Hope EndThe Ministry Of PeculiaritiesEscape roomIRLThis is a must-experience escape room. It does everything other immersive escape rooms hope to do but often fall short in some aspect or another. The puzzles were inventive but still accessible and logical. The game flow was perfectly executed even through its twists and turns in the narrative and input from actors and players. An escape room that makes you forget you’re in an escape room. Pure excellence.
Defenders of the Sunken RealmThe Keepers of BalanceEscape roomIRLFrom the moment our group stepped through the door we were immersed in the story and this was carried through to the very end. Great care and effort was taken to create and maintain immersion. More physically demanding than most rooms, the environment was fun to explore with great feedback from the puzzles and environment to let you know when you’re on track. Some very high end special effects with great performances by the two actors involved at certain points of the game. (Without being intrusive) A really great time.
Whatever Happened To The Garretts?Maze Rooms - West LAEscape roomIRLMaze rooms has always entertained me. Their rooms always seem to find ways to subvert expectations. The puzzles in this one grow organically out of the 80’s theme and will delight those that were kids during that decade. The puzzles use basic escape room logic but are presented in a fun and engaging way. Like most Maze rooms I’ve experienced they can seem a little rough around the edges but still shine brightly and have a great payoff in the end. Garrett’s does a great job in creating an immersive environment, moving the story along, and creating a story climax that truly makes the experience feel like a lived adventure.
Gold RushThe Escape Game - Las Vegas Forum ShopsEscape roomIRLA really solid, well-designed game. One of the more enjoyable ones I have played. It is not a difficult room by any means. I went through with an experienced couple and we did it without any hints. However, I feel that this was more because the puzzles were presented very clearly and so easy to solve logically. Overall, the main thing that makes this stand above other games is how fun it was to play. There were some great thematic puzzles and a couple great reveals. Great for an experienced group of 2 or 3.
44 Winterwood LaneMass EscapeEscape roomIRLAn exceptional and spooky escape room experience! Features original and logical puzzles that all stay within theme and make sense within the narrative. Bonus puzzles help to keep even the most advanced players challenged to the end. One of my all-time favorites.
Escape Blair WitchEscape Blair WitchEscape roomIRLExtremely immersive and full of some movie-studio level set-pieces. Acting was excellent. Puzzle were pretty basic but not in a boring way and were very organic to the story. I did the VIP (private) version with three friends. I will say that it does seem that the experience is broken into two halves and if you don’t finish the first half before the halfway mark timewise you are moved on. I would say that if you are the kind of enthusiasts who are focused on best times and puzzle challenges, this might not be for you. However, if you can just stop and enjoy the theatrics and let them motivate your movement, you will have a great time.
The Mischievous ElvesOcean State EscapeEscape roomIRLA very fun, well-decorated room that really makes you feel it’s Christmas no matter what time of the year you’re doing it. Best for smaller groups.
Ruins: Forbidden TreasureThe Escape Game - MurrayEscape roomIRLThis is a professionally done room, but in its streamlined version, played like a solid game instead of an immersive adventure. It was well-themed and very professionally built, but lacked character or surprise. The majority of the room was built to be indestructible though one part of the last puzzle was not working properly and after about five minutes of struggle was seemingly bypassed with the room operator explaining afterward that it was “very finicky “. Aside from that everything was solid, with good logic. I had a very experienced group of five and we completed it in about 40min with no hints. Overall, a decent time, though nothing I would go out of my way to recommend.
Raiders RevengeAlcatraz Escape Games - DraperEscape roomIRLA small but multi-room adventure that used every square inch to maximum effect. Great detail and special effects. Puzzle flow was good and the puzzles all fit within the theme. Lots of interactive puzzles with only one standard mechanical lock. This is the newest adventure at this facility and I definitely look forward to what the new designer will bring here and at its sister location, Castle of Chaos.
