Operation Arctic Storm: The Final MeltdownThe Escape Ventures - OrlandoEscape roomIRLThe room had some solid, fun puzzles. The large play space and variety of actions were great. My only critique, and this is a preference, is that I do not prefer when rooms give you puzzle pieces before they can be used. Or when you solve something but don’t end up progressing the game by solving it—as it relies on something else also being solved.
Irvine School Of Wizardry And The Dragon WandHidden DonkeyEscape roomIRLSo the set dressing is pretty impressive on this one. High tech, pretty immersive, and some solid setups. Major gripe is that the gameplay in the last room falls a bit flat. Overall: 7.5/10.
The Curse Of The Black KnightEscapeX Rooms - IrvineEscape roomIRLSolid theming, props, and gameplay. Not too difficult, as experienced groups will chew through the layup puzzles rather fast. Expect to have a decent chunk of time remaining upon completion. The acting could definitely be improved. Space can get cramped with any more than 4 so I would not advise group sizes larger than that. Overall a unique, fun room 8.5/10.
Outage: No VacancyThe Escape Ventures - OrlandoEscape roomIRLSolid room with some interesting, tactile puzzles. A bit short for an experienced group but still well worth it.
The Seventh RoomDare 2 EscapeEscape roomIRLThis room, while dressed well, reminds me a lot of pre-bought escape experiences. I’m not a big fan of excessive reading but this one is so dense in papers and books. I prefer more tactile, intuitive puzzles that don’t require me to keep my head down looking at a piece of paper, but looking up and around at the room, maintaining the immersion—which is another point dock for me. So many random signs required so puzzles are solvable and play functions properly. Not ideal.
Escape IT - The SewersEscape ITEscape roomIRLWhile good puzzles are what I value most in escape rooms, I must admit that the flow and novelty of this room compensate for its low puzzle density. However, I imagine the quality of the room can vary pretty wildly depending on the staff working in it as well as the experience level of the group. 7/10 - Solid room.
Escape Blair WitchEscape Blair WitchEscape roomIRLIf you care more about set dressing than gameplay you will probably like this room.
Zoe: RebornEscapade GamesEscape roomIRLIf you like a scary escape room this is the best in OC. Puzzles are solid, acting is solid, staff is incredibly kind and professional.
Bloodshed Bayou: Waters UnchartedLocksmith Escape GamesEscape roomIRLThe gameplay and environment were pretty solid which is not surprising since apparently The Escape Ventures designed and built this room. My biggest gripes are this: I heavily value immersion and how Locksmith handles game information (via an iPad that you carry around) does not do it any favors. There is no grand finale or big finish, the game ends rather abruptly. The temperature control is poor and it can get pretty hot. Final words: seems like The Escape Ventures were given a measly budget to make a room and they did the best they could with it.
S.A.S.H.A: Home Of The FutureWild Goose Escapes - FullertonEscape roomIRLHigh tech. Great beginner room. More experienced groups may not walk away satisfied or sufficiently challenged.
