Escape IT - The SewersEscape ITEscape roomIRLWhile good puzzles are what I value most in escape rooms, I must admit that the flow and novelty of this room compensate for its low puzzle density. However, I imagine the quality of the room can vary pretty wildly depending on the staff working in it as well as the experience level of the group. 7/10 - Solid room.
Escape Blair WitchEscape Blair WitchEscape roomIRLIf you care more about set dressing than gameplay you will probably like this room.
Escape IT - The FunhouseEscape ITEscape roomIRLI feel like this is a single step up from the less than impressive SAW escape experience from Egan Escape Productions. Pretty good set dressing but less than inspired gameplay and occasionally confusing setups may leave a less than ideal taste in the mouth of escape room enthusiasts. This room is closer to a more interactive haunted house walkabout than it is to an escape experience.
S.A.S.H.A: Home Of The FutureWild Goose Escapes - FullertonEscape roomIRLHigh tech. Great beginner room. More experienced groups may not walk away satisfied or sufficiently challenged.
The OvergrownEscape Room Era - AnaheimEscape roomIRLSurprisingly immersive and solid attention to detail. Some of the props were great. Main drawback is it might run a little short for more experienced groups.
Christmas At Franklin's - CLOSEDEscape Room Era - AnaheimEscape roomIRLNot a bad room especially if you like to get festive during winter time! Only critique I have is the set dressing could be updated to match the level of immersion provided by their Overgrown room.
The Lost Treasure of Captain BlackbeardNerdy by Nature Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLSet dressing left a lot to be desired. Gameplay was alright. Story was unremarkable. Staff was very nice. Solid 5.5 out of 10.
Elevate: SkyloungeWild Goose Escapes - IrvineEscape roomIRLInteresting theming with some fairly unique setups. Set dressing and puzzles were above average. Main drawback was a more experienced group will burn through this room rather quickly.
The House Next Door - CLOSEDWild Goose Escapes - IrvineEscape roomIRLPretty fun and immersive room. Nothing groundbreaking but there were some solid moments. Also appreciate tongue-in-cheek approach to rooms that Wild Goose has.
Bloodshed Bayou: Waters Uncharted - CLOSEDLocksmith Escape GamesEscape roomIRLThe gameplay and environment were pretty solid which is not surprising since apparently The Escape Ventures designed and built this room. My biggest gripes are this: I heavily value immersion and how Locksmith handles game information (via an iPad that you carry around) does not do it any favors. There is no grand finale or big finish, the game ends rather abruptly. The temperature control is poor and it can get pretty hot. Final words: seems like The Escape Ventures were given a measly budget to make a room and they did the best they could with it.
The Seventh RoomDare 2 EscapeEscape roomIRLThis room, while dressed well, reminds me a lot of pre-bought escape experiences. I’m not a big fan of excessive reading but this one is so dense in papers and books. I prefer more tactile, intuitive puzzles that don’t require me to keep my head down looking at a piece of paper, but looking up and around at the room, maintaining the immersion—which is another point dock for me. So many random signs required so puzzles are solvable and play functions properly. Not ideal.
Operation Arctic Storm: The Final MeltdownThe Escape Ventures - Orlando Waterford LakesEscape roomIRLThe room had some solid, fun puzzles. The large play space and variety of actions were great. My only critique, and this is a preference, is that I do not prefer when rooms give you puzzle pieces before they can be used. Or when you solve something but don’t end up progressing the game by solving it—as it relies on something else also being solved.
Outage: No VacancyThe Escape Ventures - Orlando Waterford LakesEscape roomIRLSolid room with some interesting, tactile puzzles. A bit short for an experienced group but still well worth it.
Crypt Of The VampireMystique Escape RoomEscape roomIRLMostly tech which is nice but some of the setups just aren’t designed that well. Several red herrings, awkward flow. Would give it a 6 out of 10.
Irvine School Of Wizardry And The Dragon WandHidden DonkeyEscape roomIRLSo the set dressing is pretty impressive on this one. High tech, pretty immersive, and some solid setups. Major gripe is that the gameplay in the last room falls a bit flat. Overall: 7.5/10.
The Curse Of The Black KnightEscapeX Rooms - IrvineEscape roomIRLSolid theming, props, and gameplay. Not too difficult, as experienced groups will chew through the layup puzzles rather fast. Expect to have a decent chunk of time remaining upon completion. The acting could definitely be improved. Space can get cramped with any more than 4 so I would not advise group sizes larger than that. Overall a unique, fun room 8.5/10.
Zoe: RebornEscapade GamesEscape roomIRLIf you like a scary escape room this is the best in OC. Puzzles are solid, acting is solid, staff is incredibly kind and professional.
Mission's Breakout: The Ultimate Bank HeistMission Escape GamesEscape roomIRLPretty solid room. A bit easy.
