Author: Jason

Was it a-MAZE-ing? Read on! – Room: The Maze: Curse of the Dragon– August 7, 2022

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… like being outside, enjoy mazes, or fantasy is your bag.

Avoid if… you dislike nature or mosquitos.

THE BASICS

Escape Woods:

Address: 628 Sleepy Hollow Road Powder Springs GA 30127 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 770-880-8846
https://www.escapewoods.com/our-escapes

The Room – The Maze: Curse of the Dragon:

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

Worth the time and money? No

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • We went home and had pizza after.

Continue reading →

My Death in that Room Would be an Improvement…to the Room… – Room: Bates Motel– August 17, 2021

Jason was able to escape the Bates Motel!
~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you’re short on time and want to scratch that escape room itch.

Avoid if… you dislike rooms with literally no story.

THE BASICS

Gulf Coast Escape Room Destin at Harborwalk Village:

Address: 34 Harbor Blvd, Unit 102, Destin, FL 32541 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 850-460-8760
http://www.gulfcoastescaperoom.com/

The Room – Bates Motel:

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!
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.

Continue reading →

No fish and chips, just death and taxes… – Room: Murder in London – November 29, 2020

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you enjoy solving murders, want to be a Bobby, and like climbing through windows..

Avoid if… you dislike telephone booths, bars, or alleyways.

THE BASICS

Time Emporium Escape Rooms:

Address: 391 Denver Ave, Loveland, CO 80537 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 970-619-8639
https://time-emporium.com

The Room – Wizard’s Tower:

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.

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

Continue reading →

Wizarding 101: Pay. Attention. To Your Surroundings! – Room: Wizard’s Tower – November 29, 2020

You do have to pull the sword from some stone, but she didn't kill me!
~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you enjoy magic (think Harry Potter), castles, wizards (fantasy in general).

Avoid if… you dislike rats, potions, and towers.

THE BASICS

Time Emporium Escape Rooms:

Address: 391 Denver Ave, Loveland, CO 80537 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 970-619-8639
https://time-emporium.com

The Room – Wizard’s Tower:

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.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph D

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Worth the time and money? Absolutely

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

Continue reading →

At Least There Was a Blonde Bombshell in the Room… – Room: Bombshell – October 18, 2020

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you’re interested in the Mafia, bombs, and cold hard cash.

Avoid if… you’re scared of tigers, don’t like enclosed places, and find sewers disgusting.

THE BASICS

New Mexico Escape Room – McLeod (there are 2 locations):

Address: 4401 McLeod Rd, Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87109 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 505-289-1002
https://nmescaperoom.com/

The Room – Bombshell:

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.
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.

Continue reading →

Interview with Wild Hare Escapes – December 17, 2020

Video ~ ~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM INTERVIEW:

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?

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

Follow us on our social media channels:

Interview with Time Emporium (Loveland, CO) – December 5, 2020

Video ~ ~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM INTERVIEW:

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?

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

Follow us on our social media channels:

Not Sure if This Was Better or Worse Than Montezuma’s Revenge… Room: Pharaoh’s Revenge – October 16, 2020

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you enjoy Egyptian themes, pharaohs fascinate you, or you “enjoy” being entombed.

Avoid if… none of the above speaks to you or you are afraid of the ancient dead.

THE BASICS

The 47 Seals

Address: 1513 E Mulberry St, Fort Collins, CO 80524 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 970-472-8000
https://www.the47seals.com

The Room – Pharaoh’s Revenge:

Description (from the company website): You’re part of a large archeological dig team that’s looking for lost artifacts near the Valley of the Kings. After a routine supply run, you return and realize something went terribly wrong. The other members who stayed behind at the dig site are lying outside of the field office, barely conscious and near death. Now it’s up to you to figure out what caused this sickness and help the team before it’s too late.

Your time inside the room is limited. Do you have what it takes to solve the clues and puzzles to save your team?

Difficulty (1-10): Easy to Moderate

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $20

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 2-10

Staging Area: The 47 Seals’ rooms are within Fort Fun. From the entrance to Fort Fun, go straight past the counter to the staircase in the back and up said stairs to find the rooms. There’s a small waiting area with lockers and couches (but take your stuff in the room since one key opens ALL the lockers, meaning you don’t get to keep the key with you, the GM does).

Metro Access/Parking: There is a large parking lot for the Fort Fun facility.

OUR EXPERIENCE

This is the video we took before we entered the room:

I am not entirely sure why this one recorded the way it did. Sorry. ~Jason

This is the video we took just after we completed the room:

Logistics:

Description of the room: You start in a room with a center pillar and symbols on all the walls. Plenty of space for a larger group if you have one. It’s a very clean-looking room; feels like there should have been some sand on the floor.

Understanding of the Mission: Solve all the puzzles to figure out what caused your colleagues to fall ill and cure them before it’s too late.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 15…ish

Our Suggested Party Size: This is one of the few rooms rated up to 10 people that could actually FIT 10 people comfortably. However, I still wouldn’t recommend more than 6, 8 people tops. There wouldn’t be enough to do (though there IS the space).

