LOCATION: Staten Island, NYC, New York, USA Photo above is property of Unreal Escapes Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Battleship 📅 DATE PLAYED : November 18, 2025 🎬 GENRE : War, Thriller 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-11 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $80.00/ pp (2 ppl), $53.33/ pp (3 ppl), $40.00/ pp (4-11 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY World War III has broken out as a result of global political unrest. All currently active battleships have been destroyed, along with our brave servicemen and women. America's survival depends on your motley crew's ability to get an old, decommissioned warship back in fighting trim and on the water in time to defeat the enemies gathering nearby. Can you save America - and the world? You've only got 60 minutes before the attacking fleet will reach America's shores. Get up and at 'em, your country needs you! Video above is property of Unreal Escapes 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Highly immersive set design : The USS New Jersey is the inspiration for this set, and the replication is highly detailed and well-researched. However, we never felt overwhelmed or confused by the environment. The challenges you face are replicas of the actual processes Navy sailors perform when faced with a battle situation, and you'll feel like you're really one of them. Satisfying puzzles : The puzzles themselves often involve multiple components and do a great job of blending the challenging 'figure it out' aspect of a great escape room with the joy that come with manipulating realistic objects in a set that transports you to the ocean, both visually and aurally. Accurate lighting, well implemented : A common flaw in ship-themed escape rooms is that the accuracy of the dim lighting makes the fundamental act of reading difficult. Not so here! The realistic lighting (supplemented by a few well-placed flashlights) was both true to form as well as being sufficient for frustration-free solving. Well-modulated tension : There is a cinematic element to this game, and our hearts were often pounding with the realistic intensity of our mission! Yet, they do a great job of maintaining the sense of urgency while also interspersing some calmer moments between those that are more immediately fraught with peril. Sound and light cues : Another way the design helped avoid the frustration that often comes with intricately designed sets was the thoughtful use of both lighting and sound cues to indicate when a puzzle had been completed or a hidden compartment had opened. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Triggers for adaptive difficulty : We're big fans of adaptive difficulty to make an experience rewarding for a wide variety of players, so we love that it's incorporated in this room. However, we didn't trigger the additional elements, despite finishing with 18 minutes to spare (without hints). Given that those extra components are already programmed into the game, it would make sense to trigger them at a lower threshold. Minor ambiguity : Overall, this a really well done room, but if we have to pick a few nits, there were a couple of elements that resulted in a bit of trial and error, which could be eliminated with a bit more signposting. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? Battleship is a nearly watertight room with a lot to offer. The somewhat smaller confines and relatively linear gameplay make it ideal for smaller groups of dedicated escape artists. The combination of well-structured, challenging puzzles, a clear narrative, and highly immersive environment make it an appealing excursion for escape room fans with at least a little experience. I probably wouldn't recommend it as someone's first, but this would be an ideal opportunity to up skills and heart rate for those with a few under their belt, while also unlocking some unforgettable achievement badges. Highly recommended to tackle this mission if you're in the area. 🔎 HINT Look closely…even what appears to be set dressing may prove useful. ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO It is easy to find, with plenty of signage out front and parking around the side of the building. There is a well decorated lobby with places to sit and plenty of fun escape room adjacent ephemera! It has a bathroom and coatroom, but no lockers. Photos above are 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 Unreal Escapes for providing us with a media discount for this game. Although a media discount was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #DaveBristol #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #UnrealEscapes #War #Thriller #StatenIsland #NYC #NewYork #USA

LOCATION: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada Photo above is property of Sauve Qui Peut Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Castle of Eternal Suffering 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 23, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Horror, Haunted 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 Players) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 4-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 120 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $80/ pp ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY The holidays were winding down, but your appetite for adventure wasn’t ready to rest. You hear whispers from uneasy villagers of a forgotten castle… how could you resist? The deeper you ventured into the forest, the quieter the world became, until even the wind seemed to hold its breath. Then, through the fog, it appeared: a looming fortress frozen in time, its towers clawing at the clouds. The air grew heavy. The silence pressed close. And the castle waited…do you dare enter and uncover its secrets? 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE A feast for the senses : This game challenges you physically and mentally as it develops the narrative, all while you’re surrounded by beautiful, bespoke construction whose scope is befitting a castle! It truly is a well-rounded game. And everything here (set, props, puzzles) was locally designed and built, spotlighting both SQP’s remarkable skill and the work of talented local artists. Timeless design : The GM ensures everyone experiences the full story…no group left behind! So, with no visible clock and knowledge that hints will be offered if needed to keep you on pace, you can fully immerse yourself without time anxiety. Puzzles that satisfy : Completely lock-free, flawlessly functioning tech, and satisfying layers of logic and teamwork. One multi-part sequence in particular we really loved. Minimal searching (a relief for our scavenging-impaired selves). Lighting is beautifully integrated with the puzzles as well, subtly guiding your progress and helping to demarcate solves. The story can be told in English or French, but the puzzles themselves are language-free and accessible to all. Haunting, not horrifying : Expect tension and heart-pounding moments, but no gore, jump scares, or contact. The live actor adds depth, not fear, and is a strong narrative presence that elevates the experience. The darker moments are interspersed with moments of levity to keep the experience from feeling too dark and oppressive. Overall, this game can therefore appeal to a much broader set of folks. Perfect pacing : Narrative pauses are thoughtfully interwoven, giving space to absorb story beats before plunging back into the action. This sequencing, along with the knowledge we would be able to finish the game, meant we took in much more of the narrative than we often do and helped let the story land emotionally. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK There’s not much to criticize with this experience, but a few considerations for some players: Color concerns : Multiple puzzles rely on color distinctions that might challenge some color-blind players, though they’ve received feedback that the selected colors are distinguishable (and the puzzles solvable) by the color-blind participants they’ve had. Physical considerations : While SQP is very intentional and safety-conscious, a particular aspect (which we loved!) could be tough for anyone with neck or back issues…mention it to your GM beforehand. