The Last BuccaneerGame Over Escape Rooms - West TampaEscape roomIRLI really wanted to like this room, especially with how passionate and excited the owner was, as well as the caliber and level of their other rooms. It's a unique play on your stereotypical pirate theme, and the immersion was great, but we couldn't get past the interrupted flow throughout the game. We were warned prior that this is one of the most difficult rooms they have, and we can definitely see why. There are a lot of leaps in logic required to see how the information you have relates to a specific lock or puzzle. Even when you make that connection, what seems logical actually isn't. There's a puzzle that requires a certain order of numbers, but there is no indication of how you should find that order. We thought we had found a cool decorative answer to what the order is, but nope it was something very different that we wouldn't have easily figured out unless we guessed. Another lock requires you to have a set of numbers, but nowhere on that lock does it have any reference as to where those numbers could come from. The props you could use to solve this clue make sense in hindsight, but there are too many red herrings that have no point in the puzzle or game in general. With the already ambiguous plot (the pre-game video wasn't very detailed on what the purpose of the room is), you try and make everything fit, but a lot of props are just for show. Thinking back, I liked the decoration and theming and immersion, but a lot of it seemed like it was just there to fill the room rather than be of any use. There's minimal logical connection of which props are supposed to be used for which puzzles. The game is very linear, with one puzzle needing to be solved at a time. Once we solve a puzzle, momentum and flow stop because of the lack of forward direction on where we go next. We were told that, on average, each group asks for about 8 to 10 hints. If this is the norm, especially for experienced players, then it's not that the game is too difficult. It's that there are key pieces missing from the game that allow for success. I love a good hard escape room where you worry if you're gonna make it out on time because the puzzles are just hard/required alternate thinking/lots of them/etc; at the end of those rooms, you still come out of it having enjoyed the challenge and love the room despite it's difficulty, because the flow was there, and once figured out, the puzzles did actually make sense. That was not the case here. I hope that they make some adjustments to provide a better puzzle experience- I would love to recommend this room to a lot of my pirate loving friends, but can't with the way it is now.
Haunted HarborThe Escape Ventures - Winter Garden [prev. Escape Goat]Escape roomIRLFavorite at this location! We were worried at first with it just being the two of us when they mentioned that judges were mandatory to help us make it through. Everything flowed so well from one puzzle to the next. The entire set was immersive from start to finish and you kept wondering, what was gonna happen next. Having done many escape rooms, seeing the same puzzles over and over again can get repetitive, but we were very pleasantly surprised as there were several that we hadn’t seen before. Can’t wait for their next room absolutely it must do even if you need to drive a little ways.
20.000 LeaguesGame Over Escape Rooms - West TampaEscape roomIRLOverall a fun room. Immersion and quality of the decoration in the rooms is always top notch but it just felt empty. It was a linear game with not much forward drive as to what the next step is- we did it intuitively and were fine, but I was always wondering if this was the next the next thing to do. That being said the puzzles were nicely themed but didn’t require a whole lot of thinking. The ending was very meh- didn’t realize we had finished the game. Would definitely recommend if you’ve done the other rooms but not their best.
Carter's Haberdashery And The Curse Of The Ancient GoldEscape Artists - SanfordEscape roomIRLOverall a fun room with a slightly different take on finding the relic in the tomb with a Wild West start. Puzzles were interactive and very hands on (literally lol) rather than lots of reading and thinking. No logical leaps needed though it wasn’t always obvious. We had a lot of fun but it wasn’t our favorite room here.
Operation: RingfallEscape Artists - SanfordEscape roomIRLThis was such a fun and unique take on the overused and boring bank heist theme. You really felt like robbers trying to break in and then setting off the alarm. I loved the sarcasm and humor with it being an older generation bank. Why we didnt love it is because it felt incomplete- the puzzles were a little too easy although some a little time consuming, and it felt like there should have been more (especially with the staging of the first room). Mostly linear room with no leaps in logic required if you pay attention. Some new puzzles we’ve not done before always keeps it fresh. Great beginner room and for those who have done a lot and want a new take on an old theme but set your expectations and enjoy your time.
The Pet ShopRiddler's Escape - OxfordEscape roomIRLOverall really liked this room! You felt as if you were actually a pet in a pet shop trying to escape. There was limited space, so not great for big groups. Mostly linear but a lot of things to look at and do at the very beginning to try and get your bearings. If you love animals and biology, this is a great room for you.
Mr. Elegoo's Enchanted EmporiumThe Ocala EscapeEscape roomIRLThis room was worth doing and visiting on our way back home. It was whimsical and cute and had elements I’d never seen before. The GM was very sweet and welcoming but seemed distracted since hints were quite delayed and were provided for puzzles we’ve already done. There are a few puzzles that required leaps in logic/no indication that you were supposed to do a certain task. Overall a fun beginner room.
