Cornstalkers: Lost in the MaizeThe Escape Ventures - OrlandoEscape roomIRLA landmark achievement. This is industry level redefining. Cornstalkers is exactly what one hopes for with an escape room in the modern era. Beautifully designed, thoughtfully planned and engineered, clever and very unique in-theme puzzles, next level immersion, fantastic acting and writing, and a perfect balance of fun and scary. Not since Neighborhood Watch have I played something so genuinely creative and frightening. THIS IS HOW YOU DO AN ESCAPE ROOM!!! From the moment you check in, the Game Masters brilliantly immerse you into the story (which I won’t spoil), that leads to a series of events that unfold with ominous and entertaining implications, descending into one of the most awesomely intense and fear inducing escape rooms you’ll ever have the joy of experiencing. I personally didn’t find it “too” scary as many others have, but it cannot be understated how effective and genuinely frightening the scenarios are in the game. But if you’re a super fraidy cat, you might have a heart attack. Cornstalkers creates a level of growing urgency as the game progresses, yet you never see a timer. This is handled brilliantly by clever nudges if you take too long in certain areas. It must be experienced to be truly understood and appreciated. Among everything else, the gameplay is truly a work of genius. It’s a brilliant culmination of everything learned by artists that genuinely understand the industry, and who want to do nothing more than entertain and create the best interactive experience possible. I don’t really know how to compare this to any other rooms other than ones The Escape Venture have made. The level of detail in the production design is awe inspiring and sets a new standard. The puzzles flow so seamlessly and progress so logically you forget you’re playing a game. The interactivity and storytelling is unlike anything I’ve ever played before. This is the real deal. I don’t want to spoil a thing in this review. The hype is 100% legit. Experience it for yourself. Go with good friends, have a great time. You’ll only get to experience this for the first time once. Make sure it’s a good one. Me? I CAN’T WAIT TO PLAY IT AGAIN!
Pins & Needles Tattoo ParlorThe Exit Games FLEscape roomIRLWe finally got around to playing Pins and Needles and while I would personally say it’s a “tad”overhyped, it is not without merit that this is probably one of the most well realized, detailed, atmospheric and creative rooms we have ever played. “Servants of Sleight” was the second room we ever played. For us, it really set a high bar for escape room experiences that became truly, very hard to surpass and has only been equaled a handful of times. It’s clear beyond any doubt “Pins and Needles” has the same level of care, love and enthusiasm poured into its creation as the former. We just wish we had played it sooner, as it’s clear many other companies have copied The Exit Game’s creativity and winning formula poorly (especially for this room’s twists), which if you’ve played many experiences, you’ll immediately notice the twist’s similarities. As for gameplay, while we had a very good time, it didn’t feel as smooth an experience solving puzzles as “Servants of Sleight”. Maybe we had slightly an off-day, but we each agreed wasn’t as “tight” an adventure as their other offering. Make no mistake however, Pins and Needles is definitely one of the best you will EVER play. Aside from a couple puzzles being a tad frustrating, most puzzles are EXTREMELY creative, original and in theme. We can’t say we’ve seen anything like most of what was on display. If you call yourself an enthusiast, you owe it to yourself to play Pins and Needles and Servants of Sleight, perhaps both in the same day (like we did). We enjoyed “Servants” so much we’ve played it 3 times at this point. These experiences complement each other really well and we can’t wait to see their newest offering coming sometime in 2025.
