Ghost PatrolTrivium GamesEscape roomIRLStory + Atmosphere + Originality = Winner Ghost Patrol takes an interesting take on a classic narrative and flips it on its head for an enjoyable experience that needs to be done. Full integration of puzzles into the set with unique tasks not seen by this enthusiast really set this room apart. If you want multiple aha! moments with a satisfying payoff, this is the room to do!
UndercookedOmescape - SunnyvaleEscape roomIRLNot your typical escape room, Undercooked is more of a live action video game completing as many tasks/puzzles as you can within the allotted time. It is quite daunting at first as there is no set direction to start but once you get going, it’s a crazy fun sprint to figure out how everything in the room relates. The set is spectacular and the only thing you wish is to be able to see everything. The ending though is a complete shock and such a fun payoff to end your game.
The Edison Escape RoomPalace GamesEscape roomIRLThere’s a reason why this is #1 on my list. It’s not an escape room. It’s an experience on its own. Part video game, part sensory experiment this room takes teamwork to another level. Using technology that at the time was not even fathomable, Edison allows your mind to be blown using the same puzzles you completed in different new ways challenging you to adapt and be surprised at the same time. It’s a sight to behold and one that needs to be appreciated in every way.
Lab RatHatch EscapesEscape roomIRLWow! Finally a game that is unique from top to bottom using a hilarious twist from the very start to propel the story and game forward. Every part of this game allowed you to use all your senses in unique ways that I have never seen before. Cool aha moments and clever deception also allowed the player to question their own thinking. This definitely allowed even the most seasoned veteran an amazing new and inventive experience. It’s rare that a game combines seamless gameplay with an overarching story but Lab Rat fully achieves it with satisfying results!
Chaos In The GalleriaOmescape - SunnyvaleEscape roomIRLThe sheer scope of this room is something to behold. Grab your A-team because you are going to need it. This room requires multitasking to its finest with a multitude of puzzles that require out of the box thinking. With unique tasks I’ve never seen before and a central “dispensing” object you need to interact with that is so neat, you will be enjoying every minute of this room.
The AttractionPalace GamesEscape roomIRLThis is a tough review as Palace Games set the bar for immersive, dynamic escape rooms. This is not a true escape room and more of an experience so going into it it was surprising not having the thrill of a time crunch. That being said you appreciate the originality and deep concept the creators took to create this however I still prefer the traditional escape mechanic.
The Curse Of The Black KnightEscapeX Rooms - IrvineEscape roomIRLThis room excels with its unique puzzles that combine logic and physicality. It uses its smaller space well with multiple levels of puzzles that intersect which requires quite a fun ordeal of running up and down stairs plus crawling.
PlaygroundThe Escape Game - San FranciscoEscape roomIRLTEG is more of a mid tier chain with solid production value but usually mediocre gameplay. Playground is the one exception! The use of nostalgia combined with puzzles specifically geared towards school based games was ingenious leading to sometimes hilarious and satisfying results! There is so much going on here that it is hard to appreciate the thoughtfulness of how this room is structured but it is a joy to be brought back to your childhood in such a fun and inventive way.
The Asylum: PlaytimeLost GamesEscape roomIRLThis room continues the story of Doctors Secret with a more expansive set and more variety of puzzles. However the flow in the room is jagged and many times puzzles were done out of order and were rendered useless. Also some puzzles were a stretch which became frustrating although the hint system in this room is one of the most unique.
Red GiantQuest Room - HollywoodEscape roomIRLThis location is definitely in a sketchy part of town..part of the excitement to start I guess… This room is decent with great set design and variety of puzzles. However gameplay is fragmented and much of it is in low light which is a big negative for me. Also, some puzzles are illogical and require leaps of logic. Unfortunately Quest rooms seems to sacrifice solid puzzles for aesthetic.
