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

LOCATION: Turnersville, New Jersey, USA Photo above is property of Think Solve Escape Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝    ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Help Not Wanted 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 27, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Mystery, Paranormal 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $35.00/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Welcome to your first day at work at Think Solve Escape! There's a minor issue—spirits are roaming the building. Completely normal, right? Don't fret; you just need to gather them up before the boss notices. Simple! However, if you slip up... let's just say your employee benefits don't include protection against eternal haunting. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Think Solve Escape consistently delivers exciting themed escape rooms with captivating names that draw players in to discover their adventures. That's exactly why we chose to play "Help NOT Wanted". The set design was exhilarating, offering unexpected surprises as the story unfolded. (No spoilers here—you'll have to experience the game yourself!) The puzzles and gameplay were seamless; everything was logical and perfectly in context. The owner constructed everything in-house, showcasing the meticulous details she infused into every room. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Certain areas could benefit from an additional puzzle or two due to the ample space. Perhaps offer a more challenging version of this game to enthusiasts? 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? " Help Not Wanted " is a perfect game for beginner escape room players eager to discover what escape rooms are all about! With an intriguing story full of unexpected twists, you’ll be on the edge of your seat as you play to uncover the surprising ending. The puzzles are not overly challenging, making it a fantastic opportunity to learn some tricks you might encounter in future escape room adventures. Overall, it's a brilliantly crafted game that will surely get you hooked on playing more escape room games at their location! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free parking lot right in front of the entrance Lobby with seating area " Help Not Wanted " is located on the upper level, to access this room you have to go up a flight of stairs. 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 Think Solve 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 #Mystery #ThinkSolveEscape #NewJersey #USA

LOCATION: Boisbriand, QC, Canada Photo above is property of Immersia Escape Games Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Grand Immersia Hotel 📅 DATE PLAYED : June 16, 2022 🎬 GENRE : Break-In, Heist 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 Players) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $32.99/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY After many years, the Grand Immersia Hotel is finally reopening with a huge gala. The guest list will be full of politicians and celebrities from different industries. Before the opening, you and your group have just been kidnapped by some mysterious individuals. Driven by revenge, the individuals will only let you go once you break into the hotel and complete their objective. Will you be able to complete the objective or figure out a way to escape the kidnappers? Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The design and décor of the room was phenomenal. From the second we got in and every room we passed through; it was incredibly immersive and felt realistic. The hotel actually felt like... a hotel! There were even a few doors and places that we thought would lead to different rooms and we were waiting for them to open. All the props in the room were amazing to check out from an old TV tube to the folding grate door. The story was completely believable. Right from the start, they enveloped us into the story and room all the way until the end with many key checkpoints to continue the story. All the puzzles were solid and made sense. None of them felt tedious or out of place. Everything blended together and ramped up well. We were able to knock out the first few puzzles quickly but had to work a little more in the middle. There was a live actor used in the room. Though we did not interact with them directly, their presence added a lot of pressure and fun to the game. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK This was an incredible experience and there was nothing that stood out as a miss. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "Grand Immersia Hotel" had us gripped from the get-go and we were engaged in the game the whole way through. The story absolutely took us for a ride. The set design and décor of the hotel knocked our socks off with how authentic everything looked. If you are into the heist-type themed games, this is one that needs to be played. We played with 2 experienced players, but felt up to 5 players could experience this room, beginners and veterans alike. The puzzles blended well with the story and played linear, but as we progressed through the room, there was a lot more space to explore for everyone. Though situated on the outskirts of Montreal, this room is absolutely worth the trip out to play. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking This game can be played in either French or English Lobby space with seating area There is a large area to host events Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our interview with the creators to understand more on the development side of the game: Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Immersia 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. Update : Brandon, Cici, and Mike also visited Immersia Escape Games and played " Grand Immersia Hotel " and " Weekend at the Shack " at their Laval location in March 2023!! Update : Krista & Dave also visited Immersia Escape Games and played " Grand Immersia Hotel " in addition to " Circus of the Lost Souls ", " Project R.E.S.E.T. ", and " The St-Onge Case: Weekend at the Shack 2 " in September 2025!! #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #ImmersiaEscapeGames #Heist #Quebec #Canada