Possession At Haddon HeightsThe Bureau Adventure GamesEscape roomIRLAtmospheric, thoughtfully designed and genuinely spooky. One of the most creative haunted escape room experiences I’ve ever played. This is especially true due to the interesting inclusion and use of worn tech, that (without spoiling anything) not only cleverly enhances the theme, but also really personalizes the mood and scares for everyone. I would describe the scare factor as “accessibly spooky”. This isn’t super scary or frightening, but it’s really good for those who want a few scares that can’t handle intense haunted attractions. It’s 70% psychological/atmosphere and 30% actual frights. The scares are guaranteed to make anyone in your party yelp! From a layout/design standpoint, it’s actually rather simple. The set design, coupled with being mostly in darkness, and the use of a shared light source in a haunted environment just really gives perfect heeby jeeby vibes like something is always lurking around the corner. I mean it when I say the atmosphere is impeccably unnerving in how genuinely realistic and cursed it feels. You’re even smacked with the scent and feeling of a warm, musky building that’s been sitting abandoned for a while as you enter (which is actually part of the story). The attention to detail here is really just great. Puzzles and the clue system are also wonderfully on theme, with everything fitting the tone, and the puzzle logic not being really obtuse or unintuitive. Each puzzle escalates the stakes and naturally builds the intensity of the story. We got through this with almost 20 minutes to spare, which might be my only peeve because I wish it was longer with just how great it was (we were absolutely taking our time not rushing/soaking in everything in too). We are, also, seasoned vets at this point so you might not get through it as quickly as we did if you’re more of a casual player. If you’re looking for something different, it’s really a fun spooky time 👻
Neighborhood WatcherThe Escape Ventures - OrlandoEscape roomIRLThis is how it’s done. THIS IS HOW YOU MAKE AN ESCAPE ROOM! Tightly focused, perfectly and briskly paced, awesomely constructed and full of surprises. This should be a gold standard for companies to follow. Everything from buildout, to story flow, pacing, puzzle and set design, the world building. You name it, this nailed it. Originally, we were concerned going in if this was going to be an exploitative schlockfest with tasteless story choices and visual cues (ie: murdered children, gore and such). I’m relieved it’s actually somehow much more thoughtfully, carefully and creatively realized than I could ever have imagined. It’s just the right amount of tension and scares (and even a bit of humor) to keep the perfect tone all the way through, without being gruesome or resorting to grisly imagery. It’s incredible how they managed to create the perfect balance between fun and scary, without going into the realm of tasteless or “too real” to be upsetting. This is especially an important point to illustrate and underscore because of the theme, and for any apprehension some might have about playing it from its description. However, it’s still intense and not one for younger kids or people who can’t handle high tension situations. Our GM/actor Will, gave an AMAZING performance and I cannot imagine this being done by anyone else. Everything flowed so well, that when you’re not thinking about a puzzle’s logic and you’re getting immersed in a game, you know you’ve entered a good one. From beginning to end, it all made sense and provided a decent challenge without any one puzzle overstaying its welcome. Everything was themed well and consistent with the world building. The clue system was ingeniously woven into the story. It all just worked and did so brilliantly. If you’re in the mood for a good fright with a few laughs, you owe it to yourself to play this one.
Nightfall: Creature At Camp DeadwoodThe Escape Ventures - Port CharlotteEscape roomIRLThis was a wonderful experience and one of the best surprises we’ve had in quite some time. The set design! The sights! Even the smells! Unbelievably creative, immersive and a delight from beginning to end. We were grinning ear to ear the whole way through. Upon entry, you’re immediately smacked with the authentic scent of a campfire and the forest. I won’t say much more, but it underscores an amazing level of detail throughout the entire experience that truly elevates it beyond most rooms you’ll ever play. The buildout is so incredibly inspired, unique and clever. There’s also an immense utilization of lighting, effects and music that is extremely pro-level stuff. This is the real deal. It’s a great story that becomes funnier, and a bit scarier, as things progress, but is 100% entirely entertaining the whole way through. The pacing is absolutely perfect, and there’s a sense of urgency that sustains and maintains throughout your adventure without feeling overbearing. The puzzles range anywhere from the medium to harder side of things, but they were not impossible or frustrating at all. Our GM Jacob went above and beyond with our experience, being an incredible host, super dedicated actor and was just an all around really great human being. He was an absolute delight to have as our GM and probably one of our favorites we’ve ever had in the dozens upon dozens we’ve played. I can’t stress this enough, these guys have put together such a different and unique escape room. Just go, you should absolutely check it out. We cannot wait to come back and play their other experiences.
