The Weeping WitchCross Roads Escape GamesEscape roomIRLThis room is absolutely terrifying! The atmosphere is so well done, there are so many impressive high-tech details, I am just blown away! That witch is hideous and I never want to see her again, but I’m definitely going back and bringing all my friends. Kaylie was phenomenal and very committed to her character! If you have her as your game guide, you’re in for a great time! I struggled a lot more with this escape room than I usually do, so be prepared for a challenge. However, definitely take advantage of hints because Weeping Witch has by far the best and most creative hint system I’ve ever seen! I am absolutely in love!
Black and White CafeMindFox EscapeEscape roomIRLVery cute theming and very visually impressive. It’s amazing how vibrant and alive the room feels despite being devoid of color! It’s a single room, but with a decent amount of puzzles packed in. I wouldn’t go with more than two people, maybe three if you’re beginners.
PlaygroundThe Escape Game - IrvineEscape roomIRLThis escape room was everything I hoped it would be! Each room is very unique, and you can’t help but smile the entire time! It just oozes charm. I would not recommend going in with less than four players. The puzzles are not very difficult, but there are a ton of them, and you will not escape unless you divide and conquer! We made it out with just three of us, but one of my friends is a spaz. You won’t be able to resist climbing on the jungle gym, but try not to waste too much time!
The EscapeThe Unlockables - San DiegoEscape roomIRLThe separated start for this game was it’s biggest charm, especially because they have five different areas to handcuff your group! We did it with eight intelligent people, and we blew through it very quickly, and only used a hint or two. The room is designed for a bigger crowd, so I would say the ideal number is probably five or six.
PlaygroundThe Escape Game - OrangeEscape roomIRLPlayground has remained one of my favorite escape rooms. This location had a couple minor technical difficulties, but they were quick to make it right. Lemon was a terrific game guide, and Danielle at the front was an absolute delight to talk to. She provided some of the most helpful customer service I’ve received from anyone in a long time. Truly above and beyond!
The Fun HouseCross Roads Escape GamesEscape roomIRLThe set designs at Cross Roads are unlike any other. They look like something you would see at a Disney theme park! If you’re too scared to try the other two rooms, please do this one! It’s so goofy and every inch is full of charm! Our game master, David, was absolutely hilarious and super attentive! It always adds an extra layer to the experience when the game master is having just as much fun as we are!
Timeliner: Train Through TimeThe Escape Game - OrangeEscape roomIRLNeat theme, but not my favorite game with this company. We were on a roll until one puzzle with a wooden ball brought us to a screeching halt. That one puzzle was needlessly difficult while the rest of the room was relatively easy. We still had a good time though.
Cosmic CrisisThe Escape Game - OrangeEscape roomIRLThis was my eighth game with this company, and the one I had the lowest expectations for because I’ve never been a fan of space themed things. While the environment wasn’t super standout to me, the puzzles were! This is one of the best games at this location. Each puzzle is super memorable and diverse. This one is not super hard, and good for someone without a ton of experience. I would say the ideal number is two players, but there’s one puzzle that’s much easier if you have six hands. It is possible with two, that’s what we did, but be ready to be running back and forth a lot for one of the puzzles near the end.
Sister's SecretThe Unlockables - San DiegoEscape roomIRLThis is a great spooky escape room! I would recommend 3-4 players. We had 2 and almost didn’t make it out, despite having 75 minutes to complete. A lot of the difficulty comes from the non-linearity of it, and if you’re like me, you’ll get overwhelmed by too much information right off the bat. The staff was incredible, and three different employees chatted with us for a long while after our game about their love for escape rooms. It’s very clear that everyone working here is super passionate about what they do. Also, if you like Hamilton, you’ll love all the little references!
The ButcherDeceptive GamesEscape roomIRLHands down my favorite escape room experience yet! The puzzles are neat, a little outdated, but that won’t be what’s on your mind. Your interactions with The Butcher are gonna be your main priority, and you will definitely see him a lot! This room is not super jump scare heavy, but much more active. You will need to be ready to stop what you’re doing a moment’s notice and either run or hide. There are so many moments when a task seems simple, but then they throw a wrench in that makes you dread moving forward. I recommend this to anybody! Even if you’re easily scared, please give it a try! The Butcher can touch you, but it’s never any more aggressive than a grab.
