Location: Las Vegas, NV

Date Played: February 7, 2026

Team Size: Any; we recommend 1-2

Duration: 60 minutes

Price:  $0-5 per player

Ticketing: Private

Accessibility Consideration: none

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

AREA15 is an entertainment venue in Las Vegas with an overwhelming array of offerings that range from immersive experiences and augmented reality games to traditional arcade machines.

My first visit a few years ago was devoted entirely to Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart (previously reviewed), so on this second trip I was determined to explore other activities that might appeal to puzzlers like myself.

The AREA15 website and ticketing options are extensive, and frankly, a little overwhelming. I chose a Level 1 pass, which turned out to be perfect for what we wanted. The two most puzzle-oriented activities, Origin Quest and Particle Quest, were both included.

Origin Quest

We started with Origin Quest. It consisted of six escape-room-style puzzles located throughout the public areas of AREA15. Anyone can interact with the installations, but answers could only be submitted through the game website with an access pass. (It was also possible to access Origin Quest for free by booking a complimentary Level 0 pass online at least two days in advance.) Although we purchased our passes as a team of 2 and they were issued under a single access code, we each had individual access and played independently.

I’ve always had a soft spot for games that live out in the open, whether installations were designed to be puzzles from the start, or puzzles were built around existing public features. Origin Quest was very much the former. The installations were curious, clearly intentional, and beautifully bizarre. In the sensory overload of AREA15, they would be easy to miss at first. But once we began interacting with them, passersby started noticing too, scanning the space to see what we’d discovered. I loved exploring the venue with purpose, and found the quest well worth the time.

Particle Quest

Next was Particle Quest, a paid (included in passes or $5 alone) experience that required checking out handheld augmented reality devices from the VR games center on the second floor. Using them, we scanned the environment to detect and collect particle sources. The introduction suggested that different sources would yield different amounts of particles. However, after scanning every location we could find, each one registered either “very little” or “just a few.” In practice, there didn’t seem to be much distinction.

After each scan, we completed a simple puzzle to collect the nanoparticles. Disappointingly, after about eight scans, I had only encountered two puzzle types: a Simon-style pattern repetition game and a Flow-style pipe connection. Meanwhile, my companion, while scanning the same locations, unlocked an additional side-quest mini game that I never even saw.

The story unfolded through short videos that played after each successful collection. In the final step, we sent our accumulated particles to the giant Oddwood Tree in the center of the bar, where it sparkled as they were “released into the world.” It made for a charming closing moment.

Activity Options

Overall, the two quests offered very different experiences. Origin Quest felt like a true puzzle game, with installations that invited careful thought and intentional exploration. Particle Quest, by contrast, functioned more as a simple scavenger hunt – light, repetitive, and likely better suited to energetic younger visitors than seasoned puzzlers.

Both added structure to navigating AREA15, but for those specifically seeking a satisfying puzzle experience, Origin Quest is the stronger choice.

Who is this for?

Origin Quest is appropriate for:

• Story seekers
• Puzzle lovers
• Any experience level

Particle Quest is appropriate for:

• Any experience level

Why play?

• The installations throughout the AREA15 space have piqued your curiosity.
• Origin Quest: You are at AREA15 and are looking for a unique puzzle experience.
• Particle Quest: You are interested in activating the giant tree in the middle of the space.

Story

Origin Quest: We had been tasked with investigating the AREA15 building with the Multiverse Maintenance team to discover its secrets.

Particle Quest: We used the issued device to detect and collect nano-particles in the AREA15 environment.

Setting

Both games were set in the mythical universe of AREA15.

Gameplay

AREA15’s Origin Quest was an escape game with a moderate level of difficulty, focussing mainly on observation and data collection.

Particle Quest was a scavenger hunt with a low level of difficulty, focussing mainly on exploration, with a couple of simple logic puzzles.

Analysis

The puzzles in Origin Quest were of familiar styles, and playing the game felt like an actual escape room despite its open placement inside AREA15.

 The technology in Particle Quest generally worked well and made interacting with the environment interesting.

 The collection points and the puzzles in Particle Quest had the potential to be much more compelling and varied.

As I inspected every space in the building, I discovered secretly placed discount codes for the bar. What a nice bonus!

  I enjoyed exploring the overwhelming space of AREA15 with purpose and logged thousands of steps that day. The quest artifacts were well integrated into the public environment.

