Ghost PatrolTrivium GamesEscape roomIRLGhost patrol is a polished, beautifully immersive take on an overdone theme- this room was a joy. It had so many satisfying moments, is laced well, and the variety of puzzles make it interesting. Our team spent a lot of time explaining to each other what we missed because each we so thoughtfully done. Highly recommend and love the thoughtfulness of the folks at trivium.
Stash HouseStash HouseEscape roomIRLThis game, from the jump is creative, unique and has so much lore built in. It's clear that the creators both love LA culture AND worked to create immersive and unique puzzles with a lot of variety. It is a true non-linear room with quite a bit to do. Our group of 7 had plenty to do and I probably would recommend less than 4 just for the quality of gameplay. Puzzles are varied in style and execution and the space is both unassuming and has good moments that move the experience forward.
Something's Out There!Maze Rooms - West LAEscape roomIRLSomething’s Out There was good- nothing more, nothing less. It is a horror-ish (I’m a weenie and it was maybe a 4/10) room that succeeds in immersion but lacks follow through in puzzle density, story cohesion, and length. Our group of 4 finished in just over half the time. This is a good room for those topping their toes into horror. You have the security of no live actor (it is effective in creating the sense of not being alone) but the mild jump scares, scenery, and effects that many horror rooms have. The lowest point of this experience was our gm. We were rushed in and out and it was clear that they weren’t interested in being there.
The PerfumerQuest Room - HollywoodEscape roomIRLWe loved this room. We are enthusiasts with a lot of experience and loved the variety of puzzle types, the hint system, and the deep immersion of this room. It was challenging but not prohibitively so. We never were so stuck we didn’t have something to do. The story made sense and played well all the way through. A few fun surprises along the way too!
Special Ops: Mysterious MarketThe Escape Game - San JoseEscape roomIRLThis game exceeded our expectations for a corporate chain room. It’s clear that the money a company like this has allows for access to certain tech elements that made this room fun and, in parts, novel. The story evolves well and adds to the urgency and gameplay. We did it with a team of two enthusiasts and didn’t need hints so would maybe put it in the medium category instead of hard.
Bainbridge Escape - The Bombing Barber Of BainbridgeBainbridge EscapeEscape roomIRLThe set and props are really fun and the puzzles have some nice variety. There are some that particularly contribute to the immersion. We had a lot of fun for most of the room and it was clearly a passion project with some clever elements. We played with two and it was plenty, though I imagine you could play comfortably with up to 4ish. The main weaknesses are the hint system which is just a guy coming in and asking where you need help (ruins flow and kills immersion) and a few items that are hidden in places that are a little too deep in the set (and have no indication that you need more of a particular thing until it’s very important).
Murder in LondonThe Ultimate Escape Rooms - Marina Del ReyEscape roomIRLMurder in London is an easy to medium difficulty game that largely relies on observation and collection. The room has some fun elements, flows well, and is suspenseful without being actively scary. Our GM was kind and only offered information when an element didn’t open fully or we missed where an element changed. We did it as 2 enthusiasts but probably would have been more fun with 3.
World of IllusionsMaze Rooms - HollywoodEscape roomIRLI’m surprised this room is rated as highly as it is. I was hoping, as an enthusiast for it to live onto the hype. This game has fun technology and some clever elements, but this room mistakes the concept of being non-linear for being non- logical in its connections. While the decor is well done, immersion is lost because the story starts flat, doesnt carry in the puzzles and has no meaningful pay off. Additionally, some puzzles are so tedious that the many red herrings in the room can prevent making timely progress.
The Bank JobSeattle Escape GamesEscape roomIRLThis room was a linear lock and key room with very few creative puzzles to keep the momentum up or stakes high. The initial entrance was cool and the multi-room elements fun but felt like it lacked creativity and was from a previous era of escape games.
