March 2018

Berlin Escape Review: Illuminati Escape

Reviews of Jackpot and Cyber Attack, two fun games set in an alternate world where the Illuminati reign. With logical puzzles, great set design and good flow I’d recommend both but Jackpot had the edge across the board.

Berlin Escape Review: Labyrintoom (The Cube)

A game that puts story and decoration to one side to focus on puzzles. If you’ve never played a “white room” before, then I think the surprise element here will impress but of the three I’ve played, this is my least favourite.

Berlin Escape Review: Cat in the Bag

A review of the three games we played at Cat in the Bag. Two fun games with reasonable theming and good puzzles plus one highly original game that unfortunately we hit a lot of problems with. Not high up my list in Berlin but definitely a solid venue.

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The Panic Room (Gravesend): Dino Land

An audacious experience with a huge space, impressive centrepieces and a guided format. This felt more an adventure than an escape room but still a great experience and one that I’d thoroughly recommend.

A morning in Oxford: City Mazes

A review of four games at City Mazes in Oxford, none of which I’d recommend. While there were interesting moments in some of the games, they were easily outweighed by major flaws.

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Escape Plan (London): The Battle for Britain

A game that I thoroughly enjoyed playing. It may lack some of the high-end decoration of some London venues, but it more than makes up for that with consistent theming, a striking centrepiece, plentiful puzzles and a tension-filled finale that will keep even the most experienced team stressed till the very end.

A morning in Bolton

A review of three rooms at No Exit in Bolton. The prettiest room was too easy, the logical room felt boring and the scary room had frustrating puzzles. Not a venue I’d highly recommend although for beginners The Tomb might work well.

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Make Your Escape (Derby): The Signal

A fun game that took a little while to get going, with an interesting twist and a couple of real highlights. I wouldn’t rave about the experience but if you’re heading along to play Spellbound then it’s a fun game to play alongside.

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Make Your Escape (Derby): Spellbound

A fun game, with pretty decorations and good puzzles. I can’t imagine what it would be like with the full ten people but, for the two of us, it was most definitely a rewarding experience and well worth the trip over to Derby.