Mystique Room, Escape Room Review

Mystique Room

Budapest, Hungary

The Cathedral: Cast in the role of medieval monks, our group had to locate the plans for the new cathedral that had been stolen by a group bent on preventing its construction.

Shogun's Shadow: As thieves in the night, we had to sneak into the Shogun's house and steal evidence of a crime before he returned home to discover our treachery.

Pros: We absolutely loved everything about our experience at the Mystique Room, from the clean and comfortable waiting room to our opportunity to pose next to the themed props at the culmination of our escape. The overarching storyline was excellent and helped create a clear sense of purpose and suspense at various points throughout the game. The set design and decorations in the room were nothing short of AMAZING adding to a total immersive feeling. The attention to detail added realistic touches from the quality of the set construction to the emphasis on sound effects. We loved every minute of the game and often stopped in awe to point out little details at the risk of running out of time. The puzzles were carefully thought out and matched the storyline in both design and visual decoration. The puzzles were so unique that we had not seen anything like them before nor since. The game master was a very kind individual who carefully monitored our progress and celebrated our accomplishments in the end. The added touch of costumes and props helped make the experience all the more memorable. 

Cons: None that we could see. This is a top-notch business and hands-down our favorite room escape experience. We would play the games over and over again if we could. Our only regret was that the Pharaoh game was booked during the time we were there! Next time Budapest, next time...

Mystique Room sweeps the board with all of our awards plus we created a special gold star for general all-around awesomeness in honor of their work.

      

http://www.mystiqueroom.hu

Locked Escape Game, Escape Room Review

Locked Escape Game

Budapest, Hungary

Surgery: We were drugged by a mad doctor and woke up in his lab. Our goal was to find our way out before we became his next experiment. 

The Serial Killer: Hot on the trail of a serial killer, we had to discover his next target before he committed another grisly murder. 

Pros: The clear straight-forward storylines of these rooms helped keep us focused on our goals. The rooms were nicely decorated and clearly tied to the story theme. The serial killer themed game was spooky, but we managed to locate the killer before he closed in on us. Puzzles were medium-difficulty but solvable and linked to the game theme. We really enjoyed the thought that went into designing the puzzles so that they added to the storyline. The game master monitored our progress well and provided help when we asked.

Cons: Dark themes and a little spooky at times, but nothing jump out scary. This was the perfect escape room experience for new players and fun for advanced players too!

                     

 

http://www.lockedescape.hu

The Chamber, Escape Room Review

The Chamber

Prague, Czech Republic

Mysterious Office: Trapped in the office of a successful doctor and scientist, we slowly discovered his dark secret. By the time we realized the truth behind the facade, we had to quickly find a way to get out before falling victim to history.

Pros: This room had a really detailed storyline that slowly unfolded as we progressed through the game. We enjoyed trying to solve the mysterious secrets of the office. The set was nicely decorated and aligned with the overarching story. Puzzles were logical and similarly followed the storyline. The game master was always available and provided hints when we were stuck. We needed lots of hints throughout to help us keep progressing in the game.

Cons: This was a solid escape room experience and we enjoyed successfully solving the mystery of the office. We wish we had time to play more of their games.  

http://thechamber.cz/en/

Claustrophilia, Escape Room Review

Claustrophilia

Budapest, Hungary

The Wicklewood Heritage: An eccentric adventurer named Lord Wicklewood converted his apartment into a treasure hunter's dream with a series of puzzles and riddles designed to engage willing game players for generations to come. We were invited to play his game and prove ourselves worthy of the title escapologists.

Pros: The mystery began from the moment we stepped into the room. We appreciated the added intrigue even before beginning the official game. Upon entering Lord Wicklewood's apartment, we discovered a wide variety of puzzle types. This room had some unique mechanical puzzles and riddles which were fun to solve. The game master helped as necessary, though part of the fun was the relative independence of the game. We progressed quickly through the puzzles and successfully escaped.

Cons: The storyline was not clear to us in the beginning and not clear throughout the game. The room was decorated and filled with props but not in any spectacular way. 

We enjoyed our experience in the Wicklewood Heritage. This was a great game for newbies and escape room addicts alike!

http://www.claustrophilia.hu/en/game/wicklewood.html

Escape SF, Escape Room Review

Escape SF

San Francisco, California

Escape from Alcatraz - Handcuffed and locked in a cell, we had 60 minutes to fly the coop before the guards returned. 

Blind Tiger - Our first task was to discover the secret location of the 1920s speakeasy. Once accomplished, we had the more difficult job of trying to identify the identity of the 7 mafioso who operated the illegal business. 

Escape from Antique Room - Searching for the stolen Mona Lisa, our group was on the tracks of an art dealer who was suspected of the crime. 

