M4 Escapes: Dino Deadlock

Our third Escape room brought us to Dino Deadlock, upon arrival we found the location a bit tricky to find and some better signs might not go amiss. Our host was a very nervous young lady who did her best but she didn't seem particularly confident and between the reception area and her introduction we were already feeling that we'd made a bad choice.

The puzzles are very linear and very easy apart from one puzzle which had us stuck for a little longer than it should, even though we were a group of three we often found ourselves getting in each others way and at most points watching what our teammates were doing rather than participating.

The room is very dark even after you get the lights on which hindered us at times and If you have any dust allergies or are asthmatic I would not recommend this game as there is a lot of dust and the game is not particularly clean, understandable based on the theme of the game but everything felt dirty and well worn.

Some of the puzzles are quite good but one of the items got jammed whilst we were there and also there is one item that has fallen into its cylinder that you think you may need to get but then realise that is has only fallen off and is not retrievable so some maintenance is required to make this room more appealing and functional.

Overall we'd say that for a first time challenge the game is OK and family friendly but for more experienced escapists I would avoid, the puzzles are too easy and very linear.

Escape room newcomers, or kids who can handle a mildly creepy atmosphere, would get a good kick out of this room. It makes excellent use of an old bus which has been filled with a great set (though it might be a little dark and with four or more players I can imagine it getting cramped). The Jurassic Park-style setting makes a welcome change to the plethora of spooky laboratories, detectives' offices etc. and you're fully immersed in it. There's one puzzle that could possibly made a little easier, but there's nothing that really hung us up. Highly recommended! 

The setting of this escape room was very different, being based on an old bus. It was a strong concept, wonderfully decorated and the hosting was good. However the puzzles were limited and quite simple. There were multiple moments where we all waiting  on someone to complete a single puzzle and no one could move on to anything else until it was done which somewhat impacted the flow and experience.

Idea was good but room very small and felt it lacked variation. Worth playing but not a memorable one for us.