LOCATION: Boisbriand,QC, Canada Photo above is property of Immersia Escape Games Photos above are property ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Salutem Medicina Institue 📅 DATE PLAYED : June 16, 2022 🎬 GENRE : Horror, Asylum 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 Players) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-5 ppl (Age 16+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $32.99/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Welcome to "The Salutem Medicina Institute" , where you are invited to participate in a clinical trial for a drug that is rumored to change the world. Little is known about this facility and what goes on behind closed doors, with some questioning the ethics behind their research as well. The only thing you know is that one of the candidates on the clinical trial has slowly begun to develop some strange and psychotic behaviors. Are you ready to try the drug out yourself and see what the consequences are? Video above is property of Immersia Escape Games 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE In the 60 mins that we were in there, the story that unfolded was amazing and rivaled that of a horror movie. This was more than an escape room, it was an experience. The set design was remarkable! As we moved through the different areas, it gave off an old asylum feel. The tone for the environment was also set with the sound and lighting as we went from one place to another, it brought us completely into the narrative. The puzzles were solid with some that promoted working as a group as it made solving easier. They also made sense to the story as well, especially at the beginning. There was a live actor used in the story of the room which we had to interact with. Though they said nothing, they added to the ambiance of the room and increased the creepy factor of the game. This may seem minor, but there is a moment in the game that restraints are used. The setup that was used made it very easy to free yourself in case of emergency or if you weren't comfortable being restrained. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK This was an incredible experience and there was nothing that stood out as a miss. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? We are not ones to normally play horror escape rooms, but this game was more of a psychological thriller than a jump scare horror game. The rooms as we progressed, were designed well where they completely felt like an asylum/hospital. The story of this room really had a lasting impact on us that we continued to talk about it for days afterwards. The puzzles had us on both extremes, either team-working it together on one or each working on a separate one to progress. We played with 2 experienced players but would recommend up to 5 players for this room as the beginning and end had some puzzles that would be helpful with a few more hands. This room was a heart-racing experience to play and is one that we will remember for sure. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking This game can be played in either French or English This game contains some graphic images. Immersia recommends ages 16+ to play this game. Lobby space with seating area There is a large area to host events Photos above are property of Immersia Escape Games Check out our interview with the creators to understand more on the development side of the game: Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Immersia 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. #MatthewLui #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #ImmersiaEscapeGames #Horror #Asylum #Quebec #Canada

Photo above is property of Immersia Escape Games Company: Immersia Escape Games Game: The Forgotten Station Country: Canada 🇨🇦 Language: English, French Type of Game: Digital Escape Game 💻 Genre: Kidnapping, Train Date Played: November 11, 2022 Difficulty (based on 4 players): 5/10 Size of Team: Unlimited (Up to 6 is recommended) Time: Unlimited (Approximately 60-90 Mins) Price: $19.99 CAD 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Railroad magnate James Presswood has made a fortune with his reinvention of the Orient Express. But now, his family has been kidnapped! And it was an inside job! From within an abandoned train control room you must unravel this unwholesome plot and bring his wife and son home safely. He’s counting on you. Video above is property of Immersia Escape Games 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 " The Forgotten Station " is an online version of an Immersia escape room that has now been retired. I love that a virtual room can live on after the physical room is dismantled! The game is hosted through the Telescape platform. The game starts with a light tutorial to show how the controls work if you aren’t familiar with the Telescape format. " The Forgotten Station " is set in a small square room, which lends itself really well to the panoramic controls. It’s easy to see everything. In the game, you can pan 360º around the room and click to zoom in on areas of interest. You can also tell what your fellow players are looking at because a colored cursor for each teammate will show on your view. This aids discussion—which you can set up on your own via zoom, discord, meet, etc.—by letting you see what they are focused on and avoids working at cross purposes (e.g., you are each trying a different combination on the same lock). There are a few video cut scenes integrated into the game that are used to advance the plot and roll out new objectives along the way. The amateur actors give it their all, and the tone of the videos is campy. Hints are available within the game. The link to play is available for 72 hours after purchase. 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 Many of the puzzles in The Forgotten station are focused on unlocking padlocks on a bank of lockers and on the control console. The game play is generally linear, e.g., opening a locker will make clues for the next puzzle available. There’s an assortment of escape room style puzzles—deciphering codes and matching patterns. (It’s easy to be less enthusiastic about things you aren’t as good at, so the audio and translation puzzle was my least favorite. It was difficult to distinguish with multiple players online). Photos above are property of Immersia Escape Games 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 When you need an escape room fix, The Forgotten Station delivers that online. It’s perfect for a small team that wants to work together and the kidnapping plot line provides the necessary motivation and urgency for a fun ride. Check out our interview with the creators to understand more on the development side of the game: (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 Immersia Escape Games for providing us with a sample of their game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #JenMcPhilimy #AtHomeGames #DigitalGames #PointNClick #ImmersiaEscapeGames #Kidnapping #Train #Canada