Jacobs NightmareHuddys Escape - GainesvilleEscape roomIRLOverall a great room with stranger things vibes to start out. It was definitely spooky but not scary and I think it’s probably due to lack of a live actor. There was a frustrating point when we had completed the task multiple times but the GM was not aware and did not trigger the next step. Spent about 10 minutes trying to figure out where we went wrong. There were also several props that looked like they used to be puzzles but weren’t used/needed so not sure if we bypassed steps or missed out. GM Jacob was great and personable! Definitely do this room if in the area!
Chronowhiskey: Pursuit of the BartenderHuddys Escape - GainesvilleEscape roomIRLThis room was just ok. Wouldn’t go out of my way to do it. It has a lot of potential but left us wanting more. The theme was cool and unique, and I really like the idea of a steampunk bartender. However, the ending and what our ultimate mission was was just confusing. The ending was also quite anti-climactic. We solved multiple puzzles by accident. There were so many unused props that I thought we would need to use, but ultimately never did- it’s a shame to have so much space used up by props that aren’t used. During our intro, the GM gave instructions about a specific puzzle, but we never ended up doing/needing it- not sure if we accidentally bypassed it or if it was no longer in the game play. A fun room worth doing for the theme but not necessarily the puzzles.
The Family Fallout ShelterEvasive Escape Rooms - SarasotaEscape roomIRLA wonderful game that flowed so well, had fun tasks, and had us wanting more after every turn. It felt like a big tease because we finished the game so fast… subjectively it was a little too straightforward and too fast and we weren’t even rushing, we wanted there to be more. That’s the only disappointing thing about this room, so take your time, enjoy the ambience while you can.
The Country Club CaperEscapades Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLIt was fun overall. We weren’t really feeling the theme or immersed fully and didn’t enjoy it as much as others we’ve done but a good room to do if you’re in town.
Cryptic CayNexus Escape RoomEscape roomIRLThis was a fun room but not as good as I was expecting based on the reviews. The theming was cool but not as immersive as it could have been. Only 2 rooms and they had what they needed but weren’t wow- some. Would do the other rooms if we’re in the area but not sure we would come out of our way.
The Seventh RoomDare 2 EscapeEscape roomIRLOverall a great room! Loved the theming and immersion, for the most part everything flowed well and was intuitive. Got stuck at the beginning for a while since we didn’t take the hint literally. A few things that were frustrating from a solving puzzles standpoint Iike lack of lighting when it was clearly needed and dubious math. The room was played up to be extremely scary (which we were looking forward to) but were disappointed (not sure if this was done purposefully since I mentioned I do jump easily)- more spooky than scary. Our GM was incredible with setting the stage and vibe. Still one of our favorite rooms here and would recommend!
Possession At Haddon HeightsThe Bureau Adventure GamesEscape roomIRLOverall really fun and immersive- one of our favorite rooms at this location. Game flowed very well- enough to do for 2 people without tripping over each other. Just wish the room were a little longer and had more puzzles- was surprised when we were already done.
Saving Santa - CLOSEDEscapology - LakelandEscape roomIRLOverall this room was ok. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone to go out of their way, but is a fun one to do with young kids. I wish it had been stated that this was the same room “repurposed” and the puzzles were made specifically for kids with a lot of puzzles taken away or reduced in difficulty- we probably wouldn’t have done it had we known. The room was also very dusty and worn for it being a “new room” and needs some TLC.
Downfall of the DonWill To Escape - OrlandoEscape roomIRLOverall a fun room but not as wowing as some of their other rooms. Not very immersive- rooms felt a little sparse. Hints were given without us asking, which was a little frustrating. They were super busy that night so we felt rushed in and out instead of the usual A+ service we’ve had in the past. Not our favorite room at this location, but a good one to do for beginners.
Arcade Challenge [prev. Retro Replay]The Great Escape Room - TampaEscape roomIRLOverall it was fun for what we wanted which is a date night with friends and relive some of our youth. The room was definitely immersive as a retro arcade with working games, though it was very hot temperature wise. The main disappointment was the broken part and how short it was. We’re experienced but don’t usually fly through games as we like to enjoy the experience and we struggle sometimes lol- we were actually disappointed there wasn’t more when we were done. One of the fastest games we’ve gotten through and didn’t feel finished. For the amount we spent to also make it private, sad to say it didn’t feel it was worth it.
Vegas Hangover - The HeistEscape FLAEscape roomIRLOverall it was an ok room- do it if you’re in the area but wouldn’t drive out of my way necessarily.
Operation BlackStoneEscape FLAEscape roomIRLIt was an ok room. Our least favorite at this location but nothing a little TLC can’t help.
Only Murders in the Building The Escape Game - NYC MidtownEscape roomIRLWe love the show and had to do this room when we were in NYC. It is worth the visit for the easter eggs and immersion into the mystery. The puzzles were fun but nothing too mind boggling or new. Do this room if you love the show.
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