Tips For Visiting

• There is paid parking next to AREA15. Alternatively, at the time of this writing, there was a drop off/ pickup point where you can ride the the driverless Zoox taxi service.
• There are numerous dining options in AREA15, ranging from food trucks to restaurants.
• The paid access levels include a ride on the LIFTOFF sky ride, which provided a lovely panoramic view of Las Vegas.

Book your visit with AREA15, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.

The post AREA15 – Origin Quest & Particle Quest [Review] appeared first on Room Escape Artist.

Location: Rancho Mirage, CA

Date Played: December 28, 2025

Team Size: 4-12; we recommend 4-8

Duration: 75 minutes

Price:  $50 per player

Ticketing: Private

Game Breakage: One necessary puzzle item was missing

Accessibility Consideration: Large play area but pathways are cramped

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

The premise in Endangered was simple – unlock every cage; release every animal. The catch was that there were 18 of them, and my team of experienced players quickly scattered in every direction to tackle the puzzles in ones and twos. It was chaotic, but satisfying, as announcement after announcement about each animal being released played.

The puzzle structure of this game was well suited to a large group, and the puzzles were substantial enough to keep us occupied for a good while. The puzzles were generally well clued, though we struggled on a couple of the final puzzles in small ways. One had a missing component, but the other was a search-fail on our part.

I appreciated the atmospheric and appropriately decorated set. The large space was well arranged to convey a sense of a jumble and to be just intimidating enough.

If you’re traveling out in this direction, Escape Games at the River offers a lot of games, and while I haven’t played them all, I suggest Endangered for larger teams, those who want a puzzle frenzy, or players who are especially drawn to this theme. I especially enjoyed the large number of puzzles in the game which made it easy to skip to a more appropriate puzzle whenever one got stuck, so there was never an idle moment. It certainly scratched my puzzle itch!

Who is this for?

• Animal lovers
• Puzzle lovers
• Any experience level
• Players who don’t need to be a part of every puzzle

Why play?

• Lots of fun little puzzles
• Great game to keep a large group busy

Story

We had infiltrated the camp of animal smugglers in order to release all the animals from their cages.

Setting

The smugglers’ camp was cluttered with stacked animal cages, near a makeshift command center inside a canvas tent. The atmosphere was dark, tense, and carried a subtle sense of danger.

Gameplay

Escape Game at the River’s Endangered was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty.

The puzzles involved logic, observation, data collection, attention to detail, and making inferences.

Analysis

 There was a large quantity of puzzles that could all be solved in parallel, which worked well for a large group of independent solvers.

 Despite the chaos of multiple puzzles being solved at once, progress was clearly communicated and easy to track.

 We had trouble completing one puzzle because one of the necessary elements was missing from the room. Objects that are required for gameplay would benefit from being permanently affixed, to prevent accidental removal.

 We ran into some confusion starting one puzzle because its initial object was identical to another item introduced at the beginning of the game, leading most of the team to overlook it.

/The lighting was appropriate to the environment, and adequate for the most part. However, the puzzles that involved color identification would be helped greatly by increased illumination in those areas.

 Overall, the puzzles were well clued and struck a good balance of difficulty, keeping our experienced team engaged and actively working the entire time.

Tips For Visiting

• There is a large parking lot next to the shopping mall. It has many covered spaces, and EV charging.
• There are many dining options available in the mall, ranging from casual eateries to moderately expensive restaurants.

Book your hour with Escape Games at the River’s Endangered, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.

Disclosure: Escape Games at the River provided media discounted tickets for this game.

The post Escape Games at the River – Endangered [Review] appeared first on Room Escape Artist.

Duration: Runs until April 19, 2026

Location: City of Industry, CA

Date Played: February 19, 2026

Team Size: Any number; we recommend 1-4

Duration: 60 minutes game time, 110 minutes total

Price:  $55-58 per player

Ticketing: Public

Accessibility Consideration:  None

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

SCRAP has hosted many public puzzle events in the US over the years. I have played several of them, but checking my calendar, it is hard to believe the last one was eight years ago. It was exciting to see them return with a new offering: The Hunter Exam: Battle of Wits 2026.

The SCRAP games I previously attended were all fun and followed a fairly similar format. The Hunter Exam preserved that familiar SCRAP DNA while changing enough of the structure to feel genuinely fresh.

