Hope EndThe Ministry Of PeculiaritiesEscape roomIRLAmazing atmosphere, very smooth gameplay, great storytelling. Overall very immersive, low pressure, and extraordinarily entertaining from the start.
40 ThievesMindTrap Escape Room - TemeculaEscape roomIRLGreat room that really showed a dedication to the escape room craft. High tech puzzles with not a combo lock in sight. Requires lots of communication across different spaces, lots of surprise reveals, and smart unique puzzles. Alot of the special effects were immersive and flawlessly executed. If I had to find a point of criticism it would be that I think the finale was a bit underwhelming and could use a little revision. Great room, excellently executed
Treasure IslandBrain Games Escape RoomEscape roomIRLFun and lighthearted room with impressive theming and unique tech based puzzles. This room gave me everything I look for in rooms. Secret passageways and trap doors and wow moments and puzzles that make you THINK. Had a really great time with my team, was really impressed. Easily in our top 5 for how well the room was executed.
The Weeping WitchCross Roads Escape GamesEscape roomIRLTerrifying in the most amazing way. Good puzzle progression. Very immersive. A must see.
Stash HouseStash HouseEscape roomIRLFun and very detailed escape room. Theme is on point. Can seem like an overwhelming amount of puzzles at first but they snowball towards completion when you discover them. Liked the hint system. There are a few surprises that are very satisfying to discover. Communication is key as always.
Lab RatHatch EscapesEscape roomIRLExceptional theming and production value. Nothing seemed themologically out of place that required you to suspend your realism any more than the set already required. Fun plot devices with interesting hints. You may get wet and/or have to eat things. (Not a spoiler, contained in the rooms rules before you enter) Puzzles were unique and required attention to detail and non linear thinking. Several I had never seen anything like before. Everything flowed pretty solidly, and without any hints we made it to the end with only 45 seconds left to spare. Really a fun production, worth a visit for any enthusiasts in the area. One or two malfunctioning (minor) pieces and some slightly nauseating imagery, did not detract from my overall appreciation of the piece.
The Hex RoomCross Roads Escape GamesEscape roomIRLGame is fun, and atmosphere is on point, however I think the room feels a little dated at this point. I think this game was probably ground breaking when it came out, but playing it now with around 20 games under my belt, there was a lot that I experienced in Hex Room that I’ve experienced in other rooms already. My guess is that hex room was foundational inspiration for lots of games that came after them and expanded upon the elements. Good spooky room for early players, but don’t expect to be blown away. Weeping witch at the same location is far more impressive in my opinion.
Irvine School Of Wizardry And The Dragon WandHidden DonkeyEscape roomIRLVery well assembled, immersive, and creative throughout. Numerous unique puzzle elements, while also full of fun and classical mechanisms as well. Definitely worth a visit by fans of Harry Potter and muggles alike. Easily one of my top 5 rooms.
The Tipsy TailorIntrepid Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLThe game was cute with a well developed set of puzzles that fit the theme perfectly. The puzzles were clever and provided multiple opportunities to really think about what was being presented. I liked that the game had both an escape dynamic alongside a point system, which really took a lot of pressure off the puzzle solving. We had a fun time and look forward to the opening of their next room.
The Curse Of The Black KnightEscapeX Rooms - IrvineEscape roomIRLFun and unique but not overly complicated. Solved with 20 minutes left. Theming on point and very detailed. A few uncommon puzzle types and reveals to be found that may make you say “woah cool!” Overall a very good beginner room.
