MagnificoEscaparium - LavalEscape roomIRLIt is not hype to say this is the new #1 escape game in the world. The talented team at Escaparium has created something really special--it's a puzzle game, an immersive experience, and a show that is both intimate and larger than life. It's hard to describe (without spoilers) the many ways this is an exceptional game. When we reached the end, and the credits rolled (a nice touch), we just stood there in awe, not believing the scale, emotion, and grandeur of what we had just experienced. Escaparium Laval should be considered the top destination for any serious escape room enthusiast. In one place you can play TERPECA's best The Forgotten Cathedral, Wardrobe for Sale, Voodoo Queen, Rain Corp and the latest addition, Magnifico's Circus, too. Book your tickets now!
La Cathédrale Oubliée [The Forgotten Cathedral]Escaparium - LavalEscape roomIRLOMG! Escaparium has outdone themselves on this one. Equal to the best games in Europe, on par with Molly’s Game and Non-Believers. Definitely a must travel to play!
Monster MashersTales of Torchdale - Monster MashersEscape roomIRLWe played in dark mode and this was one of the most memorable game starts I have ever experienced! This was a terrific game with lots of fun scenes, character interactions, quality puzzling, and a super fun set. Lots of humorous moments. I would consider this a fun spooky game, not really meant to be scary, just more campy fun like if the gang from Scooby-Doo cartoon created an escape game! Highly recommend as one of my all-time favorites!
LondiumLondium Escape RoomEscape roomIRLOne of the most beautiful sets I’ve ever played, like Disneyland quality production. Excellent puzzling that used this terrific scenery. All around great experience.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz13th Hour Escape Room - WhartonEscape roomIRLThis Oz game is Wonderful! A must play for fans of the movie or the books, immersive scenery, or if you are just looking for something unique. The game is a delightful trip into the world of Oz as experienced by Dorothy. Puzzling is light, so very kid friendly or good for beginners. Our team of experienced players also enjoyed it and left with smiles on our faces. While not horror themed like most of the games at 13th Hour, we could feel their design influence in the mechanics. Overall, would vote this a must play. Play this game, and tell them you found it in Morty!
La TabernaThe City Escape Room By ExperiencityEscape roomIRLAn absolutely delightful game! Story, characters, set, acting, puzzling are all A+ grade quality! (The designer of Londium had a significant influence on part of this set and it is amazing!) A not-to-be-missed experience. My #1 of all the 30 games I’ve played in Barcelona.
Irvine School of Wizardry and the Goblin's SecretsHidden DonkeyEscape roomIRLThis game has several strong elements to appeal to a wide audience, including a well-built set, fun puzzles, strong reveals, good tech, and a popular theme. But still I have mixed feelings about Goblins. The designers are trying to tackle the perpetual issue of how to get more use out of a game by building two tracks in the same space. It was frustrating to see features not in play, that came across as Red Herrings or Ghost Puzzles. I did like the mechanic used to direct progress through the game and could see a variation working for the second game track. I also had issue with some sequencing. There is an elaborate mid-game reveal that should function as a transition but instead backtracks which doesn’t fit the narrative at all. While puzzles were mostly fun, several were too directed, especially the ones using wands. There were too many written notes of explanation, and the last logic puzzle made a huge leap in complexity compared to the rest. While I would recommend this as a decent game, I would also lower expectations around some of the hype.
Stash HouseStash HouseEscape roomIRLI loved playing Stash House! It’s one of those games where all the elements of story, setting, and puzzles fit together seamlessly. From the non-descript entry to the mission through to the conclusion, the atmosphere and mood just flows. There’s a fair amount of drug culture references, but it’s up to the player to decide how much is real life and how much is movie-like make believe.
La Peluquería [The Hairdressing]The X-Door ValenciaEscape roomIRLOne of the best games in Spain, with great acting, quality gameplay, fun setting, and the craziest story you will ever experience. And one of the craziest endings, too! A must-play experience!
The BirdMyssTic RoomsEscape roomIRLThe Bird was charming and fun. As they did with Ghost Light, MyssTic has created an endearing game with personality. As others have noted, this is a relatively small space but used so creatively that it doesn’t feel small. The puzzles ranged in level of challenge, but they did make us think through the solves. Highly recommend all three games at this location.