This was not a traditional ballroom-style event where each team sits at a table and works through a packet of puzzles. There were no tables or chairs but instead, up to 45 players per session moved freely around the space. The game followed a pre-determined structure with everyone working on the same puzzle at the same time. However, the fully standing format created a more kinetic, competitive energy than the usual seated experience.

I chose to play solo, and it didn’t feel like a handicap. That said, in classic SCRAP fashion, the puzzles often appeared simple on the surface but required surprisingly tricky logic. There were moments when I would have appreciated a teammate to bounce ideas off.

I was attending a pre-event session, so there were only about a dozen players in the room. Because some puzzle targets were limited physical resources, I can imagine a fuller session feeling more competitive, and potentially more challenging for solo players.

I was not familiar with the Hunter × Hunter franchise going in, but that didn’t hinder my experience at all. All necessary information was provided during gameplay. If there were subtle nods or Easter eggs for fans, I likely missed them, but the puzzles stood firmly on their own.

SCRAP events often follow a recognizable arc: approachable puzzles culminating in an almost impossibly complex final challenge. (For details on this ō-nazo structure, read Mathew’s recent piece The Brilliance of Japanese Puzzle Culture.) The Hunter Exam broke that pattern with greater variability throughout. By design, it was impossible for every player to achieve a perfect score, yet no one was shortchanged. The final stage struck a satisfying balance by being challenging yet solvable.

SCRAP doesn’t visit the US often, and that scarcity is part of what makes their events feel special. The Hunter Exam honored their signature style while confidently trying something new. If this is the direction they’re exploring next, I’m all in.

Who is this for?

• Fans of SCRAP
• Fans of Hunter X Hunter
• Any experience level
• Puzzle lovers who appreciate clever design

Why play?

• The puzzles at SCRAP games are refreshing in how they creatively challenge one’s ability to pay attention and interpret information.
• The event was designed to be perfectly enjoyable even without any prior knowledge of the theme.

Story

Attendees were taking the legendary Hunter Exam to try and get a coveted Hunter License.

Setting

The game was held in a mostly empty room that contained only the required equipment for administering the exam.

Gameplay

SCRAP’s The Hunter Exam: Battle of Wits 2026 was a unique ballroom-style puzzle game with a low-moderate level of difficulty.

When I checked in, I received a clipboard folder containing game materials. It also functioned as my writing surface.

The game was played in multiple rounds. In each round, there was a goal to accomplish. The round would end after enough players had accomplished the goal, but before everyone had. When the round ended, the puzzle was explained, and all players moved on to the next round.

The tasks in the game were not complicated, but demanded careful observation and the ability to think beyond the obvious.

Analysis

 Any number can play! Despite attending alone, I had a successful game.

 The ambiance was great, but the lighting ran a little low for reading, and I sometimes needed to borrow light from a nearby lamp.

 The game structure allowed every player to actively solve puzzles for the most part. Even if someone was not able to work on a specific puzzle, the story progressed quickly enough that they would not be left stuck for very long.

Due to the design of some of the puzzles, a fuller session of players might make them more challenging, and could potentially negatively impact the game experience. This is not something that previous SCRAP puzzle events were affected by, at least, not in this way.

 The traditionally practically-impossible last puzzle of a SCRAP puzzle event was broken up into smaller tasks, which made them seem a little easier than I was expecting (albeit still challenging!)

Tips For Visiting

• This game is located in a mall with plenty of free parking. Fun fact, this is the mall where Back to the Future was filmed!
• There are numerous restaurants within a few minutes drive of the venue. Round1 also has a snack bar with a small menu, close to where the game is located.

Book your hour with SCRAP’s The Hunter Exam: Battle of Wits 2026, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you. This game is running in Los Angeles through April 19th, 2026.

Disclosure: SCRAP comped our tickets for this game.

The post SCRAP – The Hunter Exam: Battle of Wits 2026 [Review] appeared first on Room Escape Artist.

Duration: Runs until April 2026

Location: Anaheim, CA

Date Played: February 19, 2026

Team Size: 1-6; we recommend 1-3

Duration: 60 minutes

Price:  $30 per player

Ticketing: Private

Accessibility Consideration: None

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

Pop Up Escape presented a clever concept by creating a temporary escape game inside a real business during its off-hours. In this case, the venue and the setting were one and the same: a tax preparation office. Clients come in during the day; players come in at night. Same desks. Different stakes.

