Author: Jason

I Would Have Rather Danced With the Suicide Kings… – Room: One Eyed Jack – March 9, 2019

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… enjoy dark, spooky things, don’t mind getting down and dirty, and enjoy a good story.

Avoid if… you’re afraid of the dark or have bad knees.

THE BASICS

Trapped!:

Address: 4760 Polaris Avenue Las Vegas, Nevada 89103 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 702-907-8078
https://www.trappedescaperoomvegas.com

The Room – One-Eyed Jack:

Description (from the company website): The notorious serial killer “One-Eyed Jack” is terrorizing your town. Despite the warnings to stay indoors you decided to go out with your friends for a night on the town. The last thing you remember is taking a sip from your drink. You awake groggy and confused, locked in a crude jail cell. You need to act quickly and find a way out before he returns.

This experience takes place in a low light environment. Crawling may be required.

Difficulty (1-10): N/A

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $35 (and all rooms are private bookings)

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 2-8 (games must be booked with at least 2 people, but I was able to do this on my own because I asked nicely (and it was the last time slot of the night))

Staging Area: Very large open lobby with plenty of seating and water, if you ask nicely.

Metro Access/Parking: It’s in Las Vegas, and I drove, so drive or take Uber/Lyft

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 start out locked in a cell with only a lantern for light. It’s a pretty creepy way to start. There’s a trunk outside the cell, an armoire next to it, and a fish tank. And not to mention your friend, the skeleton.

Understanding of the Mission: You got a little drunk and after blacking out, you were snagged by Jack and thrown in this cage. Legends say spirits are still trapped in Jack’s cabin. They are there to help you, if you ask for it. Jack is coming back in an hour to finish you off so hurry up!

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 13 minutes even

Our Suggested Party Size: 2-6

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

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

Jason posing with the spirits that helped him make his escape.

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After: It was already after midnight so I just went back to my hotel, but it’s Vegas so you can go anywhere.

Continue reading →

There is an Art to Capturing Criminal Masterminds – Game: The Escape Game Unlocked: The Heist (Volume 1) – May 27, 2019

~ Jason ~ 1 Comment

ESCAPE GAME REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you prefer to stay indoors, want to be a detective, and are technologically inclined.

Avoid if… you don’t like art and don’t really care about justice.

THE BASICS

The Escape Game:

Developer Information: The Escape Game: Unlocked

The Game: The Heist – Volume 1: Chasing Hahn

Description (from the company website): IN THIS EDITION, YOU’LL CONTINUE YOUR MISSION FROM “THE HEIST” AS A SECRET AGENT IN AN EFFORT TO THWART THE INFAMOUS ART CURATOR, VINCENT HAHN.

With the help of your Intelligence Agent, you’ll uncover The Curator’s true identity, connect him to a crime, and work with the International Police to finally exact justice.

ERG Note: You do not have to have played the previous room of the same name to follow the story.

Difficulty (1-10): Unrated

Time Limit: No time limit

Cost: $20

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 1 to 4 players

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: There are postcards, evidence photos, a brochure, and some props used in the game.

Understanding of the Mission: We were tasked by law enforcement to track down Vincent Hahn, a notorious art thief, by figuring out what he was going to steal next and from where.

How Much Space is Needed: We played on a table that was 3′ x 6′ and there was still room left for our snacks and drinks.

Age Appropriate: The theme is appropriate for all ages, but the puzzles are listed as 12 and up.

Did We “Escape”: Yes!

Time Remaining: There’s no limit, but we finished in about 84 minutes.

Our Suggested Party Size: The game is recommended for 1-4 players and our 6…got a little bored at times. 4 is definitely right.

Did the game challenge the entire team? At times.

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph, Corey, Eric, and Brittany

Worth the time and money? $20 is a steal for this.

Continue reading →

We Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Tracks – Room: The Great Train Heist – May 25, 2019 – FAILED!

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you wish you were a gun-slinging, train-robbing, son of a gun.

