Historical

What’s the Point of Being Tomb Raiders without Lara Croft? – Adventure: Tomb – February 3, 2019

~ Mike K.

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you ever regretted not becoming an archaeologist.

Avoid if… dark tombs just make you think of curses.

THE BASICS

5 Wits Adventures – Arlington:

Address: Ballston Quarter Mall, 3rd Floor, 4238 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 703-997-9694
https://5-wits.com/arlington/

The Room – Tomb:

Description (from the company website):

The original 5 Wits adventure, Tomb has thrilled more than a million guests since it first appeared in Boston in 2004.

Your group takes on the role of a team of archaeologists, tasked with unsealing the newly-discovered tomb of a long forgotten Pharaoh. Once inside its pitch black halls, you’ll have only your wits and a flashlight to guide you. But tread carefully – the mighty Pharaoh is not happy with your intrusion into his resting place!

This tomb is filled with ancient riddles, deathtraps to outsmart, and tests of skill and courage. It’s up to you solve Pharaoh’s challenges, find his burial chamber, and set his spirit free… or fail, and face his wrath.

Difficulty (1-10): none given

Time Limit: 30 minutes

Cost: is based on how many adventures you purchase:

    • 3 adventures: $39.99 per person (can use over different days/doesn’t expire)
    • 2 adventures: $36.99 per person
    • 1 adventure: $29.99 per person

Identifier: R1

Party Size: Minimum of 2; maximum of 12

Staging Area: There is a very large lobby where you can check out previous groups’ scores and buy some merchandise. Additionally, they have party rooms for corporate/private events.

Metro Access/Parking: It’s in Ballston Quarter Mall so you can take the metro to the Ballston-MU Station, or drive and park in the parking lot (or on the street).

OUR EXPERIENCE

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

This is the video we took just after we completed the adventure:

Note: The ERG were given the opportunity to try out this adventure for free, with the understanding that we would continue to provide an honest review and follow the same process that we’ve used on all of our other ratings.

Logistics:

Description of the room: You start off outside a tomb entrance and have to find your way inside. Once you do, you are in a large antechamber that is sparsely decorated with items.

Understanding of the Mission: Figure out how to enter the tomb, make your way through the tomb by solving the Pharaoh’s riddles, and find a way to release the Pharaoh’s trapped spirit… or spend eternity trapped with him.

Did We Escape: Yes

Scores: 99% with two secrets found

Our Suggested Party Size: 8 worked okay, but you can probably do 6 if you are all experienced players

Did the adventure challenge the entire team? Yes

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Heather, Brittany, Corey, Tara, Eric, and Steph D.

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • Punch Bowl Social – it’s less than a 30 second walk from 5 Wits and has good food and drinks and more games, if you haven’t had enough

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Heavy is the Head That Wears the Crown – Room: Robin Hood – August 11, 2018

~ Mike K.

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you’ve ever pretended to be Robin Hood (or an archer)

Avoid if… you hate despots.

THE BASICS

Escape Art Zagreb:

Address: Draškovićeva 2nd floor ul. 53, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 011 (if dialing from outside Croatia), then 385 91 923 1248
www.escapeart.hr

Room – Robin Hood:

Description (from the company website): Be the hero. Save the Kingdom!

The Sherwood forest

Nature’s little gem, located in Nottinghamshire. If you ever find yourself there, you may stumble upon a man in green, armed with a longbow. If you are honest and humble, have no fear, you won’t be hurt. Au contraire, you’ll be invited to share a meal. But, if you are greedy and sneaky, be careful when riding through the woods, because you might end up riding your horse backwards back to town. Buck naked, and penniless.

Who does that, you might ask? A rebel in lincoln green tights, Robin Hood. And his unavoidable band of Merry Men. Well, techincally, Robin might be a thief, but he is no common criminal. “No honor among thieves” does not apply to this rebel. He takes from the rich and gives to the poor. Although an outlaw, he is a strong supporter of the rightful king. Especially king Richard the Lionhearted.