The introduction included an instruction to disturb the space as little as possible (for story reasons). As I began searching, I was acutely aware that this wasn’t a fabricated set but someone’s actual workplace. Filing cabinets, stacks of paperwork, and office supplies were all real. That awareness added a subtle tension to the experience. Thankfully, it was generally clear which items were part of the game and safe to handle.

The game smartly targeted customers of the business itself. By layering an escape experience over a space players may have previously visited in a very different context, it became a non-threatening way to introduce newcomers to the hobby.

That accessibility extended to the structure. The game had a linear design and each solved puzzle led directly to the next. Clues were provided on sequential instruction sheets, and kept players focused while minimizing the risk of getting stuck. The difficulty reflected its newcomer-friendly goals: approachable, guided, and clearly signposted.

I enjoyed witnessing the creativity with which puzzles were integrated into the office environment. It felt unmistakably like a passion project, and the commitment to using the real space – both in-game and in reality – made it stand out.

What made Death & Taxes memorable wasn’t the complexity of the puzzles, but the audacity of the idea. For the first time, I found myself legitimately combing through a real accountant’s office after hours – aware that every drawer and cabinet belonged to someone.

Pop Up Escape didn’t compete on spectacle. It succeeded on perspective, inviting curious first-timers to experience the thrill of escape games – and to look at ordinary spaces just a little differently.

Who is this for?

• Newbies
• Clients of the business itself
• People considering commissioning a Pop Up Escape overlay in their own space

Why play?

• It is newcomer-friendly.
• You visited your accountant and are now curious about escape rooms.
• You are curious as to how an escape room game could be incorporated unobtrusively into an occupied space.

Story

We had been tasked by the FBI to do a clandestine search operation in a tax preparer’s office to find evidence of illegal activity by the Ecuadorian Mafia and locate a missing agent. 

Setting

This was an actual tax preparation business, disguised as an escape room set in a tax preparation business.

Gameplay

Pop Up Escape’s Death & Taxes was a standard escape room with a low level of difficulty.

Puzzles generally focused on observation, searching, deduction, and decoding.

Analysis

 The linear design with printed clue sheets made this game very approachable for its intended newcomer audience.

/ The majority of the puzzles were cleanly clued. I struggled with one that seemed ambiguous to me, but hints were available via walkie-talkie and I got through it.

 One clue relied on information that was available in multiple places in the room, which I found unusual and a potential red herring.

 I was amused that it took years of infiltrating imaginary offices before I found myself actually poking around in someone’s actual office.

I was a little uncomfortable about potentially sensitive paperwork in a real office. However, the office is now mostly digital so the papers in the filing cabinets were mostly archives. I’m a courteous player, and I knew the host was watching the game, so I wasn’t about to rifle through anything unclued, but I’d still suggest more securely or clearly locking office paperwork.

 It was a nice showcase for the pop up escape game service itself.

Tips For Visiting

• There is free parking in the business complex.
• There are some simple food options within a few blocks of the location.

Book your hour with Pop Up Escape’s Death & Taxes, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you. The game is a only available until April 2026.

Disclosure: Pop Up Escape comped our tickets for this game.

The post Pop Up Escape – Death & Taxes [Review] appeared first on Room Escape Artist.

Welcome to the Grid.

Location: San Pedro, CA

Date Played: December 7, 2025

Team Size: 2-7; we recommend 3-4

Duration: 60 minutes

Price:  $48 per player ($65 for 2 people)

Ticketing: Private

Accessibility Consideration: The game is located up a flight of stairs (no elevator). One puzzle needs a player to climb a ladder; another needs a player to crawl into a tunnel.

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

Flynn’s Arcade wasn’t so much an escape room inspired by Tron, as it was a love letter to the movie. The game began in a cheeky manner that immediately drew us into the universe, and maintained the fantasy right up till the delightful victory scene.

I very much enjoyed the strong aesthetics in the game spaces, down to the period-accurate music. I almost never pay attention to the sound design in games, so me noticing and enjoying the soundtrack in Flynn’s Arcade is highly unusual.

Neither of my teammates had previously watched the Tron movies (to my surprise) but it did not diminish their enjoyment of the game. We found the puzzles clever, well-clued, and polished, and we generally (except for missing one blindly obvious clue) had little trouble figuring out what we needed to do at each step. However, a handful of puzzles were essentially coordination games, requiring precise throws, steady hands, or synchronized movement — areas where our team struggled more than with the puzzling itself.

Overall, I found the experience to be a marvelous excursion into the 80s and the world of Tron.

