The BirdMyssTic RoomsEscape roomIRLThis was a great looking room with some unique puzzles and an interesting story. We were a group of two, which worked really well. I wouldn’t want to play it with more than three.
The Flaming PearlEclipse EscapeEscape roomIRLThis room was flat-out brilliant. Instantly jumped to my top 5. At first glance, it might seem a bit overwhelming, but it only took a minute to figure out where we should start, and everything from that point on was super straightforward. I quite liked being able to spend my time working on puzzles rather than wasting time figuring out where we should be looking. I really enjoyed the mix of puzzle types in the room. I appreciated that although there were starting points for many puzzles, there was a clear flow for which puzzles we should focus on and where we should move to each stage. The progress wheel was also a handy tool.
Puppet Heist: The Hand Of LifeThe Bureau Adventure GamesEscape roomIRLThis room had a good premise and lots of potential, but in the end was pretty rough. The puppet concept was novel and unique, though. It had vibes of Sesame Street or My Friendly Neighbourhood. The good aspects: * The puppet facilitator was a good motivator. He gave bits of story and gave prompts for what to focus on. * They did a good job at reusing elements in a clever and subtle way. * Using screens to simulate windows and building interiors worked really well and added to the atmosphere. The not so good aspects: * If you don't hear what the puppet facilitator says you might be a bit lost. * The set and props were all very rough and run down. * It ended very suddenly and in a nondescript sort of way. * The flow from puzzle to puzzle was vague. We often wasted time working on things we shouldn't have been. * One particular dexterity-based activity took way too long and was more frustrating and boring than the game designer probably thinks.
Knights TemplarEclipse EscapeEscape roomIRLKnights Templar was an excellent room for two experienced players. We did the advanced version of the game and finished in around 45 minutes. The mix of tech/mechanical puzzles was good, not too much of one or the other. Everything worked well and was well-themed. The first space seemed a little sparse initially, but as you progress, it makes sense and escalates.
Knight in the MuseumMindshift Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLI'd rate this as Mindshift's best room so far. The puzzles were novel and varied with a good mix of physical and techy. It didn't feel like we were just doing the same thing over and over. The story was cute but not really integrated into the room very much.
The Chamber of Lost LegendsFox In A Box AdelaideEscape roomIRLThe room is generally well-themed. This is a very linear room, so I wouldn't recommend too many players. Difficulty-wise, it's all generally fairly simple, with the exception of one quite difficult puzzle. If bringing kids along, definitely make sure there is an adult in the room, because there is a puzzle that requires outside knowledge and a sense-based puzzle that I can't guarantee kids will be able to do. Overall, it's fine. Not the best, not the worst.
