K
KaitiesKrew
117 escape rooms
This was our first head-to-head room, and we really enjoyed it. The Mystery Mansion/Escape Unknown designs and executes outstanding rooms, and this one didn't disappoint. Instead of our three players in Katie's Krew we played this with our small group from church (men vs. ladies...4v4). This room is a lot of fun to play, especially head-to-head. Like all of their rooms, Boiler Room is very immersive. There is one puzzle that went a little long (you either solve it or you don't) and there was a technical issue that affected the head-to-head portion (because the tech didn't work the GM had to act as the tech, but both teams needed her help at the same time with different puzzles - not ideal but mitigated as best as possible).
Gameplay
The head-to-head aspect was definitely unique. The puzzles were mostly very good and unique, and the room flowed very well. Both teams finished with under 4 minutes remaining.
Atmosphere
Highly immersive for the scenario and very well designed.
Customer service
Excellent GM (they always are at the Mystery Mansion / Escape Unknown). Even though we were competing head-to-head the GM gave timely clues and was an invaluable asset to both sides. For the puzzle that just takes a while she provided a starter hint to both teams. Unfortunately, for the one piece of equipment that didn't work that she had to substitute for she could only help one team at a time.
Particularly interesting or different
Yes
The head-to-head portion was new for us, and an excellent twist.
Story
The story was supported by the puzzles and drove the whole scenario, in addition to trying to solve all of the puzzles before the other team.
Difficulty
Medium
The puzzles were mostly straightforward, except one that just took a while to solve. This room was easier than a couple of the other MM/EU rooms (Movie Theater & The Path) but harder than the Christmas rooms.
Game tech
Mechanical
A good mix of both. There were a number of locks but some fun tech included.
Ideal number of players
6
3 v. 3 would have been ideal, but we played 4 ladies against 4 men. Any more and the room would have started to really get crowded. I think they allow 6v6...that would be a lot of people in the room.
Scary
Not scary
Minimum age
8
Most puzzles were relatively straightforward. There is nothing to preclude an 8 year old or older from participating.
Was anything broken?
Yes
The GM told us when we got to a certain point that wasn't working that it would be obvious and she would intervene. When each team got to that puzzle she was in the room immediately to get each team to the other side of the puzzle. Unfortunately, both teams got there at about the same point and she could only help one team at a time. The tech would have been more effective but she mitigated the shortfall as well as she could.
Live actors
No
Physically active
Not at all
Smallish room but the teams each use a lot of it.
Accessibility
The room is a little tight. There are a couple of puzzles that require reaching up. Color is used in some of the puzzles. The room is a little dark in some areas.
Easy to find location
Yes
Parking
Easy
Strip mall parking with a lot of space.
Safety
Yes
