Neighborhood WatcherThe Escape Ventures - OrlandoEscape roomIRL80's theme was on point. The live actor that would come in and out of the room is what really sells this experience very well. Loved the throw back on the 80's and the creepy allure of mystery. It is as scary as your live actor will make of it. Our actor was on point, sadly that was her last day working at that store. But overall great Escape company!
Hope EndThe Ministry Of PeculiaritiesEscape roomIRLBy far one of my All time Favorites. Very immersive from the moment you enter the building from the outside. The live actor "starst the show" the moment you enter into the lobby. They made very good use of their space while not breaking immersion from the lobby to entering the game itself to finishing the end. They interact with you while keeping subtle key notes and details as they ask you simple questions that you normally would be asked by GM to get a feel for what type of player you are. Loved every part of it and cannot wait for their next game.
Operation Arctic Storm: The Final MeltdownThe Escape Ventures - OrlandoEscape roomIRLGreat room and very immersive. I enjoy when companies utilize height (Z-axis) in set design.Gives the rooms more feel.
Dead & BreakfastTHE BASEMENT: A Live Escape Room Experience - SylmarEscape roomIRLBy far the best way to live this 4 chapter experience. The light continental breakfast/snacks of Danishes, fresh fruit platter, sodas and water was a delightful way to save money with a bulk rate discount. Definitely did not feel rushed and they give you time to set your own pace between rooms. My group was on a tight schedule for the day (as we were doing several companies that day) and going at our own pace with smaller breaks in between made our time more flexible.
Haunting at Haruka HighOmescape - SunnyvaleEscape roomIRLImmersion right from the get go. Good use of tech and some height level variances. Once you finish the room you'll see how elaborate the entire room was built. Very well connected multi room experience.
Back to ChildhoodClockwise Escape Room - PleasantonEscape roomIRLProbably the best room at this facility. GM mentioned this room wasn't bought but rather custom made by the owners. Definitely pulled on my heart strings for nostalgia. Haha.
The CourtyardTHE BASEMENT: A Live Escape Room Experience - SylmarEscape roomIRLRoom felt bigger than it really was with the great set design. They made being inside during the day feel like it was outside at night. Good use of the live actor use as GM, as well as part of puzzles. Do note that you will need at least 1 player in your group that can crawl into a tight space. Over all it was great, immersive and overall a great story.
Chapter 2: The Elevator ShaftTHE BASEMENT: A Live Escape Room Experience - SylmarEscape roomIRLVery unique take on a mostly singular room. Do note: Wear shoes you do not mind getting a little wet (~0.5-1" of water). Loved the unique system of having to traverse horizontally in the dark. Make sure you do NOT have to anything loose or in your pockets of anything you do not want to lose or get wet! Helps if you have at least one member in your group that is in relatively reasonable shape with the ability to pull yourself with only upper body strength. Very immersive with tech that as a career technician, they designed the puzzle layout with some sort of reasoning of troubleshooting like in the real world.
The Apartment Nextdoor - A Dark ExperienceOmescape - SunnyvaleEscape roomIRLNew experience for me requiring you to use your other senses of touch and listening. Enjoyed this mystery since your other senses are heightened when you cannot see. Requires good coordination with your group.
Lost CabinPuzzle Room RenoEscape roomIRLRoom was rather simple with props that have seen it's age. Puzzles were mainly simplistic and low tech. Felt like a light GEN 1.5 room. Storyline could use improvement.