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? A new must-play in the Montreal area, The Castle of Eternal Suffering elevates SQP’s design to new heights. It’s a masterclass in balance: pairing cinematic sets and emotional storytelling with thoughtful, satisfying puzzles and even a touch of physicality. (You’ll require mobility but not exceptional strength or athleticism to conquer these aspects; there’s a workaround for individuals to skip them if needed). Every detail feels intentional and smoothly delivered. While some of the world’s top TERPECA games lean heavily toward narrative or spectacle, this experience manages to keep its puzzle heart beating strong without losing an ounce of immersion. The story unfolds with gothic grandeur, yet never feels oppressive, and can be enjoyed by those who might choose to skip horror rooms. SQP’s “everyone finishes” approach feels like the future of the industry: it lets players savor the journey instead of racing the clock. The result is a game that feels more like an experience that lingers long after you’ve left the castle gates. So yes, brave adventurer, go forth and enter. The castle is waiting…and trust us, this is one haunting you’ll want to be part of. 🔎 HINT The snakes won’t slither to life for a timid touch…use your whole palm to make them glow. ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO The lobby/waiting area where you check in also has lockers and seating. (And was fabulously decorated for Halloween on this visit.) There also are bathrooms available. There are a variety of parking options (both paid lots, free lots, and paid street parking) in the area. The closest free lot is about a 3-5 minute walk. All games are playable in both French and English. Photos above are 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 "!) #DaveBristol #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Horror #SauveQuiPeut #Quebec #Canada

LOCATION : Houston, Texas, USA Photo above is property of Strange Bird Immersive Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : The Man from Beyond 📅 DATE PLAYED : March 27, 2024 🎬 GENRE : Mystery (Seance) 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl) : 4/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 4-8 ppl (Ages 13+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 90-120 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $47.00 - $58.00/ pp (depending on group size) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Harry Houdini, the famous magician, is renowned for his incredible feats of illusion and escape. Though he is long deceased, his legacy lives on through his many fans and collectors of his artifacts. One such avid collector, Madame Daphne, resides in Houston, Texas, and has amassed an impressive collection of Houdini memorabilia. As avid Houdini aficionados, you receive a special invitation from Madame Daphne to attend a séance in an attempt to contact the spirit of the beloved magician. As the séance begins, strange and unexplainable events start occurring around you. What ensues is a captivating two-hour experience filled with magic, spirituality, surprises, and unexpected twists and turns. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE Each and every detail of this room is meticulously crafted, filled to the brim with knick-knacks that seem to belong back in the 1920s. The space includes actual props used from Houdini's stage, creating an authentic atmosphere that makes you feel like you are in a collector's home of valuable artifacts. The puzzle flow and logic were extremely well done. Three experienced enthusiasts were able to complete the room with plenty of time to spare, thanks to the engaging and well-designed puzzles. There was very little time wasted, and every element of the room contributed to the overall storyline or lore of the world that Strange Bird has created. The actors and hospitality provided by the staff were impeccable. Upon meeting Madame Daphne, players will truly believe in this eccentric character as she reads the tarot, immersing everyone into the world from the very instant the game starts. The lobby you step into is a unique space filled with fun, hidden references, and fascinating details hinting at rooms to come. It's highly recommended to arrive early and explore this area as much as you can. Strange Bird seamlessly merges technology and magic tricks, making it so that there is no visible technology in the old house setting. The tricks used throughout the experience are blended so well that our group forgot technology existed and fully immersed ourselves in the story. The hint system was absolutely amazing, fitting so well into the game that we sometimes wanted to ask for hints just to see how the mechanism worked. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK After much consideration, it's clear that there's nothing significant to critique in this section. "The Man from Beyond" is a game that all players should experience. It is so well crafted that any comments here would be minor nitpicks and wouldn't detract from your overall enjoyment.. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? First off, let me start by saying that " The Man from Beyond " is a top-tier escape room that every escape room enthusiast should make an effort to play. After completing nearly 300 rooms and multiple immersive theater events, I can confidently say this room uniquely combines immersion and escape room elements, while still prioritizing the escape room experience. What sets this room apart from others is the additional 30 minutes of storyline, creating a blend of immersive theater and escape room that is truly exceptional. Despite the immersive theater elements, " The Man from Beyond " is undoubtedly a 60-minute escape room at its core. It's an excellent way to dip your toes into immersive theater while enjoying a high-quality escape room. This room is suitable for all ages, young and old, and deals with supernatural themes in a fun and engaging way. Strange Bird Immersive has crafted a story that develops seamlessly throughout the entire experience, with no part feeling out of place or random. Every element deepens the narrative, tying the two-hour experience into a cohesive and captivating adventure. Overall, " The Man from Beyond " is an outstanding experience that escape room enthusiasts should not miss. The blend of immersive theater and escape room elements, along with a well-developed storyline and engaging puzzles, makes it a must-play for anyone looking for a unique and memorable adventure. Update 11/20/2025 - Cici Cao We finally got to play "The Man from Beyond" with our UK friends on Oct 30, 2025, and what an exhilarating experience it was! We wholeheartedly agree with everything our reviewer Mike mentioned, but we can't resist adding our own enthusiastic take on this magical journey. From the moment we received that unique email with directions to Strange Bird, we couldn't contain our excitement. Stepping into the empty black and white lobby, everything felt like a puzzle. Our curiosity was insatiable—even the bathroom was intriguing! Till this day, I'm still wondering if I missed finding a key to a time portal? When it was "show" time, we were warmly greeted by Madame Daphne—an incredible actress, or was she truly living the part? From that moment, nothing else mattered. We were swept into a whirlwind of past, present, and future! The puzzles were undeniably "magical," but the true stars were the actors. They transformed this into an unforgettable experience. Parting was tough because we craved more. We cherished every moment, and all we can say is BRAVO and hats off to everyone involved in creating this masterpiece! ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking Lot Complementary water or a well crafted cocktail pending on the group's experience Interactive waiting room Arrive BEFORE allotted time for best experience Photos above are property of Strange Bird Immersive Photos above are 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 Strange Bird Immersive for providing a media discount on the tickets for this game. Although discounted admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. Update : ESCAPETHEROOMers also visited Strange Bird Immersive to play " The Man From Beyond " in October '25!! Thank you for hosting us, we had an amazing time! #MikeSchnurr #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #StrangeBirdImmersive #Mystery #Seance #Texas #USA

