Cornstalkers: Lost in the MaizeThe Escape Ventures - OrlandoEscape roomIRLThis game was the perfect one for my 100th room. The hype for this one was real but well worth the wait. The puzzles were clever, it was a good mix of mechanical and high tech, and the atmosphere was definitely there. The tonal shifts in game are jarring but let the player know that it’s time to be on your toes. I don’t want to say too much as to not spoil the room, but I can say this is a hard 9/10 for me.
NevermoreNocturne AdventuresEscape roomIRLThis room is tied with Nocturne Adventures’ The Ripper Room for first place out of all of the rooms that I’ve played. Atmosphere is thick, puzzles are logical and high tech, and the tone is drab and dreary in the most delightful, appropriate way. The owners are some of the nicest, most passionate owners that I’ve met. 10/10 experience.
EXTERMINATED: Terror at the JunkyardEvasive Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLWow! Chris and his team put together a really amazing room with this one. The balance of tension and humor is difficult to execute but this game strikes that balance in spectacular fashion. The puzzles were very intuitive but just the right amount of challenging. If you like scary-ish games, do yourself a favor and book this thang!
RipperNocturne AdventuresEscape roomIRLThis is tied with Nocturne Adventures Nevermore room for first place out of all of my escape room experiences. The puzzles are really great though simple. However easy tasks become difficult when you are absolutely terrified at a primal level. If you’re a horror hound or adrenaline junky, this experience will not disappoint.
WreckedMasterpiece EscapesEscape roomIRLThis room was very fun and challenging. It boasts a wide variety of different types of puzzles. The atmosphere and sound design is palpable and effective. The last section of this room REALLY stands out to me and is very memorable.
Cinema 7Will To Escape - OrlandoEscape roomIRLOur second room at Will to Escape, Cinema 7 only upped the ante after coming out of Disappearance. The gritty yet playful atmosphere lends to its theme as perceived stakes slowly rise like a frog in boiling water; you will find that this is no regular land mark tour, but something darker that you and your team must participate in.
The BoogeymanGatlin's Escape Games - Pigeon ForgeEscape roomIRLThis room left me very impressed. My partner and I decided to come down to PF from central VA for my late birthday getaway and this room alone was worth the 5 hour drive. This experience flowed extremely well but remained challenging in a fun way. The puzzles were very high tech and functioned well, and the atmosphere ramps up to borderline horror level (Goosebumps type horror, not Saw type horror) by the last section. Our game master Alice was awesome. She was super attentive and friendly, and I hope her management notices how well she treats customers.
Disappearance: Last LocationWill To Escape - OrlandoEscape roomIRLThis room was our group’s 1st impression at Will To Escape and it did NOT disappoint. The atmosphere, the sound design, puzzle flow all worked together to create an unforgettable experience in a sea of great escape rooms in the Central Florida area. Do NOT sleep on their games.
Echoes at Murder HeightsThe Escape Ventures - International DriveEscape roomIRLOur groups first room at America’s Escape Room, Echoes at Murder Heights was nothing short of bone chilling and fun from start to finish. This game balances thick ambience with excellent puzzle flow and use of props. If you have any aversion to horror themes for any reason, I strongly advise against you playing this game. If you love being scared, startled, and proverbially pushed into your discomfort zone, this experience is for you. Who among you will be sacrificed?
Strange MagicMind MastersEscape roomIRLLooks can be deceiving. Upon entering the quaint, dentist office like lobby, we were greeted by James who was very friendly and welcoming. Once we watched the goofy rules video in the hallway, we were guided to our room. This game was easily the most impressive single room I’ve ever experienced. Each puzzle coalesced into an hour of mind blowing resolutions until the satisfying ending. Do not sleep on this small business.
