Jason-Only Review

Reviews of rooms that only Jason has done

There Were 8 of Us; So Much for Going Stag… – Room: Stag Party – September 8, 2019

We found the ring, unlocked the door, and even had time for a beer!
~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you enjoyed the Hangover movies, retained photographic evidence of what happened in Vegas, or lost all your personal items the last time you went.

Avoid if… you don’t drink, gamble, or laugh.

THE BASICS

Mind Twist:

Address: 3200 S. Las Vegas Blvd Ste 1835, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 702-504-4225
https://mindtwistescapes.com/

The Room – Stag Party:

Description (from the company website): Based on the fan favorite Hangover Movies: You and your buddies partied SO HARD last night and you’re sure you had so much fun. . .  but you can’t remember a thing.  How’d a motorcycle get in here?  Who broke the front door?  OMG where’s the RING?!?!  It’s your buddy’s wedding day and the ceremony starts in an hour.  You better retrace your drunken steps, find the ring, find a way out and don’t be the idiots that ruin the wedding!

Difficulty (1-10): 7/10

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $35

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 2-8 (must book minimum of 2, all bookings are private)

Staging Area: Lobby was a little small, as they’re still working on the space, but there is sufficient seating/standing room.

Metro Access/Parking: You can walk there (it’s in the Fashion Show Mall right off the Strip) but there is also a parking garage.

OUR EXPERIENCE

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

This is the second video we took before I entered the room (because I forgot what the room was about the first time):

This is the video I 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: Looks like a hotel room that has seen a lot. There’s a fish tank, bathroom, and a lot of empty beer bottles.

Understanding of the Mission: Figure out what happened last night, where you went, where the wedding band is, and how to get out of the hotel room.

Did We Escape: Yes, and in record time!

Time Remaining: 28 minutes

Our Suggested Party Size: 2-6; 8 was a little cramped

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph D, Marco, Holly, Mike, Jeanne, Samantha, and Rori

We found the ring, unlocked the door, and even had time for a beer!
We found the ring, unlocked the door, and even had time for a beer!

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After: I don’t recall where we went after, but it’s a mall on the Strip; you will figure it out.

Continue reading →

Grandma…What Dead Eyes You Have… – Room: Red Riding Hood – March 10, 2019

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you’re a fan of children’s stories/fairy tales or you always wondered what was in Red’s damn basket…

Avoid if… you are scared of wolves, not into picnics, or don’t like your Grandmother.

THE BASICS

Number One Escape Room:

Address: 1775 East Tropicana, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89119 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 702-528-1459
https://numberoneescaperoom.com/

The Room – Red Riding Hood:

Description (from the company website): Red Riding Hood is a suspect in a series of murders that you and your team of private investigators have been hired to investigate. In this very grim tale, your team mission is to go to Grandmother’s house to find out if Red went Hood in the Woods and partnered up with the Big Bad Wolf!

Difficulty (1-10): 3.5/5

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $40

Identifier: R1

Party Size: Up to 6

Staging Area: There is a very large lobby (this place is huge) and plenty of seating. There was a water cooler (if I recall correctly) and lots of swag for sale.

Metro Access/Parking: No idea how public transit works there; I was in town for work and just drove.

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 living room of Grandma’s house. There’s a table, rocking chair, a dead body…

Understanding of the Mission: Determine if Red is a serial killer who partnered with the Big Bad Wolf, or not

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 3:15

Our Suggested Party Size: We were 2; I wouldn’t really recommend more than 4; it’ll get cramped REAL quick

Did the room challenge the entire team? Kinda

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

Worth the time and money? Eh…Kinda?

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

    • Went out on the Strip after, so can’t really recommend anything. Sorry

Continue reading →

Why Would I Want to Leave This Place??? – Room: Escape the Speakeasy – June 4, 2019

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you like talking about Prohibition, evading the police, or drinking clandestinely.

Avoid if… you don’t like bars or the Police.

THE BASICS

Escape IT Grandview:

Address: 1666 W. First Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 614-636-4848
https://escapeitgrandview.com/

The Room – Escape the Speakeasy:

Description (from the company website): Welcome to the 1920’s, when prohibition is at its peak. Not that it stops anyone from having a drink or two. That’s where speakeasies, or underground bars, come into play. You and your friends have been hired by the owners of the best speakeasy in the city for a very important task: stop the police raid that is about to occur in the next 60 minutes AND get a hefty payout for your efforts. Do you have what it takes? Great for players of all ages and experience levels.

Difficulty (1-10): N/A

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $25 ($20 M-Th, after 5pm)

Identifier: R1

Party Size: Up to 10

Staging Area: Small lobby with a couch and table and some games to keep your hands busy

Metro Access/Parking: No idea about public transportation in Ohio; I drove from Dayton.

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 forgot to do a post room live video… 

Logistics:

Description of the room: The room is rather large as escape rooms go. There’s a poker table, pictures on the wall, a bar and stools, dart board, gramophone. Looks like an underground bar, honestly.

Understanding of the Mission: You have an inside man in the force and you need to figure out the code word to call him and stop the raid from happening.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 2:15

Our Suggested Party Size: 10 might be a bit much, so I would limit your group to 6ish

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

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

Jason stopped the Police raid and drank plenty.

