Cost: Varies. Monthly payment options and box sets available on the website.
After a year between doing box 2 (South America) and box 3 (Tokyo), we decided to try and knock out box 4 right after completing Tokyo. In fact, we got a bit frustrated with some of the puzzles in Tokyo, so we started working on Australia, and that went a bit easier. We’ll say that box 4 (in Australia) took us only about 1.5 hrs, which is longer than the first two, but only half the time as box 3.
We really liked the flow of this one as well. It did a good job in progressing the story and adding additional information and challenges, but still made you go back to other boxes and utilize things you found and messages you received in order to “solve” this box and get to the video that tells you that you’re ready to progress to the next one.
Watch our video review and comment on this post.
Are you playing this subscription? What do you think?
—————————————————————————————————————-
Are there games, locations or rooms you’d like us to scout out?
The Heist by The Escape Game: Unlocked – Game Subscription
Volume 1: Chasing Hahn
Cost: $20.00
We were contacted by The Escape Game: Unlocked and asked if we’d be interested in playing their new game. Of course we said yes.
So, this is essentially our reaction video after playing the game, but we’ll be doing a comprehensive review post with ratings based on our new escape game rubric. Stay tuned!
Here is how the game plays: Your mission: as a team of detectives, you need to stop international art collector (and thief!), Vincent Hahn. He’s been stealing from museums over the years, and has always eluded capture. Now, you have a break in the case and need to piece together clues, gather evidence, and try and stop him before he strikes again.
Overall, this was a pretty fun game. It took us just over an hour with a small group of friends (we had 6 total in our group). The website that you needed to use to play the game was well designed (but – HINT – make sure you sign in with a user name and password that you’re willing to give the rest of your team so you can all be in the website at the same time… otherwise, there will be a lot of waiting around by some of you).
There were lots of things to look at, but the game is pretty linear, so you’ll need to be good at sharing and working together as a team as you progress.
We’re looking forward to Volume 2.
Watch our video review and comment on this post.
Have you played this game? What do you think?
—————————————————————————————————————-
Are there games, locations or rooms you’d like us to scout out?
Cost: Varies. Monthly payment options and box sets available on the website.
So, we continue with this “play at home” subscription about your childhood friend, James, who is on the run after being accused of killing his wife, Victoria, on their honeymoon. Victoria is the heiress to a family dynasty, so James has to stay on his toes to stay ahead of them.
We had a bit of a hiatus between boxes 2 and 3 (just over a year, actually), so that probably contributed to the fact that we got REALLY stuck on this box… and admitting that some of the puzzles are a bit more challenging than the first two boxes we completed.
This one took us about 3 hours, and we were only able to finish it because of a hint or two provided by some of the other players in the Slack channel, but, the puzzles were fun and challenging, which was a big switch from box 2.
Watch our video review and comment on this post.
Are you playing this subscription? What do you think?
—————————————————————————————————————-
Are there games, locations or rooms you’d like us to scout out?
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
Description (from the company website): A malevolent evil radiates from the woods of Deep Creek Forest. People are disappearing without explanation, including a team of paranormal investigators who were sent in. You and your team have been called in to find the source of this supernatural power that has been inhabiting the forest. Be prepared, because all indications show that something WICKED has moved in!
You have 60 minutes!
(Website description above has been merged from two sightly different descriptions on the website.)
Difficulty: Difficult
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $25 per person
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 6-8 players
Staging Area: There is a huge lobby with plenty of couches to relax before your experience. There are also lockers for your convenience to store your stuff while you are in the rooms.
Metro Access/Parking: Plenty of parking since the location is in a shopping center.
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 a forest that has a small campground surrounded by trees, a small cemetery, a wood cabin, and fenced-in garden. It’s dark and creepy.
Understanding of the Mission: Find the source of the evil that has been inhabiting the woods and if there is a way to banish it.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 15:30 remaining
Our Suggested Party Size: We had 7 and that seemed to work just fine
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph D., Brittany, Heather, Tara and EricWorth the time and money? Yes
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After: We didn’t have time to grab food or drinks, but you’re in a shopping center, so you have plenty of options.
