50 escape rooms
As of writing this I am currently at 27 rooms. I am by no means an expert. That being said, this is how I felt: We had a late night reservation. Initially the owner seemed like a cool guy. The lobby is top-notch and very well done. I loved the atmosphere. We were given a word to say when we needed a hint, making me think that we were going to be a special system in place for using the word. We never used it... You will be told that an investigator actually tried the room and said it was exactly how it works as an investigator (they work with the police; it is not just one person or one group that solves the mystery, but multiple agencies). Instead of relying on cameras and communication, you have a guide that is there with you (read: leading you) through each room, and is there, "as you need hints" (you will get them anyway). A friend and I were continously told to start over for one puzzle instead of allowing us to fail and learn from it for the next attempt. The storyline is a bit all over the place, and once you finish you are left with a, "so what did we solve?" feeling, instead of the adrenaline induced, "yeah, we nailed it!" or "dang, almost got it." When asked what we thought of the room I said that is it was middle of the road; that I've done worse but this was no where near the top for me. The setup, theme and decoration was awesome, but the constant interactions with the guide left me not being able to keep a train of thought and it spurred this odd anxiety of: ***Trying to figure out what I'm looking at and how to decipher the puzzle I could be looking at before the guide spoils it for me.*** It is very linear. One particular puzzle, three of us were waiting on a group member to answer because there was nothing else to do. This happened at least 3 times. Don't get me wrong, the rooms are awesome and I wanted to explore the uniqueness and details of them. However, my experience seemed to be on rails and I did not get the chance. In the end, while trying to be constructive with what I did not enjoy about the room was met with more talk about the investigator that tried the room and back handed comment such as, "...if you were smart, you would have done..." which turned me off to giving any further constructive criticism. Before starting the room, the owner stated that it is one of the hardest rooms in San Diego. It is, in that reading and using a single cipher to decode the majority of the word puzzles can wind down the clock to solving the room and leave you in a time crunch. If you use them, bring your reading glasses. I personally put this on the same level as the Scooby Doo room with Escapology for comparison; looks super cool, not executed well at all. I get that an investigator attempted it and said good work, but just because something says, "military-grade" doesn't make me want to buy it further. I'm paying for an experience, not "how it would be." ------ TLDR: If you enjoy spooky, serial killer themes, this is your room. If you don't mind a linear puzzle arc, this is your room. If you don't like wondering if the answer you are formulating is or is not the correct answer, this is your room. If you enjoy seeing innovations in escape rooms (there are many innovation here that as very cool), this is VERY much your room. However, I enjoy trying and failing 4 times to crack the code the 5th time. Call me a masochist, but I want to struggle because it makes the victory all the sweeter. ----- This is a story book, not an escape room.
Did not flow well. Some puzzles are reliant on hints.
I love the twisted serial killer theme and atmosphere.
Owner cannot take constructive criticism and GM, while I'm sure they meant well, was disruptive to my train of thought.
Yes
There are some features here I have not seen in other rooms that I thought were awesome!
I have no idea what we did that night...
Medium
I'm saying medium because I frankly don't know. Once the puzzle was at hand and all of the pieces in front of me, I had 30 seconds to figure it out before it was pointed out.
High tech
Needs some work, but I'd still call it tech-ie
4
I don't see how 5+ works. Those that have done it might agree.
Spooky
1-2 jump scares and a overall dark atmosphere that was welcomed.
10
Personally, my little one (10 y.o.) is in a "slasher movie" phase. She would have loved this one.
Yes
I say yes, because a vital piece to the entire room is worn in so much, that it won't give you the answer, but it narrows it down quite a bit.
Yes
Guide.
Somewhat
Without spoiling anything, there is some crouching, crawling and rope pulling.
I wouldn't recommend based on mobility.
Yes
Easy
On-site.
Aug 22, 2024 | Experienced Aug 21, 2024