Hatch Escapes - "Lab Rat"

Updated: Apr 9

LOCATION:  Los Angeles, California,USA

Photo above is property of Hatch Escapes

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

📝 ETR DECODER

🔑 GAME: Lab Rat
📅 DATE PLAYED: October 16, 2022
🎬 GENRE: Thriller
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl): 5/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 4-12 ppl
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: Mon - Thurs: $44.00/ pp (4 ppl), Fri - Sun: $49.00/ pp (4 ppl)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

📖 THE STORY

Your team has been trapped in an alternate reality where rats perform experiments on humans. In this world, you are small and playing the role of test subject for Ratkenstein, a grad student working on his doctorate. In order for Ratkenstein to graduate, they must provide the university with a dissertation and if they deem no use for human test subjects, then you will be chipped up and made into a human paste. Lucky for your group, the tests that are needed to be performed are to be done outside the cage. This is the chance you have been waiting for to escape! No time to lose!

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

From the moment you step inside the room, everything has grown to its proper size as if you are a tiny little animal. Changing the perspective really makes the group become immersed as they step in.
The storyline and comedy in the room is extremely well done. In a dark comedy tone, the room's story is conveyed to you. We were laughing our butts off and wanting to complete the room just to hear Ratkenstein’s responses through the trials they are putting us through.
Most of the puzzles in this game are physical in nature! There was much care and effort developing the room to include the sheer amount of things to do in many unique ways to perform the solutions.
For each action you perform, there are light and sound cues that create a unique experience and make your group feel as though you are in your own personal theatrical showing.
The ending of the game completes the idea that you were in a movie-like experience and it will want you coming back for more.

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

After much consideration, no comments in this section are needed. (having a working human hamster wheel would be a ton of fun though)

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

Lab Rat’s immersion of story and scenic with a large emphasis on fun puzzle design makes this a must play room. The room feels like a playground and instantly takes the group to a place of wonderment and awe when they see what Hatch Escapes have created. With the room taking place in such a large area, communication and observational skills are key. Pay attention to the fun designs and intricate set pieces for you might not know what is needed. There are twists and turns at every corner and, during one portion of the room, is an ingenious misdirection that had the group laughing and shouting. All five of the main senses are used during play and having a little treat for the taste sense really chimes a bell on how enjoyable this room is. There are no live rats in this game, just the joyfully dry and dark Ratkenstein to lead you through his tests and hopefully for them, find a reason to turn you into human paste.

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

Street Parking
One person must climb a ladder
Lobby with games

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 Hatch Escapes for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.