While visiting Chicago, IL on a work trip (during St. Patrick’s Day weekend, of all times), Mike convinced a few of his co-workers to check out The Mob room at PanIQ Escape Room Chicago, an escape room franchise with a sister location in DC). After completing the room, he sat down with Game Master Drew, and delved more into the rooms and themes at this location.
Unfortunately, his manager Heidi couldn’t join us for the interview, but she offered our readers a 15% discount when using the code ERG15 while booking any of the rooms at their Chicago locations (new one opening soon!).
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 Mike’s review of The Mob. 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?
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 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?
Description (from the company website): Have you ever had a dream, that you were stuck in an escape room, that you were so sure was real? What if you were unable to wake from that dream and unable to escape? How would you know the difference between the dream world and the escape room you’re trapped in? Jump down the rabbit hole and find out.
Difficulty:Not rated
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $28
Identifier: R1
Party Size: Up to 8 players
Staging Area: There is a large lobby with very comfy couches and the check-in desk. There are also tables with chairs along the hallway. Sodas and waters are complimentary.
Metro Access/Parking: Pentagon City Metro is 1.6 miles away, so we suggest you take the bus, Uber, or Lyft. However, there is a parking garage and some on-street parking if you decide to drive.
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 you enter is stark white, has a number of panels along the walls, and some framed artwork. There is also a table in the center. Very minimalist.
Understanding of the Mission: You are trapped in a computer program and have to figure out how to crash it so you can escape back to “reality”.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 15 minutes
Our Suggested Party Size: We had a full contingent for the room (party size of 8) and that actually worked pretty well. There is a lot more to this room than meets the eye.
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes, and we had a mixture of veterans and Escape Room Newbies (ERNs)
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Lisa and her team
Did the Escape Room Guys and their team find their way out of the digital world?
Worth the time and money? Yes
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After: You’re on the main strip of Columbia Pike, so there are a lot of restaurant and bar options to choose from.
The original 5 Wits adventure, Tomb has thrilled more than a million guests since it first appeared in Boston in 2004.
Your group takes on the role of a team of archaeologists, tasked with unsealing the newly-discovered tomb of a long forgotten Pharaoh. Once inside its pitch black halls, you’ll have only your wits and a flashlight to guide you. But tread carefully – the mighty Pharaoh is not happy with your intrusion into his resting place!
This tomb is filled with ancient riddles, deathtraps to outsmart, and tests of skill and courage. It’s up to you solve Pharaoh’s challenges, find his burial chamber, and set his spirit free… or fail, and face his wrath.
Difficulty (1-10): none given
Time Limit: 30 minutes
Cost: is based on how many adventures you purchase:
3 adventures: $39.99 per person (can use over different days/doesn’t expire)
2 adventures: $36.99 per person
1 adventure: $29.99 per person
Identifier: R1
Party Size: Minimum of 2; maximum of 12
Staging Area: There is a very large lobby where you can check out previous groups’ scores and buy some merchandise. Additionally, they have party rooms for corporate/private events.
Metro Access/Parking: It’s in Ballston Quarter Mall so you can take the metro to the Ballston-MU Station, or drive and park in the parking lot (or on the street).
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video we took before we entered the adventure:
This is the video we took just after we completed the adventure:
Note: The ERG were given the opportunity to try out this adventure for free, with the understanding that we would continue to provide an honest review and follow the same process that we’ve used on all of our other ratings.
Logistics:
Description of the room: You start off outside a tomb entrance and have to find your way inside. Once you do, you are in a large antechamber that is sparsely decorated with items.
Understanding of the Mission: Figure out how to enter the tomb, make your way through the tomb by solving the Pharaoh’s riddles, and find a way to release the Pharaoh’s trapped spirit… or spend eternity trapped with him.
Did We Escape: Yes
Scores: 99% with two secrets found
Our Suggested Party Size: 8 worked okay, but you can probably do 6 if you are all experienced players
Did the adventure challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Heather, Brittany, Corey, Tara, Eric, and Steph D.
Worth the time and money? Yes
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
Punch Bowl Social – it’s less than a 30 second walk from 5 Wits and has good food and drinks and more games, if you haven’t had enough