But, to make things even more interesting, every kingdom has to have some bad guys. In this case, the culprits are greedy, corrupted Sheriff and prince John, conniving usurper brother of the king. Those two often keep Robin occupied, with their tireless plots and attempts of stealing the crown and taking the throne.

Robin Hood

A witty heroic outlaw. Highly skilled archer and swordsman. Takes from the rich and gives to the poor. Usually seen hanging out with his gang, the Merry Men, near hollow oak trees. Very much in love in lady Marion. All together, a good guy.

King Richard the Lionhearted

A valiant, competent military fighter. Wise and noble ruler. Courageous and generous. The ideal king – kind and considerate of his subjects. Compassionate man who takes good care of his whole kingdom. Also a good guy.

The Sheriff of Nottingham

Robin’s archnemesis. Greedy bastard, who abuses his authority. Rotten apple of the kingdom. Pompous, arrogant and manipulative. Also in love with Marion, the love od Robin Hood’s life. Definitely not a good guy.

The Merry Men

Robin’s band of outlaws. Trained fighters. Loyal and jolly.

Little John: Robin’s right hand. The tallest man in the group.

Friar Tuck: A Holy man who eats a lot, drinks a lot and swears a lot.

Will Scarlett: A musical, fashion obsessed dandy. Trusted friend and a merciless fighter.

Maid Marion: Beautiful, skilled swordswoman, trustworthy spy. Robin Hood’s true love.

Much, The Miller’s Son: Young, innocent and not too bright. Loyal to the bone.

The crown is stolen!

This is not the case of whodunit, because we already know who to blame for this – those two little weasels, Prince John and his shifty pal, Sheriff of Nottingham. Rumor has it that the crown is hidden somewhere in Sheriff’s office. Unfortunately, Robin is not in town at the moment, so it is up to you, his band of Merry Men, to fight this fight and make things right.

Luckily for you, those two are hungry little bastards, and they went out to the nearest tavern for lunch, to celebrate. But they’ll be back in 60 minutes! Get your detective cape on and jump into this window of opportunity!

Find the crown. Save the Kingdom!

No pressure.

Difficulty: 3 of 3 stars

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: Cost: Cash only in Croatian kuna is accepted
150 kuna per person for 2 people, about $23.14 each
100 kuna per person for 3-4 people, about $15.43 each
90 kuna per person for 4 people, about $13.89 each
75 kuna per person for 5 people, about $11.57 each

Languages: Offered both in Croatian and English

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 2–6 people

Staging Area: A very comfortable seating area, and you are offered a beverage before you go in the room.

Metro Access/Parking: This location is on the second floor of a building down in the city center. Uber works well in Zagreb.

OUR EXPERIENCE

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: The Sheriff of Nottingham’s office, complete with medieval weapons, barrels, a desk, and some heavy doors. Check out the photos (found on Escape Art Zagreb’s website) below:

Understanding of the Mission: Prince John and his sycophant, The Sheriff of Nottingham, have stolen King Richard’s crown while he’s off fighting in the crusades. As a King Richard loyalist, you have to rescue the crown before it gives Prince John any ideas of seizing full control of the kingdom as well (and not simply acting as regent).

Did We Escape: yes… and no (see below)

Time Remaining: not applicable – we essentially did a walkthrough of this room where we played the room, but got hinted right away or told the solution (if it was a math puzzle or required a lot of calculation) since we had another room booked at a different location, but really, really wanted to check this out before we left. We’re glad we did.

Our Suggested Party Size: 6 would work fine

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

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

Worth the time and money? 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!)

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Who Wants to Live Forever, Anyway? – Room: The Alchemist – October 12, 2018

~ Jason ~ 1 Comment

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you’ve got the Midas touch.

Avoid if… you think that the Philosopher’s Stone originated with Harry Potter.