Who is this for?

• Gen-Xers
• Fans of Tron
• Video gamers
• Puzzle lovers
• Any experience level

Why play?

• The world of Tron was splendidly portrayed.
• The puzzles were fun!
• The game felt like a loving homage to a classic movie.

Story

We’d received a call for help from within the network, and entered the arcade to find the source.

Setting

The game was set in the world of Tron. The opening space was an impressively immersive video game arcade filled with numerous game machines, posters, and neon signage that had an authentic 80s feel to it.

Gameplay

Brain Games Escape Games’ Flynn’s Arcade was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty.

Some puzzles were traditional escape room puzzles that relied on observation and pattern recognition. Other puzzles relied on skill, coordination and dexterity.

Analysis

I loved how quickly we were pulled into the universe of Tron. As escape game openings go, this one was perfectly executed. It was unexpected while still remaining firmly in-universe. The opening set the tone for the entire game and hinted at the level of thought, design, and care behind the player experience.

Solving some puzzles meant actually playing games on the arcade machines! They were games we grew up with, so they were easy enough to enjoy and nostalgic in the best way.

Some skill and coordination based challenges may be frustrating for certain players. Thankfully, the gamemasters offered helpful hints for those who are not blessed with dexterity.

 The game needed more Lightcycle! Translation: I want an entire game based on this Lightcycle puzzle. Honestly, what Tron experience would not benefit from more Lightcycle?

 The puzzles throughout the game featured breadcrumbs and clues that were surprisingly and authentically integrated into the environment.

The game spaces were exceptionally well designed. Each area had its own distinct feel, and the set pieces felt authentic, detailed, and carefully thought out. The arcade transported me straight to the 1980s, complete with eight game cabinets, wall posters, and glowing neon signage. In contrast, another space fully embraced the 8-bit video game aesthetic, with glow-in-the-dark neon colors set against deep black backgrounds, making it truly feel like the digital world.

One of the space transitions was a standout spectacle, incorporating surprise, effects, and lighting to create the sensation of entering another dimension altogether.

The ending was cinematic and unmistakably in-universe, serving as a strong capstone to the experience.

Tips For Visiting

• There are free parking spaces at the venue.
• There are numerous restaurants within a few blocks of the venue.

Book your hour with Brain Game Escape Games’ Flynn’s Arcade, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.

Disclosure: Brain Game Escape Games provided a complimentary game.

The post Brain Games – Flynn’s Arcade [Review] appeared first on Room Escape Artist.

Location: San Mateo, CA

Date Played: November 14, 2025

Team Size: 2-8; we recommend 3-6

Duration: 60 minutes

Price:  $45 per player

Ticketing: Private

Accessibility Consideration: None

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

Fair Game was very aptly named. Stepping into the space, everything appeared to be part of classic carnival games. The set was colorful and inviting, and it was immediately apparent what we should be doing with each game.

While the setup felt intuitive and welcoming, many of the carnival-style games leaned more heavily on coordination and physical skill than on problem-solving, which may surprise players expecting a more traditional puzzle-focused escape room. Our full team split into smaller groups and was still kept busy working on different puzzles.

The later portion of the game shifted into a more conventional escape room format, which provided a satisfying contrast to the early carnival-style challenges and helped balance the overall experience.

Who is this for?

• Puzzle lovers
• Any experience level
• Players who don’t need to be a part of every puzzle

Why play?

• Puzzles disguised as carnival games recreated the fun of the fair.
• Well designed puzzles were welcoming to all skill levels.
• It was conveniently located in a large mall and can be part of a longer day of fun.

Story

We had been challenged by Captain Manaicals to play a series of carnival games to see if we had something cryptically referred to as “The Sight.”

Setting

The space was filled with familiar carnival sights . There were classic games, plush prizes, and snack carts, alongside paintings of iconic circus performers that reinforced the fairground atmosphere.

Gameplay

Red Door Escape Room’s Fair Game was a standard with a moderate level of difficulty.

The gameplay emphasized games of skill, and puzzles that relied on observation and communication.

Analysis

 The decor was immersive and authentic to the carnival/ fair experience. The puzzle elements all felt organic to the environment.

 /The puzzles based on fair games needed some skill and luck, more than the average escape room does. While this enhanced the feeling of being at an actual carnival, it could be frustrating to understand the solution, but still struggle to execute it due to the physical challenge.