Avoid if… you get motion sickness (from the trains, of course) or you’re a goody two-shoes.

THE BASICS

Amazing Escape Room (Freehold):

Address: 2 Monmouth Avenue, Freehold NJ 07728 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 732-333-0448
https://amazingescaperoom.com/freehold/

The Room: The Great Train Heist:

Description (from the company website): The year is 1865 and you’re in the height of the Railroad Boom. The big tycoon and well known snake oil salesman, Thomas “Doc” Durant, has just come through your small town promising everyone vast riches and the cure to all their woes.

Doc is a real swindler and has secretly robbed the town’s bank, leaving everyone penniless. Tonight, he plans to sneak out of town on his personal train right after the big poker game at the Phoenix Saloon. You have 60 minutes to break into Durant’s train and save the town by taking back the cash.

Difficulty (1-10): N/A but we were told it was their hardest one

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $28

Identifier: R1

Party Size: up to 10

Staging Area: Lobby is mostly standing room but plenty of space. There is a mini-game on one of the walls that will essentially teach you how to use most of the locks you may encounter.

Metro Access/Parking: There is a parking lot for the facility (and the other stores there). We suggest driving or Uber/Lyft.

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 start off in the car of a train fully equipped with a bar, some seating and tables, and paraphernalia you would expect in an old west saloon.

Understanding of the Mission: Solve all the puzzles left behind to determine the whereabouts of the money stolen so it can be returned to its rightful owners.

Did We Escape: NO, and we’re still pretty pissed about it.

Time Remaining: 🙁

Our Suggested Party Size: There’s definitely enough room for 10 but we suggest you limit your group to 6-8.

Did the room challenge the entire team? For the most part

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Val, Steph, and 4 strangers

Worth the time and money? If they clean up the inconsistencies and tighten the clues, then yes.

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • Chili’s – we went there for a quick bite and some drinks after; it’s 5 minutes away

Continue reading →

Want to Post a Discount for Your Escape Room on our Site?

~ Jason

Hello everyone!

We recently added a new feature to the site for Escape Room owners and managers. Now, by clicking here, you can send us a request to add a discount code to the site! (You can also find this on our header bar as a sub-menu to “Discount Codes.”) We are offering this as a service so you have an alternative from using Groupon.

All you have to do is fill out the form and one of us will contact you to ensure it’s a legitimate request from an employee or owner. If you know someone who owns a room or works at one, please share this post with them. The more discounts, the merrier!

We have a page of discount codes from companies that we’ve worked with or visited in the past, but have decided to offer this service to any legitimate escape room location so you can help spread the word about your rooms.

Your discount will be posted on our Discount Codes page, as well as be put into the rotator on the right navigation (in alpha order).

*Disclaimer: the Escape Room Guys offer these codes as an additional bonus to our readers, and we do not monetarily benefit when those codes are used.

A screenshot of the form is below.

Interview with Trapped! (Las Vegas, NV) – March 9, 2019

Video ~ ~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM INTERVIEW:

A recent work trip took Jason to Las Vegas of all places, so what good would he be if he didn’t do some rooms or interview someone new? (Or, you know, a little of both!) After completing One Eyed Jack on his own, Jason sat down with Richard, the owner of Trapped! Escape Room in Las Vegas.

We had a great chat, about both One Eyed Jack and his thoughts on the industry, then we sat down in front of the camera for the usual round of questions.

Richard and his team have also offered our readers (you know, you all) a 10% discount on escapes when using the code ERG10 when booking the rooms!

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 One Eyed Jack. 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 Sly Fox Escapes (Colorado Springs, CO) – February 18, 2019

Video ~ ~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM INTERVIEW:

Closing out our long weekend in Colorado, we wanted to check out one final escape room location. We contacted Sly Fox Escapes and they invited us in to  play the room they recommend for enthusiasts, C’thulu Awakens, and to set up a video interview.