LOCATION: Houston, Texas, USA Photo above is property of PanIQ Room Houston Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Chainsaw Massacre 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 31, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Horror 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-7 ppl (Ages 12+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $49.95/ pp (2 ppl), $44.95 (3-4 ppl), $42.95 (5-6 ppl), $39.95 (7 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY You wake up in an old garage filled with oil, rusty tools, peculiar symbols, and the faint sound of a chainsaw. Your captor is experienced, and their work isn't done. The family watches, and time is running out as something approaches... Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The set design perfectly captures the "Texas Chain Saw Massacre" vibe as soon as we enter the room, complete with rusted tools, blood smudges, and even a chilling well! The lighting and sound effects are expertly timed to deliver some fantastic jump scares. Brandon thrives with physical puzzles, and this room provided ample opportunities for him to excel. I thoroughly enjoyed a visual puzzle that truly tested your memory. The puzzles creatively incorporate the room's props, offering innovative clues and solutions. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The finale would have been enhanced with a cooler sound effect, as nothing triggered when we played it with the final insertion of the escape tool. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This game is pretty popular with players, drawing inspiration from the highly acclaimed movie Texas Chain Saw Massacre. While it may not reach the film's horror intensity, it undoubtedly provides jump scares that surprise players during gameplay. It definitely will get your adrenaline pumping especially during those last terrifying moments as a captive. But, if you're skilled at finding things, you might escape even faster than we did. If not, we will have to bid you adieu...Good luck! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Each room includes a space for storing your personal belongings A paper document presents the story in each room Paid parking available across the street (free for 3 hours on specific days, check the signs) Lobby area with seating and a bar Merchandise available for purchase Photo 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 PanIQ Room Houston for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLEscapeRoom #EscapeRoom #PanIQRoom #Horror #Creepy #Texas #USA

LOCATION: Middletown, Connecticut, USA Photo above is property of Puzzle Theory Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Defenders of the Galaxy 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 14, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Sci-Fi 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 6.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $29.00/ pp (depending on group size) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY As a group of intergalactic space defenders, you are renowned for moving from mission to mission, thwarting evil schemes before they escalate. However, this time the adversaries have taken the battle to you! While preventing Rafanica from obliterating another planet, your ship was severely damaged, and its main power source was stolen! To make matters worse, the space pirates are returning, and this time they aim to seize the entire ship. Fortunately, you have a backup power supply... somewhere. You have 60 minutes to find the backup power stone and escape! Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The set design immediately captured our attention, making us feel as if we had been transported into a spaceship journeying through an unknown galaxy. The lighting and colors of the room significantly enhanced the players' sensory experience. We appreciated the variety of puzzles in this game. Unlike most spaceship games that focus on following orders to maneuver or repair the ship, this one challenged us with both logic and physical puzzles, allowing us to effectively divide and conquer based on our strengths. One of our favorite puzzles involved gathering necessary pieces from various challenges and assembling a decoded message to complete a multi-step logic puzzle. Solving it in one go was incredibly satisfying! The game concluded with a strong finale that aligned perfectly with the storyline, leaving us with a clear sense of accomplishment. The game flow was smooth from start to finish. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Enhancing the storyline with details about our tasks and providing a checklist of what we are "repairing," along with titles for the stations, will significantly elevate the players' experience, making them truly feel like workers on a real spaceship. Visual clues require refinement for better visibility, and improving the clarity of the voice clues will ensure players understand exactly what needs to be done. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? This room was a lot fun, featuring some interesting physical puzzles we've encountered in other escape rooms, but it was a thrill to see them integrated into this storyline! They fit the space theme perfectly. Here's a little tip from us veteran escapees: we noticed that a few props were used for multiple puzzles. It was a new way of thinking for us, so keep that in mind. Aside from that, we had an amazing time, especially spotting Easter Eggs from "Guardians of the Galaxy." If you're a fan of the movie, you're in for a treat! See how many pieces of memorabilia you can find! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Plenty of parking available Lobby area with seating available Merchandise is available for purchase Photos above are 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 Puzzle Theory for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #PuzzleTheory #SciFi #Space #Connecticut #USA

LOCATION: Wappingers Falls, New York, USA Photo above is property of Escape Time Adventures Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Dracula 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 12, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Horror 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 6/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 3-6 ppl (Ages 12+) 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $32.95/ pp or $98.85/ group (6 ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY In a secluded forest, you and your group of aspiring vampire hunters are guided to Dr. Van Helsing's study to complete his mission. Dracula is about to awaken and prey on the innocent again. You have until sunset to gather the tools needed to stop him before he stops you. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE We really enjoy the theatrical introduction at this location before each game. Every game transports you to a different era, enhanced by a captivating performance from the GMs, and experiencing it firsthand is a must. Be sure to check out the "peculiar items" they've collected over the years. The ambience and lighting perfectly complement the game’s theme. The eerie darkroom, illuminated by a few dimly lit candles, sets the stage. Once "triggered", everything springs to life. We uncovered several exciting secret reveals as we solved puzzles. They felt like challenges from Dracula himself, ensuring that finding the tool to defeat him wouldn’t be easy. The final puzzle truly challenged us to "think outside the box" to complete it. We hadn’t encountered a puzzle like this before, making it an enjoyable challenge. The experience concluded with a gratifying ending. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK During the game, we inadvertently triggered something ahead of time. It appears that any magnet can activate that puzzle, which is an issue the escape room should address to prevent players from solving it prematurely. A puzzle later in the game lacked logical consistency with the positioning of the visual clues provided. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you're eager to challenge yourself with Dracula but feel hesitant due to being scared, this room is the perfect "initiation" for you. It exudes a supernatural vibe without overwhelming jump scares, allowing you to focus your energy on solving puzzles rather than watching for Dracula. The minimal storyline ensures your full attention is on deciphering the clues provided. Plus, you might even receive a little "help" in the game. Come out to play the game and you shall see... Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Free Parking right in front of the location Lobby with seating & merchandise for sale Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, an interview with the owner, 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 Time Adventures for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #EscapeTimeAdventures #Horror #NewYork #USA