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/secret-society

Room – The Alchemist:

Description (from the company website): A perfect library with floor to ceiling bookshelves. The smell of old books that lingers here is distinctive, but it is hard to know exactly what creates the nostalgic aroma. The room looks like the place where Goldfinger would stockpile gold reserves. Oh, wait… Have I just said gold?

Well, that is right. Probably you have heard that the Order of the Alchemists has finally created the Philosopher’s Stone. The secret gathering of the Order is arranged to take control of the World with this powerful artifact. You are sneaking into the library of the Master of the Order just 60 minutes before the Order members will start arriving. You are the last hope of mankind, you have to stop them.

Our escape room could be filled with enough comfy chairs and reading material to call itself DC’s best-hidden library but you will not have time for such mundane activities anyway. This is the place where the Order of the Alchemist keeps their secret documents and your task it to find the Stone.

The Alchemist is an innovative escape room here in DC. Once you and a group of your friends cross the threshold, you are transported into a different world. Can you escape the library before the members of the Order come for you? Can you find the Stone before it is too late?

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 couch, coat closet, and a water cooler.

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:

This is the video we took just after we completed the room:

Logistics:

Description: Instead of describing it, we have a picture! (posted with permission from Insomnia Escape DC)

This is a view of the room from the entryway.
This is a view of the room from the entryway.

Understanding of the Mission: Pretty straightforward. Find the hidden Philosopher’s Stone before he comes back and catches you.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 13 minutes.

Our Suggested Party Size: We had 6; 4-6 should be perfect.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Not particularly

Members of the team (other than the ERG): Steph D, Heather, Rosemary, and Don

Worth the time and money? This room had previously been billed as their best and hardest room. We can tell you it’s certainly not the hardest.

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • Old Europe. Authentic German food a few minutes walk. Been there twice.

Continue reading →

He Lost Something, But It Wasn’t His Mind… – Room: Search for the Lost Professor – June 2, 2018

~ Mike K. ~ 2 Comments

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you’ve ever wanted to explore an ancient Maya/Aztec/Incan ruin.

Avoid if… you truly believed that the world was going to end on December 21, 2012 (the end of the 5,125 year Maya calendar).

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 – Search for the Lost Professor:

Description (from the company website): World renowned archaeologist, Professor Wayne Marshall, went missing in the 50s and you have just come across his old research notes hidden in the old Archaeology building on campus. Rumors have circulated around the college since his disappearance.

Reading through the Professor’s notes you find evidence of a major discovery deep in a South American jungle. With this information, you’ve packed your bags, plotted a course for a long-lost temple. If you can find it and what happened to Professor Marshall you will add your names to the pages of history, but only if you make it out alive.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $18 per person

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 2-10

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: This is 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:

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 enter a very dimly lit stone-walled tomb with artifacts all around. The website tells you that the room will be very dark, so if you wear glasses make sure and bring them.

Understanding of the Mission: Find out what happened to Professor Marshall and escape within 60 minutes to make names for yourselves as renowned archaeologists, or be trapped in the tomb forever.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 19:40

Our Suggested Party Size: We had 3, which may be too few based on the number and complexity of the puzzles. 5-6 would be a good fit.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

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

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

Continue reading →

We have the Holy Hand Grenade, Sire! – Room: Kings Ransom – August 17, 2017

~ Jason ~ 1 Comment

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you love English history, or Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Avoid if… you are useless in a hostage situation.

THE BASICS

Escape Quest Inc:

Address: 1127 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 703-574-8175
alexandria@escapequestdc.com
https://escapequestdc.com/

The Room – King’s Ransom:

Description (from the company website): You and your friends are locked inside the King’s royal chambers, tasked with finding a hidden coffer of gold and saving the King from certain death. His chambers are riddled with secrets and hide his most valuable assets. See their video trailer below.

