I really liked this room! I rarely give heart ratings, but I think this one deserves a heart. This was my 38th escape room (33W - 5L) and I played with four other players with similar stats ranging in age from 13 to 58. We received no hints and had 19:11 remaining - yay!. Don't let that time fool you though, it is a hard room (the staff said it is their most difficult) and we struggled with a couple of puzzles. But sometimes a different set of eyes / brain was enough to nudge a solution out. The room was beautifully decorated (as all Escapology Carlsbad rooms are), all of the puzzles were in perfect condition, and very in theme. The staff at Escapology is amazing! We felt welcomed when we entered, the GM respected our request for no hints, and they had a sense of humor. This was our seventh room at the Carlsbad location and we are eager to try some of the rooms at other Escapology locations.
The train theme was fun, all of the puzzles and set design were very in theme and the story flowed very well.
The set design was beautiful and very in theme. Everything was in great condition and immersive.
The staff at Escapology are amazing. We played seven rooms with them this week and each time we felt welcomed, they respected our request for no hints, and they had a fun sense of humor.
Particularly interesting or different
Yes
I like the train and Agatha Christie theme. As mentioned earlier, the set design was beautiful.
The plot was integrated throughout the room (tbh, I rarely listen to room stories, but the rest of my group does).
The puzzles were numerous and difficult, but not impossibly difficult. And everything was (eventually) intuitive. This was my 38th room (33W - 5L) and I played with four teammates with similar stats ranging in age from 13-58.
The room was a nice mix of tech and mechanical, but perhaps a tad more tech.
We played as a group of five and it was perfect for us.
We don't play scary rooms.
I set the age recommendation a little higher than I usually do, only because there are other rooms at Escapology (scooby, lost city, pirates, batman) with themes that might appeal more to younger players. But kids can play this room, there is nothing scary or adult themed (other than solving a murder).
The puzzles were in great condition.
No live actors, thank goodness.
Physically active
Somewhat
There was lots of walking around and a small amount of lifting, but nothing strenuous.
Accessibility
I think the room is large enough to accommodate a wheelchair, but vision and hearing are required.
Mall parking is easy. There are also several restaurants in the mall if you need a snack between escape rooms.