to determine whether each of those things were actually in play. This way we could appreciate them as part of the immersive scenery without being too distracted by them. As in many of their other games, there were a lot of rewarding tactile interactions and problems to solve! Don’t be afraid to get creative. We particularly appreciated the way that one solve opened the way for a later one to be completed! And one puzzle tied back nicely to the underlying environmental theme. The game is available to play in both French and English! While the story video is only available in French, your GM will read you the intro if you choose to play in English. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK My middle-aged eyes had a hard time with a number of the locks in rather dim lighting, and a small flashlight would have been a helpful addition for the sub in particular. Two puzzles could have used minor tweaks to make their solves a bit cleaner. One had a bit of ambiguity in a reading, and the other lacked consistency (without signposting) in how you needed to solve across several items. While these were not major detractions from the overall experience, addressing them would result in more seamless gameplay. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "The Wrath of Poseidon" draws you in with its scenery, which is at times utterly enthralling! We loved the some of the little elements in the gameplay that felt more like real-world problem-solving (and part of being on a sub). Sauve Qui Peut classifies this as an “Advanced” room, and there are a couple tricky puzzles. However, you can get up to three hints and still “win” the room (or unlimited if you don’t care about that). It is otherwise family-friendly - with lots that younger folx would enjoy - and they recommend it for ages 8+. The Falderon Forest remains my favorite of the three SQP games I’ve played thus far, but I would certainly recommend Wrath of Poseidon as well if you have the chance! And I can’t wait to get back there to try even more of their games…The staff at SQP are also delightful and very helpful - and you can tell they love what they do! 🔎 HINT Don’t forget to revisit previous rooms as needed. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO The lobby/waiting area where you check in and have your rules/intro also has lockers and seating. There also are bathrooms available. There are a variety of parking options (both paid lots, free lots, and paid street parking) in the area. The closest free lot is about a 3-5 minute walk. 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 Sauve Qui Peut 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 #Adventure #Undersea #SauveQuiPeut #Canada

LOCATION: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada Photo above is property of Sauve Qui Peut Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Dream Weekend 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 14, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Thriller 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 Players) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $30/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You are an adolescent whose parents have drug you away for a screen-free weekend, and you’re not happy about it! The only thing you can think to pass the time is to sleep…who knows what secrets the dreamworld will hold! 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Although it begins as a minimally appointed bedroom, the experience becomes increasingly more surreal and dreamlike, both visually and aurally, as you progress. It created a unique and playful vibe we really enjoyed. The lack of a clearly defined objective made this a more exploratory experience - we didn't know what to expect, as we weren't sure where the experience was going to lead - much like the unpredictable nature of a dream. There were a number of hands-on, tactile puzzles and other physical experiences that were refreshing! The intimate nature makes it ideal for two players - we often play as a duo and find ourselves battling puzzles best for 3-4, but in this case every puzzle is completely manageable by two! 🧩 MISSED THE MARK It's clearly a room that has been running for quite some time. As a result there were a couple sticky pieces that didn't open as expected places that could use some retouching. The lighting is low - befitting of the evening dreamlike atmosphere - but, as a result, we found ourselves frequently using our phone flashlights to better see locks and puzzles. A fun kid-themed flashlight would have been quite helpful for eyes approaching 50 years old, as well as serve as thematic set dressing! 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This is an ideal room for smaller groups and families looking for a room that has some creative structural twists, as well as a theme that is a departure from the norm. The puzzles require a mix of observation and creative application of items, and will be fun for people who like to explore their environment (as opposed to simply standing deep in thought battling complex logic challenges). 🔎 HINT Explore hard-to-see places and pay close attention to anything out of the ordinary! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Paid parking is available on the street immediately in front of the building. There is also a free public parking lot a couple blocks from the facility itself. Signage for Sauve Qui Peut is very clear, and there are a couple of restaurants and shops on the same block of this cute street. They have good-sized lockers and restrooms available in an otherwise sparsely decorated waiting area. All rooms can be done as French or English versions; however, the intro stories are only available in French. Our GM gave us short summaries of each room in English. You can have up to three hints to still be considered an official win; you can still ask for more beyond that. 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 Sauve Qui Peut 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 #Thriller #SauveQuiPeut #Canada

