Author Topic: Escape rooms  (Read 1999 times)

citoyen

  • Occasionally rides a bike
Escape rooms
« on: 31 December, 2017, 02:11:54 pm »
Who has tried a live escape room game? The phenomenon has passed me by until a few days ago when I did my first one. Turns out they're really good fun!

For the benefit of those who don't know what they are:
Quote
An escape room is a physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints and strategy to complete the objectives at hand. Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot which is hidden within the rooms. Escape rooms are inspired by "escape-the-room"–style video games. Games are set in a variety of fictional locations, such as prison cells, dungeons and space stations, and usually the various puzzles and riddles themselves follow the theme of the room.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escape_room

My wife organised it as a surprise family outing for us. The one we went to was just down the road in Canterbury, called "Escape in the Towers", set in the ancient prison cells in the Westgate Towers, which gave it some authentic atmosphere. I didn't know what the puzzles were going to be like, whether they would be too easy or too hard, but in fact they were just the right level of fiendishness to provide a good solid hour's entertainment. And we got out with two minutes to spare!
https://www.onepoundlane.co.uk/escape/

Since that was the first one I've done, I don't know how it compares to others, but it seems to be a very popular one among aficionados, so I would definitely recommend it.

Keen to try out some more now...
"The future's all yours, you lousy bicycles."

Re: Escape rooms
« Reply #1 on: 02 January, 2018, 09:13:10 am »
Me - we did escape rooms on my son-in-law-to-be's stag do, (before people got pissed). We had a large enough group that we took up two rooms.

People didn't all know each other so it was a nice warm-up to the evening (it was a young group, mostly in the early 20s) - particularly as the rooms were a bit 'jumpy' with sudden noises and things. We didn't manage to escape in time!

Definitely good fun but maybe not for people who suffer from claustrophobia
<i>Marmite slave</i>

citoyen

  • Occasionally rides a bike
Re: Escape rooms
« Reply #2 on: 03 January, 2018, 07:28:16 pm »
This blog rates the one we did as one of the top escape rooms of 2017:
https://thelogicescapesme.com/opinion/the-golden-keys-2017/

I love the sound of some of the others on that list - especially The Plane in Paris. Will definitely have to try the Pirate Ship one in Margate since it's just down the road...
"The future's all yours, you lousy bicycles."

citoyen

  • Occasionally rides a bike
Re: Escape rooms
« Reply #3 on: 03 January, 2018, 07:29:46 pm »
Definitely good fun but maybe not for people who suffer from claustrophobia

I was expecting it to feel more claustrophobic than it did, tbh - my idea of a nightmare would be a game like this set in a cave. I don't do caves.

Actually, looking at that list, the one that has you locked in a coffin would be even worse.  :sick:
"The future's all yours, you lousy bicycles."

Re: Escape rooms
« Reply #4 on: 04 January, 2018, 11:14:06 am »
The one I did had you crawling through a completely black tunnel at times - tunnel was about 2.5foot square and went around a 90bend. Dunno what they do if someone large turns up to do the escape.
<i>Marmite slave</i>

citoyen

  • Occasionally rides a bike
Re: Escape rooms
« Reply #5 on: 04 January, 2018, 12:13:33 pm »
tunnel was about 2.5foot square and went around a 90bend

Hmmmm. Maybe not for me, that one.
"The future's all yours, you lousy bicycles."

ElyDave

  • Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society member 263583
Re: Escape rooms
« Reply #6 on: 04 January, 2018, 07:27:18 pm »
I've seen one advertised in Aberdeen, looks quite good fun really
“Procrastination is the thief of time, collar him.” –Charles Dickens

Wascally Weasel

  • Slayer of Dragons and killer of threads.
Re: Escape rooms
« Reply #7 on: 09 January, 2018, 11:49:15 am »
Being trapped in a room with a bunch of strangers? Sounds like my office.

Re: Escape rooms
« Reply #8 on: 09 January, 2018, 11:54:10 am »
Errr.. what happens if you do not escape on time?

LittleWheelsandBig

  • Whimsy Rider
Re: Escape rooms
« Reply #9 on: 09 January, 2018, 11:57:09 am »
Poison gas fills the room, of course.
Wheel meet again, don't know where, don't know when...

Cudzoziemiec

  • Ride adventurously and stop for a brew.
Re: Escape rooms
« Reply #10 on: 09 January, 2018, 12:07:57 pm »
Errr.. what happens if you do not escape on time?
You win a blue passport!




Sorry.
Riding a concrete path through the nebulous and chaotic future.

citoyen

  • Occasionally rides a bike
Re: Escape rooms
« Reply #11 on: 09 January, 2018, 12:10:15 pm »
Errr.. what happens if you do not escape on time?

The game master at the one we visited said that not everyone gets out in time. He didn't say what happened to them, but there was a human skull in one of the rooms...
"The future's all yours, you lousy bicycles."

Mr Larrington

  • A bit ov a lyv wyr by slof standirds
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Re: Escape rooms
« Reply #12 on: 09 January, 2018, 01:28:59 pm »
Cudzo wins the internet for today!
External Transparent Wall Inspection Operative & Mayor of Mortagne-au-Perche
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Kim

  • Timelord
    • Fediverse
Re: Escape rooms
« Reply #13 on: 09 January, 2018, 02:41:51 pm »
Errr.. what happens if you do not escape on time?

Team-mates can trade them for a crystal, but that gives them less time in the crystal dome?

hillbilly

Re: Escape rooms
« Reply #14 on: 09 January, 2018, 04:02:22 pm »
Watch Saw for the answer.