Rating: Hard

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 →

Being Patient is Much Harder than Being “A” Patient – Room: The Patient – July 15, 2018

~ Mike K.

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you had psych as a GenEd in college.

Avoid if… being restrained is NOT your idea of a good time.

THE BASICS

Insomnia Escape DC:

Address: 2300 Wisconsin Ave NW, #200B, Washington, DC 20007 (click address for a Google Map)

Contact and Website: 202-600-0419
https://insomniaescaperoomdc.com/the-patient/

Room – The Patient:

Description (from the company website):

Detective thriller in a psychiatric hospital.
Investigate the mystery, but don’t lose your mind…

The early 1970s. You are a group of journalists sent to investigate strange things that happen around St. Elizabeth Psychiatric Hospital…

An unsettling atmosphere of a mental asylum and unexpected scenario twists in the new thriller detective escape room “The Patient.”

Difficulty (1-10): 9/10

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $29/per person

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 2-8

Staging Area: The staging area was basically a lobby with a few couches and a coat rack. Note: this part of their location is located DOWNSTAIRS to the left of the main entrance..

Metro Access/Parking: The nearest Metro stop is either Tenleytown or Woodley Park metro (and then a bus), so it’s likely easier to drive/cab/Lyft in. There is street parking and one or two garages nearby.

OUR EXPERIENCE

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

Logistics:

Description of the room: A small office in what appears to be a mental institution.

Understanding of the Mission: Using our journalistic investigative skills, figure out what’s happening at St. Elizabeth’s Psychiatric Hospital.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: About 4 minutes.

Our Suggested Party Size: 4 if you’re all experienced; otherwise, 6 will work fine.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Ethan, Steph D., and Heather

Worth the time and money? This room is billed as their best and hardest room, and it was challenging (but not impossible).

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • Old Europe. Authentic German food a few minutes walk. Been there twice.
  • Glover Park Brewery – A good brewery with a nice selection of beers. No food, but they cycle in food trucks so you can get some grub.

Continue reading →

The Sky is Falling! – Room: Tesla’s Legacy – August 11, 2018

~ Mike K.

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you are a science nerd or love your gadgets.

Avoid if… you don’t know the difference between alternating current and direct current.

THE BASICS

ExitGames – Escape Room Zagreb:

Address: Petrinjska ul. 7, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 011 (if dialing from outside Croatia), then 385 91 536 7376
http://www.exitgames.hr/en/
[email protected]

Room – Tesla’s Legacy:

Description (from the company website):

“Only one hour is left until a total world annihilation. Your team of experts is humanity’s only hope for survival. Will you have enough courage and cunning to save us all?”

Don’t worry, you are not alone. You have one of the greatest minds in history on your side, Nikola Tesla. Tesla’s legacy adventure offers a rich setting intertwined with specially designed puzzles submerging you into a wondrous world of fascinating mechanical devices. Strange noises and lights, weird contraptions and fun gadgets will both guide and distract you on your way to becoming a hero.

Choose this ExitGames adventure if you want to learn about one of history’s most fascinating minds and uncover some of his secrets that enabled him to invent machines light years ahead of his time and literally bring light to the world.

Difficulty: none given

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: Cost: Cash only in Croatian kuna is accepted
350 kuna for 2-3 people, about $47.10 per group ($23.55 or $15.70 per person)
450 kuna for 4-5 people, about $60.56 per group ($15.14 or $12.11 per person)
500 kuna for 6-7 people, about $67.29 per group ($11.22 or $9.61 per person)

Languages: Offered both in Croatian and English

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 2–7 people

Staging Area: A very comfortable lobby with plenty of seating.

Metro Access/Parking: This location is directly in the city center, right near Ban Jelačić Square. 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:

Logistics:

Description of the room: A large laboratory with tons of gadgets, a huge bookcase, and what appears to be a bar (it’s not… no liquor) on the side of the room. There is also a very large door on one side of the room.

Understanding of the Mission: There is a meteor hurtling towards Earth, with enough mass to produce a force upon contact that will destroy the entire planet. All nations of the world have banded together to try and stop it, to no avail.

There is only one hope left. Nikola Tesla

Did We Escape: Yes… with some help

Time Remaining: Technically 0:00, but the meteor “slowed down” as it approached Earth, giving us some extra time to solve the last few puzzles (they gave us some extra time since it was just the two of us)

Our Suggested Party Size: 4-6 would be a good number for your team

Did the room challenge the entire team? Oh. My. God. YES!!

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

Mike and Heather infiltrated Tesla’s laboratory in search of one of his experiments to save the Earth.

Worth the time and money? Absolutely, 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 →

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 →

Not Sure How I Mixed Up ‘Darkness’ and ‘Niagara’… – Room: Darkness Falls – June 16, 2018

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you’re a fan of slasher flicks and/or camping.

Avoid if… you’re scared of the dark, Friday the 13th, and/or Jason Voorhees.

