Cost: Varies. Monthly payment options and box sets available on the website.
After a year between doing box 2 (South America) and box 3 (Tokyo), we decided to try and knock out box 4 right after completing Tokyo. In fact, we got a bit frustrated with some of the puzzles in Tokyo, so we started working on Australia, and that went a bit easier. We’ll say that box 4 (in Australia) took us only about 1.5 hrs, which is longer than the first two, but only half the time as box 3.
We really liked the flow of this one as well. It did a good job in progressing the story and adding additional information and challenges, but still made you go back to other boxes and utilize things you found and messages you received in order to “solve” this box and get to the video that tells you that you’re ready to progress to the next one.
Watch our video review and comment on this post.
Are you playing this subscription? What do you think?
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Are there games, locations or rooms you’d like us to scout out?
The Heist by The Escape Game: Unlocked – Game Subscription
Volume 1: Chasing Hahn
Cost: $20.00
We were contacted by The Escape Game: Unlocked and asked if we’d be interested in playing their new game. Of course we said yes.
So, this is essentially our reaction video after playing the game, but we’ll be doing a comprehensive review post with ratings based on our new escape game rubric. Stay tuned!
Here is how the game plays: Your mission: as a team of detectives, you need to stop international art collector (and thief!), Vincent Hahn. He’s been stealing from museums over the years, and has always eluded capture. Now, you have a break in the case and need to piece together clues, gather evidence, and try and stop him before he strikes again.
Overall, this was a pretty fun game. It took us just over an hour with a small group of friends (we had 6 total in our group). The website that you needed to use to play the game was well designed (but – HINT – make sure you sign in with a user name and password that you’re willing to give the rest of your team so you can all be in the website at the same time… otherwise, there will be a lot of waiting around by some of you).
There were lots of things to look at, but the game is pretty linear, so you’ll need to be good at sharing and working together as a team as you progress.
We’re looking forward to Volume 2.
Watch our video review and comment on this post.
Have you played this game? What do you think?
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Are there games, locations or rooms you’d like us to scout out?
Description (from the company website): A malevolent evil radiates from the woods of Deep Creek Forest. People are disappearing without explanation, including a team of paranormal investigators who were sent in. You and your team have been called in to find the source of this supernatural power that has been inhabiting the forest. Be prepared, because all indications show that something WICKED has moved in!
You have 60 minutes!
(Website description above has been merged from two sightly different descriptions on the website.)
Difficulty: Difficult
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $25 per person
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 6-8 players
Staging Area: There is a huge lobby with plenty of couches to relax before your experience. There are also lockers for your convenience to store your stuff while you are in the rooms.
Metro Access/Parking: Plenty of parking since the location is in a shopping center.
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 forest that has a small campground surrounded by trees, a small cemetery, a wood cabin, and fenced-in garden. It’s dark and creepy.
Understanding of the Mission: Find the source of the evil that has been inhabiting the woods and if there is a way to banish it.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 15:30 remaining
Our Suggested Party Size: We had 7 and that seemed to work just fine
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph D., Brittany, Heather, Tara and EricWorth the time and money? Yes
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After: We didn’t have time to grab food or drinks, but you’re in a shopping center, so you have plenty of options.
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
Description (from the company website): Dr. Prescott Joule, Physicist, has hired your team to look after his lab while he is away on a scientific mission! The moment you enter the lab you’re confident that something strange is going on. You may be in for more than you bargained for! Can you figure out what he is up to?
Difficulty: Medium
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: 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 are in a high-tech lab with lots of scientific gizmos and doodads.
Understanding of the Mission: You and your team are hired to look after a lab for a wacky scientist. Little did you know that YOU have become part of his scientific research. Can you figure out what the experiment is and escape within 60 minutes?
Did We Escape: yes
Time Remaining: 13:00
Our Suggested Party Size: We had 3, which seemed to fit our group (but we’re good friends and work together pretty well). We’d likely recommend 4-5.
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Rohan
A professor thought he’d experiment on The Escape Room Guys. The Guys messed with his results.
Description (from the company website): The Elves have gone on strike. They are tired of the long hours and low pay and have hopped a plane to Palm Beach before completing the final gifts for delivery.
