Big Brain Labs60Out - HollywoodEscape roomIRLMy mind (read: brain) has only been blown a very selective number of times, but WOW! Big Brain Labs pushed the boundaries of what a true escape experience can be. There was set design, there was production, there was an original score (what?! also kindly requesting it on Spotify), and the puzzles were so unique and fun I would have played again in a heartbeat. This was certainly a triumph for 60Out and a big win for Science!
Wizard's Treasure60Out - HollywoodEscape roomIRLI was so incredibly impressed by this room. It gives whimsical fairytale storybook vibes in the best way. Our GM Alex (who was absolutely incredible) advised us, that due to the relatively easy puzzles, to stick together instead of dividing and conquering which was great advice as we would have finished too quickly. If you’re more experienced, definitely just take your time and enjoy everything the room has to offer and you’ll love it. I can’t speak highly enough of all the unique puzzles and set design!
Cinema 7Will To Escape - OrlandoEscape roomIRLCinema 7 gave us much more than we expected from our first experience at Will To Escape! We knew we were in for a treat as soon as we stepped into the room and it definitely delivered. The vibe was a tiny bit spooky but not at all scary which gave the game just a little tension. We also appreciated the clever use of the space. At over 100+ games between the two of us, we found the puzzles quite unique and challenging enough to take almost the entire hour. They were also kind enough to let us take a glimpse at other rooms which looked great as well.
Cornstalkers: Lost in the MaizeThe Escape Ventures - Orlando Waterford LakesEscape roomIRLAnother a-maize-ing feat for the Escape Ventures team! Genuinely frightening, hilarious, and campy all at the same time. It goes without saying that the production value of this room goes above and beyond what we’ve seen before, and if you’ve been to any of their locations, you’ll know that’s a huge accomplishment. Take off your scaredy pants, bring your brave friends, and buckle up for an unforgettable night at the fair 🎃
Insane AsylumPanIQ Room - IndyEscape roomIRLAn okay room with a good mix of locks and some tech. The lighting does make it a little challenging but it does warn you about that beforehand. Even though we found ourselves stuck at a few points, a few hints were enough to get us by. Definitely a spooky vibe but nothing scary.
Cosmic CrisisThe Escape Game - AustinEscape roomIRLAnother great experience from TEG! We loved the unique gameplay elements that we haven’t found anywhere else, and the puzzles were a great use of tech while not being overly complicated. While we escaped with a decent amount of time left, we still had a satisfying experience and look forward to more.
The CryptEscape Hour AustinEscape roomIRLThe Crypt was our second experience at Escape Hour and we loved every bit of it. The set design and use of space was incredible, and we felt like we were solving puzzles the entire time, never standing still. Although not a huge space, the gameplay forces communication in unique ways that led to an even better experience.
Dead Man's CoveEscape Hour AustinEscape roomIRLWhile we didn’t “love” this experience, it was still a solid room with fun puzzles. Effort was clearly put into the set design and atmosphere, but we felt some puzzles were lacking or not clearly communicated. For the price point of two players, I certainly would have preferred to play during a non-peak time, but a fun experience nonetheless.
EscapeU: Freshman YearRoyal Caribbean - Utopia of the SeasEscape roomIRLThis was an okay room, and don’t expect much if you’re an enthusiast. Understandably, Royal will try to sell every spot in the room for a max of 12 players which we had. This did prove beneficial for the number of puzzles in only 30 minutes, however there was no “WOW” factor and almost no technology. Manual puzzles in a non-linear room. The puzzles were creative and the theme made sense, just nothing exciting or noteworthy for me personally, and at $40 for thirty minutes, I would hesitate to do another like this.
School of MagicEscape Room San Antonio - Stone OakEscape roomIRLGreat game and definitely felt like we had been transported to a certain wizarding world! This was not very difficult for two players, and we escaped with over 15 minutes remaining. My only complaint is there is a lot of unnecessary reading, but other than that, everything made sense and it was fun to play.
Cyber StationCity Limits Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLFirst experience at City13 and I knew we were in for a treat upon walking into the venue. Cyber Station had many unique puzzles and offered a high tech experience along with a unique story line. Some puzzles were a little questionable, but they made sense overall.
Neon Light DinerCity Limits Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLThis room was definitely our favorite at City 13! The set was incredible and so much fun to move around. As with other rooms here, the puzzles were unique and offered gameplay we haven’t seen elsewhere. Definitely found some surprises along the way and would highly recommend!
Crazy Train: The Ballad of Skeemin' PlotzDoldrick's Escape RoomEscape roomIRLDefinitely the most unique room at Doldrick’s. We were blown away at the design and clever use of the space. It really felt like we were in the middle of some crazy cartoon, and the ending definitely ties it all together. If you ever wished to be the hero in an old style cartoon, this one’s for you!
No VacancyIntense Escape - BradentonEscape roomIRLConsidering this is the least scary room at Intense Escapes, I’d hate to see what the most scary room is like 😂 The game was great and we were definitely spooked the whole time. The immersion and decor really added to the experience, although we found the ending to be a little lackluster.
Buried AliveIntense Escape - BradentonEscape roomIRLBuried Alive is anything we’ve ever experienced and definitely a unique game. The puzzles weren’t overly difficult but I think they rely on the “fear” aspect over game play. Our gamemaster did a great job of going over the safety and precautions prior to us starting, so although it was tight, we were more or less comfortable during the game. It will definitely test how well you can deal with claustrophobia!
Phantom Files: The Investigation Of Lockturne ManorThe Escape Ventures - Port CharlotteEscape roomIRLIf you’re not immune to catchy tunes, the Spirit Stalkers theme song will “haunt” you in the best way. Our gamemaster, Kylon, really brought this game to life, and as with any TEV game, we were very impressed by the design. There were some moments that definitely made us jump, but the experience itself is more just spooky and not too scary. Looking forward to the next room here!
Click 'N Glitch Arcade PalaceThe Escape Ventures - Port CharlotteEscape roomIRLSome really unique gameplay elements paired with some 90s nostalgia really brought this game to life! The use of the space was fantastic and there were enough puzzles to keep the two of us busy the entire time. After completing all their rooms in Orlando, making the trip to this location was definitely worth it as expected.
Game Of Gold - CLOSEDBrainXcape Escape Room NYCEscape roomIRLGame of Gold is a unique escape experience geared towards smaller groups. The time is shorter at 45 minutes, but it can easily be accomplished in less than 30 for more experienced players. The set was great and props were solid, however some puzzles seemed finicky with no clear direction of what to do next. Certainly not a typical escape room experience given the size and speed, but whimsical and fun nonetheless.
Escape Your NightmaresNexus Escape RoomEscape roomIRLSuch a fun and certainly spooky room. The puzzles were creative and the narrative kept us laughing the whole time. There were some jump scares, but overall nothing too scary and they definitely added to the experience. First time at Nexus and can’t wait to return!
Servants of SleightThe Escape Ventures - Clearwater [prev. The Exit Games]Escape roomIRLThere are endless positive things to say about Servants of Slight. The design was flawless and everything was so much fun. It was an absolute pleasure to be able to make it to The Exit Games, and this room certainly lived up to expectations.
