UndercookedOmescape - SunnyvaleEscape roomIRLAbsolute chaos in the best way possible! If you love puzzles, this is the room for you. The frenzy of recipes presented to you makes for a fast-paced experience. My group of 3 went in knowing there would be a lot to do, so we hit the ground running and it was genuinely exhilarating trying to bounce around to different puzzles without pausing for transitions or story beats. It honestly felt like we were chefs working in a kitchen slammed for the dinner rush, cooking in parallel but calling out for each other when we needed info or a second pair of eyes. The sheer volume of puzzles already had me sold, but the variety and mechanics of the room were outright impressive.
Haunting at Haruka HighOmescape - SunnyvaleEscape roomIRLThis room ended up being a pleasant surprise! Not always a huge fan of horror since it runs the risk of sidelining puzzles, but this room is still authentically an escape room. The gameplay complements the narrative wonderfully, and I was satisfied as a puzzle enthusiast. The real strengths of the room lie in the set design and theatrics though, and they culminated in a truly memorable experience. I found myself admiring each room I went through. The story was refreshingly more engaging than typical escape rooms, and my group ended up being invested in the details for the fun of it. Easily one of my favorite Omescape rooms!
Surf's UpSurf City EscapesEscape roomIRLOn a whim, I caught wind of the soft opening walk-in offer and decided to swing by. Super ecstatic that a new company opened up and at a nice location no less! Radical room that nails the theme and manages to be both satisfying to play, and silly to experience. In my opinion, better than most rooms you'd expect to see at a mall, so definitely come by and try this gnarly game.
The Bakery - Grandma's LegacyBeyond the Lock Escape RoomEscape roomIRLVery cute room! If you are in the area, you won't regret making this one of your stops. This room does lean more towards the easy side, so it's a great room for beginners, but it certainly doesn't detract from the fun. I'd say this room keeps things relatively simple, but everything is done so well and the room has some unique touches that are genuinely charming. At its core, this room checks the boxes for what I would personally want in an escape room.
Quest For The Temple of LightThe Keepers of BalanceEscape roomIRLOne of the main reasons why I decided to make a trip out to North Carolina! The room itself was stunning in design, and very much a joy to play through. I would say the puzzles did lean on the easier side, but the game offers more than the sum of its parts. I may be a little biased because this was my 100th room and the staff went above and beyond to celebrate it once they found out, but truly the entire experience of visiting began before the room even began. I'm hoping for the Keepers of Balance's continued success because their passion shines both in and outside the experience.
Ink & AshesExodus Escape RoomEscape roomIRLA must-play for sure! One of my personal favorite socal rooms that I will always recommend to other people. It's a genuinely satisfying game to play through, with a story that is seamlessly woven into the puzzles. I honestly wasn't expecting to be blown away, but I left being quite impressed with pretty much every aspect of the game. There is a small enhancement they made to the room after they received a suggestion from other players, and it really adds to the immersion/experience.
MagnificoEscaparium - LavalEscape roomIRLOne of a kind. This experience embodies the aspects of what makes escape rooms so enjoyable. While some rooms lean into theatrics at the expense of puzzles, this gem spoils it's players by expertly juggling both. The actors are phenomenal facilitators for an expertly crafted narrative, and the puzzles flow seamlessly alongside the unfolding story. Not a single detail is wasted, and not a single puzzle felt out of place. There is so much to admire about this room, and it is truly worth traveling for. As of now, I believe Magnifico's Circus sits at the top of escape rooms and is a leader in demonstrating the potential heights these experiences can achieve.
Servants of SleightThe Escape Ventures - Clearwater [prev. The Exit Games]Escape roomIRLI love this game! Definitely one of my all-time favorites. It's really a game that encapsulate the fun and awe of escape rooms. Even having done some of the widely regarded, extravagant rooms out there, this is one I always remember fondly for being so memorable. The progression is masterful, and each room stands out with at least one memorable moment.
Pins & Needles Tattoo ParlorThe Escape Ventures - Clearwater [prev. The Exit Games]Escape roomIRLJust book it. I honestly think the less you know about the room, the better. This is a unique room that comfortably sits in my top 5 of all-time. I absolutely love the way the room itself progressed, from the very beginning of the experience, up until the very end. The puzzles were a standout, and yet they were not the only aspect that made such a strong impression.