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • La Tavola – this Italian restaurant is right next door and was delicious (and has a good beer selection)

Continue reading →

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 →

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 →

What’s the Difference Between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde…? – Room: Dr. Jekyll – October 27, 2018

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you’re a fan of Stevenson and like old science.

Avoid if… you’re afraid of transformations, allegory, or don’t like to read.

THE BASICS

Perplexodus Escapes

Address: 2501 W Market Street, Johnson City, TN 37604 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 423-491-8980
[email protected]
https://perplexodus.com

Room – Dr. Jekyll’s Laboratory:

Description (from the company website): Dr. Jekyll needs your help! He is transforming into Mr. Hyde much more often and he fears that he will soon be destined to remain as the hideous creature forever. Can you investigate within the laboratory and help him find the cure that will save him? Or will the same fate be your destiny?

Difficulty (1-10): Advanced

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $24 (ages 15+)/$20 (ages under 15), but use ERG25 when booking to get 25% off your tickets

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 3-10

Staging Area: Small lobby with standing room and restrooms through the briefing room (which is where most of the seating is).

Metro Access/Parking: We drove. I’ve no idea of the public transportation system down there.

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 begin in Dr. Jekyll’s lab. There’s your typical lab-found items, but you can see there’s a lot more than meets the eye (just without the Transformers).

Understanding of the Mission: Upon entering the lab, you need to decipher the clues left by Mr. Hyde and figure out how to get into the freezer in the back of the lab before it’s too late and the potion is ruined.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 12 minutes even

Our Suggested Party Size: 4-6 is sufficient for this escape

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph, Scott, Gordon (and his daughter whose name I can’t remember)

We helped Dr Jekyll keep himself out of trouble.
We helped Dr. Jekyll keep himself out of trouble.

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • 7 Hermanos – pretty good tex-mex restaurant we stopped in before the room

Continue reading →

This Great Room… Wasn’t. – Room: The Great Room – November 21, 2018 – FAILED!

~ Jason ~ 3 Comments

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you enjoy solving murders and holding hands.

Avoid if… you have bad knees or crippling fear of the unknown (or the dark).

THE BASICS

13th Hour Haunted House and Escape Rooms:

Address: 105 W Dewey Ave, Wharton, NJ 07885 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 862-244-4454
https://13thhour.com/escape-rooms/

Room: The Great Room:

Description (from the company website): This is the Hayden family’s room of murders. This section of the farmhouse is known as the Great Room. This massive section of the farmhouse will challenge your wits in all fashions. Multiple sections, secret passage ways, and puzzles you’ve never experienced before will have your team running mad. What terrible secrets lie within the Great Room? Just what were the Hayden family members up to? Just be warned you have only 60 minutes to complete the Great Room and save yourselves. Do you have what it takes? (ERG note: edited for grammar and punctuation).

Difficulty (1-10): N/A

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $29

Identifier: R1

Party Size: Up to 10

Staging Area: There isn’t much of a lobby here, so essentially when you walk in there’s a small area with a reception booth, and this is where we had our security briefing.

Metro Access/Parking: This is in Northern NJ in a warehouse, so you’ll need to drive in some way.

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: There’s a 2-story room you start in with a large table, columns holding up the upstairs, and a few doors.

Understanding of the Mission: “Save yourselves”

Did We Escape: No, and let me tell you why…

Time Remaining: See above

Our Suggested Party Size: 4-6 is more than enough.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph, Val, Stu (No picture was taken)

Worth the time and money? Yes and no. Again, let me tell you why…

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • This location is in the middle of nowhere (almost literally) so I have no idea. It was 10pm (ish) so we just went home.

Continue reading →

Losing is Never an Option – Room: The Lost Ruins – June 30, 2018

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you enjoy a challenge and don’t mind getting a little dirty.

Avoid if… you hate losing, have a fear of flying, or are claustrophobic.

THE BASICS

Red Door Escape Room:

Address: 8103 Rasor Blvd Suite #100, Plano, TX 75024 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 972-787-0085
https://www.reddoorescape.com/location/plano

Room – The Lost Ruins:

Description (from the company website): You’ve received a rather cryptic journal from your missing graduate professor, Dr. Summerlee. Gather your classmates, travel to his last known coordinates and locate him before the jungle… or, perhaps something worse, claims him.

Difficulty (1-10): Medium

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $32

Identifier: R1

Party Size: Up to 6v6

Staging Area: Lobby has plenty of seating, some games to keep your hands busy, and a brain teaser that, if I recall correctly, nets you 10% off.

Metro Access/Parking: It’s in a shopping center, but I don’t know anything about the public transit system down there. Drive or call 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 (apologies for the wind):

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 your (competitive) adventure in the remnants of a crash site and need to find your way out and through the series of rooms before the other team.

Understanding of the Mission: Find your Professor, or what he was searching before, before it’s too late and you become one with the jungle.

Did We Escape: Yes. We both won and lost, too. Read on.

Time Remaining: I don’t actually know but the other team beat us out of the room, but because they used a 4th clue (you only get 3), they lost 3 minutes off their time. So, we beat them, time-wise, by 90 seconds. (And we only used 2 clues.)

Our Suggested Party Size: We were a group of 6 (with 4 ERVs) against a group of 4 novices. I would highly recommend 4 as your minimum.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

Members of our team (other than the ERG): John, Rosemary, Jayden, Julian, Steph D.

Worth the time and money? Absolutely

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

Continue reading →