Mantis
63 escape rooms
Firstly, the customer service at this Escapology was better than what I experienced in another location. It's a decent, scary themed room with tropes you'd find commonly in the horror genre. I will have more details about the scare factor in its dedicated section further below. But, I will say that this room isn't very scary - just enough for a few jump scares for those who scare easily. There is no live actor. It can be enjoyed by a larger audience. The special effects were used purposefully but you could tell they were "triggered special effects" rather than being totally immersed in the atmosphere. Our immersion was broken because of a couple of technical issues during the game where the game had to be paused. This was slightly disappointing especially given that it's a new location. However, the GM was quick and proactive to address the issues and ensured we could complete the rest of the game. It's not a difficult room. Usually, in top horror rooms, the puzzles themselves shouldn't be too difficult because the fear element makes thing more challenging than they are. But because this room wasn't very scary, experienced players would find it on the easier side. A group of 3 is well suited for this game. Plan to arrive 20 mins before the game time. Take into account you will likely park in a parking garage and walk.
Gameplay
Linear gameplay and if you take out the scare element, fun puzzles to solve. Writing pad was useful.
Atmosphere
They used special effects but you could tell they were special effects (know what I mean?). Set design was decent - especially the initial section. Overall compact spacing but used well. The immersion could have been better. The technical problems broke the immersion and the ambient music was intermittent. The lighting was on the dimmer side but not pitch dark. There are "mobile light sources" to be used for reading clues.
Customer service
GM was attentive and helpful. Staff welcoming and friendly.
Particularly interesting or different
No
Story
Elements of the story were well integrated - particularly in the first half. The plot doesn't advance beyond the premise.
Difficulty
Easy
Experienced players - especially if you have a good horror tolerance - would find it on the easier side. For new players or those who are spooked easily, I'd say Medium difficulty.
Game tech
Mechanical
Ideal number of players
3
Group of 3 with experience is ideal. Any more than 4 could feel crowded. While a group of 2 adepts could do this fairly easily, scary games are fun with more people.
Scary
Spooky
I'll try to give more details without spoilers. Is it very scary? No. In terms of horror, if I were to rate the Cabin rooms at Escape Hour (Austin, TX) a 10/10 and Nightmare Hotel at Game Over (Katy/Houston, TX) a 7/10, this one would be a 4/10. There is no live actor, no major event, and the cues triggers are scheduled. Expect some sudden noises that could startle. Another way of looking at it is that this game doesn't specifically cater to horror enthusiasts or intend to give you a good scare. It can be enjoyed by a wider audience.
Was anything broken?
Yes
Two issues: One, an audio clue didn't trigger when a puzzle was solved, forcing a software reboot. Two, there was a flimsy key which broke when tried on a lock. This blocked our progression until substitute props were given to us.
Live actors
No
Physically active
Not at all
Typically walking about. Some crouching may be required.
Accessibility
Low light.
Easy to find location
Yes
You need to arrive 20 mins before your game time. However, back-to-back games can still be scheduled as long as you sign your waivers beforehand and arrive early enough for the first game. Account for finding parking and walking from parking garage.
Parking
Medium
There is limited street parking but better off parking in the adjacent parking garage.
Safety
Yes
