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After a bit of a hiatus where we focused on designing custom rooms for corporate clients, The Escape Room Guys are back to playing rooms and solving puzzles!
We were contacted by the good folks at Sherlocked in Amsterdam about a promotion they are running over the next six weeks (Nov. 24 thru Dec. 29) where they will be releasing puzzles to promote their new room, The Alchemist. Here’s a sneak peek of the 3D rendering of the room.
Now, we LOVE a good puzzle hunt and decided to play along, especially when there are prizes involved!
Each week on Thursday, the puzzle will be released on their Instagram. Players who solve the puzzle must input the correct solution on Sherlocked’s contest page (you must also sign up here to take part in the contest).
After the 6 weeks are up, a final puzzle will be released and one player will win the grand prize, which is a VIP ticket to play The Alchemist, which includes a rare behind-the-scenes tour of Sherlocked’s process, AND a two-night stay at the Zoku hotel in Amsterdam.
Are you going to join us in playing? Comment below or on our social media channels, and follow us each week as we discuss the puzzles that are released!.
Here is a snapshot of the warm up puzzle, just to get you moving!
Description (from the company website): In this adventure you and your group need navigate a magical forest maze to break the evil curse that was put on the woods by a dark wizard. Ages ago 5 elders met at Elders Rock and swore an oath to protect forest kingdom, the Mother Dragon, and her eggs. The 5 elders founded the 5 Great Houses of the kingdom, which still live on. For a long time there was peace an prosperity. However, that all changed when an outsider from a far away land, later to be revealed as a dark wizard, stole the Mother Dragon’s 3 eggs from Dragon’s Keep and enchanted the Mother Dragon with an evil curse. Now the dark wizard uses his enchanted dragon for evil purposes. To save the kingdom you need to find the 3 dragon eggs to break the curse put on the Mother Dragon. The eggs have been hidden and locked up throughout the kingdom. To find the dragon eggs you and your team will have 1 hour to navigate a giant 80 foot x 40 foot maze built in the woods, crack codes, unlock doors, and escape before time runs out. Along the way you will visit important locations such as Dragon’s Keep, Elders Rock, Devil’s Mouth Cave, and the Enchanted Forest. Are you up for the challenge?
Difficulty (1-10): Medium
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $28
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 2-10
Staging Area: The “lobby” is a dirt parking lot outside a storage container that they tell you to look for. Keep in mind that the instructions in the email they send you are inaccurate at best (admitted by our GM); just follow the signs for “Escape Woods” on the trees.
Metro Access/Parking: drive Drive DRIVE. No public transport out this way.
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video we took before we entered the room:
Yeah, nope. We got out of the car and they kinda just started talking so I didn’t have a chance.
This is the video we took just after we completed the room:
Yep, I suck. We ran off after taking the picture because it was entirely too buggy outside and I forgot to do a video later that day.
Logistics:
Description of the room: we knew the room was outside and a maze, but that was about it. Oh, and that there were dragon eggs.
Understanding of the Mission: find the 3 dragon eggs to put an end to the curse.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: Something like 10 minutes; I don’t remember what we were told but based on the time notifications we got over the walkies, sounds right.
Our Suggested Party Size: We were 5. There’s plenty of room for 10 (the room max), but there’s not going to be enough for 10 people to do. I’d say 4-6 max.
Did the room challenge the entire team? No
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph, Jolene, Liam, Logan
Description (from the company website): You find yourself trapped in one of the many rooms in Bates Hotel. You have 30 min to find your way out before you become the next on Normans list.
Difficulty (1-10): None listed
Time Limit: 30 minutes
Cost: $20
Identifier: R1
Party Size: Can book up to 8
Staging Area: Small waiting area with a bench or two but plenty of standing room. Metro Access/Parking: There’s a parking lot alongside the harbor that’s basically in the middle. You’ll need to drive or get a lyft (see what I did there?).
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video we took before we entered the room:
Jason didn’t do a post-room video but he reserves the right to do so and update this page.
Logistics:
Description of the room: It’s a small room with 3 pieces of furniture + a bed and pictures on the walls.