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph D (And we forgot to take a photo after…)

Worth the time and money? Yes.

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

Can’t We All Just Get Oolong??? – Room: A Spot of Tea – an Iris Trenton Memoir – August 9, 2020

Fancy a spot of tea?
~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if…you enjoy an English breakfast or quaint village eateries.

Avoid if… you don’t like to sit down on the job.

THE BASICS

Enter the Enigma:

Address: 3540 N. Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80917 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 719-309-6862
https://www.entertheenigma.com/

The Room – A Spot of Tea: An Iris Trenton Memoir:

Description (from the company website): After the worldwide publicity from your impressive capture of the famed thief, Iris Trenton, you needed a vacation.

While strolling the streets of London you happen across a little hole in the wall cafe/tea room that intrigues you. Taking a seat you are admiring the decor when you here that familiar voice…..

“Greetings Detective….Welcome to Siri’s”. Iris Trenton stands before you dressed as a waitress. At this moment you receive a phone call from Scotland Yard informing you that Iris has broken out of prison and that all signs point to her being in London to steal the Crown Jewels. Obviously, this was a trap.

Can you best the master criminal again or will she prove your first encounter inside The Attic was pure luck?

For a more detailed story, go to Enter the Enigma’s Facebook page.

Difficulty (1-10): You’ll have the option of Medium or Hard when you enter, but it’s listed as “Very Hard 8/10”

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $28

Identifier: R2 (this room is a true sequel to The Attic)

Party Size: 2-6

Staging Area: Small lobby area with lockers and a water cooler. With Covid-19, this actually works since you won’t have to sit around and wait for people (unless they’re in your party).

Metro Access/Parking: This is a sort of strip mall, so 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:

Never took one. I will dish on it in the review itself.

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 laid out as a small café, complete with dessert display case and tables/chairs.

Understanding of the Mission: describe our understanding of what we needed to do

Did We Escape: Yes, technically (see below)

Time Remaining: After discussing it with Don, we agreed upon a whole 1 SECOND REMAINING! (Read on for explanation.) Also, LEADERBOARD!

Our Suggested Party Size: 2-4; you can pull off 6, but it might be a bit crowded.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph D

Fancy a spot of tea?
Fancy a spot of tea? And yes, that’s Rico.

We didn’t take a picture; we were too busy discussing the room with the owners. But this is one we were sent to use.

Worth the time and money? Yes, especially if you’re a mental masochist.

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After: We ended up just heading home after, but there’s some good restaurants nearby. Continue reading →

Uncovering the Family Jewels – Game: Legacy Episode 2: Hellas – July 19, 2020

~ Jason

ESCAPE GAME REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you’ve always wondered if your family had a secret stash.

Avoid if… you don’t take advantage of local pamphlets and brochures while on vacation.

THE BASICS

Argyx Games

Developer Website: https://www.argyxgames.com/

The Game: Legacy: Quest for a Family Treasure – Episode 2: Hellas

Description (from the company website): Marseille, Fall 2019. You receive the letter of a notary that comes with a mysterious black box. In his last will, your estranged father reveals the existence of a family treasure, hidden somewhere in Europe. To find it, he leaves you objects and documents that belonged to him as well as to your ancestor. You have to shed light on the past in order to be able to claim your inheritance… (see their video below)

Difficulty (1-10): N/A

Time Limit: None, but typically completed in 60-90 minutes on average

Cost: $56 to $119, depending on which package you back on Kickstarter

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 2-4 people

OUR EXPERIENCE

Note: The ERG were given the opportunity to try out this game 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 game: We’re not going to go into detail here as it’s basically a surprise for you. Our promotional game, however, came in a blue paper envelope from Argyx in Paris. Your game will come in the black box shown on the KickStarter page.

Understanding of the Mission: First, keep in mind that Hellas is game 2 in this set. Its story continues the one you complete in Eiffel 1889 (which is also a slightly longer game than Hellas). In Eiffel 1889, you were trying to find the identity of a lost ancestor. In Hellas, you need to take what you learned and discover the location of said ancestors buried fortune. There are 5 distinct tasks for you to complete to do so.

How Much Space is Needed: 4-6 sq.ft. is sufficient for the materials, plus space for a laptop or tablet.

Age Appropriate: It’s rated 14+. There’s nothing inappropriate in Hellas.

Did We “Escape”: Yep!

Time Remaining: We finished in about 1:15 (it should take you 60-90 minute on average). Yay, we’re average!

Our Suggested Party Size: 2-4 for sure

Did the room challenge the entire team? Mostly

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph D, Heather

Worth the time and money? This is a loaded question. The price is pretty steep for a take home game ($57/€47), BUT that gets you 2 games (Eiffel 1889 and Hellas (this one)) and all the stretch goals of the campaign (which includes, at the time of this writing, 1 additional document for Eiffel 1889 and one for Hellas (which is another puzzle)). That comes out to roughly 2-3 hours of total game time.

Continue reading →