The overall objective surrounding “The Sight” felt underdeveloped and didn’t meaningfully inform the progression or emotional payoff of the story.

 The ending mechanism of hitting a big red button in the hallway was slightly unusual, but it allowed us to have a more celebratory moment when we finished.

Tips For Visiting

• Red Door San Mateo is located in a shopping mall with free parking.
• There are many food options — there is a large food court a stone’s throw away, along with numerous other restaurants in the mall itself.

Book your hour with Red Door Escape Room’s Fair Game, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.

Disclosure: Red Door Escape Room San Mateo provided a complimentary game.

The post Red Door Escape Room San Mateo – Fair Game [Review] appeared first on Room Escape Artist.

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Date Played: December 11, 2025

Team Size: 1-8; we recommend 3-5

Duration: 60 minutes

Price:  $50 per player

Ticketing: Public

Accessibility Consideration: None

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

Thankfully, the story of this escape room did not involve a new murder. However, any fan of the Only Murders in the Building TV show would be delighted by all the decor and puzzle elements that drew directly upon material from the show. Even the intro/ outro videos featured an actual cast member. The game’s storyline is ostensibly from Season 4, but there is still some reference to Season 3.

The puzzles themselves were straightforward, and were what many would consider traditional escape room fare.

While it was clever that The Escape Game reused the space of a pre-existing escape game for Only Murders in the Building, it was also a drawback in that players may be familiar with the layout (and corresponding puzzle flow) from a prior visit. Additionally, the same space was previously used for a different game based on Season 2 of Only Murders in the Building TV, which we reviewed in 2023, and had significantly different puzzles from the new version. Note that this is a common modus operandi of The Escape Game; they have also previously reskinned The Playground for a limited time as a Rugrats game (read more here).

Despite my familiarity, I was having fun pretending for just a little while that I was snooping around in The Arconia with the crew.

Who is this for?

• Fans of the Only Murders in the Building TV show
• Any experience level

Why play?

• It extends the Only Murders in the Building universe with footage with actual characters and props that reference Seasons 3 and 4 of the show.

Story

The latest footage from the Only Murders in the Building film had gone missing, and we needed to search for it.

Setting

The setting was an art gallery and adjoining office. It used the space that normally contained The Heist.

Gameplay

The Escape Game’s Only Murders in the Building was a standard escape room with a low-to-medium level of difficulty.

The puzzles involved observing correlations between puzzle elements, communication, as well as some more traditional puzzle mechanics such as light searching, jigsaw assembly, and sorting.

Analysis

 The design was faithful to the source material. I loved noticing all the elements from the show.

 The room might benefit from another surface on which to place puzzle items. The available horizontal space felt quite crowded.

 The puzzle flow was non-linear, which was friendly to a large group. My team happily split up to tackle different puzzles.

 The Escape Game allows public booking during peak hours. However, the design of the room did allow the puzzles to be easily tackled by players who don’t necessarily know each other.

 Cell phone usage was encouraged, and even required for one puzzle (our host had made mention of such at the beginning). The experience was very social media friendly.

Tips For Visiting

• There is paid parking in the mall, but Gelson’s Supermarket will validate with a $10 purchase.
• There are numerous dining options, from the general food court or Eataly’s food hall, to high-end restaurants.
• Only Murders in the Building is offered at the following locations of The Escape Game: Los Angeles, CA (where I played), New York, NY, and Grapevine, TX.

Book your hour with The Escape Game’s Only Murders in the Building, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.

Disclosure: The Escape Game provided a complimentary game.

The post The Escape Game – Only Murders in the Building (Season 3/4) [Review] appeared first on Room Escape Artist.

Location: San Mateo, CA

Date Played: November 14, 2025

Team Size: 2-4; we recommend 2-3

Duration: 30 minutes

Price:  $26 per player

Ticketing: Private

Accessibility Consideration: None

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

At 30 minutes, Captain Maniacal’s Lair-bratorium was shorter than the average escape room experience. The theme followed the familiar trope of the evil mad scientist, but thankfully, instead of feeling malevolent, the space was bright and inviting. The puzzles were clearly clued, making the gameplay smooth and enjoyable.

It was slightly chaotic, likely due to our group being at the maximum player capacity for the room. Since we were all experienced, we immediately scattered to tackle the puzzles with the enthusiasm of rabid ferrets. Despite the shorter time frame, there was still a reasonable number of puzzles, and I felt satisfied with the pacing of the content.