THE BASICS

Locked In Escapes:

Address: 2760 N Academy Blvd, Suite 301, Colorado Springs, CO 80917 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: (719) 424-7066
https://lockedinescapes.com

Room – Darkness Falls:

Description (from the company website): People go missing. It is a fact of life in our chaotic world. This is especially true of The Rocky Mountain National Forest. Such a vast and open area of land is bound to swallow the lost, injured, and scared. But something has been different lately, especially around the stories that have been making their way out of the forest. Some say that there is something living in the forest, a mythical creature that kidnaps hunters and hikers. Others speculate that strange weather patterns are the cause of these missing people.

To you and your team of investigative journalists, it is all hogwash. Just tall tales. You report on facts, not fiction. Your phone rings, one of your journalists has found a lead. Finally, something that makes sense! It’s a tip indicating a location in the Rocky Mountain National Forest. Rousing your team, you all pack into a car and head out. Arriving you are surprised to find an old abandoned cabin. Walking inside your team begins to look around. Wrapped up in the excitement of the discovery of the cabin, you forgot to grab your camera and notepad. Making your way back to the door you grab the handle to open it. But it doesn’t open. It won’t even budge. Locked. Who could’ve locked it?

There is more to this cabin than you first thought, it must be the epicenter of the mysterious disappearances. With only 60 minutes until the sun sets, you and your team start searching for the clues. Can you escape before darkness falls?

Note: The room gets progressively darker as the timer ticks down.

Difficulty (1-10): N/A

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $30

Identifier: R1

Party Size: Up to 6

Staging Area: Small lobby with couches and lockers for your personal items

Metro Access/Parking: Don’t know much about public transit out in Colorado Springs, but there’s plenty of parking in the lot.

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 a woodsy cabin, complete with taxadermied animal heads, a fireplace, and a typewriter. Looks like someone rented it out so they could write the next great American novel. Then didn’t.

Understanding of the Mission: One of your colleagues has found a lead on what’s going on with all the missing hikers and such in the forest. You gather your things and get together with the rest of the lot and head on out to what you find to be an abandoned cabin. But…then you get locked inside, and you have 60 minutes before you are trapped forever.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 4:35 remaining

Our Suggested Party Size: 4 is sufficient, however you could do this with 2 if you had experienced gamers.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Mostly

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Marco, Holly, Wendy

We were able to save ourselves and radio to the Park Rangers to come get us!

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • We didn’t go anywhere after, so can’t give a recommendation.

Continue reading →

That’s One Way to Avoid Future Gas Hikes – Room: Death Row – June 15, 2018

~ Jason ~ 1 Comment

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you like to play detective.

Avoid if… you have an issue with capital punishment.

THE BASICS

Pike’s Peak Escape Rooms:

Address: 1826 East Platte Avenue, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 719-799-6661
https://www.pikespeakescaperooms.com

Room – Death Row:

Description (from the company website): Bobby Ray will be executed in one hour for a horrible crime. He claims he is INNOCENT! The Governor wants to get to the bottom and summons YOU to investigate.

Will YOU save an innocent life?

Difficulty (1-10): 8/10

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $30

Identifier: R1

Party Size: Up to 8

Staging Area: Small lobby with a few chairs and some…memorabilia.

Metro Access/Parking: Large lot behind the building, plenty of street 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:

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: Sheriffs office (desk, chairs, table), gas chamber.

Understanding of the Mission: Find all the evidence and figure out if Bobby Ray did it. And if not, who did.

Did We Escape: Yes, including solving the murder

Time Remaining: 11:22

Our Suggested Party Size: 4 would be a good spot for this.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes, but any more than 4 people and they may get bored.

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Marco and Holly

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • We went somewhere closer to home, so nothing to suggest here.

Continue reading →

We’ve Been Living “Shuttered” Lives – Room: The Shuttered Room – June 2, 2018

~ Mike K. ~ 1 Comment

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you ever wanted to be one of the “Ghost Hunters”.

Avoid if… old dolls creep you out. (Note: Mike did not know this prior to entering the room.)

THE BASICS

One Way Out Escape Rooms:

Address: 2264 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 434-329-7329
https://www.lynchburgescape.com

Room – The Shuttered Room: RETIRED

Description (from the company website): The Shuttered Room is a murder mystery where you play the part of a paranormal investigation team that’s been called in to investigate a creepy old mansion under new ownership. The new owners got more than they bargained for in the purchase. They’re at their wits’ end and you’re their only hope.

During your investigation you’ve discovered a hidden room in the cellar that seems to be the source of the disturbance. You’ll need to uncover the clues and solve the mystery before time runs out. Are you up for the challenge?

Difficulty: Hard

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $18 per person

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 2-6

Staging Area: A very large lobby with a reception desk, small fridge with bottled water (free to players), and some seating along the walls.

Metro Access/Parking: In Lynchburg, so you’ll have to drive or figure out the public transit system.

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 are in a creepy hidden room in the basement of a house with old toys and junk strewn around the room.

Understanding of the Mission: You are a team of paranormal experts who have been hired by the new owners of a very old house to find out what all the spooky disturbances are and how to get them to stop.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 10:35

Our Suggested Party Size: We had 3, which seemed to fit for our group (but we’re good friends and work together pretty well). We’d likely recommend at least 4.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

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

We solved the murder and were able to put the soul to rest.
We solved the mystery of the room and were able to put the soul to rest.

