13th BasementExit Game OC - AnaheimEscape roomIRLGreat meeting-loved the lobby, clean bathrooms wonderful walk through. The introduction was creative, game start built the anticipation and the beginning space was funny scary. The atmosphere definitely set the mood. The puzzles weren’t that difficult-it was the anticipation of the scare that made it so hard to focus!! It was hysterical sometimes. We had a great time. The ending will not disappoint. Overall-I left satisfied with this room and the game master. Definitely should give it a try-especially if you’re interested in seeing what a scary room could be like.
Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient ExpressEscapology - San RamonEscape roomIRLOK, I think Escapology games are a great place to start escape rooms-they make sense-they set a tone for what you should expect from a franchise. Some tech, some locks, friendly staff. They aren’t overly novel-but sometimes there’s a one off that surprises you. The sets are well made, immersive. You FEEL like you get what you pay for. (And thats a big deal these days) 4 is plenty to play. 2 can do it. Even 1 if you want to “practice”. I was satisfied with this room, and I actually booked the next two rooms for play that day!
AtlantisEscape Room LAEscape roomIRLGreat room-4 ppl is plenty. 2 ppl is good too. You can’t do this solo (need two ppl for a couple puzzles) I consider this a next gen room. Some of tech didn’t quite work, so our time was used up in waiting for the fix. The Game Master in the room was ok, not too intrusive. Seems like he’s there BECAUSE the tech is sketch. Over all, the room was immersive, it felt Atlantis-y. Puzzles were fun. Lobby is cool-go early for some pre game lobby puzzles. I left satisfied in the end and we were glad we did it.
Batman™: The Dark Knight ChallengeEscapology - San RamonEscape roomIRLUgh-it starts so basic. It’s got great imagery but the start isn’t great-then some clues that don’t make sense,then they do as you progress. Essentially, burning time in the middle. Then it all comes together-but in a basic way. Honestly, some of the tech needs to be thought out better. It was an easy room-with weird clues-that made it slightly frustrating. It took too long for what you had to do. New players should skip it. What it did for us was teach us to be persistent when we knew it was right-don’t OVERTHINK. Again, the tech needs some work. The ending was less than glorious- and didn’t feel very Batman-y. So I’m a meh for this one.
Irvine School Of Wizardry And The Dragon WandHidden DonkeyEscape roomIRLWhy are all escape rooms so warm? Entry into the room was pretty cool-you’re given linear puzzles that are fun and move you along. The visuals are great, they keep you engaged the entire time-but don’t crowd this room with a huge team. 2 experienced ppl, 4 if you’re just getting started with escape rooms is enough. The tech makes sense and would seem extra cool for some younger enthusiasts! Give it a try. The game master was a great guy, the room was fun and I felt satisfied at the end with the experience. It’s not the hardest game you’ll play, but the design and creativity make it worth the visit - especially if you’re breaking into the hobby or you have tweens interested in trying an escape room out. This room will make you want to do more escape rooms, that’s for sure!
Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle60Out - MelroseEscape roomIRLI’m torn. Was it great? Not really. Was it horrible-no, not really. It was almost awesome and then not impressive and then kinda cool. The concept is cool, right? Jumanji! They start off on the right foot, and the transition into the next space really hypes you up. The puzzles were ok. The set design was good. Definitely better at the end. It felt like the middle of the game was just a step to the end and didn’t really have the “meat” you were set up for. The end was unique-and for that, I’m glad I did the room. I haven’t seen that in a room so far and it was definitely a surprise. This is a room for a team of 4. You could do this with two experienced people, but not alone. If youre just starting out with escape rooms, I say go. Have a great time. If you’re looking for something interesting and you’re an experienced team-you may feel like I did at the end. Just ok I was satisfied at the end, just disappointed in the puzzles. Give it a go. See what you think.
Lab RatHatch EscapesEscape roomIRLA solid game that’s great for an experienced team or anyone just starting out with escape rooms. You need to divide and concur-so 4 or more is best. We had 6 and that seemed too many for our level of game play. Unique concept. Great layout. Fun props that really got you into the theme! Puzzles were interesting and didn’t disappoint. It’s a big space, so come ready to move around! We had a great time and I felt completely satisfied at the end. The location is easy to find, parking wasn’t an issue and the lobby was great. Game master was hysterical-with clues that never quite gave you a clear answer, more of a slight nudge toward finding the solution on your own. You should do this room no matter what level of game play your at-you’ll have a great time!
Lost CityEscapology - StonestownEscape roomIRLIf you’re newer to escape rooms-go do it. 3 people max. If you’re getting better and have a few under your belt-go do it. 2-3 max If you’re experienced-skip it. There’s more out there. It’s ok, it’s linear. The puzzles definitely feel familiar. It’s got some cool wood buildouts and props.the tech is standard. (Some lock and key still) 2 people can do this. One can of they’re clever enough. Pretty immersive set. Friendly game master. Cool looking lobby. Bathroom was in the mall. Parking inside the garage was a short walk in. If you need an escape room fix, like we did, check it out. We had some time to burn and went and did it. The ending felt like it cut the room short-but it’s Escapology and I feel like their rooms sometimes do this.
Red GiantQuest Room - HollywoodEscape roomIRLThis location is a little sketchy. Make sure you don’t leave anything in the car. NOW-for the room - really cool!! The set up and intro set the scene, the game master was on point and the opening room immersed you in the theme right away! Puzzles were interesting and moved you logically through the space-the ending was great! This room feels next gen with the tech and second gen with the tasks. Over all I felt satisfied when I finished this room. It’s doable with 2 ppl. 4 ppl would still have fun. 5 got crowded. Beginners to advanced players will have fun here.
Scooby-Doo™ and the Spooky Castle AdventureEscapology - San RamonEscape roomIRLI enjoyed it-it wasn’t what I expected but it was fun. This room would be PERFECT for some young teens to experience escape rooms. It’s an introduction that would make them want to do more. We blew through it, I’m glad we did it-but it’s on the east side. It’s Escapology. And it’s consistent with their standards. It makes sense, it’s not super hard, it’s fun and you do feel satisfied when you’re done. It’s worth to time and the money-especially it your a young family just starting out. Go do it!! 2 experienced player will be out and even 1 player could go. 3-4 new players will be plenty in this room.