You have 45 minutes to complete the remaining toys and save Christmas. It is not that simple, though. These elves were particularly vindictive and have created a series of puzzles to prevent anyone from being able to finish what they started. It is up to you!
Difficulty (1-10): 6/10
Time Limit: 45 minutes
Cost: $29 per person – Use ERGUYS15 to get 15% off per person when booking your reservation for any of their rooms
Identifier: T1 – temporary theme for the holidays
Party Size: 2-8
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. Note: this escape room experience is not in their main location, but in a small office that is next to the main parking lot.
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: You enter Santa’s workshop, complete with presents, Christmas tree, fireplace, and package wrapping area, along with a live “elf” sitting in a chair by the door.
Understanding of the Mission: Find the components to the remaining presents and get them into Santa’s bag before Christmas is ruined.
Did We Escape: No
Time Remaining: 0 – we probably needed another minute or two
Our Suggested Party Size: This room is rated 2-8 people, and we had 4 experienced people, which should have been enough.
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Heather and Steph
The Escape Room Guys attempted to save Christmas, and failed to complete the last task. Damn those dastardly elves!
Worth the time and money? Yes
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
Macdowell Brew Kitchen – restaurant and bar right below EXIT Plan (the Hog Wings were awesome!)
Description (from the company website): A group of renegade hackers has taken control of the United States nuclear arsenal and have ordered a strike on several major US cities…you’d think it’d be more secure than that, but that’s not the point. As the Secret Service’s ranking agents, it falls upon you to disarm the attack before tragedy strikes.
Use your knowledge and skills to get the job done. The fate of the country depends on you. Good luck, Agents!
Note: If you played Save the White House prior to June 2018, this is a completely different room with new decorations, puzzles and story.
Difficulty (1-10): 2 of 3
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $27 per person plus tax, but use ERG15 to save 15% on rooms booked for Mondays thru Thursdays
Staging Area: Room Escape DC has a lobby with multiple tables, couches/chairs, vending machines, a sign-in station and two restrooms.
Metro Access/Parking: No metro access, so you’ll have to drive or Lyft/Uber. But there’s plenty of parking in adjacent garages.
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the Facebook Live video before we entered the room:
This is the Facebook Live video just after we completed the room:
Logistics:
Description of the room: You enter an L-shaped room with the front part mimicking the Oval Office. There is a desk, some other furniture, and artwork and photos along the walls.
Understanding of the Mission: Hackers have taken control of the U.S.’ nuclear arsenal and are attempting to deploy missiles. As ranking Secret Service agents, it is up to us to figure out how to stop them.
Did We Escape: Yes and damn proud of it.
Time Remaining: About 18 minutes
Our Suggested Party Size: Having done the first version of this room, we were delighted when they offered us to come in and review the new version. We’d say 4-ish would be fine for this.
Did the room challenge the entire team? As with the original, there was a lot of back and forth with this room. Thankfully, it was a little easier (in that respect) this time. Yes, though.
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Just us
Jason and Mike donned their best Secret Service identities and stopped hackers from nuking the US.
Worth the time and money? Yeah
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
The Wine House – stop in for a glass of wine and dessert.
Description (from the company website): Thirty years ago, the Richardsons moved into this house only to be driven away by pure evil. Upon putting boxes in the attic, the Richardsons’ daughter Evilyn, stumbled across a beautiful doll. In the weeks following their move into the new home, the family started being terrorized by a spirit trapped in the doll. But little Evilyn refused to be parted from it. Fed up, her parents decided to do away with the doll, but soon realized they had made a grave mistake.
One night the Richardsons went into their daughter’s room to say good night and found her dead at her vanity. In shock and – as they cradled the lifeless body of their daughter – they heard a distant voice whispering “I told you not to throw me away.” They ran from the house leaving everything behind and never returned.
You and your team will have to summon all your courage to rid the house of the evil that has held it for the last three decades. But the task won’t be easy. You need to find the spirit’s name to chase it from the house, but you have to work quick. When the spirit gets bored or thinks you may be getting too close to revealing its name, you may not be able to leave the house. You may join Evilyn and be trapped for the next 30 years. (ERG note: edited for case, grammar and punctuation).
Difficulty (1-10): N/A
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $25 (Use code ERG10for 10% off your booking)
Identifier: R1
Party Size: Up to 10
Staging Area: Small area with counter and several chairs.
