Emma Macedo

I have now played all the games (minus the VR ones) at this venue. I enjoyed it but it's certainly not as good as their newer games (Alien Encounter and Pharoah's mystery.)

Unfortunately, our games host wasn't the most enthusiastic or chatty, which is a problem we have had at the venue previously. Although this didn't hinder our game performance it also didn't really add to the experience as a whole.

The game itself was fine; your standard prison type theme/story. It's a little unique in the beginning as the team is split into 2 separate cells. Communication is key to solving this area and getting out of the cells quickly so you can maximise your time working together to solve the rest of the puzzles and complete the game. There are a combination of puzzle types in this room, but nothing more hightech. Think your classics - keys, combinations and electromagnet releases. There were a couple of puzzles that weren't solved entirely through logic - one instance where I solved an anagram purely by guessing the word (not sure if this is how it's supposed to be done or not) as well as some occasions where trial and error work to get correct combinations. This may not be noticed by those who havent played many games but when youre quite experience its a little annoying not knowing why something is the way it is. I wouldn't say it was a bad game in any terms and I'm glad we played it. I believe it was a better game than the vault, however I would recommend Pharoah's Mystery and Alien Encounter if you wanted a more exciting or challenging game at this venue.

I was really looking forward to returning to Escape Plan to try their latest game Pushed for Time after playing 'The Adventure Begins' last summer and I was not disappointed. On arrival, we were greeted by Sarah, who was actually our games master last time and surprisingly she remembered us! This is very different to the other games on the premises that are all ww2 themed but I very much enjoyed it. The theming and attention to detail throughout was great and the use of the time travel machine is an exciting addition to the experience. In terms of puzzles there are a mix of padlocks, tech and tactile/mechanical puzzles, so this all provided variety as we worked through the game. The mechanical puzzles were something I praised in our last game so I was pleased to see these had been included once again. The storyline was a fun one to play as we had a couple of objectives to complete as well as simply 'escaping'.

I really appreciate the thought that goes into the gameplay here at Escape Plan and would recommend anyone paying a visit.

Another fantastic game by Puzzalogical!

Being a 75 minute room there was obviously quite a lot to do in this game, however we managed it as a pretty experienced team of 2. It was super immersive and depending on the choices you make throughout the game there are different endings/outcomes to the final narrative. I won't give too much away but a lot of fun was had and you can tell how much time and thought has gone into making this game standout from other companies. There are quite alot of tech related puzzles along with some other types that are more tactile/logic based. The theming and set up is really clever and really makes you feel like you are crew on this spaceship. I hope Puzzalogical make more action packed, amazing themed games like this and the Pharaoh one in the future.

Had heard good things about Paradox and the storyline of this game sounded very different to most common games you are likely to encounter. This was our first visit to Paradox Palours, we played as it was my birthday and I would definitely return to try the other games based on this experience. The puzzles were cleverly linked into the story and were mostly technical based but the interactivity of the AI in there definitely adds a new dimension to the game. Playing as a team of 3 was probably just about right as there wasn't a huge amount of puzzles, but some just took a little more figuring out. The space isn't that large but likewise is fitting with the theme and didn't hinder the game (with a small team). I really enjoyed my visit and would like to thank our games master too, who made us feel welcome both before the game and after.

We were deliberating playing The Chapel after our success on Gold Rush however were a little put off as I'm not a fan of scary games. We thought we may aswell play it whilst we were there as we had travelled to come here in the first place and luckily we were able to adjust the scale of 'scary' before entering the room. The puzzles were much harder in here compared to Gold Rush, but again the themeing and hosting was spot on. A unique clue system is given in this game which did mean a fair bit of going backwards and forwards to receive the clues but it was clever how this system was incorporated into the storyline. I spent most of the game (despite modifying the scare level) being terrified by the jump scare moments which distracted me from focusing on solving the puzzles. Unfortunately we did not successfully complete the game but it was still fun, and again, shout out to the excellent games masters for providing this fantastic experience.

This game had great theming and a variety of puzzles that all fitted the story line as well as getting our brains cranking. It was fun to play and the staff at the venue were very chatty and welcoming. We then booked straight after to play their other game 'The Chapel.'

