I recently reached out to the nice people at Perplexodus Escape as I was in town for a brief weekend. After a short phone conversation, they were more than welcoming and both offered to have us try a room (with a new theme, finally!) as well as graciously willing to sit down for a quick video interview about their location, and other things.
One of the things that makes this location unique is the live actor. There aren’t that many that do it, and honestly some of the ones that do…well, they’re not the greatest. This was an obvious exception.
Matt, our Game Master (and Dr Jekyll actor), as well as Cindy, their owner, provided us with a discount for all of you: 25% off your booking! Use code ERG25 and when you get there, tell them The Escape Room Guys sent you!
Check out the video below and leave a comment, especially if you’ve been there before. You can also use the social media buttons on the top of this post to share and spread the (escape room) love.
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 our review of Dr Jekyll. 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?
Description (from the company website): Your friends have come over to play your newest video game, but once you get to the basement you see your mom has locked up all your gaming gear until you finish your homework. You and your friends have 60 minutes to find all your gear and put it back together before your mom kicks them out and they all go over to Wade’s house.
Staging Area: A pretty large lobby with a few bar tables and chairs, and a lounge with couches and chairs and tables.
Metro Access/Parking: It’s in Herndon so you’re better off driving. However, this place is in a shopping center so there is plenty of parking.
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: 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: It’s the basement from what was likely your parents’ house back from the early 80s, with shag carpeting, wood paneling, and an old, comfy couch. There are tons of different toys around and a few gaming systems. [There is literally the same wood paneling from my basement growing up. -Jason]
Understanding of the Mission: You didn’t do your homework, so your mom dismantled your new game system. Figure out how to re-assemble it before your friends arrive; if it’s not “ready, player one,” they’re gonna go over to Wade’s house. (And seriously, screw Wade.)
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 7:25
Our Suggested Party Size: 4-6 (their recommendation is spot on)
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Heather, Valerie, and Steph D.
We found all the games and didn’t lose our friends to “Wade”.
“Only one hour is left until a total world annihilation. Your team of experts is humanity’s only hope for survival. Will you have enough courage and cunning to save us all?”
Don’t worry, you are not alone. You have one of the greatest minds in history on your side, Nikola Tesla. Tesla’s legacy adventure offers a rich setting intertwined with specially designed puzzles submerging you into a wondrous world of fascinating mechanical devices. Strange noises and lights, weird contraptions and fun gadgets will both guide and distract you on your way to becoming a hero.
Choose this ExitGames adventure if you want to learn about one of history’s most fascinating minds and uncover some of his secrets that enabled him to invent machines light years ahead of his time and literally bring light to the world.
Difficulty: none given
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost:Cost:Cash only in Croatian kuna is accepted
350 kuna for 2-3 people, about $47.10 per group ($23.55 or $15.70 per person)
450 kuna for 4-5 people, about $60.56 per group ($15.14 or $12.11 per person)
500 kuna for 6-7 people, about $67.29 per group ($11.22 or $9.61 per person)
Languages: Offered both in Croatian and English
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 2–7 people
Staging Area: A very comfortable lobby with plenty of seating.
Metro Access/Parking: This location is directly in the city center, right near Ban Jelačić Square. Uber works well in Zagreb.
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:
Logistics:
Description of the room: A large laboratory with tons of gadgets, a huge bookcase, and what appears to be a bar (it’s not… no liquor) on the side of the room. There is also a very large door on one side of the room.
Understanding of the Mission: There is a meteor hurtling towards Earth, with enough mass to produce a force upon contact that will destroy the entire planet. All nations of the world have banded together to try and stop it, to no avail.
There is only one hope left. Nikola Tesla
Did We Escape: Yes… with some help
Time Remaining: Technically 0:00, but the meteor “slowed down” as it approached Earth, giving us some extra time to solve the last few puzzles (they gave us some extra time since it was just the two of us)
Our Suggested Party Size: 4-6 would be a good number for your team
Did the room challenge the entire team? Oh. My. God. YES!!
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Heather
Mike and Heather infiltrated Tesla’s laboratory in search of one of his experiments to save the Earth.
Worth the time and money? Absolutely, yes!
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After: There are lots of places within walking distance, so we recommend you use Google or TripAdvisor (or ask for a recommendation!)
Description (from the company website): Obsessed with conspiracy theories, a friend sends a final desperate message: one of his theories is true! Separate fact from fiction before time runs out! An intriguing mystery for up to 8 investigators.
