Rating: Normal

Was it a-MAZE-ing? Read on! – Room: The Maze: Curse of the Dragon– August 7, 2022

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… like being outside, enjoy mazes, or fantasy is your bag.

Avoid if… you dislike nature or mosquitos.

THE BASICS

Escape Woods:

Address: 628 Sleepy Hollow Road Powder Springs GA 30127 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 770-880-8846
https://www.escapewoods.com/our-escapes

The Room – The Maze: Curse of the Dragon:

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

Worth the time and money? No

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • We went home and had pizza after.

Continue reading →

No fish and chips, just death and taxes… – Room: Murder in London – November 29, 2020

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you enjoy solving murders, want to be a Bobby, and like climbing through windows..

Avoid if… you dislike telephone booths, bars, or alleyways.

THE BASICS

Time Emporium Escape Rooms:

Address: 391 Denver Ave, Loveland, CO 80537 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 970-619-8639
https://time-emporium.com

The Room – Wizard’s Tower:

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.

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

Continue reading →

Not Sure if This Was Better or Worse Than Montezuma’s Revenge… Room: Pharaoh’s Revenge – October 16, 2020

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you enjoy Egyptian themes, pharaohs fascinate you, or you “enjoy” being entombed.

Avoid if… none of the above speaks to you or you are afraid of the ancient dead.

THE BASICS

The 47 Seals

Address: 1513 E Mulberry St, Fort Collins, CO 80524 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 970-472-8000
https://www.the47seals.com

The Room – Pharaoh’s Revenge:

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:

Uncovering the Family Jewels – Game: Legacy Episode 2: Hellas – July 19, 2020

~ Jason

ESCAPE GAME REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you’ve always wondered if your family had a secret stash.

Avoid if… you don’t take advantage of local pamphlets and brochures while on vacation.

THE BASICS

Argyx Games

Developer Website: https://www.argyxgames.com/

The Game: Legacy: Quest for a Family Treasure – Episode 2: Hellas

Description (from the company website): Marseille, Fall 2019. You receive the letter of a notary that comes with a mysterious black box. In his last will, your estranged father reveals the existence of a family treasure, hidden somewhere in Europe. To find it, he leaves you objects and documents that belonged to him as well as to your ancestor. You have to shed light on the past in order to be able to claim your inheritance… (see their video below)

Difficulty (1-10): N/A

Time Limit: None, but typically completed in 60-90 minutes on average

Cost: $56 to $119, depending on which package you back on Kickstarter

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 2-4 people

OUR EXPERIENCE

Note: The ERG were given the opportunity to try out this game 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 game: We’re not going to go into detail here as it’s basically a surprise for you. Our promotional game, however, came in a blue paper envelope from Argyx in Paris. Your game will come in the black box shown on the KickStarter page.

Understanding of the Mission: First, keep in mind that Hellas is game 2 in this set. Its story continues the one you complete in Eiffel 1889 (which is also a slightly longer game than Hellas). In Eiffel 1889, you were trying to find the identity of a lost ancestor. In Hellas, you need to take what you learned and discover the location of said ancestors buried fortune. There are 5 distinct tasks for you to complete to do so.

How Much Space is Needed: 4-6 sq.ft. is sufficient for the materials, plus space for a laptop or tablet.

Age Appropriate: It’s rated 14+. There’s nothing inappropriate in Hellas.

Did We “Escape”: Yep!

Time Remaining: We finished in about 1:15 (it should take you 60-90 minute on average). Yay, we’re average!

Our Suggested Party Size: 2-4 for sure

Did the room challenge the entire team? Mostly

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

Worth the time and money? This is a loaded question. The price is pretty steep for a take home game ($57/€47), BUT that gets you 2 games (Eiffel 1889 and Hellas (this one)) and all the stretch goals of the campaign (which includes, at the time of this writing, 1 additional document for Eiffel 1889 and one for Hellas (which is another puzzle)). That comes out to roughly 2-3 hours of total game time.

Continue reading →

It Was Dinner and a Show…And MURDER… – Room: Homicide Hotel – Room 303 – June 7, 2020

A look at your lodging...
~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you enjoy horror movies, are intrigued by whodunits, and love a good thriller.

Avoid if… you dislike confined spaces, scare easily, or feel like somebody’s watching you…

THE BASICS

303 Escape

Address: 8805 Fox Dr, #100, Thornton, CO 80260 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 303-568-9861
https://303escape.com

The Room – Room 303:

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...
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. 🙁

Worth the time and money? Absolutely

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

Continue reading →

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 →

Abracapocus! Hocus Cadabra! – Room: KAZAM! – February 17, 2019

~ Jason

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you had a magic kit as a kid

Avoid if… you are always trying to find the spoiler behind the trick.

THE BASICS

Puzzah! – Denver location:

Address: 1440 Blake St, #150, Denver, CO 80202 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 303-534-5477
https://www.puzzah.com/denver/

The Room – Kazam!:

Description (from the company website): Welcome to Kellar Kazam’s attic, filled with clocks and magical delights. Armed with only a pair of special glasses, you have to unravel the mystery of Kazam’s disappearance. Skilled apprentices may unlock bonus challenges concealed among his personal effects. Are you worthy of carrying on his legacy?

Mission Objectives:

    • Standard – Open the secret clock
    • Advanced – Solve Kazam’s mystery
    • Expert – Reveal bonus puzzles

Difficulty (1-10): Medium-Hard

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $27

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 2-5

Staging Area: This place has a nice entryway and desk that opens to a large lobby with tables and seating. Restrooms are towards the back of the main room.

Metro Access/Parking: We don’t purport to know anything about the public transit system, but there is a municipal lot on the corner and street parking if you can get it.

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: A small room that looks like an attic that is filled with magical memorabilia.

Understanding of the Mission: Find out what happened to Kellar Kazam, who disappeared during his final show, and prove yourselves worthy of being his apprentices.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 4:55 remaining, however, we solved ALL of the bonus puzzles (aka BUZZLES!!)

Our Suggested Party Size: 4-5, the recommendation, was good. It got a little crowded at times, but we made it work.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

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

Worth the time and money? Absolutely!

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

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 →