Crazy Train: The Ballad of Skeemin' PlotzDoldrick's Escape RoomEscape roomIRLIt’s super creative and interactive. I’d take a family so the parents can solve the clues, and have the kids do the interactive portions. Very end dragged on a bit. It’s an entertaining section, but definitely built so the kids can have fun running around.
Dragon RealmMile High Escape OpsEscape roomIRLDragon Realm was an entirely charming room. The props are in perfect condition, the puzzles all make sense, but best of all, you can tell that it was lovingly made. We stayed after to talk to the creator/owner and it was clear she has a passion for puzzles. She told us how her husband and her designed and made all but two elements of the room, and all the ways she’s changed the room over time. I can’t say the sets are as otherworldly as rabbit hole, but that’s not a bad thing, just different. This is definitely on the shortlist of top rooms and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as we did.
Invasion60 to Escape - MilwaukeeEscape roomIRLIts probably the best themed game around with puzzles are are just short of great. As I’ve come to expect from 60 to escape, the sets are out of this world. The sounds, the lights, the props are something id expect out or hollywood. The puzzles were just shy of excellent for me personally. There were very few basic number locks and the ones that were there were pretty good. Still, none of the puzzles themselves left a lasting impression. They were all fair and innovative, but I can’t say I remember any distinctly 24 hours later.
Ghost LightMyssTic RoomsEscape roomIRLIt’s a great game in a great neighborhood. Unlike other corporate run escape rooms, time and care has been put into making Ghost Light thematic and novel. With hundreds of escape rooms, it’s hard to differentiate; but without spoilers, Ghost Light found several way that are truly one of a kind. Only a handful of traditional locks, lots of tech, and VERY attentive GMs
Pirates Curse60 to Escape - MilwaukeeEscape roomIRLOnce again, 60 to escape is unmatched in regards to theming and set designs. There will be two moments where your jaw with drop and you’ll question if you’re in a mall or an actual pirates cove. Puzzles were fair, can’t say I had strong opinions on the optional side quests. Still, this one is going to be the benchmark for humor, sound effects, and set design going forward.
Lunar EscapeMission EscapesEscape roomIRLOh man. This is something special. First off, the GM is the creator of the rooms and it’s clear that this is his baby. The puzzles are mildly physical, super interactive, and just plain fun. This won’t have the absolute most complex puzzles or microscopically detailed theming, but I promise you, this will be the most fun escape room you’ll ever do.
Room 303 - Chapter 1303 Escape - Denver Escape RoomEscape roomIRLMan was this one fun! Creative puzzles, spoooookkkyyy vibes, and a logical progression. The best part is the game starts the second you walk in. That is to say, you’re not solving puzzles during check in, but you’re immersing yourself from the get go. Haven’t tried chapter 2 yet but this one was so good, I’ve got to give it a go!
Montauk ProjectMyssTic RoomsEscape roomIRLIf you have to pick between rooms, choose this one. Some people were turned off by the stranger things theme; I’ve never seen an episode and it didn’t hamper my experience at all. So from the top, this room was just a collection of really clever puzzles. I wouldn’t say any of them were too hard, or made any thematic sense, but they were just an absolute joy to do. For example, putting X item on Y object shouldn’t progress the plot at all… but it was so much fun that I dot even care. The room was also very spacious and in New York, that’s a welcome asset. 9.5/10 and one of my top 5 I’ve ever done.
The Asylum: PlaytimeLost GamesEscape roomIRLWalk in and get blown away, and then it slowly gets downhill from there. The vibes were great but the room needed a lot of love. Broken props that led to a frustrating experience, knobs that are too fiddly (my pet peeve), and immersion at the expense of gameplay. Had about three clues where broken gameplay slowed the momentum, and I’d say two or so clues where I thought it was a hugggee stretch. People were super nice though. Loved interacting with the staff.
Pandora’s BoxTrapped! Escape Room - Las VegasEscape roomIRLI keep asking, how can we continue to innovate with escape rooms? Where can we go from here? They found a way. Most escape rooms are about getting out; this one is about getting in. You’ll discover an artifact instead of break out of some disaster and it’s so much better this way. The staff interaction is also a very pleasant experience. Top 5 rooms so far.
