If you are looking for an immersive experience in the High Desert, Hi-Orbit Games in Twentynine Palms is the newest addition to the SoCal scene. This cinematic journey takes you into a nostalgic, sci-fi world inspired by the mysteries of Joshua Tree. We recently visited during their soft opening phase.

You start in a retro arcade lobby (which is a great touch) before embarking on a mission to save someone from a UFO abduction. The transition into the game world is a memorable moment, and for fans of scenery and set design in escape rooms, there is a lot of visual “eye candy” to enjoy in this multi-room game.

Hi-Orbit Games is a gorgeous game filled with creativity. It’s a spacious Gen 3 experience with no physical padlocks in sight. The set is interesting, really wonderful use of space. I enjoyed how they leaned into the Joshua Tree location.

This is an ambitious escape game with lots of unique ideas. The tasks throughout the experience were unexpectedly more active than a typical escape room. The hint system was a clever twist on traditional game master walkie-talkies. It fit the world in a way that didn’t feel intrusive to the storytelling, but actually enhanced it. I enjoyed the way players activate each room as they move through the Hi-Orbit world.

This game is great for players that love multi-room experiences, scenery, modern escape experiences and active challenges. I would not recommend this to players that prefer physical locks, gen 1 games, or multi-layered puzzles.

We did encounter a couple of puzzles that were in the process of being repaired as to be expected in a soft launch of a tech heavy game. Please remember this is not a game that ever requires strength or physical force, so be kind to the props and set pieces.

Overall this is a very immersive escape game with elaborate set design that really brings you into the world. Shoutout to Beth our awesome GM! Thank you Blake for the invitation!

Plan Your Visit: Hi-Orbit Games

• Location: 73567 29 Palms Hwy, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

• Pricing: $30 per person

• Player Count: Recommended for 2–8 players.

• Duration: Approximately 60 minutes.

• Age Restrictions: Designed for ages 8+. Players under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Parking: Free on-site parking is available.

• EV Charging: There is a public EV charging station in a parking lot nearby behind the venue

As a reviewer who prioritizes player well-being, I want to highlight a few sensory factors that may be small spoilers: This experience utilizes atmospheric fog and flashing/strobe lights during specific puzzle sequences. Only one person needed to do a small amount of crawling in this game, I’m not sure if there’s a workaround.