LOCATION: Glen Rock, New Jersey, USA Photo above is property of Escape Much Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Emily's Garden 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 10, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Fantasy 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-10 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $36-$40 PP (pending on the amt of ppl) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Emily’s Garden is a sanctuary for goddesses who protect its visitors. For centuries, the Lanywarfs, the goddesses' adversaries, have threatened the surrounding forests. Today, they invaded the garden and captured the goddesses. Before Emily was taken, she asked me to assemble a team to defeat the Lanywarfs and restore peace. Time is critical; your team is Emily’s only hope. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The set design of this room exudes tranquility as we step into the fairy's garden. Surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and an array of animal statues and art, the atmosphere is enchanting. The sound and lighting further amplify this feeling, leaving us with a sense of joy. The puzzle flow and design are great. From the moment we solved the first clue, our path forward was clear. The objectives were well-defined, guiding us seamlessly through the experience. We thoroughly enjoyed the meta puzzle at the end, which cleverly brought together all the clues we had gathered for a grand finale. Initially appearing simple, it revealed itself as a multi-step challenge that became our favorite, delivering immense satisfaction upon completion. The finale includes a secret reveal that ties the storyline together beautifully. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK One of the props we used didn’t align with the room's theme. A drawing of it on the tree trunk could effectively serve its current purpose. The clue provided for one of the puzzles is potentially misleading in its current form. A clearer version would enhance understanding. One puzzle clue may be challenging for non-native speakers or those unfamiliar with basic idioms. We recommend rewording it for broader appeal. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? If you love fantasy-themed rooms and are eager to immerse yourself in a fairyland, Emily's Garden is the place for you! The owners are passionate enthusiasts, and their dedication shines through in their puzzle design. They skillfully weave storytelling into the gameplay, adding depth to your adventure. Although the room may not be filled with costly props or high-tech gadgets, the game flow guarantees a fun experience for both newcomers and seasoned players alike. ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Lobby with seating Limited free parking spaces in front and on the side. There are metered parking spaces across the railway station as well. The intro videos for this location provide valuable hints about what you'll encounter in the room. You might appreciate these insights or feel they diminish the surprise element. However, if you view them as helpful hints for the game, you'll gain an advantage over other players. So, be sure to pay attention. Photos above are 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 Much for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #EscapeMuch #Fantasy #NewJersey #USA

LOCATION : Houston, Texas, USA Photo above is property of Beat The Bomb Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🎭 GAME : Slime Bomb Mission 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 30, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Immersive 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl) : 5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $51.76/ pp (with add-ons available) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : No Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎭 THE EXPERIENCE We're returning to Beat The Bomb, and this time we're at their Houston location to take on the "Slime Bomb Mission" with our friends from the UK. We found that a group of four was the ideal number for this game. Below are the various challenges we encountered: "Space Junk" - It's time to play cosmic janitor! Team up to zap those pesky debris blocks zooming around your touchscreens. Just wave your magic wristband to snag 'em and toss 'em out before the cosmic clock hits zero. Can you clean up the universe before the countdown says, "Game over"? " Laser Vault " - Crack open the vault like a pro! Strap on your trusty wristband and scavenge for those rainbow-colored keys hiding around the room. But watch out—those sneaky lasers are just waiting to zap you on your way back! Line up the keys with the right slots on the vault door. And remember, too many laser zaps will send you back to square one faster than you can say "Oops!" " Word Bank " challenges your memory as you memorize words on the screen and collaborate with your team to find the missing one. Choose to secure your points or risk them for a chance at glory. In " Avoidance ", players become expert ninjas, sidestepping obstacles with the grace of a dancing giraffe. Show off your slick moves and dodge each challenge to advance to the next level! " Meltdown " - Quick, yank those pesky nodes off the screen before everything goes kaboom! Hit your button like a pro when your color pops up to zap them away. But watch out—goofing up will send us straight into meltdown city! Based on our performance in each of the games, we earn time as a reward at the end of each round. These times are accumulated to provide us with a total time to use in the fifth and final room, "The Bomb Room." We achieved a level 9 out of 10, but unfortunately, we did not succeed in defusing the bomb this time. Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🔎   SOME HELPFUL TIPS " Space Junk" - Assign each player a color and one collector. Each player should focus on collecting their designated color on the screen, while the collector concentrates on gathering and dumping. " Laser Vault " - Utilize the brief pause between rounds to position your players on the other side, preparing them to collect the necessary color without needing to navigate through the laser. " Word Bank " - Assign each player a specific section of the screen to remember. Ask around the room when the word appears to see if they recognize it. " Avoidance " - Avoid making large movements. Stay agile and learn from the previous player's mistakes by remembering the pattern. " Meltdown " - Those starting should strive to minimize mistakes, as each error speeds up the circle, reducing opportunities for players at the end. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? We're thrilled to share our second Beat the Bomb mission experience with you! Dive into our " Paint Bomb Mission " to compare and decide which one you might enjoy more. When it comes to puzzles, this mission is definitely more challenging, especially the final Meltdown! Every teammate needs to bring their A-game in dexterity and success to conquer the last round. Plus, did you know there's a third mission? "Foam Mission" is waiting for us, and we can't wait to try it! Whether it's paint, slime, or foam, one thing's for sure—we always have an absolute BLAST at Beat the Bomb! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO Conquer the bomb challenge and earn pins as rewards! Your team's scores are consistently tracked across all locations, allowing for both local and company-wide comparisons. The VIP experience features a complimentary drink at the bar and a free T-shirt! Parking is shared with Meow Wolf and is available for $5 per hour. Enjoy the first hour free from Monday to Thursday, and the first 20 minutes free from Friday to Sunday. Their spacious lobby is perfect for hosting large corporate or celebratory events. Lobby with merchandise for sale. Enjoy a full bar and exciting video arcades in their spacious location. Watch your teammates in action through the TVs. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers Check out our video from when we visited Beat The Bomb's Brooklyn location: 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 Beat The Bomb (Houston) for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #IRLEscapeRooms #Attractions #ImmersiveExperiences #BeatTheBomb #SlimeBombMission #Houston #Texas

