Hope EndThe Ministry Of PeculiaritiesEscape roomIRLAbsolutely amazing room, can see why it's at the top of lists. Story and immersion happens from the moment you step inside the building. Our live talent were fantastic, although me being a bit of the shy type probably didn't help, but they played along fantastically with the group and I. Puzzles were fantastic, everything is so well integrated with the room and the story. It really feels so much better than just a good story and good puzzles. A few elements to puzzles I have never seen before, and some very clever things that take a keen eye. There was even one twist I'd never seen before and was so excited about. Every escape room fan needs to do this room.
40 ThievesMindTrap Escape Room - TemeculaEscape roomIRLExtremely high tech, non linear room. Gives everyone something to do, but also adds to the difficulty fairly significantly. Puzzles themselves weren't terribly hard but the combination sorta was. Overall pretty fun though and very well integrated. Atmosphere is amazing, and pretty perfectly done. Story integrated well to it.
Time MachineNot Another Escape RoomEscape roomIRLUnfortunately this room is now closed, the addition of Morty web/android reviews coming too late, but might be one of the more surprisingly amazing rooms I've done. Atmosphere in some parts felt a little "low budget" but the overall puzzle and a few tricks for the flow of the room made it an amazing room to do. Story was well integrated with the puzzles, and a few surprise elements that made it fun. Hope they replace it with something just as good!
Treasure IslandBrain Games Escape RoomEscape roomIRLVery well done tribute to your favorite never say die group. Puzzles are all high tech, and a few are very fun, almost game-like, making it a very unique experience. A few do require an eagle eye to spot, which borderlines on always needing a hint imo, but who knows. Atmosphere is absolutely great, especially the final room. Might be one of my favorite rooms over all to have done.
The Weeping WitchCross Roads Escape GamesEscape roomIRLPuzzles were all over this room, pretty much everywhere you'd find elements of a puzzle somewhere. Room felt fairly non linear, and felt like everyone was working on something at some point. Story is also very well integrated and requires story points to be done as part of the room. Live actor was fantastic and will get those that are jumpy. Puzzles are pretty challenging, but also make sense, so no obscurity. If you like Halloween haunts and such, this room will be great.
Winnie The PoohMindTrap Escape Room - MurrietaEscape roomIRLVery cute, well done room. Puzzles aren't particularly difficult but the story is well integrated and the room effects are amazing. It's like playing a Winnie the Pooh story! Anyone who loves Pooh will enjoy this for sure. Puzzles are high tech, but also well integrated, such that they don't feel techy, and simply integrated to the room well.
The Hex RoomCross Roads Escape GamesEscape roomIRLVery unique layout to this room. The first time I did this about 5-6 years ago we escaped with plenty of time. This 2nd time, we did not. This room requires everyone to be on their A game, so anyone who can't solve puzzles on their own is going to be a detriment. It's layout also can be moderately high stress. Story is great, and the puzzles across the board are well done. Even their integration is pretty unique to how your escape experience will be. I really want to go back again sometime to try with the group I've been doing escape rooms with again.
The Bridge BetweenQuest TavernEscape roomIRLVery fun room, puzzles are very well done. Non linear puzzle layout, which they did explain there. Everything felt relevant, and solidly well laid out. Hint system, even though we didn't use it is very clever. Ending is very fun and cute. Highly recommend.
The 13th BasementThe Exit Game AnaheimEscape roomIRLSolidly well done room, with a moderately unique start. Puzzles are well integrated throughout the entirety. A few jumpscare-ish elements, and some puzzles that 100% require teamwork to solve. All are well integrated into the nature of the room, so no complaints there. Puzzles are made slightly more difficult by the teamwork element needed, but weren't terribly difficult. Overall fun to do though, especially if some of your group is a little jumpy.
The Curse Of The Black KnightEscapeX Rooms IrvineEscape roomIRLPretty practical room, very well done atmosphere. Puzzles are well laid out and well integrated. There is some tech involved, but most are fairly physical puzzles. Slightly cramped quarters in some parts enough so that you won't get more than 2 people into certain areas at a time. Overall enjoyable.