Understanding of the Mission: Um…Escape
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: Time left on the clock was 1:31, however, as the GMs went to reset the other rooms, my GM left his walkie-talkie elsewhere so I had to emergency-key it out of there and make a scene (read: call for help), so more like 3 and change.
Our Suggested Party Size: I can’t say I’d recommend more than 4 (first because it’d be cramped, and second because there’s honestly not a lot to do.
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes, but in the wrong ways. Read on.
Members of our team (other than the ERG): It was just little old me (Jason).
Jason was able to escape the Bates Motel!
Worth the time and money? No
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar – I went there beforehand and had the fish tacos. Very good. Only about a 5 minute lolly-gag to get to the room.
Description (from the company website): There’s been a series of murders in the dark alleyways of London. We think it has to do with another time medallion that we’ve located. The murderer might even be in possession of this medallion. A Scotland Yard detective was murdered on the corner of Commercial and Hanbury streets. Start by searching there for any evidence the police may have missed.
Difficulty (1-10): Medium
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $28
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 8 Max
Staging Area: Small waiting area with merch and a couch.
Metro Access/Parking: There’s a parking lot for the facility and the adjacent store. Unsure about metro access.
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video we took before we entered the room:
This is the video we took just after we completed the room:
As I’ve said a few times in recent memory, I’m apparently forgetting to do the post room video.
Note: The ERG were given the opportunity to try out this room for free, with the understanding that we would continue to provide an honest review and follow the same process we’ve used on all of our other ratings.
Logistics:
Description of the room: You start off in an alley along side a bar, brick walls, windows, and all.
Understanding of the Mission: Retrieve the Time Medallion by solving this murder mystery before you become the next victim.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: A few minutes, IIRC.
Our Suggested Party Size: 6ish would work.
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph D
We tried are darnedest to call home, but there was nowhere to put a quarter.
With the ongoing pandemic and lockdowns still in effect, escape room locations are working on online games (which we’re calling online escape rooms), while other companies are capitalizing on creating escape room games (like board games and puzzle books).
THE PROJECT:
Jan Van Damme, from Crux Club HQ, creates outdoor puzzle hunts, which “are similar to an escape room, but take place outdoors. The goal is to accomplish something in the world, not get out of a room.”
Van Damme’s new venture, however, comes in the form of an escape room style puzzle book, which means that there is a story leading you through an interactive book of theme-related puzzles based on those you might typically see in an escape room.
Enter Mob Treasure, their new Kickstarter, which is live through Thursday, March 4. They’ve crushed their funding goal, so the funds for the project will be collected and awards delivered this May (per their projection).
Description (from the company website): Explore a fantastical world where things aren’t always what they seem. In this exciting new adventure, you will travel back to the age of swords and sorcery. Can you harness all five elemental runes, unlock the mysteries of the Wizard’s Tower, and prove yourself worthy of the challenge? But be wary, brave puzzle-solvers, because if the crystals fall into the wrong hands, the entire world will be in danger.
Difficulty (1-10): Hard
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $28
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 6 Max
Staging Area: Small waiting area with merch and a couch.
Metro Access/Parking: There’s a parking lot for the facility and the adjacent store. Unsure about metro access.
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video we took before we entered the room:
This is the video we took just after we completed the room:
Note: I did the post FB Live for this and trailed into the Pre-room FB Live video of room 2, so sorry for the abrupt ending here as I split the video. ~J
Note: The ERG were given the opportunity to try out this room for free, with the understanding that we would continue to provide an honest review and follow the same process we’ve used on all of our other ratings.
Logistics:
Description of the room: You’re in a freaking Wizard’s Tower. I will say nothing more.
Understanding of the Mission: Retrieve the Time Medallion by solving all the puzzles of the Wizard, whose tower we have encroached upon.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 0:55!
Our Suggested Party Size: This room is listed 6 max, but 4 would be a sweet spot. This would be incredibly challenging for 1 person due to the amount of things to do, IMHO.