Company: Virtual Escaping Country: Netherlands 🇳🇱 Language: English, Dutch Type of Game: Digital Escape Game 💻 Date Played: February 21, 2021 Size of Team: Up to 6 Devices Price: $40.00/ team 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 Both " Expedition North Pole " and " Underground Murder " are point-n-click style games that can be played as a team using one voucher code. Once you see all the team members' names in the online portal you can click "start" the game. You'll also get to choose what level of difficulty you want to play the game in. We chose "hard level" for both games. The games started with a video intro of the backstory and then bought us to the games' platform. The games were silent from that point on. For the "Expedition North Pole" story, we were mainly in a laboratory facility. In the "Underground Murder" game, we're in an eerie underground subway station. From a graphics standpoint we preferred the "Underground Murder" game. There was a build in video conferencing device but we decided to use Zoom instead. Each player was able to explore on their own but if one player unlocked a lock, every player will need to enter their own code to unlock the same lock. There was no inventory bag for the game which we wished the game could have implemented. Certain locations would lock back again once we had left that spot so we suggest to write down all your solution answers incase you would need to access that area again. We started taking snapshots of the clues we found on our phones instead of having to go back and forth in between the game. "Expedition North Pole" had a lot more of back and forth play than "Underground Murder". (Update 3/12/21 - I was told by the game developer that the locks should stay unlocked and there is an inventory system in the game. It seems that we've experienced some technical issues during our play that day so hopefully you won't be experiencing the same when you play your version). 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 The puzzles felt harder in " Expedition North Pole ". We had to use a few hints (build-in to the game) in order to understand how to use certain items or codes that we found. The association of the clues to the solution were less clear in some cases. " Underground Murder " was able to capture more of the storyline and utilization of cool props in creating more logical puzzles. It had a much smoother game flow. I really enjoyed the detective vibe and how the puzzles were used as tools to identify and eliminate suspects. The interactive components to several puzzles throughout these games were my favorite parts of the puzzle design. Game: Expedition North Pole Genre: Mystery Difficulty (based on 4 players): 5.5/10 Time: 90 Minutes 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Sander Klaus has many professors assisting him with his microorganism research. Just as he's about to have a breakthrough, he's unable to contact the current assistant. what could have happened to him? 𝔼𝕊ℂ𝔸ℙ𝔼𝕋ℍ𝔼ℝ𝕆𝕆𝕄𝕖𝕣𝕤❜ ℙ.𝕀.𝕤❜ 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 Andrew K. I got to play " Expedition: North Pole " with the ETR crew, and I was definitely challenged by the experience. The experience started with a quick video, and an option to choose your level of difficulty. We opted for the "hardest" difficulty. The platform also has some interesting interface options including built-in video and audio for communication. The experience has lots of rooms to navigate, and tons of interactive elements to the story. What worked: There were several really neat and subtle puzzles and interesting takes on classics that made the experience fun The use of interactive elements in the game definitely added to the experience. What missed: The hint system was fairly linear, and directed players to essentially complete puzzles one at a time, while there were multiple puzzles that we were tackling at the same time. It would have been neat if the interface could give clues based on which room you were in. The ending seemed abrupt and without fanfare. A video to bookend the experience would have helped give closure to our experience. _____________________________________________________________ Bethany P. The setup to this virtual game reminded me of one you would get on your phone where you click around to find interactive parts. It is simply designed with a variety of puzzles in varying difficulty. When someone solves a puzzle of finds a clue it appears on everyone's screen. The only thing I found a bit annoying was having to re-enter codes if you leave an area that required one to get into. There is also a chat box, microphone or webcam options to communicate with other team members which is helpful. Game: Underground Murder Genre: Detective Difficulty (based on 4 players): 4/10 Time: 75 Minutes 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 A man fell off of the subway platform and died this morning on his way to work. None of the witnesses saw what had happened. It's up to your detective skills to find the truth.... 𝔼𝕊ℂ𝔸ℙ𝔼𝕋ℍ𝔼ℝ𝕆𝕆𝕄𝕖𝕣𝕤❜ ℙ.𝕀.𝕤❜ 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 Dave E & Catherine B. The underground murder escape room is the first digital game we have played and it was lots of fun! Set on a New York subway platform you are a detective tasked with solving a murder. There were lots of challenging puzzles and deductive reasoning with a couple of stingers that required teamwork to solve. We are looking forward to playing more games like these. We made the mistake of playing on a tablet so some of the screen was chopped off but we worked around that. The setting was unique and atmospheric. The puzzles were sensible and clever (some were blindingly obvious in hindsight!) and deductive reasoning had to be applied to finish the game. The only minor negative was missing out on some solutions because someone else solved them first! Loved it, would recommend to everyone. 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 Out of the two games played, we prefer "Underground Murder". The graphics felt more realistic, the storyline felt more conclusive and the puzzles were more logical. If the interface could be a bit more user friendly for team play, these would be quite solid as digital point-n-click games. I would suggest playing with less people if possible as large team might solve the puzzles too quickly and some players could miss out on what was solved and where it was solved. Overall, we had a fun time with our P.I.s and without them, we definitely wouldn't have been able to solve these cases so quickly! (If you do decide to try this game, please remember to let them know that you heard it from" ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Virtual Escaping for providing us with a sample of the game. Although complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao #AtHomeGames #PointNClick #VirtualEscaping #DigitalEscapeGames #Fantasy #Holiday #NorthPole #SantaClaus #Christmas #Xmas #Scifi #Mystery #Murder #Detective #Mystery #Thriller #Solve #Train #Subway #NYCSubway

