The DogHouseEscape Room 66 - Laguna HillsEscape roomIRLOf the three games at this location, this is my favorite. There’s only two rooms, and one of them is very small, but the main room is jam packed full of puzzles and details. I felt like each component was super creative and memorable. Just come with people who know what they’re doing because some of the puzzles are a bit tricky or time consuming.
Wicked WonderlandEscape Room 66 - Laguna HillsEscape roomIRLA good escape room for newbies. Nothing was too difficult but there were multiple rooms and a lot to do. The atmosphere is well done, especially for an escape room with a stand alone location.
Prison BreakEscape Room 66 - Laguna HillsEscape roomIRLFour is the ideal number because of the separated start. Non-linear, so we stayed paired off even after reuniting. This was the first room they built, so it doesn’t have the detail of the others, but the props are cute and endearing.
Hijinx at Joffre ManorNerdy by Nature Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLPossibly the best use of space I’ve seen in an escape room. I was shocked by how many hidden rooms and passageways there were to find. The Scooby Doo references were very clever, and no detail was spared. There’s a lot to do, so I would recommend at least four players.
7 Deadly SinsEscapology - Universal CityEscape roomIRLI still had fun, and it’s not a bad idea if you’re spending time in City Walk, but I wouldn’t go out of my way for this one. The atmosphere was well done, but the room was relatively small, so I wouldn’t do this one with more than four. Some of the puzzles were pretty obscure in their solutions, but when we’d ask for a little nudge, we’d be given the entire solution.
Escape Operation: End Of DaysMission Escape GamesEscape roomIRLI’m not usually a fan of bunker themes, but this one was very well executed. This is not a horror room, but be aware that it does start off very dark. There are no classic locks, which was very refreshing! This room is definitely doable with two seasoned players.
Mission's Breakout: The Ultimate Bank HeistMission Escape GamesEscape roomIRLRather than just a classic bank heist, I liked that this one had a heavy mafia theme. Some elements seem a little worn but still working fine. We made it through fairly easily with just two of us, but if your group is less experienced, I’d recommend at least three.
The Escape - CLOSEDThe Unlockables - San DiegoEscape roomIRLThe separated start for this game was it’s biggest charm, especially because they have five different areas to handcuff your group! We did it with eight intelligent people, and we blew through it very quickly, and only used a hint or two. The room is designed for a bigger crowd, so I would say the ideal number is probably five or six.
Black and White CafeMindFox EscapeEscape roomIRLVery cute theming and very visually impressive. It’s amazing how vibrant and alive the room feels despite being devoid of color! It’s a single room, but with a decent amount of puzzles packed in. I wouldn’t go with more than two people, maybe three if you’re beginners.
The Fun HouseCross Roads Escape GamesEscape roomIRLThe set designs at Cross Roads are unlike any other. They look like something you would see at a Disney theme park! If you’re too scared to try the other two rooms, please do this one! It’s so goofy and every inch is full of charm! Our game master, David, was absolutely hilarious and super attentive! It always adds an extra layer to the experience when the game master is having just as much fun as we are!
Sister's Secret - CLOSEDThe Unlockables - San DiegoEscape roomIRLThis is a great spooky escape room! I would recommend 3-4 players. We had 2 and almost didn’t make it out, despite having 75 minutes to complete. A lot of the difficulty comes from the non-linearity of it, and if you’re like me, you’ll get overwhelmed by too much information right off the bat. The staff was incredible, and three different employees chatted with us for a long while after our game about their love for escape rooms. It’s very clear that everyone working here is super passionate about what they do. Also, if you like Hamilton, you’ll love all the little references!
Cosmic CrisisThe Escape Game - OrangeEscape roomIRLThis was my eighth game with this company, and the one I had the lowest expectations for because I’ve never been a fan of space themed things. While the environment wasn’t super standout to me, the puzzles were! This is one of the best games at this location. Each puzzle is super memorable and diverse. This one is not super hard, and good for someone without a ton of experience. I would say the ideal number is two players, but there’s one puzzle that’s much easier if you have six hands. It is possible with two, that’s what we did, but be ready to be running back and forth a lot for one of the puzzles near the end.
PlaygroundThe Escape Game - OrangeEscape roomIRLPlayground has remained one of my favorite escape rooms. This location had a couple minor technical difficulties, but they were quick to make it right. Lemon was a terrific game guide, and Danielle at the front was an absolute delight to talk to. She provided some of the most helpful customer service I’ve received from anyone in a long time. Truly above and beyond!
Timeliner: Train Through TimeThe Escape Game - OrangeEscape roomIRLNeat theme, but not my favorite game with this company. We were on a roll until one puzzle with a wooden ball brought us to a screeching halt. That one puzzle was needlessly difficult while the rest of the room was relatively easy. We still had a good time though.
