Month: December 2018

1 BR/1BA for Rent; Previous Owner Missing – Room: The Apartment – November 8, 2018

~ Jason ~ 2 Comments

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… murder mysteries or just anything suspenseful.

Avoid if… you’re afraid of the dark or don’t like to be scared.

THE BASICS

Greatest Escape:

Address: 44820 10th St W, Suite 103, Lancaster, CA 93534 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 661-494-1198
https://greatestescape.us/contact.html

Room: The Apartment:

Description (from the company website): This is exactly the kind of thing that your mother has always worried about – the kind of situation that you thought only happened on TV. This is the stuff of nightmares.

You’ve been lured into a serial killer’s apartment. In order to survive, you have to play by his rules.

The clock is ticking. You have exactly 60 minutes to escape his sick game before you become his next victim.

But hurry – he’s watching you.

Difficulty (1-10): 5/5 (Intensity 5/5)

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $25 – but use code ERG10 to save 10% off your booking

Identifier: R1

Party Size: Up to 10 (children under 15 MUST be accompanied by an adult)

Staging Area: Small waiting area with a few chairs and things to keep your hands busy.

Metro Access/Parking: This was my first time in California, so I just drove everywhere.

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: You’re in the serial killer’s apartment. There are 4 rooms (living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom) that you make your way through as the escape progresses. It’s dark (but there’s a flashlight to find) and damned creepy. (It’s also a damn decent sized apartment…)

Understanding of the Mission: Escape with your life so you don’t become his next victim.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 3:33

Our Suggested Party Size: 4-6

Did the room challenge the entire team? Considering it was only me, yes. But it was a helluva lot of fun.

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Just Jason.

Jason escaped with his life. And lost his appetite…

Worth the time and money? Absolutely

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

Continue reading →

Um, Escape or Die!? Can We Get 500 Extra Clues? – Movie Preview: Escape Room Movie – December 26, 2018

~ Mike K.

ESCAPE ROOM NEWS:

So, for a little while now, we’ve seen rumors and then brief snapshots of an Escape Room movie. Being the enthusiasts that we are, as well as loving a good thriller, we were a bit intrigued as to how the crew was going to take an escape room experience and turn it into a cinematic experience.

The local DC rep from Columbia Pictures reached out to us to see if we’d be interested in attending the DC premier of the movie. Since we already promote reviews and games, and worked with the Solver team last year on their movie, we agreed spread the word.

This movie opens in theaters on January 4.

The premise: (from the press release)

You find yourself in a room – no windows, only one door, and it’s locked. The madman who’s locked you in has set up a series of fiendishly clever and difficult puzzles that, when solved in the correct order, will lead to the key and your salvation. And to add to the difficulty, he’s set a ticking clock, with one hour to complete the puzzles and escape… or face the consequences.

What sounds like a horror movie is one of the fastest-growing entertainments in the world: the escape room phenomenon. Armed with only your wits – and the variety of strengths of the people in the room with you – players have been cracking codes, deciphering enigmas, and unlocking hidden caches as quickly as they can. Each room has a secret plot, with players piecing it together as a fun, team-building experience. Since the dawn of the concept in 2010, escape rooms have popped up all over the world at an amazing rate by satisfying human nature’s hunger for fun and escape from reality.

When producer Ori Marmur tried out an escape room with his family, he saw the potential for a film – and because audiences worldwide have embraced the concept, it could be a film whose themes had global appeal. “I thought it was very immersive and incredibly fun, sort of a living boardgame,” he says. The project seemed to be a natural fit with a classic locked-room mystery setup, and with producer Neal H. Moritz, he began to shepherd the project. Quickly, they hit on a way to raise the stakes, making the ultimate escape room: one that is not only hyper slick and incredibly dangerous – when the clock runs out, it means death.