Description (from the company website): For decades, the city’s greatest criminal syndicates have answered to one man, Vittorio Bosargio. He is known as the Don of Dons, holding power over multiple criminal organizations, but lately his judgement has been questionable and unstable. He is slowly slipping into madness. You’ve been summoned, along with other organizational heads, to meet in a secret location and discuss the fate of the highly respected, but faltering Don. Unfortunately, your betrayal doesn’t go unnoticed. Someone has double crossed you, and now it’s a race against the clock to survive. Don’t end up ‘sleepin’ wit’ the fishes.’ Can you outsmart Don Vittorio Bosargio?
CAUTION: This game requires some physicality where players may have to kneel into low positions, crouch, and climb up and down steps. There are also uneven and moving floors, and small spaces. Please feel free to contact us directly with specific questions regarding the physical aspect of this game.
Difficulty (1-10): 6/10
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $28 per person (all bookings are now private)
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 4-6
Staging Area: LARGE open lobby area; I don’t recall there being any seating, but there are vending machines and hand sanitizer available.
Metro Access/Parking: Parking available right out front and additional along the side of the building. Unsure about public transportation.
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video we took before we entered the room:
This is the video we took just after we completed the room:
I’m apparently really terrible about taking post-room videos… ~Jason
Logistics:
Description of the room: You start in a room with a large animal crate, a some other scattered crates, and an elevator door towards the back.
Understanding of the Mission: Escape with your life before the explodes and kills you while you’re in the warehouse.
Did We Escape: No, and I’m not really sure how I feel about it.
Time Remaining: FAIL :'(
Our Suggested Party Size: 4-6 is fine, though it WILL be a little cramped.
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes, and not always for the right reasons. (Read below)
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Stephanie D (and Oreo)
Oreo is a black and white kitten in the carrier next to her little purple purrrrr-buddy.
Worth the time and money? For the visuals and experience, yes. For the gameplay, no.
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
We did not stick around for grub after, so we don’t have a recommendation.
Having played one of their online rooms, a Comedy of Terrors (get it?), we did a video interview with Wild Hare Escapes (J.R., Aaron, and Todd) to learn about their approach in creating fully digital online escape room experiences. Check it out below:
You can also check out their website for recurring promotions. They normally promote a discount with a puzzle that you have to solve, so check it out before you book.
Have you done any of the “rooms” with Wild Hare Escapes? What was your experience like? You can add your comments to this post.
Stay tuned for our review of Comedy of Terrors. Check out and follow our social media channels below to be notified when new postings and interviews are published.
Are there locations or rooms you’d like us to scout out?
The gentlemen at the Time-Emporium in Loveland, Colorado genuinely love the escape room industry. Co-owners Jeff and Noah were on location in Florida installing there 3 rooms (Secrets of the Pharaohs, Murder in London, and Wizards Tower) in 2 new locations there and they took the time (again as this was take 2 since the audio never recorded the first time) to talk to Jason about all things escape rooms. Take 1 was originally done after escaping the Wizards Tower and before escaping Murder in London. Their immersion factor is off the charts! See what they had to say about their facility, and the industry in general, in the interview below.
Have you done any of the rooms at this location? What was your experience like? You can add your comments to this post.
Stay tuned for Jason’s reviews of the Wizards Tower and Murder in London. Check out and follow our social media channels below to be notified when new postings and interviews are published.
Are there locations or rooms you’d like us to scout out?
Did you enjoy this puzzle challenge? If you did, there are many other puzzles like this in our book. Links on where to get it are below (and these links will be updated on our main book page as more information becomes available).
Amazon United States* (pre-order now; ships on January 1, 2021; Prime members will get copies on January 4)
THE PUZZLE:
While traveling in London, you are suddenly approached by a dirty little street urchin. He walks up to you and mumbles that his name is Wiggins. He hands you a crumpled cream-colored scrap of paper and mumbles that “Premierword smiths have rightfully won this challenge.” Wiggins scampers off into the crowd.
You glance down at the dirty scrap of paper:
THE SOLUTION:
Many participants recognized that the puzzle required a keyboard to solve the above cipher. However, a fewer number of super sleuths realized that the standard computer keyboard wouldn’t have been appropriate since they didn’t exist in the late 1800s.
