Agent 1313th Gate EscapeEscape roomIRLMany of the rooms at 13th Gate are production design over puzzle design and while some escape artists might prefer that, I do not. The last two rooms in Agent 13 were satisfying enough that I almost gave this a like, but at the end of the day it’s not for me. Most of my reviews for 13th Gate (aside from Tomb of Anubis) are much of the same.
Blackwell ManorNew Mexico Escape Room - McLeod LocationEscape roomIRLI really like this venue and their staff! The sets in both of the rooms we did today (Blackwell Manor and Super Secret) were stellar. Unlike Super Secret, I felt like the set outshined the puzzles in Blackwell Manor. The puzzles didn’t wow me, and how they matched to the storyline were just okay, but I still enjoyed the room as a whole.
Cutthroat Cavern13th Gate EscapeEscape roomIRLThis game gets a like because of the set design and a few fun solves but, much like many of their other rooms, a lot of their puzzles seem to just be difficult enough to make you waste time rather than get a satisfying solve.
Hide + SeekThe Escape WarehouseEscape roomIRLNow THIS is my kind of creepy room. You can find kidnapping rooms everywhere but this one takes the cake. I loved the flow of this game. Every single solve was cathartic and gave me that buzz a good room gives me. I cannot recommend this enough. And for my scaredy cats, this is a good one for you! No jump-scares, and the lighting is great from start to finish, but you still get that goosebumpy feeling we all love to hate.
InksidiousEscape Room 66 - Los AngelesEscape roomIRLthis was one of my favorite escape rooms i’ve done in a long time. very puzzle heavy and so SMART. highly recommend. Tuesday (the owner and game master) is also an ABSOLUTE DELIGHT. she doesn’t read these so hi to tuesday’s boyfriend! (also we set the record so good luck!!!!)
Jazz ParlorEscape My RoomEscape roomIRLThis game was made for our group. It’s designed exactly in our wheelhouse while also being challenging in nature. There’s so much to explore and discover in such a small amount of space, but best of all, it’s immersive from start to finish. I cannot give higher praise to this establishment. It gave our group a pick-me-up after a disappointing day at a different escape room company. Thank you to Fio as well for a fantastic time! (also if you get out with enough time remaining there are bonus puzzles!!!)
Mardi Gras StudyEscape My RoomEscape roomIRLWe tacked this room onto the end of our day and it ended up being our 7th escape room in a row. We were exhausted, so we got stuck on some of the puzzles, but other than that it was a great time! I prefer Jazz Parlor, and we will be back to complete the other rooms asap! Thank you to Fio as well!
Return of the PharaohsParagon Escape GamesEscape roomIRLI love this room, but more important, I love this establishment. Wesley was a fantastic Game Master and his younger brother (not his twin but basically is) had such a great vibe about them it made the final day on our cross country escape room tour that much more special. The room was beautiful, technically advanced, and the puzzles were the same. Aside from the smallest nudge in the right direction, we didn’t need anything to understand the room flow. Although the game was nonlinear, we very rarely got lost, and often felt even more excitement when we realized what was next on the list for us to accomplish. I love a family owned business, and this is one of the best families out there doing it. We’ll be making the drive from LA again the second they have another room available.
Spellbound13th Gate EscapeEscape roomIRLSame venue, same story. The set design outweighs the puzzle design. If that’s your thing, you’ll love it. It is not mine.
Super SecretNew Mexico Escape Room - McLeod LocationEscape roomIRLIt’s not often I encounter a room with a somewhat silly vibe that has stellar puzzles quite like this room! I loved every single solve. The storyline flowed seamlessly throughout the each puzzle and there were absolutely zero lulls in action. This room matched our groups puzzle aesthetic really well and because of that we got out in under 30, and even then it didn’t feel like we got out early. I would play this game over and over if i could.