LOCATION: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada Photo above is property of Sauve Qui Peut Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Vortex Future 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 14, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Fantasy 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 Players) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $30/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY The Vortex has launched you into the future - 2089 to be precise - into a highly technical and complicated space station, which is currently malfunctioning! The station is critical to protecting the planet but only has 1 hour of energy reserves left. Can you get all systems back online and restore power to stabilize the station and save Earth? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE At first glance, the room appears simple and straightforward. But the devil is in the details! What appear to be simple, identical tasks are actually quite varied in the type of thinking and information processing required to solve them. Just as Vortex passe was immersively ancient, this room is undeniably and exclusively future-forward, in every way! We completed this room as a duo, but the nature of the first part of the experience makes it equally well suited for a larger group of players. Most rooms seem best for either small or large groups, but this experience truly accommodates all sizes, particularly early on. (The end section might be less well-suited to large groups.) This room had no locks and required no searching. Initially, it seemed impossible to imagine how there could be multiple puzzles requiring different thinking styles in the stripped down design. However, each puzzle is tightly designed in a tidy package, so take heart! The answer is probably right there in front of you. There's nothing hidden, obscure, or otherwise 'tricky' - just you and some knobs and your brains. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK While the lack of locks and searching usually leads to very creative design, the puzzles in this room all shared a common method of entering the answer. The mechanics required to obtain the answer were refreshingly different from puzzle to puzzle, but it would have been nice to see a bit more variety in the actual mechanism once you had the solution to a puzzle. Because of the stripped down nature of the puzzles, we can imagine it would be easy to get stuck and have no clue where to turn. If that happens, switch to a different puzzle (or trade with another stuck member of your team!) Looking high and low won't help, everything you need is right in front of you. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Although this ranks as one of the most difficult rooms at SQP, we found it to be quite a smooth and enjoyable experience, as it fit our puzzling style quite well. We wouldn't recommend it for first timers or high energy groups/families given the lack of searching and extra materials, or those who prefer narrative-heavy games. But if you're looking for a pure puzzling challenge and are ready to test your brain against a variety of devious tests, this is the room for you! 🔎 HINT Don’t take anything for granted. While instructions are minimal, each word is purposefully chosen. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Paid parking is available on the street immediately in front of the building. There is also a free public parking lot a couple blocks from the facility itself. Signage for Sauve Qui Peut is very clear, and there are a couple of restaurants and shops on the same block of this cute street. They have good-sized lockers and restrooms available in an otherwise sparsely decorated waiting area. All rooms can be done as French or English versions; however, the intro stories are only available in French. Our GM gave us short summaries of each room in English. You can have up to three hints to still be considered an official win; you can still ask for more beyond that. 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 Sauve Qui Peut 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 #Fantasy #SauveQuiPeut #Canada

LOCATION: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada Photo above is property of Sauve Qui Peut Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Vortex Past 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 14, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi, Fantasy 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 Players) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $30/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY An ancient cave has been discovered with otherworldly elements that seem to be threatening the Earth’s destruction. You've been sent back to the past to decode the ancient symbols and uncover the timeless secret and save the planet. Can you follow the instructions left by the ancients and prove your worth by completing the gauntlet of tasks? