UndercookedOmescape - SunnyvaleEscape roomIRLThis is a room that seems clearly inspired by the video game. The game is a large kitchen with numerous different, non-linear elements. The kitchen and all the elements are beautifully done and it’s a lot of fun overall. We did it with a team of 3 pretty experienced players and we had a hard time. I think 4-5 people is ideal. This is not a typical game in that you are trying to escape. Instead you just solve as many recipes as you can. That makes it difficult to evaluate how well you did in the end. The plus is that you can actually play this game again if you don’t solve all the puzzles. We didn’t and may try again in the future.
The Return Of The MagicianUNLOCKED: Escape RoomEscape roomIRLThis was our second game at this location. Our team of 3 pretty experienced players was able to escape with no clues and time remaining. This it’s slightly on the easier side. The puzzles are very logical and mostly linear. The theme is super fun and the story is great. Our game master was Dominic and he’s a magician himself so his passion for the story was evident. He even wowed us with a little magic trick of his own! We had a great time and can’t wait to do more of the games at this location.
The DogHouseEscape Room 66 - Laguna HillsEscape roomIRLThis was our second game at Escape Room 66 and we had an amazing time. Took a group of 6 kids ages 12-13 and it was a ton of fun. Really immersive atmosphere and a bunch of non-linear puzzles. It’s not the biggest game in that there’s really one main room and an additional smaller room. But that’s kind of how the rooms at this place seem to be built. But there was plenty to do and plenty of space. I love this company because it’s a family business that just really loves what they do. Can’t wait to do the other games here and especially the one they’re working on now for the near future.
Moriarty's ManorMindFox EscapeEscape roomIRLThis is one of my favorite escape games ever. My group of 3 thoroughly enjoyed this game full of unique and clever puzzles. There were a decent amount of locks, but also quite a few novel puzzles that didn’t rely on tech. The story was interesting and the rooms were fantastic. I particularly appreciated just how many puzzles there were per room, they several were non linear and how some really required teamwork to solve. Charlie was our game master and she was really great with the hints and everything. My main suggestion is to keep in mind that there are multiple rooms and many puzzles per room. I wish I could do this one again
ElixirExodus Escape Room - Anaheim Hills, CAEscape roomIRLThis room was solid. Not amazing, but good for kids because it’s a little on the easier side. Really great immersive decor and atmosphere but it’s kind of small and the story isn’t very exciting. Not scary at all so again, good for kids.
Prison BreakEscape Room 66 - Laguna HillsEscape roomIRLReally enjoyed this one. It’s a bit different from typical escape games and very immersive. A little creepy but nothing too scary. Really well thought out game and interesting story. There is a slight jump scare at one point so maybe ask about that if you’re worried about.
The Stolen RelicIntrepid Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLAfter doing the other two games we bought a gift card for 20% off to return and do their third game. This game had a fun story and great decor but it was a little on the easier end. We had a group of 3 and though we did ask for some hints early, we ended up finishing with plenty of time. The puzzles were really cool but a little sparse. Not scary at all and some unique elements. I’d recommend the other 2 rooms in this company before this one
Ink & AshesExodus Escape RoomEscape roomIRLThis is one of our very favorite games! Emmanuel was our GM and he was great. Super nice and friendly. There are a lot of puzzles in this one and we loved that. The story is intriguing and engaging. The puzzles have unique elements. It’s mostly linear so it keeps you on track. But it really uses the full space back and forth. Not scary at all but kinda eerie because it’s a murder mystery. Can’t wait for more rooms here!
Jewel of the SeaIntrepid Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLWe really enjoyed this one. Very unique puzzles and not just locks. We had a group of 3 and did need several hints. We almost ran out of time otherwise because there was one puzzle in particular that was hard to complete. That puzzle isn’t really about figuring it out and more about physical teamwork and that was a little frustrating. Char our GM was fantastic. She’s so invested and excited about what they do. So appreciated.
The Haunted TerminalIntrepid Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLWe came here to do another game, loved it so much so we decided to stay and do this one too. The atmosphere at Intrepid is amazing. It’s located at a random office complex but from the outside you appreciate how well lit the place is with gorgeously fun displays. They really took the effort to make it fun and welcoming. Inside there are little puzzles to keep you occupied and great decorations in the lobby. It’s fun to just hang out. The game itself was also a lot of fun. Really cool story with good puzzles. Several locks. The difficulty is medium. Even though it has a ghost related story it’s not scary at all. Great for families.
Irvine School of Wizardry and the Goblin's SecretsHidden DonkeyEscape roomIRLWe've done both of the rooms at this location and loved them both. The latest one, The Goblin's Secrets, is one of the most immersive and fun games we've played (we've done over 25 escape rooms). The difficulty is easy/medium. A bit on the easier side. We had 7 people (4 adults and 3 kids) and it was very family friendly. Love was our game master and she was great. There are a fair number of locks but there are some other unique and interesting puzzles and some really cool elements that stand out. There's a spell/magic element that set these rooms apart from other escape rooms. A definite must for any fan of Harry Potter or other similar stories. They're already working on a third room and we'll definitely be back.
Hijinx at Joffre ManorNerdy by Nature Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLReally enjoyed this one! Did it with just 3 players (2 adults and one young teen) and it was doable with hints. Medium to maybe a little easy for experienced players. The vibes are a little spooky but it’s definitely not scary. Clear Scooby Doo homages that were cool. Damien was our game master and he was great. Super friendly and helpful. They have some really cool rooms that are unexpected and unique. Not the typical three room structure, which was great. Highly recommend!
The Trials Of MerlinTrapped! Escape Room - UplandEscape roomIRLReally enjoyed this one. We were able to do it with two adults and one kid age 12. We got some clues to escape. The rooms were really well done, with some genuinely creative puzzles. The storyline is interesting and engaging and the ending was pretty creative. We did the rabbit hole one here and felt this one was far and away the better room.
The AttractionPalace GamesEscape roomIRLHands down the best escape room I’ve ever played. Absolutely immersive, unique, challenging and fun. It’s the game that my family and I talk about often and always compare every other game we do to. It’s pricey but so well worth the money. The story is fantastic and interesting and the puzzles are novel and stimulating. Our party had 3 adults with decent experience and 3 children around age 8-11. It was pretty hard and we did have to ask for several hints. The kids were able to contribute most of the time but at some points felt overwhelmed. We would’ve benefited from having 2 more adults. Overall, couldn’t recommend more.
The Mad RapperScenario Escape RoomEscape roomIRLThis is a really cool game. We had 4 adults and 3 kids ages 7-11. Everyone was able to contribute and have fun. The theme is this really cool retro/hip-hop music vibe. We did need several hints. The game master at times gave us hints unsolicited and I kind of wish they hadn’t done that. Some really cool props and rooms. Overall a really fun experience but I like their other room better.
The Family CabinQuicksand Escape GamesEscape roomIRLThis is a fun, family friendly game. Loved the retro theme, which is why I picked it to begin with. Definitely not scary at all, though there is one slightly startling moment that’s kinda amusing. The sets were really cool and looked great. The only negative is that it is very heavy on locks. I can’t remember the last time I played one with so many locks. Overall a good one for those who want a game that isn’t scary at all.
Dr. Hader’s Cartoon WorldScenario Escape RoomEscape roomIRLWe really loved this game. Has a party of 4 adults and 3 kids ages 7-11. Everyone contributed and had a good time. I really enjoyed the creative story that included some retro elements. The game includes some extra challenges if you have time and we got to do a couple but didn’t finish all of them. Staff was great too. Highly recommend.
