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!

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.

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We’ll Take that Coding Error Any Day – Room: Glitch – December 1, 2018

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you enjoyed the first Matrix movie and aren’t turned off by stark white rooms.

Avoid if… you get anxious being in a stark white room that doesn’t have a lot to look at.


THE BASICS

Escape Room Arlington:

Address: 2301 Columbia Pike, Suite C, Arlington, VA 22204 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 703-232-2546
https://www.escaperoomarlington.com

The Room

Description (from the company website): Have you ever had a dream, that you were stuck in an escape room, that you were so sure was real? What if you were unable to wake from that dream and unable to escape? How would you know the difference between the dream world and the escape room you’re trapped in? Jump down the rabbit hole and find out.

Difficulty: Not rated

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $28

Identifier: R1

Party Size: Up to 8 players

Staging Area: There is a large lobby with very comfy couches and the check-in desk. There are also tables with chairs along the hallway. Sodas and waters are complimentary.

Metro Access/Parking: Pentagon City Metro is 1.6 miles away, so we suggest you take the bus, Uber, or Lyft. However, there is a parking garage and some on-street parking if you decide to drive.


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: The room you enter is stark white, has a number of panels along the walls, and some framed artwork. There is also a table in the center. Very minimalist.

Understanding of the Mission: You are trapped in a computer program and have to figure out how to crash it so you can escape back to “reality”.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 15 minutes

Our Suggested Party Size: We had a full contingent for the room (party size of 8) and that actually worked pretty well. There is a lot more to this room than meets the eye.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes, and we had a mixture of veterans and Escape Room Newbies (ERNs)

Members of our team (other than the ERG): Lisa and her team

Did the Escape Room Guys and their team find their way out of the digital world?

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After: You’re on the main strip of Columbia Pike, so there are a lot of restaurant and bar options to choose from.

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Well, That Was Certainly Fishy – Room: Bowl Voyage – April 30, 2018

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you have one of those lights in your bedroom that makes it seem like you’re sleeping under the ocean.

Avoid if… shimmering lights make you queasy.


THE BASICS

Room Escape DC:

Address: 3949A University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 703-270-0377
https://roomescapedc.com/

Room – Bowl Voyage:

Description (from the company website):You and your teammates are the prized collection of Wilfred Larium, senior citizen and rare fish collector. You live happily in his aquarium, for fish, but stormy waters are on their way: Larium’s rambunctious granddaughter, Lily, is on her way to his house for a visit. The last time she visited, Wilfred gave her a choice of any of his fish to take home with her. You never saw the last pick once he was selected, but the look of horror on his face when placed in the energetic hands of Lily will haunt you forever.

The only way to escape is to find a way to get Wilfred to take you out of the tank so you can make make your way into the sewer line before Lily arrives. Do you have what it takes to escape the chaotic kid before you’re sleeping with the fishes?

Difficulty (1-10)1/3

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $27 per person, but use ERG15 to save 15% off your price on games booked between Mondays and Thursdays

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 2-4 people

Staging Area: Small-ish lobby with plenty of seating and vending machines

Metro Access/Parking: No metro access, but ample garage/lot 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:

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 small room that has swimming lights and is decorated like a fish tank.

Understanding of the Mission: Find out a way to have your owner take you out of the aquarium so you can escape before his granddaughter, Lily (squisher of animals), claims you as a new pet, thereby shortening your already short life span.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 22:30

Our Suggested Party Size: 2 was good

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

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

Worth the time and money? Yes

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

Continue reading

Who’s the Ghost with the Most? – Room: The Handbook – March 27, 2018

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you’re a fan of ’80s nostalgia.

Avoid if… insects give you the heebie-jeebies.


THE BASICS

Escape Room Woodbridge:

Address: 12668 Darby Brook Ct., Woodbridge, VA 22912 (click address for Google Map)

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

The Room – The Handbook:

Description (from the company website): You poor dead souls! You’ve really screwed up. Your only mortal friend has been kidnapped by a dastardly bio-exorcist in hopes of escaping The World Of The Dead. Can you decode his name and save your friend before it’s too late?