UFO: Go For LaunchThe Bureau Adventure GamesEscape roomIRLNow this is what I’m talking about. Wonderfully realized world building, seamless puzzles that make sense for the story (with NO LOCKS!) and really awesome set design. UFO: Go For Launch is a delight from start to finish. Puzzle wise, it’s just difficult enough to be engaging and challenging for most groups, but never annoying. An experienced group may finish it with ample time remaining (like we did), but the puzzles are extremely fun and I can’t overstate enough how cleverly integrated and executed they are with the environments and story telling. If you’re looking for something fresh, inspired, creative and very different from what you’ve probably played at other businesses, AND something you can take just about anybody to play, this is it. It’s funny, original, and full of surprises. A great experience for beginners and veteran players alike, and maybe you’ll have a smile on your face most of the way through like we did 😃
The CaretakerAmerica's Escape Game - TampaEscape roomIRLWhat a great surprise! This game truly embodies “more than meets the eye”. Right from the get-go upon entering, the mood/set design and entire vibe is perfectly ominous and spooky but inviting. The difficulty of puzzles ramp from medium to very very challenging as the game progresses. With that said, this one is definitely not one for beginners. Seriously. This one is hard. Almost Expert level stuff. We’re talking paying attention to A LOT of hidden, subtle details baked in to every space. Scavenging for hidden and cleverly obscured items, and really thinking outside the box. There many puzzles I’ve never seen before and they were delights. The puzzles in general aren’t impossible but they’re very difficult and you’ll likely want to take advantage of the free hints and clues for the real head scratchers. What makes this really shine is how well everything is realized. Beautiful, moody, cleverly designed spaces that keep you guessing what’s around the corner and constantly surprised with each reveal. You literally have no idea how awesome this gets. Each room has such a fun wow factor. This is up there with some of THE coolest builds we’ve ever seen. We kind of never wanted it to end. Spooky without being terrifying. This room is a great for experienced players looking for a spooky challenge. It’s AWESOME!
Clown TownIntense Escape - Tampa LocationEscape roomIRLAbsolutely crazy. No spoilers. Do this with a group of friends you love. You won’t regret it.
漆黒の悟り [Shadow Zen]Studio Escape Daikoku-choEscape roomIRLStudio Escape has established an amazing little business with incredibly high end experiences. We went in knowing little to nothing about this experience other than it was a period piece set it 1800s Japan. With that said, I recommend you do the same. Shadow Zen is one of the most beautifully realized, constructed, atmospheric, advanced (both physically and technologically) escape rooms I have ever seen, anywhere in the world. You are immediately sucked in to the experience upon entering and beginning. You can’t help but waste time looking in awe at the entire space and what follows. Calling it “creative”doesn’t do it justice. It’s mind blowing and full of great thematic twists you will never see coming. Best of all, it’s fun. Perfectly paced, not terribly difficult and doesn’t overstay its welcome. And it’s playable in both Japanese or English, and it’s 100% perfect English with no translation issues whatsoever. In fact I’d say it seems apparent the room wasn’t even translated from Japanese and that its written originally in English. I can’t think of a recent room I’ve played that was just so incredibly perfect. If you’re ever in Osaka, Japan, you absolutely must experience Shadow Zen!
女王と国のために [For Queen & Country]Studio Escape NipponbashiEscape roomIRLGoing in as cold as possible to what “For Queen & Country” is about is probably the best way to experience it. Mind blowing immersion, incredible set design, super polished gameplay, flawless flow, fun and very engaging story (very funny too), puzzles that all connected and made sense (AND NO ENDLESS LOCKBOXES EITHER!). And it can be played in Japanese or English (and the game is offered in 100% perfect English). All the elements worked together so seamlessly that we were kind of in complete disbelief by the end. What makes the entire experience work is how you truly did not know what was going to happen next when you progressed. Each space was always a new set of skills, puzzles and experiences you hadn’t done or seen yet. And this game has many that we haven’t seen in any escape room ANYWHERE in the world too. And best of all, it’s not too hard either, which is great because it keeps things breezy, entertaining, and most importantly fun. Newbies and experienced vets alike won’t even care that it’s not the hardest escape room they’ve ever done. The writing, dialogue, immersion, sets, everything is so freaking top notch. I can’t stress enough just how cool and creative this experience is. I wish I could play it for the first time again. If you’re ever in Osaka, Japan, you owe it to yourself to check out For Queen & Country.
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