The Escape Warehouse - "Hide & Seek"

LOCATION:  Ponchatoula, Louisiana, USA

Photo above is property of The Escape Warehouse

Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

📝 ETR DECODER

🔑 GAME: Hide & Seek
📅 DATE PLAYED: March 25, 2024
🎬 GENRE: Thriller
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 5 ppl): 6/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-9 ppl
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: $34.99/ pp (Min. 2 ppl required)
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

📖 THE STORY

Disaster strikes as you and your group awaken in a closet, unaware of your whereabouts. The infamous serial killer responsible for your predicament presents a chilling offer: play a game of hide and seek within the confines of his twisted game. With a mere 60 minutes on the clock, the stakes couldn't be higher—if you successfully evade capture or manage to escape, freedom awaits. However, failure means falling into the clutches of the killer. How long can you outsmart your captor and evade capture?

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

The game's use of a blindfold at the start is a stroke of genius, plunging players into darkness and uncertainty from the outset. It's not just a gimmick; it serves to deepen immersion and anticipation as players await the unfolding of the mystery.
As players remove the blindfold, they're met with the haunting visage of an old, decrepit house, perfectly captured in the set design. Every detail, from the creaking floorboards to the ominous stains on the walls, contributes to the atmosphere of foreboding.
Rather than relying on modern gadgets or digital interfaces, the game embraces a more traditional approach to puzzle-solving, with locks and physical challenges dominating the experience. This nod to classic escape room mechanics adds a nostalgic charm while also presenting unique and inventive puzzles.
Despite the absence of high-tech elements, the puzzle design remains fresh and engaging, seamlessly weaving into the narrative and propelling players forward in their quest to escape the clutches of the serial killer.
One of the game's standout features is its emphasis on physical interaction within the set. Areas initially dismissed as mere background scenery often reveal hidden secrets or vital clues, keeping players on their toes and fostering a sense of exploration and discovery throughout the game.

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

While the concept of hide and seek is central to the game's premise, our group felt that its execution could have been more immersive. While it made sense within the context of the story world, we wished for more active involvement in the hide and seek aspect. Enhancing player participation in the game of hide and seek could heighten the intensity and elevate the overall experience to a truly unforgettable level.

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

"Hide & Seek" demonstrates the power of a well-crafted escape room experience, relying solely on ordinary padlocks and minimal electronics to immerse players in its storyline. With a strong emphasis on puzzle flow and narrative depth, the game delves into a chilling tale of survival against a notorious serial killer. As we uncovered the dark history of the killer through intricate puzzles, the tension mounted, yet the game maintained a level of intensity that appealed to a wide audience without overwhelming them. The energetic momentum of the game remained consistent throughout, ensuring that both the story and puzzles kept us engaged until the very end. For those intrigued by the concept, Hide and Seek comes highly recommended as an immersive and captivating escape room experience.

Photos above are property of The Escape Warehouse

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

Game Specific
- For best experience, ALL players should be able to climb, crawl, duck and squeeze in tight spaces. Not a wheelchair accessible game.
Venue Specific
- Free Parking next to venue (Follow signs to correct door)
- Lobby with plenty of space and drinks and merch for purchase
- Private lockers for supplies during games
- Located ~10mins off of highway 12 and 55 between Baton Rogue LA and New Orleans LA

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 The Escape Warehouse for providing a media discount on the tickets for this game. Although discounted admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion of the review whatsoever.