Difficulty (1-10): 8/10

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $34

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 2-10

Staging Area: Lobby has a lot of space to sit on couches and chairs, and the tables have a few puzzles to work on and get your mind revved up before starting your room. The front desk attendant will also offer a small bottle of water. Restrooms are right next to the lobby.

Metro Access/Parking: King Street metro w/ a .4 mile walk (or take the free King Street Trolley to N. Payne St.); street/garage 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 walk in and there’s a giant table in the middle, a throne, fireplace, and other items relevant to the time period.

Understanding of the Mission: The King has been kidnapped (gasp!) and it’s up to you and your friends to figure out where the gold is hidden to pay his kidnappers for his safe return.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 25:33

Our Suggested Party Size: 5-6 should work fine if you all have done rooms before.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

Members of our team (other than the ERG): JJ & Kristy, Sara & Eric, Mark, Alphoso, Margaret, Eric

Team Disturbed Friends (JJ, Kristy, Sara, Eric, Mike, Eric, Margaret, Jason, Alphonso, and Mark) found the treasure and were able to ransom the king!

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • Eamonn’s A Dublin Chipper – a great place to stop for some fish ‘n chips, and a nice cold beer.
  • Vermillion – stop in for a drink and some appetizers.
  • But, it’s Old Town and there are tons of places to eat and drink.

Continue reading →

The Games People Play… Room: The Game Museum: Evolution of Gaming – October 30, 2017 – PLAY-TESTED

~ Jason ~ 1 Comment

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you’ve been gaming your entire life. Or a part of it. Or you just like games.

Avoid if… you think board games are for kids, or are so competitive at Monopoly that your friends/family won’t play with you anymore (remember: Escape Rooms are cooperative experiences).

THE BASICS

Clue Carré: Metairie Location:

Address: 2712 Athania Parkway, Metarie, LA 70002 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 504-667-2583
https://www.cluecarre.com

Room – The Game Museum:

Description (from the company website): Welcome to the Evolution of Games exhibit at the Clue Carré Musuem of Games. As humanity has evolved over the centuries, so has our ability to fulfill possibly our most primal need: to play games. From thousand-year old games like Go and Mancala through today’s video and virtual-reality simulations, we have filled our free time with cards, boards, dice, and all manner of monsters to defeat. This time, the monsters are the games themselves. Can you play through the millennia of game history in under an hour, or will you be left staring at the two most dreaded words in history: GAME OVER?

Difficulty (1-10): N/A

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $28

Identifier: R1

Party Size: Up to 8

Staging Area: The location is on a residential street, so look for the sign. The seating area is comfortably set with couches and chairs. We are told that a private room for parties is in the works as well if you want to book your corporate event there.

Metro Access/Parking: You’ll need to Lyft/Uber unless you are local and have a car. Street parking may be limited.

OUR EXPERIENCE

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: It literally looks like a museum exhibit. As you scan the room, there are games posted to the walls with descriptions of each, along with a logical timeline from Stone Age dice all the way up to the present.

Understanding of the Mission: We’ve entered the museum exhibit and have to play all the games and beat the room within our hour-long tour before the next group gets its opportunity.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 6:15

Our Suggested Party Size: 4-6 is perfect. This room *can* be done with 1, but it would be very time consuming and you likely wouldn’t finish in time (there is a LOT to do in this room).

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

Members of our team (other than the ERG): None

The ERG got to play test this really cool room down in Metairie, LA (while we were on vacation in New Orleans for Halloween).

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

  • We’re not local, so we suggest Google. There is a shopping center nearby, so there are likely lots of places to chow down and get some drinks.

Continue reading →

That’s Not an Oversized Turkey Leg They’re Eating! – Room: Prehistoric Room – April 20, 2017

~ Mike K.

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you like the Flintstones and fuzzy pelts.

Avoid if… you’ve ever been worried about being eaten first in a situation where cannibalism is in play.

