Wizard Trials

The idea is there, but our experience was a mixed bag. You feel a bit like you've stepped into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and having wands is an awesome mechanic. We did this with two, but there are a few moments where having 3-4 people would make things easier. We missed a couple things because we didn't have more eyes or hands to notice/do things. So we definitely lost some time on those. The unfortunate part is we definitely had multiple bugs during our game. And because it's not just one, it really started to ruin our experience. It was also frustrating because we had a Game Host, a separate Game Master, AND another person who came to get us when we finished. This implies they have A LOT of staff and could run things smoothly because we've done so many rooms where there's one person running multiple games AND still providing timely responses. In this case here, when we pushed the HINT button (due to the bugs/broken puzzles), sometimes we waited over a minute for a response. That also ruined the flow because we're not even sure our GM is watching or caring about our experience. Sometimes the hint response we got from the GM wasn't even helpful. Or the text was cut off on the screen. Or the GM clearly ISN'T watching us because we do exactly what was said, and nothing's happening, because the puzzle is buggy and not triggering correctly. Instead of recognizing that and helping us out with their manual override (they have this, for sure, because we ultimately recognized them doing this a couple times), we were left stumbling around for more minutes trying to solve an unsolvable-because-it's-buggy puzzle. We had the correct answer for one with no response, and the GM allowed us to pursue very incorrect alternate solutions before giving a hint that didn't even make sense. All this was very frustrating, especially for the room that most of the employees there seemed to recommend the most out of all their games. The second to last puzzle needs some fine-tuning. It was difficult with only two people when the timer comes on. We really appreciated one of the really cool mechanics at the desk (just to end on a positive note) The business is clearly trying to be more than just an escape room place. They are awaiting their liquor license still, but they have nice lounging areas, a few arcade games, an arcade shooting range, and their interior is very nice and modern and bright. Last note: You can book a public or private experience. Mixed bag. Public is cheaper but you might have to play with random people. Private is the standard at most escape room places, but they'll charge you a moderate amount more for it here. It's nice to have the option, but escape room enthusiasts typically want private. But based on their business here and location in WeHo, their target seems to be more casual players, and drinking customers at that.

I really enjoyed this room! I loved the magic wand 🪄 that the wizards carry through the game to activate things, such a fun idea. We escaped and saved the cat, but unfortunately, we didn’t get to see her. That was my only disappointment. Make sure you ask to see the cat, because once the game is over, you have to go to another room to find her.

I love how nice this room was - everything was vibrant and well laid out. Great puzzles and fun theme. We had a magical time!

Wizard Trails in West Hollywood has small differences to its Long Beach counterpart. Came here for a true team building experience and it’s the perfect room for it. The best mini game within the room comes in the form of mini mushrooms - a simple premise that becomes a wild rush with 5 people.

The theme was fun, the puzzles were challenging enough, the room feels new and higher tech, but was well-balanced with mechanical puzzles. Went with a group of 4 adults and got out with about 20 minutes to spare.

A great room for a small group. Any more than 3-4 and not everyone will have stuff to do. Couple of interesting mechanisms, and great for beginners as I’d say the puzzles were maybe a 2/5 difficulty. Last puzzle didn’t work mechanically as it should have. Likely could have finished 3-4 minutes earlier. Oh, we have the room record for now!

Set was cool, but the puzzles were pretty straightforward. Not great if you have people who have done a lot of escape rooms, but fantastic for newer players

Just discovered this place that apparently only opened a couple a months ago. We got a VIP experience because it’s all so new and pristine and the staff seems genuinely excited about the launch. We really lucked out with Jack as a terrific game master in the wizards room, he was present and fast to respond whenever we needed help or guidance. This room is AWESOME. The trailer doesn’t do it justice, actually the trailer is a little weird, but the vibe of the room and the puzzles are just a blast to go through. It’s magical without feeling like a knockoff of somebody else’s idea. You’ll see your classic witchy iconography like potions and wands, but there are creative and fun new elements that I’ve rarely seen. We also did the Gas Station 51 room to take advantage of their deal to book another game for 30% off. We could’ve booked it for another day, but we were on a bit of a high and decided to jump right back in. The alien gas station theme is unique and fun with fewer but more challenging puzzles featured in the room. Our game host Josh was just terrific and allowed us to go over the interesting mechanics of the room and various puzzles. On the whole I preferred wizards to alien, but found both enjoyable. My partner and I spent a day enjoying each others company at PaniQ and we loved it so much. The shooting gallery add on, which is such a good deal it would’ve been stupid not to do, was so fun, there are arcade games and a tasty nonalcoholic bar in the lobby, which is picture perfect and beautifully put together. As a bonus we got to talking to the lovely bartender Sky, and she introduced us to Trey, another employee who was so kind as to offer us a preview of the soon to open Quiz Game. SO. MUCH. FUN. I can’t recommend this place enough, not only the escape rooms, but the whole event of spending the afternoon was just fabulous. I’m excited for the superhero room to open, we’ll be back :)

I've done close to 100 escape rooms, and PanIQ is EASILY one of my favorite places I've ever been to. The entire place is gorgeous + thoughtfully crafted to host parties of different sizes and experience levels. They have almost as many non-escape entertainment options as escape rooms, and the lounge/bar area is so photogenic it's absurd. The only places I've seen go the extra mile with their space like this were in Vegas. They just opened, so definitely check it out before it gets too busy!! Room Design: Excellent. The concepts are super fun and well thought out, and you can tell they built the rooms with a ton of attention to detail in the art and props. My group did the Wizard Trials room and Route 51 room, and we'll 100000% be back to do the rest. The puzzles were innovative and highly interactive. I would recommend Wizard Trials for a group with slightly more experienced solvers (intermediate) since the flow of the gameplay splits and converges at times. Staff: Excellent. SO kind and attentive, great energy. Shoutout to Sam, Joshua, and Kylie for taking good care of us!! Bonus 1: They have this awesome laser gun shooting gallery in the reception area that you can play with your friends while you're waiting?! It's genius. Perfect way to get hype and loosen up with a mini-game before the main event. Bonus 2: Private karaoke room!!! And a very pretty one at that - futuristic disco vibe (selfie lighting out the wazoo). Song book included K-pop and the Pokemon theme song! Bonus 3: A QUIZ ROOM! We only got a peek at the set, since it isn't open yet, but we nerded out nonetheless because it looks awesome. I don't know who's been listening in to our dreams of battling friends on a trivia game show, but they nailed it. Overall: 10/10 - just pop in for the vibes if you still need convincing. We'll be back!