Detention: Escape From The Cursed High School

Did not get to play because the host went to the wrong state.

I played this mobile pop-up escape room at an anime convention in Milwaukee. I had done another pop up (Masquerade) from this same company so I thought I came in knowing what to expect. But I underestimated how bad a 10-stranger public group in a very cramped low-ceiling space would be. Also, it’s super dark with only a few lights that keep turning off randomly (possibly by accident)? I unfortunately didn’t see most of the non-linear puzzles because of the chaotic 10 strangers plus the GM wandering about giving unsolicited hints. There are some interesting uses of sound and movies to give a creepy factor. I also liked that this room was at least anime-adjacent, and had to do with Japanese ghosts (Yurei) and a Japanese horror Ringu movie-like plot. There are some stinker puzzles (please don’t make us put things in our mouth in a public popup escape room). There was a moment that was sort of suspenseful, but then it was sort of disappointing. Would I have had more fun with less people? Probably, but it was impossible due to how the event worked. It’s always full capacity for every single room, and I guess that’s just the way it has to be for them to make their money back.

Great story, lots of props and colorful puzzles. Really creative use of technology. The haunted locker and telephone were great props and, combined with the music, made for a creepy atmosphere. I loved the multiple endings! I ran this with my girlfriend in a spacious college classroom and had a great time. I could see this being cumbersome with too many people.