THE BASICS

PanIQ Escape Room Washington DC:

Address: 3283 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: (202) 735-0485
https://paniqescaperoom.com/washington-dc/escape-rooms/prehistoric
dc@paniqroom.com

The Room – Prehistoric Room:

Description (from the company website): You and your buddies are prehistoric cavemen in 6,000 BC. Your group encountered a hostile tribe of cannibal cavemen. They’ve taken you back to their lair where you are being held captive. The tribe is out hunting but will be back before the Sun sets. You have 60 minutes to escape or become caveman chowder.

Difficulty (1-10): 3.5/5

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $24-36 (+ tax per person) (varies based on number of players)

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 2-7

Staging Area: First, ring doorbell to gain entry. Rooms are on the 3rd floor of the building. Small waiting area with couches and water cooler. Enough space for 1 team to hang out while they wait, but additional seating in stairwell area.

Metro Access/Parking: Rosslyn metro and then a .9 mile walk across the Key Bridge. It’s Georgetown, so parking can be difficult (so definitely carpool and use the parking garage for Georgetown Mall (at Wisconsin and M, head down the hill towards K Street). We suggest Uber or 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 a tribal campground locked in a cage.

Understanding of the Mission: Escape the cannibal tribe’s lair or become caveman chowder

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 15:30

Our Suggested Party Size: 6 was good, but 4-5 would have probably been better

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes, but space – at times – limited the number of people who could work on the different puzzles.

Members of our team (other than the ERG): David, Tara and Steph.

Team Disturbed Friends (David, Tara, Jason, Steph and Mike) avoided becoming caveman chowder! Photo courtesy of PanIQ Escape Room.

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After: It’s Georgetown, so there are tons of places to have dinner or grab a drink.

Continue reading →

We Stole the da Vinci Code(x)! – Room: da Vinci’s Workshop – March 18, 2017 – PLAY-TESTED

~ Mike K. ~ 2 Comments

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you like art and crazy inventions.

Avoid if… you think the da Vinci Code was overrated or have an unnatural hatred for Renaissance Italy.

THE BASICS

Escape Room Woodbridge:

Address: 12668 Darby Brooke Ct., Woodbridge, VA 22192 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 703-910-6015
www.escaperoomwoodbridgeva.com

The Room – Da Vinci’s Workshop: RETIRED

Description (from the company website): As a rival inventor, you’ve been eager to discover the secrets of this mastermind. Now it’s your turn to get into his workshop and steal his sacred codex before he returns. Can you outsmart Leonardo?

Difficulty (1-10): no rating given

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $28 per person + tax. – Use ERGUYS when booking to get either a percentage or set $$ amount off per ticket (whatever promotion is running)

Identifier: N1 – replaces the Adventures in Wonderland room

Party Size: 6 people max

Staging Area: Simple sitting area with couches. Restrooms are located in the back of the building past the Escape Rooms.

Metro Access/Parking: No metro access. This company is located in a shopping center and has ample parking. Watch traffic delays on I-95 and leave ample time to get there.

OUR EXPERIENCE

Note: The ERG were invited by Escape Room Woodbridge to playtest this room before opening to the public. We provided feedback once we completed the room. Our review below is based on our experience as it was during the playtest, so some items may have been altered prior to the room opening.

Logistics:

Description of the room: You enter a room decorated like da Vinci’s workshop (plaster walls with some exposed brick) and decorated with artwork, inventions, scrolls of drawings, and some furniture.

Understanding of the Mission: Infiltrate Leonardo da Vinci’s workshop, solve the puzzles, and find his hidden codex (containing sketches of his inventions and plans).

Did We Escape: Yup

Time Remaining: 4:19

Our Suggested Party Size: 4-6

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Mark, Eric and Alphonzo

Team Disturbed Friends (Jason, Mark, Mike, Eric and Alphonzo) found da Vinci’s hidden codex! Photo courtesy of Escape Room Woodbridge’s Facebook page.

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

Continue reading →