LOCATION: Arlington, Virginia, USA
Photo above is property of Escape Room Arlington
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
📝 ETR DECODER
🔑 GAME: Retro Replay
📅 DATE PLAYED: June 4, 2024
🎬 GENRE: Sci-Fi
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 5/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-8 ppl
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins
💰 PRICE: $44.00/ pp (Min. 2 ppl) - $272.00 (8 ppl)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes
📖 THE STORY
Leather jacket? Got it. Acid wash jeans? Absolutely. We're heading to the arcade tonight, so search under the seats of your '84 Pontiac Fiero for some quarters while “Sweet Child O' Mine” plays loudly on the dashboard FM transistor radio. Amidst the flashing lights reflecting on your aviators and the scent of old popcorn, whispers circulate about the impending closure of Arlington Arcade. Can you rescue the arcade tonight?
Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE
The set design featured classic arcade games from the 1990s such as pinball, claw machines, and joystick games. Together with the prize counter, they truly brought back nostalgic memories of childhood.
One of the puzzle elements incorporated computer parts from the 90s, offering an innovative twist to the puzzle design.
Despite the room's limited size, we appreciated the creator's clever ideas in creating additional areas that served as gateways to new spaces.
🧩 MISSED THE MARK
The props in this room are in need of an update.
Upon entering this arcade, a sense of eerie sadness enveloped us as it seemed on the verge of closure. Despite our hopes of enjoying the games one last time, we discovered that they were merely props and not operational.
The game felt brief in terms of puzzles, and the ending lacked a triumphant moment.
🏹 TAKE A SHOT?
Upon entering Retro Replay, our eyes were immediately drawn to the nostalgic setup that resembled a classic arcade museum. The familiar titles like Street Fighter, King Kong, and the inviting claw machine stirred up a wave of childhood memories, evoking a sense of excitement and anticipation.
However, as we ventured closer, a tinge of disappointment crept in when we realized that these machines were merely decorative props, devoid of functionality. Despite the initial letdown, the potential for an immersive and exhilarating gaming experience lingered in the air. If Retro Replay were to undertake the restoration of these items, meticulously bringing them back to their original working condition, it could truly transform into a haven for retro gaming enthusiasts.
ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO
Street parking with meter or parking lot nearby
Lobby with waiting area
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, interview with the manager, the room(s) (no puzzle spoilers) and more:
Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
(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 Escape Room Arlington for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.
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