After playing the room, we got to sit down with Richard, the owner and our Game Master, to hear more about how Sly Fox designs their rooms, offers a choice of difficulty levels (on the fly), and what advice they have for other escape room owners.

Richard also provided our readers with a discount code to use when booking a room at his location. Use ERG15 to take 15% off your tickets through May 2019.

Check out the video 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 our review of C’thulu Awakens. 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:

Haven’t We Done This Before? – Room: Save the White House 2 – September 13, 2018

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you love books or movies about computer-based terrorism or hacker attacks.

Avoid if… the thought of hackers gaining control of our nuclear arsenal makes you lose sleep at night.

THE BASICS

Room Escape DC

Address: 3949A University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 703-865-4178
[email protected]
https://roomescapedc.com/escape-rooms/save-the-white-house/

Room – Save the White House 2:

Description (from the company website): A group of renegade hackers has taken control of the United States nuclear arsenal and have ordered a strike on several major US cities…you’d think it’d be more secure than that, but that’s not the point. As the Secret Service’s ranking agents, it falls upon you to disarm the attack before tragedy strikes.

Use your knowledge and skills to get the job done. The fate of the country depends on you. Good luck, Agents!

Note: If you played Save the White House prior to June 2018, this is a completely different room with new decorations, puzzles and story.

Difficulty (1-10): 2 of 3

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $27 per person plus tax, but use ERG15 to save 15% on rooms booked for Mondays thru Thursdays

Identifier: R2 (replaced Save the White House)

Party Size: 2-10

Staging Area: Room Escape DC has a lobby with multiple tables, couches/chairs, vending machines, a sign-in station and two restrooms.

Metro Access/Parking: No metro access, so you’ll have to drive or Lyft/Uber. But there’s plenty of parking in adjacent garages.

OUR EXPERIENCE

This is the Facebook Live video before we entered the room:

This is the Facebook Live video just after we completed the room:

Logistics:

Description of the room: You enter an L-shaped room with the front part mimicking the Oval Office. There is a desk, some other furniture, and artwork and photos along the walls.

Understanding of the Mission: Hackers have taken control of the U.S.’ nuclear arsenal and are attempting to deploy missiles. As ranking Secret Service agents, it is up to us to figure out how to stop them.

Did We Escape: Yes and damn proud of it.

Time Remaining: About 18 minutes

Our Suggested Party Size: Having done the first version of this room, we were delighted when they offered us to come in and review the new version. We’d say 4-ish would be fine for this.

Did the room challenge the entire team? As with the original, there was a lot of back and forth with this room. Thankfully, it was a little easier (in that respect) this time. Yes, though.

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

Jason and Mike donned their best Secret Service identities and stopped hackers from nuking the US.

Worth the time and money? Yeah

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

Continue reading →

It’s OK to Hear Voices… Issues Only Start When You Start Answering Them Back – Room: Voices – November 8, 2018

~ Jason ~ 1 Comment

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you enjoy horror, children, and horror movies with children in them.

Avoid if… you don’t like kids, dislike being scared, or have any sort of mental illness.

THE BASICS

Twisted Exit:

Address: 44920 Valley Central Way, Unit 106, Lancaster, CA 93536 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 661-547-8602
http://twistedexit.com/contact.html

Room – Voices:

Description (from the company website): Thirty years ago, the Richardsons moved into this house only to be driven away by pure evil. Upon putting boxes in the attic, the Richardsons’ daughter Evilyn, stumbled across a beautiful doll. In the weeks following their move into the new home, the family started being terrorized by a spirit trapped in the doll. But little Evilyn refused to be parted from it. Fed up, her parents decided to do away with the doll, but soon realized they had made a grave mistake.

One night the Richardsons went into their daughter’s room to say good night and found her dead at her vanity. In shock and – as they cradled the lifeless body of their daughter – they heard a distant voice whispering “I told you not to throw me away.” They ran from the house leaving everything behind and never returned.