(image taken from Cville Escape Room’s website)
Difficulty (1-10): unlisted
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $25 + tax per person
Identifier: R1
Party Size: Up to 8
Staging Area: They put us in a small waiting room with chairs and then came in to give us the briefing. It’s cool that Cville Escape Room has a Lock & Key Club for players who have done 4 rooms at this location. Once you hit your 4th room, you get your name on a ribbon attached to an antique key, and for every successive room, you get a small key pin added to the ribbon.
Metro Access/Parking: There’s a pay-parking lot about 1.5 blocks away and street parking, if you can find it.
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: 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: The room is a cluttered apartment littered with stuff all around, and tons of posters, newspaper articles, and other stuff on the walls.
Understanding of the Mission: We have to explore the different conspiracy theories of a friend of ours (who has since gone into hiding) to determine which conspiracy theory is correct.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 4:47
Our Suggested Party Size: 6 was good, but only if you have experienced people with you (there is a LOT to do in this room… see below).
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Heather, Steph, Corey, and Brittany
Worth the time and money? Yes
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After: It’s downtown Charlottesville right off the main pedestrian walkway, so there are tons of options. We ate dinner at the place below.
Fellini’s – good cocktails and beer selection. Food was okay.
Citizen Burger Bar – excellent burger place and a good selection of beers
Contact and Website: 011 (if dialing from outside Croatia), then 385 91 923 1248 www.escapeart.hr
Room – Dracula’s Chambers:
Description (from the company website):
Welcome to mystical castles of Transylvania
Eternal residences of deadly, unholy, humanlike creatures. Locally known as moroi or strigoi, but you may know them simply as… Vampires.
Bloodsucking bastards, who traded warmth of the day for cold blackness of the night. Pale, bloodthirsty monsters who enjoy the sound of fresh blood rushing through your young, pumped veins. Sophisticated alluring devils who can only be defeated by wooden stakes with silver tips, sunlight, or garlic.
Legends say there are a few ways to become one. If you are born with extra hair or a tail, if you are the 7th child in the family, if you die an unnatural death or get bitten by one – beware. Maybe your favourite drink will become Bloody Mary, Stacy, Tom or Whoever Smells Nice.
The Glorious Madman Called Dracula
Long long time ago, in the 15th century, in his medieval castle, lived a cruel, cruel ruler named Vlad Dracula. Some might say he was one of the greatest Romanian rulers. Great at conquering, but with not so great personality. He was well known and feared across the land, because he had a nasty habit of impaling people who wronged him. Hence, the nickname Vlad The Impaler, or Vlad Tepes.
He was not very tall, but was strong as hell. His cold, terrible appearance would cast a shadow of fear in every room he stepped into. His pale skin and piercing green eyes could freeze your blood. Even when he was in a good mood, his thick, black eyebrows made him look threatening.
He vanquished lots of land, impaled lots of people, and finally, after a long reign of terror, Vlad The Dragon died an unnatural death in battle. Well, eventually, every life has to come to an end. Or does it?
500 years later…
You are a member of a team of curious wildlife explorers who are on a mission in Transylvania. It’s starting to get dark, and you know you all should head home, but… You see a monumental castle lurking behind the tall dark trees and, of course, go and have a closer look. Carefully walking around the castle, you see an opportunity – an open door. You go into the castle and snoop around a little more. Oh, another door! You slide them open and enter the room. There is a big painting hanging on the wall. Wait, that’s a portrait of Dracula! A set up table, with no dust on. Hmmm. What’s on the menu? If you don’t want it to be you, you better run!
Bam! Door slams shut. Panic. No way out. It is getting darker by the minute. Panic again.
Tick-tock! Only 60 minutes left until Count Dracula wakes up. Probably hungry. And we all know what’s his favourite food.
Get out or get sucked!
Difficulty: 2 of 3 stars
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost:Cost:Cash only in Croatian kuna is accepted
150 kuna per person for 2 people, about $23.14 each
100 kuna per person for 3-4 people, about $15.43 each
90 kuna per person for 4 people, about $13.89 each
75 kuna per person for 5 people, about $11.57 each
Languages: Offered both in Croatian and English
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 2–6 people
Staging Area: A very comfortable seating area, and you are offered a beverage before you go in the room.
Metro Access/Parking: This location is on the second floor of a building down in the city center. Uber works well in Zagreb.
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: We 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: A small, dimly lit parlor decorated in red and black, with a slight mist floating in the air. There is a desk with mirror, a large cabinet, and a small table, along with some bookshelves, and a large door.
Understanding of the Mission: You have stumbled into Dracula’s castle, and have one hour until sunset to find the key and escape before ending up as Dracula’s breakfast.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 2:46 remaining
Our Suggested Party Size: 4 should work fine
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Heather
Did Heather and Mike escape Dracula’s chambers, or do they now have an eternal thirst for the red liquid (no, I’m not talking about Cabernet Sauvignon… that thirst already existed)?