Principal's OfficeEscape Room Era - AnaheimEscape roomIRL𓆜𓋘𓄁 𓊛𓇙𓋸𓌤𓌥 𓌦 𓅐𓆢 𓆣 𓀉𓆤 𓆥 𓅑𓆘 𓆙 𓅒𓄙 𓄚 𓄛 𓅓𓃺 𓃻 𓅔 𓅕 𓃕 𓃖 𓃗 𓎷 𓄁𓎸𓅖 𓅽 𓅾 𓅿𓅗 𓅘 𓇆 𓇇𓅙 𓅚 𓁵 𓁶𓂵 𓂶𓃝𓋲 𓋳𓀬 𓅛𓁃 𓂺𓅜 �𓅝𓃄 �𓄁𓅞𓂙 𓅟𓂿 𓆜𓋘𓄁 𓊛𓇙𓋸𓌤𓌥 𓌦 𓅐𓆢 𓆣 𓀉𓆤 𓆥 𓅑𓆘 𓆙 𓅒𓄙 𓄚 𓄛 𓅓𓃺 𓃻 𓅔 𓅕 𓃕 𓃖 𓃗 𓎷 𓄁𓎸𓅖 𓅽 𓅾 𓅿𓅗 𓅘 𓇆 𓇇𓅙 𓅚 𓁵 𓁶𓂵 𓂶𓃝𓋲 𓋳𓀬 𓅛𓁃 𓂺𓅜 𓂨𓅝𓃄 𓄁𓅞𓂙 𓅟𓂿This review contains spoilers.Unscramble𓀗
The Weeping WitchCross Roads Escape GamesEscape roomIRLThis room is absolutely terrifying! The atmosphere is so well done, there are so many impressive high-tech details, I am just blown away! That witch is hideous and I never want to see her again, but I’m definitely going back and bringing all my friends. Kaylie was phenomenal and very committed to her character! If you have her as your game guide, you’re in for a great time! I struggled a lot more with this escape room than I usually do, so be prepared for a challenge. However, definitely take advantage of hints because Weeping Witch has by far the best and most creative hint system I’ve ever seen! I am absolutely in love!
Grandma's SurpriseTrapped! Escape Room - Los AngelesEscape roomIRLThis escape room is adorable! Very wacky and fun for the whole family! Don’t look up anything ahead of time, because there are many twists and turns you won’t see coming. It’s fairly easy, so if you’re not a beginner, don’t go in with more than two or three people. There were only two of us and we still escaped with a decent amount of extra time. Our game guide, Jack, was incredible! He was super enthusiastic and entertaining! He was the only one working at the time, so he was juggling many things at once, but we never noticed because he was so on top of everything! My only complaint is that this room is a bit old, so a few of the puzzles are a bit finicky. One puzzle wasn’t working at all, but Jack was very apologetic and even gave us an alternative puzzle in its place!
The Butcher - CLOSEDDeceptive GamesEscape roomIRLHands down my favorite escape room experience yet! The puzzles are neat, a little outdated, but that won’t be what’s on your mind. Your interactions with The Butcher are gonna be your main priority, and you will definitely see him a lot! This room is not super jump scare heavy, but much more active. You will need to be ready to stop what you’re doing a moment’s notice and either run or hide. There are so many moments when a task seems simple, but then they throw a wrench in that makes you dread moving forward. I recommend this to anybody! Even if you’re easily scared, please give it a try! The Butcher can touch you, but it’s never any more aggressive than a grab.
Escape the Darkest Hour: Torture ChamberMission Escape GamesEscape roomIRLThis escape room is fantastic! The atmosphere is insanely well done, and it’s about as scary as it can be with no live actor. There aren’t a ton of jumpscares, which I think works to this room’s advantage. You’ll be on edge the entire time, and when a jump does come, it will always be in a way you don’t expect! Our game guide was wonderful and helpful, and the hint system plays in so well that it doesn’t break the immersion at all! My one warning would be not to bring too many people, or you’ll probably finish really quickly. There were only two of us, and we still had a relatively easy time. I think this is a great room for beginners if you can handle the scares. Even though the puzzles weren’t overly complex, the atmosphere and storytelling in this room alone makes it well worth your time!
Escape The HydeoutMission Escape GamesEscape roomIRLThis is a critical thinking heavy room. If your favorite thing about escape rooms is solving puzzles, this is a great one for you. I definitely wouldn’t play this one if you’re all beginners, but the difficulty isn’t insane if you’re a long time veteran. The atmosphere was well done, but not all that special. Game guides are always wonderful at this location. Play this one if you want to think. I just wish it was more memorable. It’s one of the more recent rooms I’ve done, but I don’t remember much about it.