​You and your team will have to summon all your courage to rid the house of the evil that has held it for the last three decades. But the task won’t be easy. You need to find the spirit’s name to chase it from the house, but you have to work quick. When the spirit gets bored or thinks you may be getting too close to revealing its name, you may not be able to leave the house. You may join Evilyn and be trapped for the next 30 years. (ERG note: edited for case, grammar and punctuation).

Difficulty (1-10): N/A

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $25 (Use code ERG10 for 10% off your booking)

Identifier: R1

Party Size: Up to 10

Staging Area: Small area with counter and several chairs.

Metro Access/Parking: This location is in a shopping center, but this was my first visit to CA so I 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 start off in the Richardsons’ living room (tv, lamps, couch, coffee table, etc.) and have to make your way through a locked door to Evilyn’s room. That’s where it gets weird…

Understanding of the Mission: Figure out who the spirit really is and why she’s haunting the house. Then, of course, get out, unless you want to remain trapped for eternity with her.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 10 minutes even

Our Suggested Party Size: I would say 4-6 is fine. While 10 will by no means be cramped, some of you may get bored.

Did the room challenge the entire team? It was only me (Jason), so yeah.

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Just Jason. (I did not take a picture at this room. Totally forgot because I was talking with Greg for a while.)

Worth the time and money? Yes. Absolutely.

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

Continue reading →

I Needed an Actual Vacation After this Room… – Room: A Colorado Slaycation – November 7, 2019

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you enjoy horror and suspense, like cheap thrills, and find farts funny.

Avoid if… you don’t like dismemberment, are claustrophobic, or have no sense of humor.

THE BASICS

Deadline Escape Room Games:

Address: 4758 N. Chestnut, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 719-313-9261
https://www.planetdeadline.com/

The Room – A Colorado Slaycation:

Description (from the company website): Welcome to Jay Jayson’s Colorado Vacations, enjoy your slay…

The place is Colorado and the time is now. You and a group of your friends and family find a slammin’ deal on a rental vacation home nestled deep in the Colorado mountains. You imagine all of the s’mores you are going to make under the stars with your loved ones and without thinking twice you book your stay. After all, how could this possibly be the worst decision you ever make?

Shortly after arriving something doesn’t seem right, a menacing note left by the property manager reveals his true intentions and you begin to realize that your life is in danger. However, you are not alone. The spirits of his previous victims remain in the house, and they want to help you to escape Jay’s trap. Can you identify the forgotten belongings of his victims and follow their clues to safety? Or will you meet your fate at the hands of Jay Jayson? Only time will tell…

In A Colorado Slaycation, you and your team will have to work together and stay focused under pressure in order to escape. This type of room is something we like to call a “funnel puzzle” where the objects you find throughout the room all contribute to your escape. Funnel puzzles are great for larger groups as it includes all of the players in the experience. We have incorporated many custom built puzzles, traps, and special effects into this room for the ultimate experience. Will you be able to escape the full size guillotine trap? Can you decipher the electric chair puzzle? Book now to seal your fate and witness a truly memorable escape experience!

Difficulty (1-10): N/A

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $30

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 2-8

Staging Area: Lobby is mostly standing room, but there’s a water cooler and plenty to keep your eyes busy.

Metro Access/Parking: Parking lot is more than sufficient.

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 starts out… small. It’s a super tight squeeze. But it certainly looks like a cabin in the woods.

Understanding of the Mission: Escape the vacation home with your lives by using items and clues left behind by previous victims (and their spirits).

Did We Escape: BARELY

Time Remaining: 30.25 seconds

Our Suggested Party Size: 4, maybe 5/6 (it can get cramped for 5-6 people, but depending on your team, 4 may not be enough brainpower)

Did the room challenge the entire team? Absolutely

We escaped from Jay Jayson, but not before having some leftovers...
We escaped from Jay Jayson, but not before having some leftovers…

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph D, Aaron, Andrea, Kera, Seth

Worth the time and money? 100% yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

Continue reading →

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 →