Difficulty (1-10): Not Listed

Time Limit: 60 minutes

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

Identifier: R1

Party Size: Up to 7

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

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: The room looks like the attic of a house with some furnishings, including a smaller replica of the neighborhood.

Understanding of the Mission: As a newly deceased person, you need to figure out how to navigate the many rules of the afterlife using your handy handbook. However, you decide to take a shortcut and hire a bio-exorcist, against the explicit orders of your caseworker. Now, your memory has been wiped, and you have to remember the ghost’s name to rescue your living friend from the World of the Dead.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 4:28 remaining

Our Suggested Party Size: 4-5 people would be perfect

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes… and no. Read our ratings below.

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

The ERG and team of Disturbed Friends (Mark and Alphonzo) rescued their friend from a horrible marriage to a bio-exorcist!

Worth the time and money? We agree on the overall answer on this, but for different reasons. Jason says “yes, but more so from a nostalgia point of view (at least until the new movie comes out…whenever that is).” Mike says “yes, the room was worth doing despite an initial starting issue (our fault) and ending issue (their fault).”

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

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Escaping Detention Challenged Our Simple Minds – Room: Escape Detention – March 18, 2018 – PLAY TESTED

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you’re a jock… or a princess… or a brain… or a criminal… or a basket-case… or were a goody-goody in high school who never had to sit in detention and now want to know what you missed.

Avoid if… sitting in detention will bring back horrific high school memories.


THE BASICS

EXIT Plan:

Address: 201 Royal St. SE, Ste. F, Leesburg, VA 20147 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 703-777-4710
http://exitplanva.com

The Room – Escape Detention: RETIRED

Description (from the company website): Everyone gets in trouble at some point. What you do when you find yourself locked in a classroom with the other unruly students is up to you. Here’s the thing though, in an hour the monitor will return and chances are you will Never. Get.  Out. Whether you are a brain, an athlete, a basketcase, a princess or a criminal, it is up to you to start a ruckus and escape detention.

Difficulty (1-10)7/10

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $29 per person – Use ERGUYS15 to get 15% off per person when booking your reservation for any of their rooms

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 2-10

Staging Area: EXIT Plan has a great reception area (two, actually) with lots of chairs. There is a large flight of stairs to reach the main lobby.

Metro Access/Parking: This spot is in downtown Leesburg in the historic district. Lots of street parking, and there is a small lot right behind Macdowell Brew Kitchen.


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 classroom from the 1980s, complete with teacher’s desk, overhead projector, terrarium, and a chalkboard.

Understanding of the Mission: Solve the puzzles in the room and find out how to escape detention before the monitor returns in 60 minutes, or stay trapped in Detention for eternity.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: 4:35

Our Suggested Party Size: 4 was good, but can easily accommodate 6-10. We would recommend 6 if the group has done rooms before, and the full 10 if mostly ERVs (Escape Room Virgins) or novices/noobs/newbies.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

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

The Escape Room Guys (Mike and Jason) and their escape room gals (Heather and Steph) were sentenced to detention in a 1980s school room. Did we channel all the collective powers of John Hughes’ movies and escape without anyone “cracking skulls?”

Worth the time and money? Yes, but get in there before it’s retired in early April.

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

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A Cursed Crypt? Where the Hell Was the Cryptkeeper? I LOVED that guy! – Room: The Cursed Crypt – February 13, 2017 – PLAY-TESTED

ESCAPE ROOM REVIEW – THE QUICK AND DIRTY

Play if… you’ve ever yelled “Goonies Never Say Die!” or did the truffle shuffle.

Avoid if… you’re scared of dead bodies. Or rats. Or spiders. Or the dark. Or graves. Or tombs.