Our Take:

We’ve done a number of rooms where a serial killer or madman has us trapped in their lab or lair, and we have to figure our way out before he/she returns. Now, we’ve even done a few rooms that had a “Saw” feeling with them, so the overall theme of the movie isn’t that far a stretch. What is interesting is that the room turns deadly AFTER the characters begin playing. From the looks of the trailer and the press packet we received, it simply looks like the six strangers have agreed to do a room together that is billed as the most immersive room yet, and has a $1 million prize for escaping. Let’s just hope none of them show up drunk or stoned (this has happened to us).

As the experience progresses, they have to make their way through and figure out their own role in the game and how the rooms were specifically created for each of them… and not die in the process.

We were pretty psyched to see that Adam Robitel, who directed Insidious: The Last Key also directed this one, so that brings some legitimacy to the movie being a true thriller.

Stay tuned for our review of the movie. Check out and follow our social media channels below to be notified when new postings and interviews are published.

Check out the trailer below (from Columbia/Sony Pictures YouTube channel):

Planning on seeing this movie? What are you most excited about?

Comment on the post below and let us know!

Logistics:

Rated PG-13 for Terror/Perilous Action & Violence, Some Suggestive Material and Language.

Columbia Pictures presents an Original Film production, Escape Room. Starring Taylor Russell, Logan Miller, Deborah Ann Woll, Jay Ellis, Tyler Labine, Nik Dodani, with Yorick van Wageningen. Directed by Adam Robitel. Produced by Neal H. Moritz and Ori Marmur. Screenplay by Bragi Schut and Maria Melnik. Story by Bragi Schut. Executive Producer is Rebecca Rivo. Director of Photography is Marc Spicer. Production Designer is Edward Thomas. Editor is Steven Mirkovich, ACE. Music by Brian Tyler & John Carey.

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What’s the Difference Between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde…? – Room: Dr. Jekyll – October 27, 2018

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you’re a fan of Stevenson and like old science.

Avoid if… you’re afraid of transformations, allegory, or don’t like to read.

THE BASICS

Perplexodus Escapes

Address: 2501 W Market Street, Johnson City, TN 37604 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 423-491-8980
[email protected]
https://perplexodus.com

Room – Dr. Jekyll’s Laboratory:

Description (from the company website): Dr. Jekyll needs your help! He is transforming into Mr. Hyde much more often and he fears that he will soon be destined to remain as the hideous creature forever. Can you investigate within the laboratory and help him find the cure that will save him? Or will the same fate be your destiny?

Difficulty (1-10): Advanced

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $24 (ages 15+)/$20 (ages under 15), but use ERG25 when booking to get 25% off your tickets

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 3-10

Staging Area: Small lobby with standing room and restrooms through the briefing room (which is where most of the seating is).

Metro Access/Parking: We drove. I’ve no idea of the public transportation system down there.

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: You begin in Dr. Jekyll’s lab. There’s your typical lab-found items, but you can see there’s a lot more than meets the eye (just without the Transformers).

Understanding of the Mission: Upon entering the lab, you need to decipher the clues left by Mr. Hyde and figure out how to get into the freezer in the back of the lab before it’s too late and the potion is ruined.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 12 minutes even

Our Suggested Party Size: 4-6 is sufficient for this escape

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph, Scott, Gordon (and his daughter whose name I can’t remember)

We helped Dr Jekyll keep himself out of trouble.
We helped Dr. Jekyll keep himself out of trouble.

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • 7 Hermanos – pretty good tex-mex restaurant we stopped in before the room

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You’re Not Dropping a House on US!! – Room: Tornado – November 23, 2018

~ Mike K.

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you feel like you’d be able to keep it together after a natural disaster.

Avoid if… clutter makes your OCD go haywire.

THE BASICS

Can U Xcape:

Address: 95 East 10th Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 570-951-2265
[email protected]
http://www.canuxcape.com

Room – Tornado:

Description (from the company website):

“Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore”

Your room has just been hit by a tornado and you’ve barely survived. But there is no time to rest! The weather authority has just reported that another tornado is heading your way! You have 60 minutes to escape the rubble before the next storm hits and finishes you off. You better act fast because…

This room will blow you away.

