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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