If you’re bringing newer or younger players with you to an escape room, or you’re interested in making an escape room part of a longer day of fun in San Mateo, Captain Maniacal’s Lair-bratorium would be a good choice.

Who is this for?

• Story seekers
• Robot fans
• Newbies

Why play?

• A half-hour game is an easier way to introduce newbie friends to escape rooms, or for younger players with short attention spans.
• It is conveniently located in a large mall and can be part of a longer day of fun.

Story

Captain Manaical had lost his assistant and needed our help completing his diabolical experiment.

Setting

This game was set in an industrial workshop containing numerous large pieces of technical equipment.

Gameplay

Red Door Escape Room’s Captain Maniacal’s Lair-bratorium was a standard escape room with a low-to-moderate level of difficulty.

Gameplay consisted mainly of traditional escape room logic puzzles, with an emphasis on observation and pattern matching.

Analysis

 The puzzles were generally what one would expect in a traditional escape room, and were reasonably well clued.

 The room had a completely industrial-metallic aesthetic, except for one odd puzzle that used brightly colored figures, which did not quite match the vibe.

 The space felt small and slightly crowded for our group of four, and some of us occasionally found ourselves with nothing to do. I would advise following the team size recommendations for this game.

 A half-hour game is uncommon, and it was an appropriate length for this game. It would make a great introductory escape game!

Tips For Visiting

• Red Door San Mateo is located in a shopping mall with free parking.
• There are many food options. There is a large food court a stone’s throw away, along with numerous other restaurants in the mall itself.

Book your hour with Red Door Escape Room’s Captain Maniacal’s Lair-bratorium, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.

Disclosure: Red Door Escape Room San Mateo provided a complimentary game.

The post Red Door Escape Room San Mateo – Captain Maniacal’s Lair-bratorium [Review] appeared first on Room Escape Artist.

Location: at home

Date Played: November 2, 2025

Team Size: none specified, we recommend 1-2

Duration: 2 hours

Price: It was free with any fieldnotesbrand.com purchase

REA Reaction

Field Notes is a stationery company that makes, among its many delightful offerings, limited edition notebooks with a vintage aesthetic that appeal to the writer in me. When I heard about their Wednesday Murder Club collaboration with The Mystery League, I purchased it immediately. It was available for just a single day, which unfortunately means it’s no longer easy to obtain.

At first glance, this notebook looked no different from other Field Notes memo books. It called itself a “48-Page Murder Book” on the cover, and the pages were printed with a dot grid. However, at the bottom of the pages were pairs of rhyming couplets that told the story of a murder. The inside back cover contained an introduction to the Wednesday Murder Club mystery, along with a list of suspects and weapons.

Despite its compact form factor, this was a surprisingly complex puzzle experience. A series of key insights were required to fully solve it. At various points, I found myself trying several different approaches before stumbling upon the next crucial aha. Solve times will vary greatly depending on how quickly each step’s insight clicks.

Overall, this was a satisfying solve. I was able to complete it solo, and its difficulty is roughly comparable to an easier puzzle from the MIT Mystery Hunt, though most Mystery Hunt puzzles tend to require significant external research.

Based on this experience, I’ll be eagerly watching for any future puzzle collaborations from Field Notes—and any new puzzle offerings from The Mystery League.

Who is this for?

• Puzzle lovers
• Stationery fans
• Best for players with at least some experience

Why play?

• Unusual form factor
• Interesting puzzle

Story

Thirty guests were invited to a gathering where the host ended up murdered.

Setup

Puzzle clues were hidden within an ordinary-looking notebook. I first needed to find, and then decode, the necessary information to obtain the final answer of who the murderer was.

Gameplay

The Mystery League’s Wednesday Murder Club was an unusual puzzle game (just a notebook) with a high level of difficulty, albeit with a relatively short, single-path solve.

The puzzles focused on observational skills, information processing ability, with a dash of inspiration (for the aha puzzles).

Analysis

 Field Notes memo books appeal strongly to the stationery lover in me. This one was no exception.

 The unusual form factor made for a refreshing puzzling experience. The puzzle info was discreetly scattered throughout the notebook – not obvious, yet not difficult to find.

These puzzles were much more similar in nature to puzzle hunts, in the amount of data processing that was required, but the length was more akin to escape game boxes, so stamina-wise it would be a good way for escape game players to get a taste of what a puzzle hunt might be like.