BONUS MISSION:

Guess who forgot to put a first-aid kit in the storm shelter? Yep, that would be you. You and your team have suffered injuries from the first storm and need medical attention! Find a first-aid kit to patch yourselves up before you exit. It would be a real shame if the storm shelter became your tomb.

Difficulty: not rated, but the escape rate for the room is 35%, and the success rate for securing the bonus is 15%

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $25 per person (plus a booking fee)

Identifier: R1

Party Size: Up to 8.

Staging Area: there is a small lobby that is located just outside the Game Masters’ control center and next to a hallway that leads to all of their rooms. Plenty of seating for small parties as they wait to enter the rooms.

Metro Access/Parking: there is a large parking lot outside, so drive away!

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: You enter your house, which has been decimated by a previous tornado. Things are strewn everywhere and walls have even collapsed. How will you find what you need and escape before the next tornado hits?

Understanding of the Mission: pick your way through your destroyed house and escape before the next tornado hits.

Did We Escape: yes

Time Remaining: 7:43 (broke the current record by about 3 minutes)

Our Suggested Party Size: 6 was good

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Alex, Mark, Dylan, Erin, and Heather

We (Alex, Mark, Dylan, Erin, Mike and Heather) escaped the second tornado!

Worth the time and money? absolutely

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • Quaker Steak & Lube – great restaurant with some awesome happy hour specials (drink discounts and half-priced appetizers) and a huge selection of wing sauces and dry rubs

Continue reading →

Interview with Escape Room Arlington (Arlington, VA) – December 1, 2018

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM INTERVIEW:

Last August, we were one of the sponsors of a scavenger hunt/race in DC. We offered a lucky winner and their team a free escape room to play with us. We coordinated a time with the winner and chose to do Glitch (review to come) at Escape Room Arlington.

We’ve known about Escape Room Arlington (and Ravenchase Adventures) for quite some time now, and had been meaning to try and get over there since they opened this past June, and try out one of their rooms.

We met with the manager, Bobby, and had a nice chat before starting the video, but he was very forthcoming with his answers and we had a lot of fun chatting with him on, and off, camera.

We also have a DISCOUNT for you! Using the discount code THEGUYS will net you $3 off per person.

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 Glitch. 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?

Email us at [email protected] and let us know!

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This Great Room… Wasn’t. – Room: The Great Room – November 21, 2018 – FAILED!

~ Jason ~ 3 Comments

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you enjoy solving murders and holding hands.

Avoid if… you have bad knees or crippling fear of the unknown (or the dark).

THE BASICS

13th Hour Haunted House and Escape Rooms:

Address: 105 W Dewey Ave, Wharton, NJ 07885 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 862-244-4454
https://13thhour.com/escape-rooms/

Room: The Great Room:

Description (from the company website): This is the Hayden family’s room of murders. This section of the farmhouse is known as the Great Room. This massive section of the farmhouse will challenge your wits in all fashions. Multiple sections, secret passage ways, and puzzles you’ve never experienced before will have your team running mad. What terrible secrets lie within the Great Room? Just what were the Hayden family members up to? Just be warned you have only 60 minutes to complete the Great Room and save yourselves. Do you have what it takes? (ERG note: edited for grammar and punctuation).

Difficulty (1-10): N/A

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $29

Identifier: R1

Party Size: Up to 10

Staging Area: There isn’t much of a lobby here, so essentially when you walk in there’s a small area with a reception booth, and this is where we had our security briefing.

Metro Access/Parking: This is in Northern NJ in a warehouse, so you’ll need to drive in some way.

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: There’s a 2-story room you start in with a large table, columns holding up the upstairs, and a few doors.

Understanding of the Mission: “Save yourselves”

Did We Escape: No, and let me tell you why…

Time Remaining: See above

Our Suggested Party Size: 4-6 is more than enough.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph, Val, Stu (No picture was taken)

Worth the time and money? Yes and no. Again, let me tell you why…

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • This location is in the middle of nowhere (almost literally) so I have no idea. It was 10pm (ish) so we just went home.

Continue reading →