De Wraak Van Han [Han’s Revenge]De Gouden KooiEscape roomIRLA great room and such a unique story. It starts linear, but then towards the end there are many tasks that could be done simultaneously. We were only 2, but 3 or 4 would have made the end less frantic, as the space was quite big. At times the story was a little confusing (seemed like two plots smushed together), but perhaps I was just confused. Regardless, it didn’t distract from this amazing room.
The DomeMama BazookaEscape roomIRLThe game was creative and original, and I really appreciated that. There were some cool “wow” moments that I had seen in other rooms, but done really well here. We had some technical issues that really ruined part of the experience. We also didn't realise it was a malfunction, so we were just confused for about 15 minutes, and then continued to wonder if what we were doing was correct for the rest of the game. But we did enjoy the room until this point. We were only two and still escaped, but I would recommend 3 or 4.
Molly's GameUntold Stories Experiences [prev. Down the Hatch]Escape roomIRLDefinitely a masterpiece, and I can see why it was top of the TERPECA list in 2023. The set design was amazing, and I enjoyed the story. A few tasks had to be done many times (can’t say much more without spoilers), and we found it a little repetitive as a group of 2. With 4, it would probably have been better.
Dark LullabyEscape Artist Greenville - Hampton StationEscape roomIRLWe did this as part of the full Chimera Corp Saga, and it was our favourite! It was the perfect combination of scary, but not so much tension that you couldn't focus on the puzzles. There were some minor jump scares, but there were clear down times when you could focus on the puzzles and the story. The acting was great, and there were some nice humour moments spread throughout to break the tension as well. The decoration was really well done, and there is a cool effect in the last room that we loved. The puzzles were also fun and creative, with some layers puzzles as well. I love it when a room has a great story/acting but not to the detriment of great puzzling. If you are a scaredy cat (like I am) do not shy away from this room. It is great!
Metropolis 2099Dream LabsEscape roomIRLWe really enjoyed this one. The decoration was beautiful and very immersive. There were a couple wow moments that really showed a great attention to detail. The story was great, but at times audio (which was important to the story) would begin suddenly, and we missed a few things. We really liked the puzzles, but we wished there were more. Some rooms were so beautifully decorated, with such detail, but then you would leave after a short time. We wished we could have stayed for longer! ;)
Quest For The Temple of LightThe Keepers of BalanceEscape roomIRLWhat an amazing experience! From the start you are thrown into the narrative, and the staff/actors go all in. The decoration and production are extremely well done, and it helps you to be immersed in it. The first room was my favourite, and I was happy this room had multiple puzzles. Some furniture rooms have fewer puzzles (and I love puzzles) but it was still super enjoyable. There is acting throughout, and we loved the improve and playing along. I will definitely be back for their future rooms, and they said they plan to have 7(!) total in the end.
La Maison de Tonton Cornelius [The House of Uncle Cornelius]Grand Trip Trap HotelEscape roomIRLA wonderful adventure covering a very large space. You encounter so many different themes/atmospheres throughout the experience, and all are beautifully created. We had a little frustration with the GM and hints given. Something was not reset to English (but rather French), and we were not heard when stating this out loud. Eventually we resolved it and were able to continue. A small 10-minute frustration, but the rest of the experience went smoothly.
Kaleidoskop 1963 [Kaleidoscope 1963]Time MazeEscape roomIRLTalk about a room where you have no idea where it’s going, but you are 100% along for the ride. Great, large design, and a little bit of Swiss history as well.
Der Spielzeugmacher [Toy Maker]Big Break HamburgEscape roomIRLThe design was beautiful, and there were a couple “wow” moments as well. A high tech room with some varied puzzles as well. Definitely in the top rooms I have visited.
PrayEscape Room KatwijkEscape roomIRLEveryone needs to do this room! It is wonderfully made, and the puzzles make sense and are well integrated into the story. The amount of tension is just right, with light jump scares, but nothing too horror-y. I love it when a room can balance a great environment, a clear story, and amazing puzzles, and Pray does that perfectly.