Photo above is property of Virtual Escaping Company: Virtual Escaping Game: Artifact Isle Country: Netherlands 🇳🇱 Language: English, Dutch Type of Game: Point-N-Click 🖱️ Genre : Adventure Date Played: April 23, 2022 Difficulty (based on 4 players): 4/10 Size of Team: Up to 6 Devices Time: 90 Mins. (Normal version) Price: $28.00/ team 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Your grandfather gave his life searching for the treasure hidden in the Forbidden Island. He, like many others, never lived to tell the tale but you are determined to continue his research. Entrusted with his journal, you and your team have travelled to this lush island to unravel the truth and while you may have arrived by unconventional means (ahem…crash landed) you have a good feeling about this. Except... the island is sinking and you only have 90 minutes to find the treasure and get out before you join the rest of adventures lost to the sandy beaches. Can you uncover the secrets or will the mysteries of this island remain unknown? Video above is property of Virtual Escaping 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 Each member of your team is required to sign up on Virtual Escaping's website before inputting the group code provided in an email after you purchase your game. Through their website you will be connected with your group via Jitsi (a video/ audio platform built into the game) once the introduction video plays through - no need for Skype or Zoom! After all the players are logged into the game, you have an option to play an easier version (un-timed) and a harder version (90 mins). This point-n-click adventure takes place across different scenes of the island that you will move between in order to solve locks and open chests. Once one member has solved a puzzle, other teammates are notified and have access to whatever was discovered so make sure to keep everyone in the loop via the built-in communication screens. I also recommend you have your group spread out across the different scenes to help cover more ground and share information. When you get stuck, there are hints available in the top right corner. Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 The puzzles for this game generally consisted of four digit locks and four letter locks but they had a creative way to solve each. The puzzles gradually progressed from searching styles to riddles to pattern and logic stylus and I enjoyed this progression. It allows teams to get comfortable with the experience between upping the challenge. My favourite puzzle was the second to the last one which encouraged the team to split up and effectively communicate with each other. I recommend only approaching a puzzle once you’ve found the clues in the surrounding areas in order to truly enjoy the experience - you can brute force a few of these puzzles but if you can’t figure out why you’re stuck on a particular chest, it is likely you haven’t reach the area with the clues needed. Take your time and don’t be afraid to travel back to locations later on. Overall I found this to be a light puzzle adventure with some classic puzzles that made me feel good about solving. There was a puzzle for each member to proudly solve and for others to ask “Wait! How did you get that?” Photos above are property of Virtual Escaping 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 " Artifact Isle " is an adventure escape room perfect for a group of friends wanting to embrace a classic escape room experience from the comfort of their home. The visual design is clean and effective and the structure of the game guides players while still being non-linear. I found the puzzles are smooth and effective in garnering the delightful “aha!” moments and these puzzles really encourage players to really look around the area to find the hidden secrets. I would say this skews the easier side of puzzling (our group took 41 minutes to solve this) so this is a great introduction to virtual escape rooms or is a great option for a night where you want to have fun with friends without hurting your brain. After playing this, I am definitely interested in trying another one of Virtual Escaping rooms! (If you do decide to try this game, please remember to let them know that you heard it from" ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Virtual Escaping for providing us with a sample of the game. Although complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #JillianRaymond #AtHomeGames #DigitalEscapeGames #PointNClick #VirtualEscaping #Adventure #Netherlands

Photo above is property of Virtual Escaping Company: Virtual Escaping Game: The Saloon Country: Netherlands 🇳🇱 Language: English, Dutch Type of Game: Point-N-Click 🖱️ Genre: Detective, Western Date Played: July 19, 2023 Difficulty (based on 4 players): 6.5/10 Size of Team: Up to 6 Devices Time: 100 Mins. (Average time) Price: $34.40/ team 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Welcome to the wild wild west. You and your posse have just settled in at the Saloon for a quiet night of drinking, gambling, and possibly some light gun slinging, when who should burst through those little swinging doors but Roscoe "Long shot" Conner. He immediately avails you of the fact that you are all now in great and inescapable danger, because right behind him chasing him is none other than the murderous and not-to-be-messed-with Bullet-Tooth Gang, who want him dead or alive for supposedly availing them of their precious loot. He reminds you that obviously you know that he's completely innocent, right?, and that you have an absolutely undeniable good cowboy moral imperative to help save him; but either way either you figure this out or you're dead too. We're in this together now! ha ha...Looking at his pitiable and scraggly face you don't know what to believe. You do know though that you now have but a short time to decide, as the gang which has you now surrounded without any chance of escape has just loudly proclaimed that if you don't deliver that cowardly varmint pronto along with the stolen loot, they are going to burn this here Saloon to this here ground. As you and your gang angrily turn to open a can of whoopass on Conner you suddenly realize that little rascal has vanished without a trace. If you guys are going to survive your only chance is to get to the bottom of his story. Find Conner, find the loot if it does exist, and get answers before it's too late. Video above is property of Virtual Escaping 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 "The Saloon" plays basically like a Telescape game, with all its virtues and vices. In this case you move around the saloon from shot to shot within your first person perspective, observing the objects before you, solving puzzles, entering lock codes, collecting items, possibly manipulating them. It handles quite well and is easy to get into. All in all it is a simulation which aspires to feel like a classic escape room, except online; though I feel like it's closer to a video game like Myst, with its strange logic and esoteric puzzles. There's also a handy dandy in-game video chat function, which helps make the experience of playing with others work pretty seamlessly. And teamwork is to be encouraged, I highly recommend you play this with other people. The game is fairly linear and gated, which is good because this helps limit the range of objects that are relevant to solving the puzzle and makes the whole process a lot more focused. In practice the game is less exploratory, because it isn't really set up for that, more a matter of pondering on just what this puzzle - which is often some kind of numeric lock or numbered sequence - is referring to, and how you can discern the answer from the objects presented to you. In that way it feels alot like your good old classic escape room, along with its good old esoteric puzzles. They are varied, and in one sense quite clever, but I warn you, there is a certain frustration involved in these types of puzzles. It's not about realism, it's about identifying the quirky logic which is cleverly - and this is debatable - embedded in the scene. In terms of the visuals are pretty clear and uncluttered, and the aesthetic is on theme. Overall it resembles something like out of a video game. The story really isn't that important but as the world expands you will need to keep track of developments. The hint system is, mercifully, ready at hand and helpful without giving everything away. 