There was one step that required the player to recognize a famous author. I would technically consider this outside knowledge, which should not have been required (according to the instructions.)

 This notebook was only available by making a purchase from Field Notes on a specific day. This felt like an unnecessary limitation on this unique product.

The uniqueness of this item meant that I had no way of knowing what level of solving difficulty to expect. It was harder than most average at-home puzzle games, but with fewer steps, which balanced out the gameplay length.

 Since Field Notes was hosting a contest for puzzlers to submit their solutions, no hints were available when I played this.

 I was happy to have this as both a lovely souvenir and a useful notebook after the puzzle solving was complete.

Tips For Players

• Space Requirements: None
• Required Gear: Although no other materials beyond the provided notebook were necessary, I found a spreadsheet quite helpful for organizing intermediate solution steps. The book stated that only the information within it should be used, but I believe one step required a bit of outside knowledge—albeit fairly common knowledge.
  

Visit Field Notes, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.

The post Field Notes – Wednesday Murder Club [Review] appeared first on Room Escape Artist.

Use your braaaaains…

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Date Played: August 24, 2025

Team Size: 2-10; we recommend 3-6

Duration: 60 minutes

Price:  $40-55 per player ($90 if premium experience is selected)

Ticketing: Choice of Public, Private or Premium

Accessibility Consideration: One player needs to be able to enter a small tunnel.

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

The description of Zombie Outbreak on the booking website notes that it “features immersive elements such as jump scares and graphic thematic visuals.” I scare very easily, but am glad to report that I survived the experience, albeit with a slight residual ringing in my ears from the screeching of the zombies.

There was a healthy serving of scares as promised, so it was a good thing that the puzzles were not complicated. The puzzle design was fair – though we struggled slightly with timing and dexterity challenges. The sets were well constructed and spacious, and given that, the spaces after the starting room had the potential to contain more puzzle elements. On the whole, this was a decent horror game, and I had fun.

I was impressed to note that PanIQ offers both a public and private booking, as well as a 3rd premium option which offers unlimited arcade and shooting gallery games, two complimentary drinks and a reserved lounge booth. We opted to try the premium experience, and it was a very nice upgrade, and would be a very nice way of expanding the standard escape game outing into a full afternoon/ evening of entertainment with friends. Additionally, the venue also offers a private karaoke lounge that easily accommodates a dozen people in the space, as well as a quiz game show room for 6.

Who is this for?

• Adventure seekers
• Horror fans
• Any experience level

Why play?

• If you like horror, this room has a lot of it, while still offering a well-crafted gameplay experience.
• The premium experience at PanIQ Room is a unique offering and allows players to have a longer gathering with more fun activities.
  

Story

There has been a zombie outbreak, and we needed to find a dose of zombie antidote and get a motorcycle working so that we could escape.

Setting

The game was set in a realistic looking garage filled with aged and rusty equipment and fittings.

Gameplay

PanIQ Room’s Zombie Outbreak was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty.

Core gameplay revolved around observing, making connections, and solving puzzles.

Analysis

I found the set spacious, sufficiently lit, and solidly built, which is not always the case with horror-themed games.

There were numerous jump scares, often accompanied by extremely loud sound effects. I was still grateful that they were all designed in ways that allowed me to appreciate them as theming without being too scared to enjoy the game.

The puzzles were thematically appropriate, worked well with multiple people solving together, and were approachable even when players (ok, maybe just me) were jumpy about being eaten by zombies.

There was one puzzle that required precise timing, and another that required dexterity. Despite immediately figuring out what we needed to do for each puzzle, we spent many minutes trying to accomplish the tasks. For less patient players, it could have been a frustrating experience. With a larger group, this would probably not be an issue either, as neither puzzle would have blocked any other puzzles from being worked on.

I loved that there were cupholders in the room, which encouraged players to order refreshments at the venue bar and continue enjoying them while playing the escape game.

Tips For Visiting

• As a note about the level of horror, there were no actors in this game. The jump scares were environmental.
• There is only street parking available, so go early to find a spot.
• PanIQ is located near many decent restaurants. Note however, that some of their valet services have taken over a few of the nearby street parking spaces.

Book your hour with PanIQ Room’s Zombie Outbreak, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.

Disclosure: PanIQ Room comped our tickets for this game.

The post PanIQ Room West Hollywood – Zombie Outbreak [Review] appeared first on Room Escape Artist.