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

Continue reading →

Chasing the White Rabbit Almost Got Us Killed – Room: Return from Wonderland – May 26, 2018

~ Mike K. ~ 1 Comment

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you’ve ever fantasized about the fantastical world of Wonderland.

Avoid if… you don’t know a spade from a club.

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 – Return from Wonderland:

Description (from the company website): You’ve fallen down the rabbit hole just like Alice.  What strange creatures and environments will you encounter down there? You have 60 minutes to find your way out or you might be stuck in this strange world forever! Curiouser and curiouser…

Difficulty: Success Rate is 32.2%; average escape time is 48.51

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, VA, 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 start off in a room with multiple doors and not much else…

Understanding of the Mission: Like Alice, you’ve followed the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole and found yourselves in Wonderland. Unfortunately, getting into Wonderland is much easier than getting out. There is one portal that will allow you to return to the real world, but it closes in 60 minutes. Can you navigate through Wonderland, find the portal, and return home?

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 12:07 remaining

Our Suggested Party Size: We did well with 4 people, all of whom have done multiple rooms, but there is enough for 6 people to do.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

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

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 →

What Zodiac Sign Is Assigned to Most Serial Killers? – Room: The Zodiac – September 9, 2017

~ Mike K. ~ 1 Comment

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you enjoy screaming ‘bloody murder!’

Avoid if… the Zodiac Killer still haunts your dreams.

THE BASICS

Get A Clue Games:

Address: 8019 Corporate Dr Suite J, Nottingham, MD 21236 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 410-931-0580
[email protected]
https://www.getacluegames.com

Room – The Zodiac:

Description (from the company website): You finally got a lucky break as a journalist when you received a tip about the whereabouts of an active serial killer with a passion for the arts, especially photography. You’re eager to confirm this lead, warn the authorities and write an amazing follow up story. But you know this type of work proves beyond dangerous, so you chose not to go alone. Turns out your gut feeling was right. You weren’t the only one tipped off. The killer has been taunting the police and the press for years with unsolved riddles that lead nowhere and now you’re stuck right in the middle of it. After running through the forest for hours, you finally stumble upon what appears to be a cozy cabin. However, once inside, you realize you made a mistake. You hope your instincts can save you in time. Will you be able to find the right clues and get out before the killer returns?

Difficulty (1-10): n/a

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $28 (+ tax per person)

Identifier: R1

Party Size: Up to 10

Staging Area: Small lobby area with space for photos; conference room where room briefings are done.

Metro Access/Parking: This is over by White Marsh in a strip mall. Plenty of parking, but no 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:

Logistics:

Description of the room: Starts out as the outside of a cabin in the woods; then moves inside and looks like someone’s house.

Understanding of the Mission: We were to break into the house and find evidence to corroborate the lead we found.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 4:45

Our Suggested Party Size: We think the room can be done with 6-8. We had 6 with two Escape Room Virgins (ERVs)

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Eric, Devon, Heather, and Ress

Team Disturbed Friends (Jason, Eric, Devon, Mike and Heather) escaped the Zodiac serial killer with some time to spare!

Worth the time and money? Leaning toward no on this one. Read on.

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • We stopped at Chick-fil-a but there are a good number of sit down and fast food restaurants nearby.

Continue reading →

Winter Sucks, but a Nuclear Winter Sucks Even More – Room: Aftermath – April 22, 2018

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you have your own bunker or have one designed in your head.

Avoid if… the fear of being locked in an underground bunker by an automated computer system for the rest of your life makes you a little, um, well, uneasy.

THE BASICS

Exit Plan:

Address: 201 Royal St SE, Suite F, Leesburg, VA 20147 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 703-777-4710
https://exitplanva.com

The Room – Aftermath:

Description (from the company website): Earth’s nuclear holocaust is over and after several years the air is finally breathable again. The shelter Network has unlocked the airlock for one hour. If the airlock is not utilized in that hour, the Network will assume everyone is dead and seal the shelter forever. It is up to you to follow the clues and unravel the puzzles the Caretaker created to ensure his safety. In the end it led to his demise…will it lead to yours??

Difficulty (1-10): 8/10

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $29 per person – Use ERGUYS15 to get 15% off per person when booking your reservation for any of their rooms

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 2-8

Staging Area: EXIT Plan has a great reception area (two, actually) with lots of chairs. There is a large flight of stairs to reach the main lobby.

Metro Access/Parking: This spot is in downtown Leesburg in the historic district. Lots of street parking, and there is a small lot right behind Macdowell Brew Kitchen.

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 in a very bare bunker with nothing but a flashing light [Kill me now… -Jason] and a locker and some stuff on the walls, but that changes quickly (in our case, at least).

Understanding of the Mission: A very straightforward mission: find your way out of the bunker into the airlock so that you’re not sealed in forever.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 10:06 minutes

Our Suggested Party Size: This room is rated 2-8 people, and we had 6 experienced people, which should be good number.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

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

Team Disturbed Friends (Steph, Mike, Heather, Steph, and Jason) were able to emerge from the hidden bunker before being sealed in for eternity.

Worth the time and money? yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

Continue reading →