We managed to get a booking for The Dungeon of Doom at quite short notice. I had previously played a few Clue HQ games in Birmingham and hadn't had any bad experiences from this franchise.

Our team of 5, ranging from a couple of teens through to adult, hadn't played any games altogether before but had had various degrees of escape room experiences.

On arrival, we were briefed as a big group with other teams playing the other games on site and then taken to our games by our games master. Unfortunately there was a group of children there for a birthday party so the reception area was rather noisy and possibly if you were there as first timers listening to padlock instructions etc could have been difficult in this set up. But not a problem for us. Our games master didn't really tell us the back story of our game just that we had to be separated into 2 groups for the start - the prisoners and the team. This was a concept I've only ever done at one other game before so made the beginning of the game challenging. She also mentioned there would be a lot of padlocks in this game. We managed to complete the room with around 5 minutes to spare. However, not much can be said for the variety of puzzles as the game consisted ENTIRELY of padlocks, meaning it was just a case of solve a 3/4/5 digit number or find a key and use it on the corresponding padlock, rinse and repeat. Most of the padlocks where colour coded although there were some where we had to try the code on multiple locks til we found the correct one, so not particularly logical in that sense. We were given support through the in-room monitor and sometimes were given hints when we hadn't asked and weren't particularly stuck.

On completing the game and exciting the room we waited for our games master to meet us, she then took our photo but we had no debrief unfortunately.

Overall, still a fun game and another successful mission to add to the ever-growing list.

Loved this game! Unfortunately we didn't have the best experience last time we played a game at Puzzalogical but this time round was so different and all for the better. Right from our games master meeting us down in reception and having a chat about past escape experience etc I could tell we were in for a good time.

Unlike last time, our games master (Maz) actually gave us the safety briefing followed by the story introduction for the game - in full character may I add. This is also great as it gets you in the mood for whatever your mission may be.

We were also encouraged to get into character by wearing our explorer hats throughout the game! Thank you Maz for all your enthusiasm during our visit.

There were lots of different puzzles in this room and not a padlock in sight! (Another things I love about games as it tends to make them much more creative.) Many of the parts were different to other escape rooms I've previously played and the overall theming and story was super immersive from start to end. Playing as a team of 5, was a good number as some things we all did altogether but other parts we split up into smaller groups so everyone felt involved and there was lots to do in the time. I think it would be tricky as a team of 2 (depending on how experienced you were.)

We managed to successfully complete the game in 56 minutes 21 seconds and being my 58th game I feel that it had the right level of challenge without feeling too impossible.

I look forward to coming back to try Prison Break and the new game once it's ready!

Had wanted to do this game for a while and it lived up to my expectations. Great theming and a good variety of puzzles. Although our games master said at the start we could have as little or as much help as we wanted, I feel he guided us quite a lot towards the end when we hadn't asked for it which I think is why our finish time was quite short. Despite this it was still an enjoyable experience and different to a lot of other games I've previously played.

We booked this game quite last minute but managed to get an afternoon slot during half term. Our games master was welcoming but not particularly enthusiastic about the game or his role, to the point where there was no introduction to the game or story,l before we entered the room - just the safety briefing in form of a video.

Upon starting the game it took us a while to get going and the things we found to start with - their uses weren't obvious. Unfortunately, quite early on we discovered a vital part wasn't where it should have been so were directed by our games master where the 'spare' was in the room. Then on using this piece how intended, it got stuck and hindered us getting keys from a locked part of the room so again the games master had to intervene by opening this locked area manually. He commented saying that's rare for that to happen (so it's clearly something that has happened before and they haven't done anything to stop it from happening).

On we went with the game, eventually found our flow and the puzzles definitely got better toward the end. This was a shame as we probably spent the first half guessing things because things weren't always very logical.

Despite this I'd like to go back and try the other 2 games - the mix of puzzles was good, as was the themeing of the room, I just think we were unlucky with our games master who could have set the scene a bit better and been more chatty before and after the game.

