Ghost TownCountdown GamesEscape roomIRLSuper immersive room with fantastically fun puzzles! Not your usual Western room, complete with an impressively interactive set, engaging and entertaining puzzles, and a super cool ending. Definitely one of Countdown’s most immersive games. Had a lot of fun getting into character! We did this room as a team of 2 and it was very difficult with just 2 people; we would not have gotten out in time without the help of our GM. Definitely better suited for a team of 4 or more people. Well suited for families. (As for merch, Countdown does not have any merch at this time.)
Gold RushThe Escape Game - CincinnatiEscape roomIRLFor my teams of 2 out there: this room is definitely duo-ble ;) But the amount of puzzles will make it feel a bit harder than it would be with 4+ people. The room was fun, the set was immersive, and it had some really unique puzzle styles and fun ways of getting into the different areas. The storyline gives it an added fun element, and they even send you a themed music playlist beforehand to get you into the Gold Rush mood! Definitely a cool company with attention to detail. This room is doable for 2 people (we finished with about 14min left), but likely smoother with groups of 4+ (And they do have merch!)
Monopoly: Get Out Of Jail!Breakout Games - LexingtonEscape roomIRLNot a bad room—just not a style of room I enjoyed. My teammate had a great time and definitely enjoyed it more than I did. Pros: • Fun Monopoly theme! If you’re a Monopoly fan you will love the room, and definitely enjoy the small details and Easter eggs • Lots of fun little details if you take the time to read them! #monopolymindset • Several fun, interactive elements, especially in the beginning—most notably the method of getting into the second area Cons (for me): • Unclear puzzle flow at times, wherein we weren’t sure what to do next • Several skill-based puzzles that can be a time suck if you don’t get the hang of them • 2 mechanics that make a very loud noise and have delayed activation • Team size unclear? We were told 2 people was totally fine, but this room is not the best for a team of 2; you will have more fun with more people (about 3-4). However, there are some points where only 1-2 people can do a task at a time, so there may be times where everyone else is just standing around Overall, a fun room if you’re a Monopoly fan and don’t mind skill-based elements! This room has a unique theme, unique puzzles, and is best for a team of 3+
One Hit WonderDefy EscapesEscape roomIRLNot enough people are talking about this room!! It is phenomenal on all counts, and absolutely blew me away. In the 50+ rooms I have done as of writing, this room was unlike any one I’ve done before. If you succeed in your mission, the ending of this room is extraordinary and outstanding—and you get to keep a little bit of it with you after you leave. It is unlike anything I’ve experienced, *especially* from a locally-owned business, and I cannot emphasize how fun and entertaining this room is. I was so impressed and surprised at how cool it was. If you only have time for a few rooms in the area, skip the chains and do these rooms instead! (And yes, they do have merch! A few room-specific things, too!)
Lost CityEscapology - Pigeon ForgeEscape roomIRLMy team was disappointed with this room. The theme seemed really cool, which is what interested me personally. Unfortunately, the immersion is broken by noise from other rooms, several puzzle elements did not work as intended, the puzzle flow and mechanics were frustrating, and several things seem to be different from the images provided above. I have played other Escapology games and enjoyed them, but this one fell short.
The Escape MotelThe Escape DateEscape roomIRLI really adored this room! The shady motel theme is a favorite of mine and this is the first room I’ve done that really captures it! It’s not an incredibly high-tech set but it immerses you well. The atmosphere is truly the strongest aspect, which I find is rare for rooms and is something I really enjoy. The venue itself is really lovely, the lobby is immersive and ambient, and they have merch! A great room at a great place.
Derby HeistBreakout Games - LexingtonEscape roomIRLI enjoyed this room; the set and pieces/puzzles were definitely worn and the room had an older feel to it, but I enjoyed that it was a theme unique to Lexington. The horse imagery was fun, and if you’re a horse girl or a derby fan you’ll likely enjoy it. The puzzles were mostly standard, and nothing too difficult—although there is one very non-intuitive puzzle near the end. We were a team of 2 and finished with about 9min to spare. Overall, I enjoyed the room and the special theme, but nothing mind-blowing! (And they do have merch!)
Pharaoh's Curse V2Countdown GamesEscape roomIRLFor those playing this room for the first time, you will likely enjoy it! For people who have played V1 of this room, it’s not a very different room. We played both, and enjoyed V1 more, although that may have been because we weren’t comparing it to any other version. However, this version does have some new elements that are fun and engaging!
Haunted CabinTrapped Escape GameEscape roomIRLFun, but not very scary, room with a shot of moonshine. This company seems to have neat themes, and I would definitely go back to play more rooms! (And yes, they do have merch! Including room-specific items)
Pharaoh's CurseCountdown GamesEscape roomIRLI enjoyed this room! (Although I realize I may be in the minority) Egyptian rooms are very common, and this one added some fun and different elements to that oft-used theme. Many of the puzzles were fun, several were unique and novel, and the soundtrack while you were doing them was great! Not as impressive as other Countdown rooms, but good ambience and a fun time!
