The Weeping WitchCross Roads Escape GamesEscape roomIRLWe had a great time and Cora was a wonderful GM. This was a good experience first horror experience. The scares had a theatricality to them that I could appreciate even though I’m still not sure if horror is “my thing.” I’m definitely excited to try some more horror games though. The gameplay is fairly nonlinear, and I found it a bit overwhelming at first, but then things started to fall into place. I thought a few of the puzzles were quite neat. I think the strength of the room is handling both horror elements (guessing… since I’m new to horror) and gameplay elements well, and keeping the two separate (for the most part), but it’s not really a room where the horror elements have “gameplay mechanisms” associated with them, if that’s what someone is looking for.
Black and White CafeMindFox EscapeEscape roomIRLGreat experience for a group of two. Very puzzle forward with a cute aesthetic. Several puzzles were layered, making them quite satisfying. Our GM Charlie did a great job of giving us small nudges when we needed them, without spoiling any of the fun. We were able to do the room with a newborn (while she slept in her stroller), so if you’re looking for a room where something like that is an option, I think this is a good choice.
Hijinx at Joffre ManorNerdy by Nature Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLThis was our first “irl” escape room in over seven years. We did the room as a group of only two, so unsurprisingly we needed some hints. These hints were provided at just the right rate: we avoided frustration, but didn’t feel robbed of the chance to solve puzzles on our own. While many reviewers are recommending this room for groups of four, based on our experience, you shouldn’t shy away from this room if there are only two of you! The set was immersive and the narrative experience (solving a mystery) was very satisfying. The Scooby-Doo-inspired theme-ing came through in a big way, but by no means is it necessary to be particularly familiar with the SD franchise. Perhaps the one weakness is that the while puzzles were serviceable, they weren’t really standouts. Nevertheless the flow was good, and the puzzles provided continued engagement.