Metro Access/Parking: This location is in a shopping center, but this was my first visit to CA so I drove everywhere.
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 Richardsons’ living room (tv, lamps, couch, coffee table, etc.) and have to make your way through a locked door to Evilyn’s room. That’s where it gets weird…
Understanding of the Mission: Figure out who the spirit really is and why she’s haunting the house. Then, of course, get out, unless you want to remain trapped for eternity with her.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 10 minutes even
Our Suggested Party Size: I would say 4-6 is fine. While 10 will by no means be cramped, some of you may get bored.
Did the room challenge the entire team? It was only me (Jason), so yeah.
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Just Jason. (I did not take a picture at this room. Totally forgot because I was talking with Greg for a while.)
Worth the time and money? Yes. Absolutely.
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
The Thai Restaurant – Little hole in the wall that was quiet and had good food.
Description (from the company website): Welcome to Jay Jayson’s Colorado Vacations, enjoy your slay…
The place is Colorado and the time is now. You and a group of your friends and family find a slammin’ deal on a rental vacation home nestled deep in the Colorado mountains. You imagine all of the s’mores you are going to make under the stars with your loved ones and without thinking twice you book your stay. After all, how could this possibly be the worst decision you ever make?
Shortly after arriving something doesn’t seem right, a menacing note left by the property manager reveals his true intentions and you begin to realize that your life is in danger. However, you are not alone. The spirits of his previous victims remain in the house, and they want to help you to escape Jay’s trap. Can you identify the forgotten belongings of his victims and follow their clues to safety? Or will you meet your fate at the hands of Jay Jayson? Only time will tell…
In A Colorado Slaycation, you and your team will have to work together and stay focused under pressure in order to escape. This type of room is something we like to call a “funnel puzzle” where the objects you find throughout the room all contribute to your escape. Funnel puzzles are great for larger groups as it includes all of the players in the experience. We have incorporated many custom built puzzles, traps, and special effects into this room for the ultimate experience. Will you be able to escape the full size guillotine trap? Can you decipher the electric chair puzzle? Book now to seal your fate and witness a truly memorable escape experience!
Difficulty (1-10): N/A
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $30
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 2-8
Staging Area: Lobby is mostly standing room, but there’s a water cooler and plenty to keep your eyes busy.
Metro Access/Parking: Parking lot is more than sufficient.
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 starts out… small. It’s a super tight squeeze. But it certainly looks like a cabin in the woods.
Understanding of the Mission: Escape the vacation home with your lives by using items and clues left behind by previous victims (and their spirits).
Did We Escape: BARELY
Time Remaining: 30.25 seconds
Our Suggested Party Size: 4, maybe 5/6 (it can get cramped for 5-6 people, but depending on your team, 4 may not be enough brainpower)
Did the room challenge the entire team? Absolutely
We escaped from Jay Jayson, but not before having some leftovers…
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph D, Aaron, Andrea, Kera, Seth
Description (from the company website): Dr. Jekyll needs your help! He is transforming into Mr. Hyde much more often and he fears that he will soon be destined to remain as the hideous creature forever. Can you investigate within the laboratory and help him find the cure that will save him? Or will the same fate be your destiny?
Difficulty (1-10): Advanced
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $24 (ages 15+)/$20 (ages under 15), but use ERG25 when booking to get 25% off your tickets
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 3-10
Staging Area: Small lobby with standing room and restrooms through the briefing room (which is where most of the seating is).
Metro Access/Parking: We drove. I’ve no idea of the public transportation system down 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: You begin in Dr. Jekyll’s lab. There’s your typical lab-found items, but you can see there’s a lot more than meets the eye (just without the Transformers).
Understanding of the Mission: Upon entering the lab, you need to decipher the clues left by Mr. Hyde and figure out how to get into the freezer in the back of the lab before it’s too late and the potion is ruined.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 12 minutes even
Our Suggested Party Size: 4-6 is sufficient for this escape
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph, Scott, Gordon (and his daughter whose name I can’t remember)
We helped Dr. Jekyll keep himself out of trouble.
Worth the time and money? Yes
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
7 Hermanos – pretty good tex-mex restaurant we stopped in before the room