THE BASICS

Escape Room Herndon:

Address: 404 Elden St, Herndon, VA 20170 (click address for Google Map)

Contact and Website: 571-306-2279
https://www.escaperoomherndon.com

The Room – The Cursed Crypt: RETIRED

Description (from the company website): You’re a group of adventurers who’ve stumbled onto the tale of Chester Copperpot, a reclusive treasure hunter who’s gone missing. Your travels have brought you in front of this Cursed Crypt.

Through the darkened chamber doors, the candle shivers, casting shadows upon the entrance to the tomb. There within its cold walls, a mystery awaits in the darkness. Symbols cover the walls. Skulls litter the floor, and the graves of the dead fill the room with fiendish surprises. Here in this crypt, your team must uncover the riddle and discover the hidden treasure Copperpot never could before the devil knows you’re there.

Difficulty (1-10): 6/10

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Cost: $28

Identifier: R1

Party Size: 4-6

Staging Area: A pretty large lobby with a few bar tables and chairs, and a lounge with couches and chairs and tables.

Metro Access/Parking: It’s in Herndon so you’re better off driving.

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 graveyard with a large stone wall, presumably the crypt. Can you find your way inside?

Understanding of the Mission: Find your way inside the Cursed Crypt, solve the puzzles, find the treasure, and secure the golden key that will allow you to escape from certain death.

Did We Escape: Yes

Time Remaining: An even 10 minutes

Our Suggested Party Size: 4 was great. 5 could work too.

Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes

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

The ERG and their Disturbed Friends (Mark and Eric) went treasure hunting for pirate gold! Did we find the doubloons or were we sealed in the Cursed Crypt?

Worth the time and money? Yes, but it’s closing at the end of the February 2018.

Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:

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Puzzle Hunt Episode #12 (and FINAL) Reaction Video – Solver film – January 24, 2018

We checked out the LAST Episode (#12) of Solver’s Puzzle Hunt released on January 24. This one is all about Luke (the main character) trying to find an investment to save his fund. The puzzle takes you back to the beginning, and makes you think about the entire journey, which was a nice way to end the hunt (and a celebratory glass of scotch never hurts.

Time is limited, so use everything you learned and start at the beginning (really… start at the beginning).

Subscribe to this blog or our YouTube channel!

Follow us @EscapeRmGuys on Twitter & Instagram

More information about the SOLVER film:
www.empirebuilderproductions.com @SOLVERfilm (Instagram)

Puzzle Hunt Episode #11 Reaction Video – Solver film – January 24, 2018

We checked out Episode #11 of Solver’s Puzzle Hunt released on January 19. This one is all about a (fictional) Twitter battle between Elon Musk and tech billionaire rival, Demien LaBlanc.

Make sure you follow the Twitter exchange very closely, and look at the URLs.

Subscribe to this blog or our YouTube channel!

Follow us @EscapeRmGuys on Twitter & Instagram

More information about the SOLVER film:
www.empirebuilderproductions.com @SOLVERfilm (Instagram)

Puzzle Hunt Episode #10 Reaction Video – Solver film – January 21, 2018

We checked out Episode #10 of Solver’s Puzzle Hunt released on January 14. This one is perfect for people who can pay close attention to detail, and possibly view things from different perspectives.

Subscribe to this blog or our YouTube channel to stay informed as to when the new challenges are released!

Follow us @EscapeRmGuys on Twitter & Instagram

More information about the SOLVER film:
www.empirebuilderproductions.com @SOLVERfilm (Instagram)

Puzzle Hunt Episode #9 Reaction Video – Solver film – January 10, 2018

We checked out Episode #9 of Solver’s Puzzle Hunt released on January 10. This one is perfect for people who love crossword puzzles, numbers, and logic puzzles. It wasn’t overly difficult, but it did require some focus and some educated guesses.

Subscribe to this blog or our YouTube channel to stay informed as to when the new challenges are released!

Follow us @EscapeRmGuys on Twitter & Instagram

More information about the SOLVER film:
www.empirebuilderproductions.com @SOLVERfilm (Instagram)