The Mac Trio took on Archimedes Inspiration most challenging game - project Delta. This was a 100 minute game and unfortunately we didn't quite make it out but, boy - it tested us and I'm glad we got to play it before the venue closes in a couple of weeks time. It was quite different to most of the escape rooms I've played and a lot of thought has clearly gone into the narrative and creation of the game. The game is very narrative based and you must pay attention to all the details and your surroundings to help you complete it. There are NO padlocks of any kind in this game which proves rooms can be done without then and also makes a change as your brain has to think differently to solve the puzzles involved. If you want to try this room, be quick as they are closing permanentently on the 12th February.

This was my second Breakout game I've ever played and now I have realised why the 1st wasn't very memorable. This game had potential to be better but similarly to Vacancy in Chester, the Emporium was a game that heavily relied on padlocks. For newer escapees this may suffice but for experienced players there doesn't provide much variety or excitement in solving puzzles etc. It was also frustrating that for a couple of the number sequences it wasn't obvious which order to use the numbers in. This took away from the game, in my opinion as I like things to be a bit more logical. 

Theming was ok, host was very enthusiastic which helped set the scene.

Overall, a fun game but probably more suited to newer players to the world of escape rooms.

After playing the Enchanted Mirror some years back, we were ready to explore London once again, this time in hunt for the Cheshire Cat. We didn't take too many pitstops this time round and the weather was definitely not on our side but we did about 6.17 miles of walking and managed to get to the end of the trail where we found the feline.

Some of the clues were harder than others but I don't think we ever strayed off the trail completely.

I just couldn't get into this one. Some of the clues and puzzles didn't seem very clear on what you had to do. And it took us a good 10 minutes to even get started. Another one of the not so great ones by the Escape Hunt franchise.

A really fun game for a range of players including a 9 year old who had never done an escape room before but he got just as involved as us adults. A mixture of puzzle and I really liked some of the more technological systems used for locks, makes a change instead of padlocks!

A lot to do in this game hence why it's a 75 minute one. 

Really good game and great host too.

If you were ever into the film franchise Jumanji I'd recommend playing this game!

A really fun game different to a lot of others I've played and a mix of puzzles.

Another fabulously themed room by TimeTrap with great puzzles and an immersive story. We didn't quite get out in the 60 minutes but I love that TT allow you to go over the standard 1hour. This was a fun game with lots for everyone to do.

A room that was not to difficult for a team of 2 with a few really unique puzzles I've not seen in other games before and I've played a few now. Yes, there are science experiments involved but don't let this put you off if you're not too into science! 

My mum and I stumbled across this company on the internet after we had exhausted the majority of our other local escape rooms. 

Being my 53rd game I was looking for something a little different and the Forbidden Room of Fun certainly did not disappoint. Our games master was welcoming and the game themeing and story was equally great. We completed the room as a a team of 2 (with 5 minutes bonus time) and it was good that we could set the level of difficulty before beginning. I think larger groups would also enjoy playing this game as there is a fair bit to do.

We are looking forward to trying Escape the Chop at their other venue.

Unfortunately chapter 2 didn't live up to chapter 1. Some parts were particularly hard and also in the first area the lighting was very poor so was very tricky to do the padlocks.

Such a clever and fun game with multiple themes throughout thanks to the time travel story line. 

Some great nostalgia in the first part of the game for my friend and I who are both 90's kids.

Played this game whilst on a family getaway to Edinburgh and after doing a few of Escape Hunt games around the UK was a little sceptical as some haven't been fantastic. This unfortunately fell into the 'not great' category. Although there were some clever puzzles to solve and theming was ok, however I didn't leave feeling particularly fulfilled. I felt that because the room was quite non-linear there were multiple occasions where I didn't know how certain things had been solved/opened as I had been working on solving one thing whilst my parents were doing something else. 

On arrival there seemed to be only one member of staff on reception who gave us a very good introduction, completely in character however just over halfway through our game we called for help on a puzzle in the way we had been instructed and it took ages to get a response so this effected our overall time and was very frustrating waiting for assistance to move forward. When we completed the room it turned out there had been a change over of staff, hence why there was no response when we required help. Unlike nearly every other room I have played (this was my 40th), at the end there was no opportunity to discuss our game or ask any questions about certain aspects. We had our photo done and left.