The Dungeon13th Hour Escape Room - WhartonEscape roomIRLAfter playing 100 different escape rooms, it’s becoming more and more difficult to find games that feel unique and completely new. The Dungeon checked both of those boxes, offering some great gameplay and utilizing a variety of different mechanics to create something incredibly fun. The beginning of the game is a highlight. Don’t be worried about physical touch or being restrained if that’s holding you back. It’s very short lived and was not uncomfortable/painful at all. The start was a highlight for sure, but teams that struggle with communication will have a hard time solving the initial puzzles even though they’re relatively simple. The set used its unique size and multi-floor layout effectively, with the best puzzles requiring communication and teamwork between different spaces. The game relies more on physical locks rather than tech, but it makes sense in the setting and worked well for this game. 13th Hour’s games are all located in a warehouse and lack ceilings, which means there is very little sound proofing between games. Since this one is so dependent on communication, it would be extremely difficult if the venue was busy. When we played, there was a birthday party in a neighboring room, and we had to repeat ourselves and yell over them multiple times because of their volume. I would recommend booking at a time where there isn’t likely to be many other teams playing, such as a weekday, later at night, or earlier in the day. The game could also use better spotlighting. We had multiple instances where we solved a puzzle, heard something unlock, then had to run around trying to find what it was.
Fall Harvest13th Hour Escape Room - WhartonEscape roomIRLWhat a game! Fall Harvest has taken the cake for my top room at 13th Hour, and is one of the best games I’ve played so far. The set is expansive and detailed, the puzzles are interesting and engaging, and the special effects and transitions left my group speechless. The story was well-designed and we were continuously learning more and more about the festival and the farm’s activities. There was never a dull moment. The game is not perfect, however, and we had some audio issues (great music choices, btw) as well as a fluke with an unlocked door (which was handled perfectly by the staff and turned into a humorous moment that ended up being a highlight of the game for me). 13th Hour has solidified themselves as a destination with this game, improving on top of their original Hayden family games as well as their Wizard of Oz and Campground rooms. The venue is 100% worth a trip, and I can safely say Fall Harvest is one of the top rooms in the NY/NJ area.
