Category: ESCAPE ROOMS

ESCAPE ROOMS – YouEscape – Online

YOUESCAPE ONLINE LIVE ESCAPE ROOM

I took on the challenge of YouEscape solo today. I’ve played a few online escape rooms, but this is the first interactive online escape room I have played with a live game master through video chat. Nick the creator of this unique escape room experience has a passion for escape games and you can tell. It’s a creative game that has both story and clever puzzles. It felt like a combination of the online games and live games done through video chat. The puzzles connect with the story. Some of them you physically complete through your computer, while others you instruct the game master on camera to complete on your behalf. You can play as a group, solo or with strangers if you wish. The homemade props are effective for symbolizing the different aspects of the story and supplying the necessary information, however they are not realistic like you would find in a big budget live escape room. Overall it was fun. Thank you Nick for inviting me to play.

If you’d like more information or to book your game click this PATREON LINK. 

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ESCAPE ROOMS – Vault Escape – Illinois

Vault Escape

I had the pleasure of checking out Vault Escape while in Chicago for the weekend. I didn’t plan ahead, so I was happy to book the small one player game in the front window of the location. It was a really clever idea and use of space. I like circuses so I quite enjoyed the theme. There aren’t as many puzzles as the hour long games and you don’t get hints on this one. I had a bit of trouble with some of the tech malfunctioning. Luckily one of the game masters realized it and stepped in to help. It’s a fun little game in the storefront. I had the opportunity to peak into one of the other games and that looked well done. Unfortunately I didn’t have time in my schedule to play any of the full length games at the location.

ESCAPE ROOMS – Espionage Escape Rooms – Indiana

ESCAPE ROOMS – Espionage Escape Rooms – Indiana

Espionage Escape Rooms Pharaoh Game 

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The Pharaoh Game at Espionage Escape Rooms is a topnotch escape room that could hold it’s own in a much more competitive market than Northern Indiana. I was pleasantly surprised by this game. My team consisted of my parents and myself. They’ve played a few other games with me over the years.

We were transported to the Pharaoh’s tomb as we entered the game. The room was beautifully decorated to look like a tomb complete with a bit of sand on the floor. The props in the room reacted to our actions, as well as a few standard locks. However most of the puzzles were very well integrated into the theme and story. I especially enjoyed one prop that was built in a unique way that I hadn’t experienced quite like that before. I always love when a designer can surprise me. The puzzles were all very logical and fun. There is a small amount of searching that could be easier with a larger group, but our group of three had no problem with a small nudge from the game master.

The owner was our game master and she was very professional and passionate about the industry. I’m excited to play her next game when I am back in town for the holidays.

I highly recommend Espionage Escape Rooms!

ESCAPE ROOMS – ESCRooms – CA

ESCRooms

This game is contained within shipping containers. It’s rather first generation in design, but still fun. It would’ve been a lot of fun a few years ago, but doesn’t really hold up among the intense Los Angeles competition. I still recommend playing as long as it’s not a hot summer day.

Watch the full review here: https://youtu.be/R_teUJgjp9o

 

Be sure to VOTE

I had the honor this year to be part of the expert panel for USAToday’s 10Best where I nominated escape rooms & haunted attractions for their annual list.

Be sure to support your favorites by voting at the links below

VOTE ESCAPE ROOMS

VOTE HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS

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ESCAPE ROOMS- Hatch Escapes – CA

Hatch Escapes

I had the pleasure of Beta Testing a portion of this game in the early stages and then to play the full game in it’s entirety today. It is a private booking game, so bring your friends. This game is unique in it’s immersive yet pre-recorded storytelling. It’s basically another mad scientist story at the core, but it has an unusual twist as I’m sure you could tell by the name Lab Rat. There are stunning props and set design. The scenario allows for all puzzles to “fit” into the world because it’s a test subject situation which allows for much more leeway. I like that the designers tried to use all senses in the game. There were definitely a few issues with the tech during our gameplay today. The customer service was great and our game-master was outstanding! He did an incredible job and really worked to make sure the glitches didn’t ruin our experience. The flow of this game doesn’t really appeal to me personally. It is very well done and intentional, but I find this style of game a bit on the frustrating side. Don’t get me wrong, it definitely had clever moments. I quite enjoyed the physical puzzles that were plentiful. Overall I think it is a good game for all levels and ages. It is by far one of the most unique games in SoCal.

 

 

ESCAPE ROOMS- Black Market Escape Rooms Murder Co – CA

MURDER CO

Black Market Escape Rooms Murder Co is an incredible experience! This year round immersive haunted attraction is perfectly executed. The artists are top notch. The set and props are great. The puzzles are fun. The sense of urgency is spot on. The mix of horror and comedic moments are blended wonderfully. I loved MurderCo and highly recommend it!