Pros: Good set design. We especially liked the speakeasy feeling and layout of Blind Tiger. Some unique surprises in Blind Tiger and the Antique Room kept us intrigued the whole way. The puzzles were logical overall. We easily progressed through the Alcatraz room but struggled more with the puzzles in Blind Tiger. The game master was very attentive, intervening when we were clearly stuck and providing helpful hints along the way. The puzzles ranged in type and complexity but were quite solvable. The storyline was basic but the cool sets pulled us into the game.

Cons: The only cons at this place was the complexity of some of the puzzles especially in Blind Tiger. But the challenge was great and the game master kept us moving along. In the end, the set experience made it worth the frustration caused by the difficult puzzles.

http://questroomsf.com

Room Escape Live, Escape Room Review

Room Escape Live

Los Angeles, California

Central Bank: Have you ever wanted to rob a bank? This was our chance. Our team had to sneak in, sneak out, and pull off the heist of the century before the police caught up with us.

Cold War Bunker: The Cold War is far from over and our goal was to prevent the inevitable nuclear apocalypse. 

Prison Break: Locked away in a maximum security prison and in opposing cells, we had to find away to escape before the guards returned to prevent our great escape.

Pros: Room Escape Live has some of the most realistic and impressive set designs that we have seen. Every detail of the room is carefully planned and clearly ties to the overarching storyline which are simplistic but clear. The puzzles are logical and solvable. The puzzles also relate well to the storyline and set. The Prison Break game was one of our all-time favorites since the separation of players required our team to cooperate in a way we never had to before. The additional challenge was difficult but only added to the joy when we successfully broke out.

Cons: We were disappointed with the set design and the puzzles in the Central Bank. Some of the puzzles were less logical than others. Elements of the set were not working at the time and caused some frustration for our team. The game masters at this site vary substantially as well. Some are excellent, some are not. There are numerous employees so our experiences were inconsistent from one visit to the next. 

http://losangeles.roomescapelive.com

Xcapade, Escape Room Review

Xcapade

Hayward, California

Lost Kingdom: Distorted Truth: Trapped in an Ancient Egyptian tomb, our group had to decipher hieroglyphics and mysterious puzzles to discover the secrets within.

Pros: The set design and puzzles were clearly tied to the archaeological theme. The treasure quest storyline was fun and a nice break from the ubiquitous mysterious office theme of most escape rooms. Pictographic and mechanical puzzles added to the ambiance. The game master was helpful and friendly. This was a good game play experience for experienced players. 

Cons: Puzzles were medium to difficult. Our group struggled to solve the puzzles but progressed fairly well overall. We have been anxiously waiting for the other rooms to re-open (it's been over six months now and still no sign of life). We are ready when you are Xcapade!

http://www.xcapade.co

San Jose Room Escape, Escape Room Review

San Jose Room Escape

San Jose, California

Escape from Alcatraz: Our team locked away in a cell had to discover the secrets of the Birdman of Alcatraz and find a way to escape before time ran out.

Pros: This room had some really interesting and fun mechanical puzzles. Overall the puzzles were very logical and solvable. There was plenty to do for larger groups of 6-8. We enjoyed each new challenge and progressing through the game. Some of the puzzles tied directly to the overarching story, others less so. The game master provided assistance when necessary. The plot line was interesting and kept us focused on the goal of escaping the prison. The set design was consistent with the theme. 

Cons: Some of the mechanical parts of the operation were malfunctioning. The game master was less than enthusiastic but helpful when needed. 

Overall this is a solid middle-of-the-road type of escape room. It was a good opportunity to sharpen our puzzle solving and collaboration skills. 

http://www.roomescapesanjose.com/home/index/index.html

Beyond Escape, Escape Room Review

Beyond Escape

San Francisco, California

Trapped in a Room With a Zombie: It seemed like a normal room at first, until the blood-hungry brain eating zombie revealed his presence. Drool dripped form his disfigured, decomposing mouth as he screamed and clawed at us. Although he was chained to the wall, we were terrified. We knew we only had 60 minutes to escape before we became zombie lunch.

Pros: A zombie! Who doesn't love spending quality time with a zombie. The added element of terror of having a zombie chained to the wall made this escape room experience even more challenging than the average puzzle room. The puzzles were appropriately difficult. The game master was helpful at times to keep us on our feet. The set-design was basic overall. Limited storyline, but with a zombie, who needs a story anyway?

Cons: This being our inaugural experience in an escape room, we were so terrified of the zombie and confused by the chaos that we had no idea what was going on. More experienced escape room fans will love the added challenge of the fear factor.

http://www.beyond-escape.com