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The decoration and dressing of the set definitely transports you back in time and into a remote cave! The elemental puzzle themes are befitting of an ancient civilization, and the word- free puzzling is a refreshing change. The puzzles are complete lock-free, as well as being 100% hands-on, fully incorporating the theme of each into the design, execution, and solve. There was one particular interaction that we haven’t seen before and found particularly fun and well-suited to that element. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Some of the symbols were quite similar to each other and a bit worn, thus hard to distinguish from one another. The feedback system for understanding which portions of which tasks had been completed was a bit difficult to understand, leaving us occasionally confused as to whether we were doing something right but needed to keep going, doing something completely wrong, or finished with the task. And be prepared for some inconsistencies in whether things can/should be changed once a phase is successfully completed. One task in one puzzle needs more than two people to be accomplished without frustration and contortion - if you play this room as a duo we recommend asking the GM ahead of time to assist you. (They should know what you are referring to, even though you won't!) This one was a major time suck for us! 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This is a great room for playful groups of adults and kids who love to work with their hands and experiment with objects! You should be prepared for some trial-and-error, and an experience that is light on narrative. The absence of locks is refreshing, and the unique nature of the challenges will delight both seasoned enthusiasts who have seen it all and people who aren't big into typical code-laden, lock-heavy rooms. 🔎 HINT Completing this room requires true immersion in the tasks at hand! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Paid parking is available on the street immediately in front of the building. There is also a free public parking lot a couple blocks from the facility itself. Signage for Sauve Qui Peut is very clear, and there are a couple of restaurants and shops on the same block of this cute street. They have good-sized lockers and restrooms available in an otherwise sparsely decorated waiting area. All rooms can be done as French or English versions; however, the intro stories are only available in French. Our GM gave us short summaries of each room in English. You can have up to three hints to still be considered an official win; you can still ask for more beyond that. 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 Sauve Qui Peut 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 #SciFi #Fantasy #SauveQuiPeut #Canada

LOCATION: Seattle, Washington, USA Photo above is property of Cognition Escapes Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The 4th Door 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 20, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 Players) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 4-9 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 80 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $40.00/ pp (4-5 ppl), $38.00/ pp (6+ ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY It all starts when a mysterious box appears at your doorstep. Naturally, you poke at it… what could possibly go wrong? A flicker of light, a strange hum, and suddenly you’ve uncovered a journal that hints that the box is a device capable of turning any door into a portal to anywhere in the world! The catch? It was stolen from a shadowy organization bent on global domination. Now they can track your location every 20 minutes, so if you want to survive, you’ll have to keep moving, at least until you can figure out how to get them off your tail!. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Unusual structure : This 80-minute room breaks from the standard escape formula in a way that totally works. You’ll race through four different spaces, each with its own puzzles, theme, and 20-minute ticking clock. If you don’t finish within that 20, you still have to move on…can’t let those ne’er-do-wells catch you! It’s a bit like 5 Wits in that way. However, solving challenges in the first three rooms earns you “key cards” that alter the difficulty of one of the puzzles in the last room. While there can be frustration if you don’t complete a room, the format kept things tense but exciting, and the variety between rooms made time fly. Backstory : Timed rooms can feel arbitrary, but here the story and sense of pursuit makes it feel justified, rather than arbitrary. Our GM also did a stellar job setting the scene, and the audience participation at the start added an unexpected bit of fun personalization. There were also some narrative elements in the transition between rooms, though we were too frantically trying to dive into the new puzzles to fully take them in. Something for everyone : This experience is full of cool set pieces and things to play with and lots of variety in your tasks. You’ll encounter everything from sensory puzzles involving smell and sound to dexterity-based and more classic logic and observation challenges. It’s the kind of game where no one player type dominates; every skill set finds a moment to shine. Each room offers a totally new theme and environment, keeping you alert and engaged from start to finish. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Journal confusion : You’re given a journal alongside the portal device, filled with notes that offer context and nudges for each puzzle. We were told it sat somewhere between standard in-game guidance and outright hints, which left us unsure whether consulting it was expected…or a sign of surrender. Maybe our GM was just softening the blow for when we inevitably cracked it open (we did), but that ambiguity made it harder to gauge how self-sufficient we were meant to be. I love when games subtly scale their difficulty, but it works best when players don’t know it’s happening. A couple dips in the momentum : There were a lot of rewarding moments in the game, but a couple challenges became a bit tedious once we knew what to do but had to wrestle with tricky, highly precise execution. And after 80 minutes of excitement and tension, the conclusion once we succeeded could have had a bit more oomph. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you’re craving something fast-paced, tech-forward, and full of variety, " The 4th Door " is worth stepping through. It’s a great fit for folks looking to test both their wits and reflexes. We played as a group of three and managed just fine (with one brief assist from the GM), but teams of four will have an easier time juggling the mix of tasks. This one’s not ideal for absolute beginners (who might get overwhelmed), but it’s an exciting romp for more experienced players who appreciate the different format (and can accept being moved forward on a schedule). So gather your crew, take a deep breath, and see if you can stay one step ahead of the chase! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Cognition Escapes is located in downtown Seattle, (close to the Amazon spheres (~12m walk from Pike Place Market)l. There are some paid parking lots nearby, as well as public transportation options. Parking at the Amazon corporate lots is also free on weekends and after 4pm on weekdays. The space itself has two main waiting areas with some puzzles to fiddle with as you wait, lockers, bathrooms, and a water dispenser. You'll need to go down stairs to enter. Photos above are property of Cognition 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 Cognition 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 #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #CognitionEscapes #SciFi #Washington #USA

It's that time of year again... We had such a fantastic experience last year at Jimmy Fallon's " Tonightmares ", that this year on October 19th, we've decided to visit THREE Haunted Houses back-to-back! Here they are... Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers If you're on social media, you've probably seen ads for Haunted Bank NYC  everywhere! So naturally, we had to go and deposit a "check"! They are located in Lower Manhattan inside of an abandoned bank!! [ OUR REVIEW  ] // This is a limited run. The last day to book is November 1, 2025 // Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers When considering a visit to one of New Jersey's premier haunted houses during Halloween... 13th Hour Haunted House in Wharton, NJ, is among the first to come to mind as they are the reason for the season!! Having experienced all their escape rooms, we were eager to witness the exceptional quality of their set designs! Their backstory centers around the twisted Hayden family and their terrifying farmhouse. [ OUR REVIEW  ] // This is a limited run. The last day to book is November 1, 2025 // Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Another premiere haunted house experience in New Jersey is at Brighton Asylum in Passaic, NJ. Another company that delivers high quality set designs with a central theme that revolves around Brighton's insane asylum, where mentally disturbed patients are running amok. [ OUR REVIEW  ] // This is a limited run. The last day to book is November 1, 2025 // (If you do decide to visit any of these attractions, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Haunted Bank NYC , 13th Hour , and Brighton Asylum for comping our tickets for this experience. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. Here are some other haunted house walk-throughs featuring appearances by celebrity guests: Andy from "The Ellen Show" at Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights featuring: Kim Kardashian - [ LINK ] Arianna Grande - [ LINK ] Lizzo - [ LINK ] Tiffany Haddish - [ LINK ] Sarah Paulson - [ LINK ] Chrissy Teigen - [ LINK ] The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon at Blood Manor featuring: Kevin Hart - [ LINK ] #BrandonChow #IRLEscapeRooms #ImmersiveExperiences #Attractions #HauntedBankNYC #13thHour #BrightonAsylum #Horror #Halloween #NYC #NewYork #NewJersey #USA

LOCATION : Wharton, New Jersey, USA Photo above is property of 13th Hour Amusement Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🎭 EXPERIENCE : "The House of Nightmares", "The Attic", "The Darkside" 📅 DATE VISITED : October 19, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Immersive 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 5 ppl) : N/A 👥 TOTAL # OF PEOPLE : Up to 25 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : Approx. 10 Mins. (Once inside the maze) 💰 PRICE : Standard: $50.00/ pp, (all 3 haunted houses), VIP: $70.00/ pp (all 3 haunted houses) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Public (You will enter with your group) 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : N/A 🎭 THE EXPERIENCE 13th Hour offers the most entertaining and unique events in the country. They present three Haunted House attractions: "The House of Nightmares," "The Attic," and "The Darkside," all equipped with special effects and movie-quality sets. Additionally, they offer nine award-winning 60-minute Escape Rooms and the Haunted Hatchets attraction! Your journey will begin in "The House of Nightmares", Hayden's family home that has been damaged in a massive storm that only serves to reveal the hidden evil that’s hiding within. Next, you will ascend into "The Attic" of the house where additional terrors await you. Lastly, a separate ticket will immerse you into "The Darkside", where their newest experience will plunge you into total darkness. The House of Nightmares (included in Two Floors of Fear) - Explore the Hayden's farmhouse, infamously known as the "Haunted ScareHouse," where live actors and animatronics are stealthily concealed in every corner. The Attic (included in Two Floors of Fear) - Who can say what secrets the attic holds? Your deepest fears materialize at every corner. The Darkside - their newest and darkest experience. Navigate through the pitch dark with live actors and animatronics for their deepest darkest haunted house. