Deep Space: DivinityUkiyoEscape roomIRLI had really high hopes for this after playing The Crumbling Prince and I can with 100% certainty say that Deep Space: Divinity is absolutely in my top escape rooms. Enkidu, who as a group we lovingly called "Big Dawg" (a nickname he surprisingly caught onto), is a character that you can interact with. He was quick to answer us and play along with our antics, Matching-Our-Freak if you will... The route we seemed to have taken really connected us with him as he'd would single each player out and ask questions. The tasks given gave opportunities for everyone to participate. Unlike Crumbling Prince, where it seemed some roles were more important than others spilt between chapter 1 and 2. Big Dawg also gave us a unique interaction and asked us to sing Happy Birthday after learning that my birthday had just passed. So it's a ride or die kind of situation for this pixelated dog.
CarnivorousContainaphobiaEscape roomIRLI'm almost sad that I won't be able to experience this blind again. I tried my best to stay ignorant about this room, and holy moly it was worth it. Incredibly immersive, terrifying, and honestly one of the best experiences I've ever done. It's so hard to keep this review spoiler free, best advice I can give is: bring a friend who's terrified of the dark, and RUN. Absolutely will be playing this again when the chance arises.
AnnabelleLost in Melbourne - Flinders LaneEscape roomIRLI'm never beating the over-thinker allegations. I was surprised to find that there was actually little amount of puzzles, though they were fun and creative. The room I understand is on the older side now, but could absolutely do with a revamp. Unfortunately there were many times my friend and I lost track and got distracted by items that were broken, missing, or difficult to move.
The Alchemist LairEscape Academy - CairnsEscape roomIRLincredibly well designed! loved the atmosphere, puzzles had a great range for persons who think differently.
HeirloomEscapade Puzzle GamesEscape roomIRLI want to start this review open and honest, I was sat on the floor the entirety of this experience. Somehow my motion sickness kicked into this slightly slanted room. HOWEVER! From what I was able to participate in, this room was a very enjoyable experience. From choosing roles to help you with the experience, the setting, the music and to the overall design of the room, everything felt in place and flowed well. One of the roles didn't seem to be as important as the others however it did allow me to be sick in the corner, facing the walls... with my eyes closed (mostly speaking to myself).
Panic! At The Escape RoomEscapade Puzzle GamesEscape roomIRLThankfully I was able to participate in this room. For those who get motion sickness this room is on a little angle but not as noticeable as Escapades other room, Heirloom. This experience felt much more interactive as the game master would radio in with updates. There were a few tricky puzzles that my friends and I had to lock in for, but a very good range of puzzles for all sorts of players. Again, a common trait I'm seeing with Escapade, the set dressing is believable and everything felt in place. Feels the owners really put a lot of thought into the overall vibe.
Hansel & GretelEscape Academy - CairnsEscape roomIRLgreat room for beginners, slowly introduces skills and increases difficultly over the puzzles that you do. great room!
Da VinciStrike HighpointEscape roomIRLSimple and straight forward, in my opinion one of Strike's stronger rooms. The overall set dressing had some to be desired since everything felt to be a puzzle, although a good feature still makes the room feel a little sad. My friends and I had no problems following the puzzle order, even managing to set the all time record (not to brag).
InjusticeStrike HighpointEscape roomIRLVery infuriating room, a lot of the solves did feel like a stretch... and that makes me angry >:( . Also some of the hints being not helpful at all as we had to ring the reception desk to help clarify. The staff were happy to help though, which is always nice. It did look unfortunately like every other prison room, jail cell + office combo. I'm waiting for the day I enjoy a prison room.