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 There's a good variety of puzzles, some locks, some other classic escape room puzzle formats that you've probably seen before. I can't really fault the puzzles since they are in that classic escape room veine, but their cleverness verges on the absurd. They are approaching that design wherein the creators try and come up with the most abstract, esoteric, and external of logics, you know the ones, where the answer to the lock is the number of lit candles plus the studs on the saloon door minus the number of windows that the sun is directly shining through...which admittedly is not always my favorite. That being said the more you play the more you get attuned to it, and in fact you start to get an appetite and an intuition for them. At first this gave me a sense of ennui, but the more I solved them the less they irked me, and the more I started to like the way they challenged me. It's just that in terms of puzzles that impress me, I prefer those which develop organically out of the story or out of an experience of the reality, as opposed to those which concoct some kind of random connection between puzzle and objects which we are supposed to guess at. Not to mention that the translating of the puzzle and its clues into the final answer often requires the mediation of another assumption which is equally ambiguous, and can make it all the more frustrating. But this is not uncommon at all in escape rooms and in tabletop games, it's just a bit passe in my books. I feel like their cleverness - and thus the genuine novelty of their challenge - is a bit of con, being as abstract as it is, and deriving from out of an external logic as opposed to originating from out of the nature of the reality of the game itself. Photos above are property of Virtual Escaping 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 Overall, on its own the game is fairly standard fair, so I recommend that if you do play you play with other people, because the majority of the fun is going to be working together through what you might find to be clever/hair brained solutions. On the other hand for those familiar with these kinds of puzzles it will not appear one bit strange, and in fact might be right up your alley. You're going to be generating a lot of possible ideas and slowly working through them. Its great fun, and a great cathartic exercise in testing each other's patience and sanity, working together and trying to make sense of the puzzles in all their logical chaos and absurdity. I will admit that by the end I conceded to recognizing more methods than madness in the puzzles and their constructions. They won me over, and I think they will win you over too. So listen here partner, round up your posse, get yourself a game, and get ready to think outside the barn on this one, you'll have one hootin hell of a time. (If you do decide to try this game, please remember to let them know that you heard it from" ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Virtual Escaping for providing us with a sample of the game. Although complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #AndrewWoods #AtHomeGames #DigitalEscapeGames #PointNClick #VirtualEscaping #Detective #Western #Netherlands

Photo above is property of Virtual Escaping Company: Virtual Escaping Game: Detention Country: Netherlands 🇳🇱 Language: English, Dutch Type of Game: Point-N-Click 🖱️ Genre: Adventure Date Played: April 23, 2022 Difficulty (based on 5 players): 5/10 Size of Team: Up to 6 Devices Time: 90 Mins. (Normal version) Price: $28.00/ team 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 As the semester reaches a close, you are feeling the exhaustion of homework, papers, and tests piling up on you. After another all-nighter, you nod off in class thinking it’ll just be a quick resting of the eyes… except when you jolt back awake you find that your classroom looks quite different. As you look around the room, you realise the school has been abandoned! With locked classrooms, chained doors, and no power, you must search the halls to find the clues to help you figure out what has happened and figure out a way to return back to your reality! Video above is property of Virtual Escaping 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 Each member of your team is required to sign up on Virtual Escaping's website before inputting the group code provided in an email after you purchase your game. Through their website you will be connected with your group via Jitsi (a video/ audio platform built into the game) once the introduction video plays through - no need for Skype or Zoom! After all the players are logged into the game, you have an option to play an easier version (un-timed) and a harder version (90 mins). This point-n-click adventure takes place across rooms and hallways in an abandoned school with the goal of unlocking various doors and lockers. I couldn’t help but stop and admire the details in the game animation from the rough looking bathroom to the worn out teacher’s desk. Once one member has solved a puzzle, other teammates are notified and have access to whatever was discovered. So make sure to keep everyone in the loop via the built-in communication screens. I also recommend that you have your group spread out across the different scenes to help cover more ground and share information. When you get stuck, there are hints available in the top right corner. Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 The puzzles for this game generally consisted of four digit locks and four letter locks but they had a creative way to solve each. In addition, they broke up the patterns with intermingling of puzzles where you also plugged in special codes but they were thematic and relevant to the story. Like the previous game that we played, the game started off gradually with a lot of searching to then having pattern recognition, tracking, and logic puzzles that kept my group moving around the game quite a lot. The key thing to remember is to check all areas of the rooms and to look for visual sign posts that match locks you have seen. Some of the clues needed can be easily missed so don’t be afraid to click away! I really enjoyed the thematic puzzles that used regular items that you would find in schools like phones, games, and filing cabinets. I think we got the most “aha''s from cracking these more challenging puzzles. Overall, I found that this game combination of theme and puzzles was engaging and collaborative for my group! Photos above are property of Virtual Escaping 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 " Detention " consisted of beautiful animations, an interesting premise, and thematic puzzles that made for an enjoyable experience that consistently had our group stopping to review how each member solved a puzzle. This game is a great option for groups looking for a smooth virtual gaming experience that can easily be completed in an hour (our group took about 40 minutes). Once again, I am impressed with Virtual Escaping games and cannot wait to see what more they offer! (If you do decide to try this game, please remember to let them know that you heard it from" ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Virtual Escaping for providing us with a sample of the game. Although complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #JillianRaymond #AtHomeGames #DigitalEscapeGames #PointNClick #VirtualEscaping #Mystery #Netherlands

Photo above is property of Virtual Escaping Company: Virtual Escaping Game: Merlin's Castle Country: Netherlands 🇳🇱 Language: English, Dutch Type of Game: Point-N-Click 🖱️ Genre: Fantasy Date Played: March 25, 2024 Difficulty (based on 1 player): 5/10 Size of Team: Up to 6 Devices Time: 100 Mins. (Recommended 60 Mins.) Price: $40.00 🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈 Entering Merlin’s Castle, you and your group of adventurers have heard the legends and stories of the wonders hidden away there. Using your wits, knowledge, and cooperation, can you solve the riddles and puzzles to unlock the magic and mystery found in the castle? Video above is property of Virtual Escaping 🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅰🅼🅴 🅿🅻🅰🆈 Starting up the game, there were many options that could be set up. The first was if I wanted a timer set up that I would have to beat. The other was a full-on in-game messenger and video chat feature that could be used. This way, Zoom or FB Messenger would not be necessary to talk to the rest of the team. In this game, if you played with multiple people, you would all have access to the game, and if one person solved a puzzle, it would update for everyone. After doing all this, I watched an introduction video with great graphics that presented the game to me. The point-and-click style of the game was smooth and easy to play. One thing I liked was that once I solved a puzzle, a video interlude would play to confirm that it was correct. The sound effects add to the fun of the game as well. One tip is to take your time and click everything. I was caught a few times not knowing how to proceed, only to take a hint and realize I missed clicking something. Photos above are property of Virtual Escaping 🆃🅷🅴 🅿🆄🆉🆉🅻🅴🆂 Most puzzles required using the signs and books to guide you in solving them. All the puzzles were well thought out and fit naturally into the story setting. Some of the puzzle types included deduction and decoding ciphers. There was a lot of reading and lore to sort through, some that was not relevant to the puzzles but added depth to the world of Merlin. Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🅲🅻🅾🆂🅸🅽🅶 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂 " Merlin’s Castle " was an enjoyable point and click game. The quality graphics and videos enhanced the immersive experience. The puzzles were fun to complete and were a satisfying mix of different challenges. Though there was not a lot of story at the beginning, as I dove deeper into the text, I could find a lot of lore to explore. Any medieval or magic fan would have fun with this game. I played on my own but found that even for up to 4 people, it would be an entertaining experience. (If you do decide to try this game, please remember to let them know that you heard it from" ESCAPETHEROOMers "!) Disclosure : We thank Virtual Escaping for providing us with a sample of the game. Although complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #MatthewLui #AtHomeGames #DigitalEscapeGames #PointNClick #VirtualEscaping #Fantasy #Netherlands

