We Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Tracks – Room: The Great Train Heist – May 25, 2019 – FAILED!

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you wish you were a gun-slinging, train-robbing, son of a gun.

Avoid if… you get motion sickness (from the trains, of course) or you’re a goody two-shoes.


THE BASICS

Amazing Escape Room (Freehold):

Address: 2 Monmouth Avenue, Freehold NJ 07728 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 732-333-0448
https://amazingescaperoom.com/freehold/

The Room: The Great Train Heist:

Description (from the company website): The year is 1865 and you’re in the height of the Railroad Boom. The big tycoon and well known snake oil salesman, Thomas “Doc” Durant, has just come through your small town promising everyone vast riches and the cure to all their woes.

Doc is a real swindler and has secretly robbed the town’s bank, leaving everyone penniless. Tonight, he plans to sneak out of town on his personal train right after the big poker game at the Phoenix Saloon. You have 60 minutes to break into Durant’s train and save the town by taking back the cash.

Difficulty (1-10): N/A but we were told it was their hardest one

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $28

Identifier: R1

Party Size: up to 10

Staging Area: Lobby is mostly standing room but plenty of space. There is a mini-game on one of the walls that will essentially teach you how to use most of the locks you may encounter.

Metro Access/Parking: There is a parking lot for the facility (and the other stores there). We suggest driving or 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 off in the car of a train fully equipped with a bar, some seating and tables, and paraphernalia you would expect in an old west saloon.

Understanding of the Mission: Solve all the puzzles left behind to determine the whereabouts of the money stolen so it can be returned to its rightful owners.

Did We Escape: NO, and we’re still pretty pissed about it.

Time Remaining: 🙁

Our Suggested Party Size: There’s definitely enough room for 10 but we suggest you limit your group to 6-8.

Did the room challenge the entire team? For the most part

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Val, Steph, and 4 strangers

Worth the time and money? If they clean up the inconsistencies and tighten the clues, then yes.

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • Chili’s – we went there for a quick bite and some drinks after; it’s 5 minutes away

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Pretty Sure This Was a Spaghetti Western… – Room: Wild West – May 12, 2018

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you enjoy one whiskey, one scotch, one beer.

Avoid if… you hated Back to the Future or think time travel is stupid.


THE BASICS

Amazing Escape Room:

Address: 2 Monmouth Avenue, Freehold, NJ 07728 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 732-333-0448
https://amazingescaperoom.com/freehold/

Room – Wild West:

Description (from the company website): Step on through the swingin’ doors and transport yerselves back to the late 1800’s town of Santa Fe. The American frontier held much promise for those who could make their way to the other side of the Mississippi. Survival of the fittest is the law of the land in these here parts. But something feels off in the Old West. Figure out what ain’t right and skedaddle before time runs out. Ready those quick reflexes and that sharp wit, ’cause this duel at high noon ain’t yer normal showdown.

Difficulty (1-10): Not rated

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $28

Identifier: R1

Party Size: Up to 8

Staging Area: The lobby has a bench, a water cooler, and a handful of locks on the wall with a story that somewhat teaches you how to use them.

Metro Access/Parking: It’s in NJ. Drive or get a cab/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:

Logistics:

Description of the room: The room looks like a saloon, wanted posters and all, but is severely lacking in bar-room furniture (other than the 3 bar stools).

Understanding of the Mission: Find your way into a mad scientist’s lab and disarm a bomb. (Wait, what?)

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: Under 10 minutes (watch the videos)

Our Suggested Party Size: No more than 4. The room is rated up to 8, but really you can do this with 2-4 easily.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Not particularly.

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

Just the 2 of us this time, Jason and Valerie.

Worth the time and money? Yes and no

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • There are a bunch of restaurants nearby (Japanese, Chili’s, tex-mex); Google Maps to the rescue!

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