Worth the time and money? Yes
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After: There are lots of places within walking distance, so we recommend you use Google or TripAdvisor (or ask for a recommendation!)
Description (from the company website): You’ve heard word of a legend, a mystical cup that can give you eternal youth! You’ve got one hour to traverse this medieval castle and find the Holy Grail. Can you find it while you’re still young, or will you be doomed to age like everyone else?
Difficulty: Success Rate is 38%; average escape time is 52:16
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $27 per person
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 2-6
Staging Area: A small lobby with a few stools and games to play on. There is an ante-room where you get your video briefing.
Metro Access/Parking: It’s in Williamsburg, so no direct public transportation as far as we know. But, there is plenty of parking.
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:
Logistics:
Description of the room: You enter a castle room, with tapestries on the walls, a table with symbols and swords embedded into it, and some other furniture.
Understanding of the Mission: You are a group of archaeologists who believe that they’ve stumbled upon the legendary castle of King Arthur! You find clues that the Holy Grail is possibly inside. Unfortunately, you’ve triggered a trap where the castle will crumble to the ground with you in it, so you only have 60 minutes to find the Holy Grail and escape!
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 16:07
Our Suggested Party Size: 4 worked pretty well
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph D. and Heather
Description (from the company website): You and your team of treasure hunters have just discovered riches beyond measure in an ancient Egyptian tomb, but word has gotten out to nearby tomb robbers who are desperate to have it for themselves. Find encrypted clues, solve heiroglyphic puzzles and crack the code within an hour, or be captured by the robbers and locked within the tomb forever!
Difficulty (1-10): N/A
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $29 (All bookings are private)
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 2-8
Staging Area: Lobby has a couch and some puzzle games to play with. Water is available.
Metro Access/Parking: Glenwood Springs is a little touristy and a few hours from Colorado Springs, so you’re probably driving there. Plenty of street parking, though.
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:
Logistics:
Description of the room: The room is supposed to be an archaeological dig site. You start in a giant tent and make your way to the hidden tomb. Nothing is really hidden from you except where the tomb is.
Understanding of the Mission: Find the hidden Pharaoh’s tomb, escape with your life
Did We Escape: Yep!
Time Remaining: 10:29
Our Suggested Party Size: 4 is sufficient
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph
We found the Pharaoh’s tomb and escaped before it was pillaged.
Worth the time and money? Yes
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
Smoke Modern BBQ – We went here before because we were super hungry after the hot springs. The food was great as was the service.
Description (from the company website): Iris Trenton, a famed thief and escape artist, has eluded capture for over six years. Known for her trademark puzzles left at each scene, many failed attempts have been made in cracking these clues. The latest puzzle has finally slid across your desk and as a young detective you are eager to prove yourself. Burning both ends of the candle you are about to call it for the night when you spill your coffee on the puzzle. Words begin to appear. It’s an address! Wasting no time you jump up and assemble a small police force to accompany you wherever this address may lead.
Arriving at a large mansion your team moves swiftly through the residence when a bang sounds from above. Racing into the attic the lights dim and door slams shut behind you. Surveying the room you see a letter
Greetings Detective…….
Difficulty (1-10): Hard
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $30
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 2-6
Staging Area: Small front room before the hallway where the rooms are.
Metro Access/Parking: This is in Colorado Springs, CO, so either drive or get a Lyft/Uber.
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:
Logistics:
Description of the room: The room was sparsely decorated, but what was there felt like it would be in a weird attic.
Understanding of the Mission: Iris has been a step ahead of the police forever and you randomly stumble upon a lead. You follow it and come to a mansion. Upon entering, you hear a noise from the attic, which you investigate. After the door slams, you turn around and see a note from Iris.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: ~15:30 (Leaderboard, bitches!) (Though we’ve been replaced already I think.)
Our Suggested Party Size: 2-4
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph
Jason and Steph were able to stop Iris in her tracks!
ClueIQ is one of those locations that routinely pops up among enthusiasts as a location that provides a great location for enthusiasts and the general public as well.
On our way back from a business trip to Pennsylvania, we were fortunate to grab some time with Steven, the owner, to get some more in-depth information about his location, what makes his rooms special, and a bit of background on how he comes up with the inspiration for his puzzles and themes. We also ended up doing his Conspiracy room, which we’ll post a review on later.
Steven also provided us with a discount for our readers. Use ERG15 to take 15% off your total on games booked at ClueIQ (but not valid on Saturdays).
Check out the video below, and let us know what you think. You can also use the social media buttons on the top of this post to share with friends and colleagues.
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 our review of Conspiracy. 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?
