Clue IQ: An Escape Room Experience - "Crane Manor"

Updated: Jun 8

LOCATION:  Frederick, Maryland, USA

Photo above is property of Clue IQ: An Escape Room Experience

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

📝 ETR DECODER

🔑 GAME: Crane Manor
📅 DATE PLAYED: November 8, 2021
🎬 GENRE: Paranormal, Mystery
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 7/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-10 ppl (Recommended 4-8 ppl)
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 75 Mins.
💰 PRICE: $50.00/ pp (2 ppl) - $32.00/ pp (10 ppl)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

📖 THE STORY

Long ago, a schoolhouse teacher from Sleepy Hollow named Ichabod Crane was believed to suffer at the hands of the Headless Horseman. Recently, the research of the Paranormal Response Task Force has discovered that Ichabod managed to survive his confrontation with the Headless Horseman. In fact, Ichabod discovered a way to gain control of the Horseman using dark arts. As time passed, this knowledge was passed down to all of the Crane descendants. Somewhere along the way, they located the head of the Horseman and started to use it to summon him to create chaos among the residents of Sleepy Hollow.

You and your team have been assigned to enter the Crane Manor, locate the head of the Horseman, and put an end to this paranormal activity.

Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

Personally, I've always loved "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". The origin story of the Headless Horseman has always been a favorite of mine! What I love and appreciate even more, is Clue IQ's decision to follow the story of Ichabod Crane and what happened after his encounter with the Headless Horseman. "Crane Manor" takes place in present day, but the paranormal activity still exists from long ago.
The set design was remarkably deceiving. As you enter inside one of the halls of Crane Manor, you think to yourself, is this it? Or will all these doors lead to somewhere? And every one of them opened up to a new story...
Without giving away any spoilers, I just want to mention that there is some serious tech in these rooms. This could've easily been a set designed for a "Ghostbusters" themed escape room. They are also very meticulous with details on sound and lighting which really enhanced the "paranormal" experience. The jump scares were right on point but not the "horror" type so not to worry, there are no live actors in the room.
The puzzle designs were cleverly implemented into the storyline of the game. "Crane Manor" allowed players to have moments to work together or divide and conquer. There's a lot to do for two people but we were both very satisficed at the end especially as enthusiasts in this 75 minute experience (that we secret wished to be even longer).

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

I honestly can't think of anything that I would change in this game. You can tell the owner is an enthusiasts himself and know exactly what players are looking for in a perfect game.

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

Clue IQ is one of those escape room companies that makes you want to go and play ALL of their games JUST to see if they are all just as incredible as the "Crane Manor"! We've actually recommended this game to other escape room owners and they were thankful that we did and played all of their games in a span of two days! We will definitely be back here and hopefully we'll have more time to tackle them all next time!

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

There are a couple of free assigned parking spaces right outside the facility marked "Clue IQ". The "All Saints St" garage is right across the street as well as metered street parking. There's a Lobby area with seating. Merchandise available for purchase.

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

BOOK NOW

(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)

Disclosure: We thank Clue IQ: An Escape Room Experience for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.