Hey, I Didn’t Agree to That Blood Donation! – Room: Dracula’s Chambers – August 11, 2018

~ Mike K. ~ 1 Comment

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you’ve always wanted to visit Dracula’s Castle.

Avoid if… the color red makes you, um, see red.

THE BASICS

Escape Art Zagreb:

Address: Draškovićeva 2nd floor ul. 53, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia (click address for Google Map)

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!)

Continue reading →

We Played… Wisely – Room: Quest for the Holy Grail – May 27, 2018

~ Mike K.

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you ever fantasized about being one of King Arthur’s Knights of the Roundtable

Avoid if… you hate drafty castles.

THE BASICS

Room Escape Williamsburg:

Address: 1215 Mount Vernon Ave, Suite E, Williamsburg, VA 23185 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 757-229-1215
http://www.roomescapewilliamsburg.com
[email protected]

Room – Quest for the Holy Grail:

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

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • Antonio’s Italian Restaurant – we ate here before going to the room, and it was EXCELLENT!
  • You’re in Colonial Williamsburg. Tons of shops and restaurants to choose from.

Continue reading →

We Got Out With Our Lives, But The Mummy…Not So Much – Room: Egypt Tomb – August 18, 2018

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you like anything Egypt, Indiana Jones, or digging for treasure.

Avoid if… mummies freak you out or the thought of getting trapped in a tomb makes you hyperventilate.

THE BASICS

Glenwood Escape Room:

Address: 918 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 970-945-7529
https://www.glenwoodescape.com/

Room – Egypt Room:

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.

Continue reading →

I’ve Found Worse Things In Worse Places… – Room: The Attic – August 17th, 2018

~ Jason ~ 2 Comments

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you like solving mysteries.

Avoid if… you don’t like dark, dank, dusty attics (in theory).

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

Room – The Attic:

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!

Worth the time and money? Yes

Continue reading →

Interview with ClueIQ (Frederick, MD) – September 29, 2018

~ Mike K.

ESCAPE ROOM INTERVIEW:

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?

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

Follow us on our social media channels:

Interview with Room Escape DC (Fairfax, VA) – September 13, 2018

Video ~ ~ Mike K.

ESCAPE ROOM INTERVIEW:

Room Escape DC is one of our favorite locations in the DC area, and was where we did our first escape room as just the two Escape Room Guys (check out our review on Save the White House). When they decided to update and revamp the room, of course we had to stick to tradition and go back and see if we could complete the room again with just our two-person team.

We were fortunate to be able to get some time with Andrew, one of their Sr. Puzzle Designers, to get some more in-depth information about this location, their rooms, and their design philosophy as to how they approach creating new experiences.

They also provided us with a discount for our readers. Use ERG15 to take 15% off your total on games booked for Mondays through Thursdays.

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 Save the White House II. 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 Glenwood Escape Rooms (Glenwood Springs, CO) – August 18, 2018

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM INTERVIEW:

I can’t remember the last time I walked up to an Escape Room location and was all, “Hi, I’m Jason from The Escape Room Guys. Do you have any availability tonight for us to play?” Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever done it at all. But that’s what happened when we got into town in Glenwood Springs, after soaking in the hot springs nearby. We said we were going to go get some dinner and asked for any recommendations, then came back and completed the Egypt Tomb Escape.

The Manager on Duty, Emily, was nice enough to talk to us after we escaped, and you can see that video 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 review of Egypt Tomb Escape. 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:

We Drink and We Know Things… – Room: Save King’s Landing – August 5, 2018

~ Mike K.

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… chills go up your spine every time you hear “The Rains of Castamere”

Avoid if… you are clumsy (wildfire is a VERY fickle potion).

THE BASICS

Dubrovnik Escape Room:

Address: Josipa Kosora 22, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 011 (if dialing from the U.S.), then 385 97 644 2145
www.dubrovnikescaperoom.com

Room – Save King’s Landing:

Description (from the company website): The enemy fleet is attacking the city! The only way to save it is to use the wildfire, a potion so powerful it burn and melts everything once it is set on fire. But damned keister Hallyne, the pyromancer, disappeared, so the King’s Hand (Tyrion Lannister) sent you – his most loyal guards – to find the potion in the alchemy lab and save the kingdom!

Can you make it in time?

Difficulty: 4/5

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Languages: English and Croatian

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 2-5 players

Cost: Cash only in Croatian kuna is accepted – USE ERG20 to save 20% off your ticket prices.
230 kuna per person for 2 people, about $36.10 each
215 kuna per person for 3 people, about $33.75 each
200 kuna per person for 4 people, about $31.40 each
185 kuna per person for 5 people, about $29.04 each

Note on booking: for most European escape rooms, you book the room by the number of people in your party as a private room. Your overall price per person is cheaper the more people you book for (so, if you book the room for 2 people, it will be more expensive per person than booking the room for 5 or 6). In any event, your room will be just your party and strangers will not be placed in with you.

Staging Area: a nice-sized lobby with some comfy couches. Restrooms are located to the left of the lobby.

Metro Access/Parking: parking is available out front. The location is about a 25-minute walk from the Old Town, or a 5-minute Uber (hint: take 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: you enter the meister’s alchemy lab. The meister is nowhere to be found.

Understanding of the Mission: find the wildfire hidden in the meister’s alchemy lab before the enemy fleet conquers your forces that are defending King’s Landing.

Did We Escape: yes!

Time Remaining: 4:36

Our Suggested Party Size: 4 would be good, although 2 works if you’ve both done a lot of rooms.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Absolutely

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

Worth the time and money? HELL-FREAKIN-YEAH!

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After: lots of places in Dubrovnik, so pick your poison (Tears of Lys reference)

Continue reading →

Interview with Enter the Enigma (Colorado Springs, CO) – August 17, 2018

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM INTERVIEW:

No trip out of state is complete without another escape room. I can remember back to the first time I (Jason) was in Colorado (once my escape room obsession began) and there were maybe 3-5 rooms in the area. Now, at least 12. It’s amazing!

The great thing is that they (almost) all have different themes or different takes on a theme. I do love a good detective-style room which is what led me to choose The Attic for Steph and I to do while vacationing in Colorado Springs. (This was also the first room she and I ever did on our own, so that was a big step for us. HAHAHA)

Big thanks to Don for getting us in the room at the last minute (we set it up a day or two prior) and for his willingness to be on camera. (And an even bigger apology for saying “Escape The Enigma” when it’s actually “ENTER The Enigma”.)

Additionally, they have a grand opening promo code of 20% (until 10/1/18) using the code ETNGS18. Furthermore, all military and first-responders always have 20% off.

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 review of The Attic. 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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Interview with ExitGames Zagreb (Zagreb, Croatia) – August 11, 2018

~ Mike K.

ESCAPE ROOM INTERVIEW:

The ERG’s first  international room!

I (Mike) was on vacation in Croatia for 8 days with my girlfriend in early August, and we decided to do a few rooms (well, I asked and she agreed). At our last stop in Zagreb, Croatia, I was fortunate to snag an interview with Luca, one of the owners of ExitGames Zagreb, after we had completed Tesla’s Legacy at this location (stay tuned for the review).

It was really cool to hear the similarities and differences of Escape Rooms in Europe vs. the United States. Check out the video 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 Mike’s review of Tesla’s Legacy. 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: