Defenders of the Sunken Realm

The design of both sections was phenomenal. It really goes to show just how much elevation differences and consistent theming goes when designing these rooms. It's clear a lot of love and passion went into designing everything here.

We felt like we weren't able to "struggle" quite as much here as in Temple of Light, the "voice in the room" was a bit more proactive with help which isn't exactly what we look for generally. Maybe the opportunity to indicate the level of assistance we want at the beginning, in a themed way, would be helpful.

Not necessarily a detriment, this is the best of this story we have done, and the puzzles included in the theme were significantly better than others as well.

A good combo, but felt maybe a bit more on the mechanical side. Everything quite satisfying.

In the intro, yes. In the actual room, no.

Definitely some activity needed, climbing specifically.

The submarine element shakes to add realism.

At least two kids/active adults needed

Three parts are very kid friendly and kid needed! Crawling and climbing elements that kids and/or active adults would love.

Some essential parts are active. Climbing and crawling.

Climbing and crawling elements. Everyone must be able to walk up about 8 normal stairs and up and down about 5 tall stairs. The climbing and crawling elements do not require all party members.

I either really loved the puzzles in this room or really disliked them. What I loved: The physical interaction with puzzles at Keepers of Balance is truly unmatched! Their games are way more adventurous than other rooms and I absolutely adored about 80% of the puzzles in this game (especially the ones with interactive elements). What I disliked: Some of the hardest puzzles in this room are placed at the very beginning of this game and it didn’t set the tone well. There are some options for the gamemaster to bypass puzzles if participants are struggling (which I think is a great idea so that participants can see the rest of the room) but it made our group of seasoned escape room enthusiasts feel pretty defeated that we couldn’t solve one of the first puzzles. We were especially frustrated because we felt as if we were missing some clarifying details in the set up of the puzzle.

I have zero negative feedback regarding the atmosphere of the rooms at Keepers of Balance. The immersion is next level and it feels like you are inside of a movie when you go into one of their games. In this room, there were even some motion related tech effects that reminded me of Disney attractions.

Everyone at Keepers of Balance really appears to love their job!

I’ve never seen this storyline or execution anywhere else.

I love the way that the briefing for the room is incorporated into the storyline. The gamemaster (and friends) do a great job of selling the story. The semi-interactive nature of the game makes it even more immersive.

The first couple of puzzles were unbelievably hard for a family oriented attraction. The rest of the puzzles were at more of a medium difficulty level.

You won’t find any physical locks in these rooms. It is all very high tech.

The first space that this game takes place in is quite cramped.

Theming is great for all ages.

There are no actors in the room with you but you might interact with some characters during your briefing and de-brief.

One of the most physically active rooms I’ve ever done (but some elements can be bypassed if the group wishes). No running is required but crawling and climbing are incorporated into this room.

I would not recommend this game for people with mobility restrictions. Some puzzles utilize color, sight, and sound.

Defenders of the Sunken Realm takes everything great about the first room and amplifies it. The gameplay is dynamic, fast-moving, and built around true teamwork — everyone in your group is needed. The room design keeps you constantly engaged across multiple spaces with no dead air.

The environment completely pulls you under. This doesn’t feel like an escape room at all — it feels like stepping into a fully realized attraction. Lighting, sound, moving rooms, and physical spaces all work together to maintain immersion from the first moment to the last.

This is one of the most high-tech escape rooms I’ve ever played. The way technology is woven into the experience is jaw-dropping and elevates the gameplay without ever feeling gimmicky.

There are a few elements where you need to differentiate color, listen for certain sounds, and be in a moving space. Staff very accommodating!