LOCATION: Middletown, Connecticut, USA Photo above is property of Puzzle Theory Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝 ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Kraken's Revenge at Kelpstone Edge Narrows 📅 DATE PLAYED : October 14, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Adventure 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 2 ppl) : 6.5/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 3-8 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : $29.00/pp (depending on group size) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes 📖 THE STORY Picture this: you step onto a pier near Monterey Bay, excitement bubbling in your chest. You enter the home of Captain Magnus, a legend known for his daring voyages into uncharted waters and encounters with mythical sea creatures. Some folks doubted his tales, but others believed he hid a treasure linked to these creatures. This treasure, rumored to be more than just gold and jewels, might reveal the truth behind his stories and help you escape the rising tides. How cool is that? Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE One reason we adore pirate-themed rooms is the immersive set design. It makes you feel like you're aboard an old wooden ship! This escape from reality is what draws us to play escape rooms. And let me tell you, this particular room had some unexpected surprises that you wouldn’t typically find on a standard pirate ship. We faced a thrilling situation that required us to make a "choice" alongside our teammates. Only one or a select few would experience something distinct from the rest. Choose wisely, my friends! While the entrances to the next stages in the game were somewhat predictable, we really appreciated the game set designer's effort. Each entrance was unique and more than just a typical door. It added a special touch! The final puzzle? Oh boy, it was the most challenging one in the game! No amount of preparation could have helped us without all the necessary information. Conquering it was thrilling, and the urgency towards the end? Exhilarating! 🧩 MISSED THE MARK The written clues on the props could use a little sprucing up. A different finish would align them better with the high standard of the rest of the room's set design. From my seasoned player's perspective, some puzzles felt overly straightforward. They lacked logical connections beyond observation and trial with specific locks. However, I can see how beginner players might find this approach quite logical. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT Get ready for an innovative storyline where you're not just playing in an escape room—you’re diving into a story that unfolds within an escape room! We encountered thrilling surprises throughout the game, leading to a truly "unexpected" ending that blew us away with its visual effects. The puzzles struck the perfect balance of challenge, making it ideal for both kids and adults. Wondering if we actually came face-to-face with a Kraken? It's time for YOU to embark on this exciting journey and set sail with Captain Magnus! Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO Plenty of parking available Lobby area with seating available Merchandise available for purchase Photos above are 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 Puzzle Theory for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #CiciCao   #IRLescaperoom  #EscapeRooms #PuzzleTheory #Adventure #Connecticut #USA

LOCATION: Montreal, Quebec, Canada Photo above is property of A/MAZE Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers 📝   ETR DECODER 🔑 GAME : Kidnapped 📅 DATE PLAYED : September 20, 2025 🎬 GENRE : Thriller 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 Players) : 7/10 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS : 2-6 ppl 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME : 60 Mins. 💰 PRICE : CAD $40/ pp (pending on group size) ☎️ BOOKING TYPE : Private 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED? : Yes [51:00] 📖 THE STORY You wake up in total darkness, wrists bound, the metallic smell of blood lingering in the air. The news had warned of a string of disappearances across the city — and now you realize you’re the next victim. Every creak of the floorboards above sends chills down your spine as you race to free yourself before your captor returns. The only way out is to stay calm, think fast, and outsmart a twisted mind who loves to play with his prey. 🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE The room delivers a strong, cohesive aesthetic that leans heavily into the thriller theme without ever becoming overly graphic or disturbing. The set design shines through inspired prop choices — an electric chair, hanging body bags, and effective video clips — all of which combine to create an immersive, high-stakes atmosphere. The lighting and occasional special effects elevate the tension, culminating in a finale that quite literally had us running for our lives. The ending itself was another highlight. It’s simple but cleverly executed, and it gave us the freedom to play along and improvise our own dramatic escape, which made the experience feel personal, energetic, and memorable. We loved starting in opposing cells, which forced communication and teamwork right from the beginning. The separation doesn’t last too long, but it establishes tension and sets a collaborative tone for the rest of the game. The early puzzles are well-calibrated — not too difficult — avoiding the frustration that sometimes comes with split-team starts. The puzzles throughout the experience are solid and well-varied, with a few clever effects triggered by our actions to keep momentum high. Interacting with the environment — from the torture tools to the surveillance gear — made us feel part of the story rather than observers. It’s a fast-paced, dynamic experience that keeps you engaged from start to finish. 🧩 MISSED THE MARK Before entering, players are asked to choose between a “scary” or “non-scary” mode, activated by flipping a large switch — a clever and theatrical idea enhanced by accompanying sound effects (either a blood-curdling scream or a mocking chicken cluck). Unfortunately, despite selecting the horror mode, we didn’t encounter any genuine scares or jump moments during the game. While that might be a relief for some groups, those expecting a pulse-raising horror experience may find it a little tame. 🏹 TAKE A SHOT? We really enjoyed " Kidnapped " and found it to be an exciting, immersive experience with plenty of energy and personality. It’s well-suited for groups of all experience levels, offering intensity without being overwhelming. The game likely plays best with four players — enough to balance the early separation and keep everyone involved. For seasoned teams, the opening split might even add a welcome layer of challenge. Overall, it’s a highly entertaining, cinematic escape that’s easy to recommend. ℹ️   ADDITIONAL INFO There is no parking available on site. There are some available spots on the surrounding residential streets. There are also good bus links to this location. There is a lobby area with comfortable seating and secure lockers for your belongings. Photos above are 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 A/MAZE for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever. #RyanDriver #IRLescaperoom #EscapeRooms #Thriller #AMAZE #Montreal #Canada