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📖 THE STORY You and your group of friends step into a time machine that takes you back to the 1970s, an era when the Haydens, the most terrifying family in Wharton's history, instilled fear and dread in everyone who saw them, approached them, or even mentioned them. As the doors unlock, you are plunged into the Hayden's farmhouse, the "Haunted Scarehouse," which has been mercilessly ripped apart by the fierce storm, leaving it in a state of irreversible ruin. As you continue your investigation, you uncover a real-life nightmare beyond human comprehension... Photo above is property of 13th Hour Amusement 🎯    HIT THE BULLSEYE Storyline : Having experienced all of 13th Hour's escape rooms, we were well-acquainted with the Hayden's backstory. We've always appreciated the level of detail that is incorporated into their history. Atmosphere : All three experiences concentrated on crafting an immersive and unsettling environment throughout. The theming is seamlessly integrated into every part of the experience, from the dim lighting and loud sounds to the characters you encounter along the way. Actors : Speaking of characters, the actors were extremely energetic and fully committed to their roles throughout. For the most part, this family of unhinged individuals resides in the main level of the house, as opposed to the Attic, however there are definitely many of them, and they generally seem to be all over the place! They often employ loud jump scares, yet they also relish interacting with you and tormenting you through their dialogue, all while delivering a stellar performance. Set design : Alongside crafting a captivating storyline, 13th Hour truly shines when it comes to set designs. There were numerous "wow" moments of awe and fear, primarily because of the ingenious use of hidden spots incorporated into the design. They consistently provide movie set quality to help immerse you and bring a nightmare to life. Special effects : Immediately, the time machine plunges you into a cutting-edge experience. This journey into the past is brimming with special effects, including moving floors, advanced animatronics, a range of strobe lights and frightening sounds. All elements were skillfully integrated and utilized efficiently. Varying intensity : Each experience ( "The House of Nightmares", "The Attic", and "The Darkside"), challenges you to muster up the courage to face common fears. " The House of Nightmares " - in addition to the live actors, jump-scares were delivered in various unique ways, such as through animatronics, loud noises, powerful winds, and overhead projections, among others. " The Attic " - a carnival theme played a significant role in this area, featuring numerous clowns and realistic animatronics. " The Darkside " - takes you to a completely dark realm where the unexpected awaits. Psychological elements : We really appreciated the creative elements that cleverly played on common fears. Those moments really stood out to us. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Honestly, we had a thoroughly enjoyable experience from the moment we parked our car until the time we left the lot. The only thing I wish that could've been added was a puzzle to solve, but they have (6) escape rooms dedicated to the Haydens already so I completely understand lol. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? 13th Hour Haunted House and Escape Rooms is regarded as one of the top haunted attractions in the country, and they certainly uphold that reputation. This two-story haunted house, previously called the Haunted ScareHouse, presents three unique perspectives on the terrifying Hayden family. 13th Hour also provides (9) escape rooms (with a 10th on the way) that have been acclaimed as some of the most immersive and original nationwide, (6) of which are dedicated to the Haydens (see below), with each one depicting the rooms in the Hayden house prior to the destructive storm. We strongly recommend adding 13th Hour to your bucket list of "must-visit" attractions, whether you're a horror enthusiast or not! Rain or shine, 13th Hour has got you "covered"! All attractions are indoors and giant tents are set up for waiting areas outside. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 👋   CUSTOMER SERVICE Location of the venue is easy to find. Parking lot attendants are easy to spot and provide clear directions on where to park. All attractions are indoors and giant tents are set up for waiting areas outside. The lines were well organized and ran smoothly with both a standard pass and a fast pass option. They have security on staff every single night. Their team includes police officers (retired and off duty) and licensed security guards. The portable toilets were operational. The staff that we encountered were helpful, friendly, and personable throughout. All the actors were professional and gave a stellar performance. As media/ press guests, we were treated with respect by the staff, who were fully aware of my permission to take photos and film. ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Parking lot available Because of COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no interaction with the actors or other staff members. They advise against wearing anything you wouldn't want to risk tearing. You'll be navigating dark, confined areas and are accountable for any damage to your attire. Avoid flip-flops, loose clothing, or high heels. No cameras, flash, or live-streaming inside attractions. Photos/videos allowed outside only. Stay on marked paths and keep moving forward. Food and drinks are available on site for purchase. Event includes stairs, darkness, strobe lights, fog, loud sounds, moving floors, and other physically demanding features. They reserve the right to deny entry to anyone who is under the influence at any time. To ensure your safety and provide the best experience possible, certain rules must be followed. In addition to the (3) haunted houses, 13th Hour also offers escape rooms and hatchet throwing! Restrooms are available Photos above are property of 13th Hour Amusement Note : This is a limited run. The last day to book is November 1, 2025 (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 13th Hour Amusement for comping our tickets for this experience. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #BrandonChow #IRLEscapeRooms #ImmersiveExperiences #Attractions #13thHour #HauntedHouse #Halloween #Horror #NewJersey #USA

LOCATION : Manhattan, NYC, New York, USA Photo above is property of Haunted Bank NYC Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🎭 EXPERIENCE : "Haunted Bank NYC" 📅 DATE VISITED : October 19, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Immersive 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 6 ppl) : N/A 👥 TOTAL # OF PEOPLE : Up to 14 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : Approx. 20-25 Mins. 💰 PRICE : Weekdays: General Admission: $38.00/ pp, Group Admission: (8+ ppl): $35.00/ pp Weekends: General Admission: $45.00/ pp, Group Admission: (8+ ppl): $42.00/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Public 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : N/A 🎭 THE EXPERIENCE This isn't your ordinary haunted house... it's an intense nightmare set in one of NYC's eeriest real locations. Haunted Bank NYC plunges you into a tale where peril lurks around every corner, fear is palpable, and escape is uncertain. Whether you have the courage to confront the shadows or end up fleeing from them, one thing is sure: you'll never view a bank vault the same way again. Each room combines intricate sets, unsettling soundscapes, and a cast of actors adept at getting under your skin (and sometimes, right in your face). The production draws on the bank’s legend—the so-called ‘Broadway Heist,’ when bankers reported the vault felt unnaturally cold and witnesses insisted the dead never truly departed. “Once the site of a failed heist, this Broadway bank was sealed after a night of blood and betrayal. Decades later, the vault has reopened… but something still waits inside,” the creators hint. Consider it part haunted house, part immersive theater, part vault of nightmares. Unlike most banks, this one isn’t concerned with your credit score—it just wants your soul. Reserve your place now for Haunted Bank NYC! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📖 THE STORY The story takes place within an actual bank at 415 Broadway, where a failed robbery in the 1980's left behind tales of blood and treachery. The vault was closed, and the crime scene was sealed off... until now! Visitors start in the Teller Room, where routine business quickly spirals into chaos. From there, each corner draws you further into the bank’s haunted past: a CEO’s office stained by betrayal, a vault in the midst of a heist with masked criminals who might not welcome witnesses, and a mining tunnel where something inhuman continues to claw at the walls. However, the horror doesn't remain underground. The narrative spills onto the streets of New York, leading you through a shadowy alley, a butcher shop drenched in blood, and even an abandoned hospital wing attended by a nurse with very little "patience (patients)". Photos above are property of Haunted Bank NYC 🎯    HIT THE BULLSEYE Atmosphere : Most haunted house experiences are themed walk-through attractions featuring intricate sets, props, and even vintage antiques to bring a horror story to life. As an escape room enthusiast, I often feel compelled to solve puzzles, whether mentally or physically, while contemplating the significance of my actions. In " Haunted Bank NYC ", I appreciated that they included elements that fulfilled my puzzle solving appetite. Actors : When engaging with the live actors, my friends and I frequently test them to see if they'll step out of character. We were quite impressed by their dedication to their roles. Psychological elements : We really appreciated the creative elements that cleverly played on common fears. Those moments really stood out to us. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Storyline : I really enjoy the " Broadway Heist " backstory, especially how it all went wrong, leading to bloodshed and betrayal. However, we didn't receive any of that information during the experience, which left us confused about why we transitioned from a bank vault to a mining tunnel and eventually ended up in a hospital. Set design : Given that the experience only lasts about 20-25 minutes, we were constantly being pushed through by the actors and didn't have a chance to fully appreciate the set design. Varying intensity : After the first few jump-scares, we began to feel desensitized to them, particularly as they became more repetitive. It would have been nice to create additional opportunities for misdirection. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? What fascinated us the most was that this took place in a real abandoned bank. I appreciated that we could physically engage in some activities, and there were a few puzzle challenges throughout. There were some inventive jump-scares, and the actors stayed in character the entire time. Given that this is a 15-minute experience, we didn't have much opportunity to fully appreciate the set design, as we were moved along to keep on schedule. Regarding the check-in process, there wasn't a lot of room to wait on line outside the facility as it was literally on the sidewalk and it felt a bit unorganized. 👋   CUSTOMER SERVICE Location of the venue is easy to find (on the corner of Canal St. & Broadway). As mentioned, the line formation wasn't really organized and a bit congested. The experience felt secure throughout, and we didn't encounter any genuine safety concerns. The lobby area and restrooms were clean. The staff that we encountered were helpful, friendly, and personable throughout. All the actors were professional and gave a satisfactory performance. ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO There is street parking available (highly recommend public transportation, uber, or taxi) Closest train station is "Canal Street" which is located on the same block. You can take the N, Q, R, W, 6, J, or Z train. No weapons, alcohol, drugs, vaping, smoking, running, or disorderly conduct. No cameras, flash, or livestreaming inside attractions. Photos/videos allowed outside only. Stay on path and keep moving forward. Event includes stairs, darkness, and loud sounds. Restrooms are available. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Note : This is a limited run. The last day to book is November 1, 2025 (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 Haunted Bank NYC for comping our tickets for this experience. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #BrandonChow #IRLEscapeRooms #ImmersiveExperiences #Attractions #HauntedBankNYC #Horror #Halloween #NYC #NewYork #USA

LOCATION: Hamilton Township, New Jersey, USA Photo above is property of Cloak & Dagger Escape Rooms Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Mockbuster 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 19, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 5.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $34.99/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Recruits, your ultimate mission as time travelers is to travel back to 1997 and prevent Mockbuster from shutting down. Intercept Netflix's call, secure the deal, and rewrite history. Make sure to return to 2025 before the portal closes. Will you change the past and make it back, or be stuck in the age of dial-up and VHS? The clock is ticking! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The writer deserves high praise for the storyline of this escape room. The concept of sabotaging a major company like Netflix to save "Mockbuster" is both unique and exciting. It sparks curiosity about how different the world might be if such an event actually occurred. We love when an escape room challenges us to find a way in before even considering the escape route. The props in the video store, like the old popcorn machine, classic movies, and a Nintendo game console, evoked a strong sense of nostalgia. The numerous mini puzzles we solved led us to collect pieces needed for the final meta puzzle, which came together seamlessly for a successful escape. The finale provided a clear and satisfying ending. We also thoroughly enjoyed the sound and light ambiance that heightened the excitement of the experience. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The room was filled with numerous decorative props, which could feel overwhelming. A checklist to guide players, especially at the beginning, would be beneficial. One of the solutions we found lacked a clear indication of where to input it. Once we identified the input location, the device provided no sound feedback, leaving us uncertain if our input was successful. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This room is an absolute blast and instantly brought back memories of the iconic movie "Back to the Future"! Discovering memorabilia from old movies, video games, and other 80s props truly made us feel like we'd stepped into a time machine. The background music amplified the nostalgia, as we found ourselves humming along to all the classic 80s hits while solving puzzles. The climax of the game, where we had to figure out how to maneuver the machine to return to the future, was both challenging and thrilling. Adults will feel like kids again in this fun experience. It would only make sense to wrap up my review with this quote: "Your future is whatever you make it. So make it a good one." Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️    ADDITIONAL INFO Parking lot available Lobby with waiting area Gel Blaster laser tag paintball Axe throwing Party room available Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, an interview with the owner, the room(s) (no puzzle spoilers) and more: Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "! Disclosure : We thank Cloak & Dagger Escape Rooms for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #CloakandDagger #SciFi #NewJersey #USA