Sweethearts Ice Cream ParlourThe Cool SpaceEscape roomIRLAnother stunning set from The Cool Space! We were fortunate enough to test the game prior to its release, and we thoroughly enjoyed what we saw. Fun retro pastels and pinstripes of yesteryear greet players as they step into the ice cream parlour and from there, the cool caper begins. From the rock ‘n’ roll music to the retro-futuristic Mix-a-tron 3000, it’s clear that a great deal of time and effort went into the design of this experience. The puzzles were a healthy, varied mix of easier and more layered ‘a-ha!’ moments, with many cleverly tied into the narrative of ‘Sweethearts’. Puzzle-focused escape room fans will thoroughly enjoy some of the game’s unique puzzles, we certainly haven’t encountered them anywhere else. There’s something for everyone in The Cool Space’s new experience — it’s a sweet time!
Mr Pepper’s Toy ShopThe Cipher Room St PetersEscape roomIRLThis was my fiftieth room, and I am so glad I travelled interstate to experience ‘Mr Pepper’s Toy Shop’. The props, set design and storyline provided a rich foundation to the experience, allowing the puzzles to propel you along to the terrifying conclusion of the room. It was incredible — there’s a reason this room ranks so highly.
La RébellionThe Cipher Room St PetersEscape roomIRLThis was such a stunning, top notch experience. Cipher Room deliver memorable escape experiences, and ‘La Rébellion’ was no exception. Each puzzle and room flowed beautifully into the next, and as with their other St Peters room, ‘Mr Pepper’s Toy Shop’, this room offers a jaw-dropping finale.
SeanceThe Cool SpaceEscape roomIRLA masterclass in single room escape experiences, ‘Seance’ is all the more impressive when considering the fact that this The Cool Space’s first build. Gorgeous, textured aesthetics surround the table while a wonderful variety of materials are presented within ‘Seance’ to solve a varied collection of puzzles. Having played ‘Seance’ over a year since opening, we benefitted from the continued iterative efforts designers Daniel and Josh pour into the experience. More complex puzzles teach players and allow them to build mastery intuitively. The use of controlled lighting bolsters the experience, helping form a wonderfully different sit-down escape experience.
Mrs ClawsStrange World Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLThe naughty cheek and charm of ‘Mrs Claws’ was a delight to experience. We experienced ‘Mrs Claws’ in its “Disney” (horror-free) mode and, while some minor scares still crept their way through the game, we tackled the experience without issue and thoroughly enjoyed the wild, quirky ride. The puzzle flow was smooth and clearly signposted. The narrative shifts and expands throughout ‘Mrs Claws’, and a pivotal decision is made at a certain point in the experience. A full understanding of the narrative certainly makes that choice easier. We were briefly stuck on what to choose, but we got there in the end. Some escape rooms feel like they could be experienced anywhere, or designed by any creator. ‘Mrs Claws’ is the exact opposite—the creativity of its designer forms the indelible core of the experience. It’s hard to imagine it could exist anywhere else, or another designer harnessing the wonderfully chaotic spirit of ‘Mrs Claws’. To see the experience in full flight, it is suggested that teams choose the full horror experience, but that’s not to say that the lighter, mostly scare-free mode isn’t fun—it’s still very funny with a mature sense of humour. See the team photo for proof!
Area 1: The PortalProject Immersive Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLI cannot recommend this room enough. The immersion starts before you even enter the building, and the interactions within the escape experience were SO, so good. Wickedly so. One of my favourite escape experiences to date! Unique puzzles and props found throughout the rooms that deepen the narrative and puzzle flow. It even has an exciting ending to the experience. I’m looking forward to playing anything they open!
IntrudersMission Escape George StEscape roomIRL‘Intruders’ is an experience that stayed with me long after leaving the venue. Mission Room Escape’s acting, sets, and manipulation of the environment in ‘Intruders’ absolutely blew my mind. As an immersive, theatrical escape room, ‘Intruders’ is lighter on puzzles than Mission’s other experiences — and the game is all the better for it. The smaller collection of puzzles within this immersive experience felt closer to mimesis than those in most escape rooms in Sydney. As a team of two, moving between the sparse areas of light felt tense and frightening. Each door was opened cautiously, and every second spent isolated was truly felt. The use of multiple live actors ensures players watch the cinematic scenes from perfect vantage points. If you can stomach horror, run to play ‘Intruders’. It’s a truly stellar immersive experience and an outstanding example of how theatre and escape room puzzles can be combined to create something genuinely transcendent.
ExtractionThe Curium ExperienceEscape roomIRLFrom the ambitious scale of ‘Extraction’ to the multitude of unique props, The Curium Experience confidently stakes its claim as Australia’s biggest escape experience. ‘Extraction’, from start to finish, is a big, bold, off-the-wall adventure. Players break into Area 51 and some truly wonderful and bizarre events take place as they move across a diverse collection of rooms. The designers have meticulously crafted the experience to keep the energy high from the moment ‘Extraction’ takes off to its frantic end. It’s a spectacle, and it’s exciting to think there’s still so much more to come from The Curium Experience.
Area 1: Nuclear EnrichmentProject Immersive Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLWhat an absolute delight! Project Immersive are broadening the storytelling within their Area 1 world, and the run of accompanying puzzles is wonderful. Prepare for an exciting and unique ending that hints towards the future of immersive escape room experiences!
The Hidden TempleNarrow Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLAs recommended by multiple enthusiasts, ‘The Hidden Temple’ was a delight. Packed with Easter eggs, impressive craftsmanship and enjoyable puzzles, Narrow Escape Rooms has built a great temple plundering experience. The team carefully balanced lore delivery with puzzling so that it never felt like you were reading too much. Delivering instant audio feedback across the puzzle inputs felt satisfying, and it was evident just how much care and time was spent on the environment build. It’s clear that Narrow Escape Rooms refines their designs over time, and ‘The Hidden Temple’ is the product of a design team that continues to build from strength to strength. I look forward to my next visit!