LOCATION: Laval, QC, Canada Photo above is property of Immersia Escape Games Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Weekend at the Shack 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 12, 2023 🎬 GENRE : Horror 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 Players) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl (Ages 13+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $32.99/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY To celebrate your friend's 30th birthday, you and your friends plan a weekend getaway at a cabin in the secluded woods up north. However, upon your arrival, something feels off. Despite receiving a message from your friends urging you to join them quickly, the cabin appears deserted. As the unsettling reality sinks in, you receive a chilling message: your friends' lives are in imminent danger, and you have only sixty minutes to rescue them before the kidnapper carries out their sinister plan. What was supposed to be a peaceful and enjoyable weekend has transformed into a high-stakes battle for survival. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The hint system in "Weekend at the Shack" is seamlessly integrated into the storyline, adding to the immersion and enjoyment of the game. To receive a hint, players must call the neighboring cabin and engage in a conversation with the sweet old lady across the street. By staying in character and fully embracing the experience, players not only receive valuable assistance but also contribute to the rich narrative world of the game. It's an interactive and memorable way to enhance both the gameplay and the overall immersion. Throughout "Weekend at the Shack" , there are several standout moments of horror that effectively create jump scares and elicit genuine fear from players. These well-executed moments add an exciting and thrilling element to the game. However, it is worth noting that the game strikes a balance by allowing the players to delve into the psychological aspects of the experience. This emphasis on psychological challenges contributes to the puzzle-solving aspects of the game, creating a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK As the game progresses, there are instances where the focus on puzzles takes precedence over the plot and immersion. While the puzzles themselves are enjoyable and well-designed, there may be moments when they feel disconnected from the overall storyline. This deviation from the immersive experience can create a sense of merely solving puzzles for the sake of it, rather than being fully integrated into the narrative. It's important to note that while these puzzles may not align seamlessly with the rest of the room, they can still be entertaining and engaging on their own. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? "Weekend at the Shack" takes you on a thrilling adventure as you and your friends arrive at a cabin in the woods for a birthday celebration, only to find yourselves in a race against time to save your kidnapped friends. The game expertly blends horror elements with psychological challenges, creating moments of genuine fright and suspense. The hint system is cleverly integrated into the storyline, adding to the immersion and enjoyment. However, as the game progresses, there are instances where the focus on puzzles outweighs the plot, potentially detracting from the overall immersive experience. Nevertheless, the game still delivers enjoyable puzzles and manages to keep you engaged throughout. "Weekend at the Shack" is a thrilling and memorable escape room experience that combines horror, psychological twists, and engaging gameplay. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking Located on the 2nd floor Lobby space with seating area There is a large area to host events This game can be played in either French or English Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our interview with the creators to understand more on the development side of the game: Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Immersia 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. #MikeSchnurr #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #ImmersiaEscapeGames #Horror #Quebec #Canada

LOCATION: Princeton, New Jersey, USA Photo above is property of Amazing Escape Room Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝    ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Operation Deep Dive 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 19, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Espionage, Thriller 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 6.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : Up to 10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins 💰 PRICE : $33.00/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Welcome to the USS Salerno, a highly classified nuclear submarine tasked with a covert operation to intercept an enemy ship transporting stolen technology. As you enter the patrol area, a concealed torpedo hits, damaging the hull and leading to system malfunctions. Navigation, propulsion, and weapons are down while an enemy destroyer closes in. With dwindling power and increasing pressure, you have just 60 minutes to restore essential systems and launch a counterattack. Success ensures the Salerno's safety; failure results in disappearing into the depths. It's a battle against time and the ocean. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The set design of this room represents a significant enhancement compared to Amazing Escape Room's other games. From the meticulous paintwork to the completed ceiling, it is evident that the intention was to immerse players in a real submarine environment. The game begins with an engaging and interactive physical challenge that effectively set the tone for our experience. We appreciated the creativity of the designer in this aspect, as it immediately engaged all participants, keeping them highly attentive. This game really needs you to pay close attention to all the little details. There’s a lot to watch and figure out as you play, and the longer you go, the more intense it gets. The puzzles offer varying levels of difficulty, ranging from simple memory tasks to those requiring more complex deduction and logic. When played with a group, there is something to engage everyone. The final prop was particularly surprising in its "authenticity", and we thoroughly enjoyed the operational aspect of this component. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Enhancing the entrance with additional decoration and providing a more conclusive ending will significantly improve the game's immersion. Clarifying certain instructions and written clues is essential for making the puzzles more understandable. We recommend displaying text on screen for announcements to ensure all players receive the information, as verbal clues are not repeated. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? We've experienced numerous submarine-themed escape rooms, and a common approach among puzzle designers for this theme is to provide instructions for players to follow. While some players appreciate this style of gameplay, we find it to be quite suitable for beginners. However, this particular room introduced puzzles that were both more challenging and physically engaging, alongside traditional elements. With clearer wording and clues, this game could run smoothly for both beginners and seasoned escape room enthusiasts. Are you ready to defend your submarine at all costs? ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO The entrance is located at the back of the complex Free parking lot right in front of the location Lobby area with seating Merchandise available for purchase Seats were provided for players that would rather observe than contribute Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, an interview with the manager, the room(s) (no puzzle spoilers) and more: Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers (If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from " ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Amazing Escape Room (Princeton) 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 #USA #NJ #Espionage #War #AmazingEscapeRoom