After a bit of a hiatus where we focused on designing custom rooms for corporate clients, The Escape Room Guys are back to playing rooms and solving puzzles!
We were contacted by the good folks at Sherlocked in Amsterdam about a promotion they are running over the next six weeks (Nov. 24 thru Dec. 29) where they will be releasing puzzles to promote their new room, The Alchemist. Here’s a sneak peek of the 3D rendering of the room.
Now, we LOVE a good puzzle hunt and decided to play along, especially when there are prizes involved!
Each week on Thursday, the puzzle will be released on their Instagram. Players who solve the puzzle must input the correct solution on Sherlocked’s contest page (you must also sign up here to take part in the contest).
After the 6 weeks are up, a final puzzle will be released and one player will win the grand prize, which is a VIP ticket to play The Alchemist, which includes a rare behind-the-scenes tour of Sherlocked’s process, AND a two-night stay at the Zoku hotel in Amsterdam.
Are you going to join us in playing? Comment below or on our social media channels, and follow us each week as we discuss the puzzles that are released!.
Here is a snapshot of the warm up puzzle, just to get you moving!
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Fort Fun is only about 8 minutes away from the main drag with all the restaurants and such, but we recommend Chick’nCone. Continue reading →
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? 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 →
Description (from the company website): When Robert Quinlan identified his newest victim, Room 303 was the room he always checked them into. To an unsuspecting guest, the room looked like any other ordinary vintage hotel room. However, it was one part of the hotel that Robert had specially modified to allow him to spy on his guests through hidden peepholes and secret passageways.
You are Robert’s next victim and have found yourself in the room where so many before you started their final horrifying journey.
Can you escape the clutches of this Psycho or will you meet the same torturous fate as Robert’s 19 other victims?
Room 303 is where your nightmare begins.
A look at your lodging… (Picture provided by 303 Escape)
Difficulty (1-10): None listed, but 11% escape rate with 0 clues
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: Variable ($40pp for 2, $35pp for 3-4, $30pp for 5-6)
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 2-6
Staging Area: The lobby looks like a hotel lobby. There’s plenty of seating considering there’s only 1 room currently open. (And plenty of hand sanitizer because, you know, COVID-19.)
Metro Access/Parking: We drove from the Colorado Springs area, so we can’t tell you about Metro access, but there is ample parking in the lot. (And FYI, looking at the building, it’s around back on the end. We walked down the grassy hill, but you’ll find it easier to take the actual sidewalk…)
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:
Jason forgot to take one, but you will be able to read his thoughts below.
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 designed as a hotel room, complete with passageways and peepholes. It looks like a hotel room, it FEELS like a hotel room.
Understanding of the Mission: Solve the puzzles to escape through Robert Quinlan’s labyrinth and exit into the lobby. OR DIE.
Did We Escape: Yes!
Time Remaining: 5:49 remaining (What can I say, we were rusty!)
Our Suggested Party Size: I wouldn’t go over 4 but you can definitely fit 6 in here.
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Jason D and Steph D
We (all of us) forgot to take a picture after escaping. 🙁
Description (from the company website): A desperate cry for help falls on deaf ears as you and your group take up the challenge to save this poor girl. Your journey begins in the infamous Warren’s Occult museum as you search for clues as to what was taken and what has caused the neighbors and their young daughter vanished without a trace . Remember everything in the Warren’s is possessed or cursed so avoid taking anything with you!
Difficulty (1-10): Not listed, but has a 26% escape rate as of this writing (as per the website)
Time Limit: 65 minutes (Note: When this room was first booked, it was listed as 75 minutes. After that, I was told it was 65, as now listed. When we got there, we were given 60 minutes, plus a few extra, as you’ll read.)
Cost: $29.99
Identifier: R1
Party Size: Listed as up to 10, the booking page says minimum 3, but once you click Book, you are told minimum 4, max of 12. If you have less than 4, I’d recommend calling.
Staging Area: The location is (appropriately for the theme) in the basement of an office building. There’s a bench in the corner and a water cooler. Standing room otherwise. Metro Access/Parking: This room was not in our home location, so we 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 at a discount, 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 initial room this escape starts in is cramped. Pretty much to be expected if you’ve seen the movies, as you’re supposed to be in the Warren’s Occult Museum.
Understanding of the Mission: Find the stolen items and figure out why the neighbors and their daughter have disappeared.
Did We Escape: Nope.
Time Remaining: 🙁 Even with the extra time.
Our Suggested Party Size: 4-8, though 8 will be a tight fit.
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph D, Aaron, Andrea, Mary Jo, Liam, and 3 others whose names I have, unfortunately, forgotten.
We did not take a photo after this failure. Not that we didn’t want to, but we weren’t asked.
Worth the time and money? Yes and no.
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After: We didn’t go anywhere after (nearby), so no recommendation here. Sorry.
