The Cipher Room’s ‘Espionage’, even as it edges closer to a decade in age, is a refreshing take on the somewhat oversaturated spy theme in escape rooms.
This is true for several reasons. Firstly — and most importantly — this is a female-forward spy room rooted in the classic, formative era of emerging female spies in the early to mid-20th century. I’m a big fan of James Bond, but it’s truly refreshing to experience a game that showcases some of the clever spy tools used by women of that era. Too many experiences within the spy genre feel masculine — or are explicitly so.
The array of puzzles is diverse and interesting, using period-correct props to deliver an evolving narrative. Some elements are cleverly hidden, and others capture the whimsy and charm of covert gadgetry from the golden era of spy films — while a few are more hands-on and rooted in the, ahem, real world.
It’s a wonderful escape room, and having played all of The Cipher Room’s subsequent builds prior to ‘Espionage’, it’s incredibly satisfying to see the evolution and refinement of their craft.

Physically active
Somewhat