Jess_keds

Had great fun during this room. We played as a two and had decent time left. I would imagine it’s tricky for an inexperienced small team so bare that in mind when you book. All the puzzles were well themed and had a nice balance between padlocks and Maglocks. Everything made perfect sense and we had a good laugh as we played. 

Lovely hosts and GM, clearly a very proud and happy owner. 

The set-design is in-keeping with a Scooby-Doo story and the story progresses just like one of their episodes. However, we found some of the puzzles very odd and not very fitting. I can’t count the amount of times we solved something, heard a sound (something opening), then spent the following 5 minutes trying to see what had happened. This room with greatly benefit from clear signposting to support this (e.g lights, sounds etc). The clue system was in-keeping to the story, however only one player could hear it and there was a technical error which meant the GM had to come in to fix this. Errors happen, especially with tech, but even when it was fixed it didn’t really pay off. Maybe we were tired when we played this room as there isn’t anything fundamentally wrong with it, we were just rather underwhelmed. 

This was our first out of the Paradox project rooms so we were trying to temper our expectations. It’s hard to do when it’s such a highly ranked and esteemed company. 

The scale is impressive and is definitely an exciting experience when you’re used to UK sized ER‘s! We had a fun start to this ER and enjoyed how the puzzles were progressing. However, roughly 25 minutes in, we came to what felt like a dead end. We required many, many hints from the GM to get through a painfully long puzzle. The clue system is fun though. I had an enjoyable interaction with the GM during this stressful part. Once we’d finally moved on we flew through a few puzzles in a row, before once again hitting a dead-end. We once again had to ask for many hints to get any resolution. Usually, we get a hint and go ‘ahhh! Whoops, our bad’ as it’s our error yet each time we were thinking ‘why, how, what?!?’. There is one part to the ER where we’re put aside to allow for a reset of the ER whilst we’re getting increasingly frustrated in the midst of a non-sensical puzzle’. It’s weird to come out of a space, back into a space you’ve previously explored, to see it reset. It kind of killed the immersion for me. 

At the end, we apologised for needing so many hints. The GM’s words were ‘it’s not possible to do this without hints’. Shouldn’t every ER have that option though? We don’t care about hints. In fact, our perfectly rehearsed comments before an ER are “we’re not proud, give us a hint when we need one”, followed by me joking that I’ll be waving to the cameras for help. We love help! But if the GM’s know it can’t be completed without any help, then change the puzzles, please! 

I was quite underwhelmed with this room. By this point, we had already played the other two rooms, with two very different experiences. So, I tempered my expectations, and I’m glad I did. Within the first 15 minutes I was becoming increasingly frustrated to realise that I was here for the next 3 hours. Yes, the size is great and the story is cool, but the puzzles felt so ‘meh’ and odd. It would have been clear to the GM that I was deflated throughout the game as I found myself sitting down a lot due to constantly facing puzzles that were either non-sensical or forced. Some of the puzzles were nicely themed though. I really don’t believe this needs to be a 3 hour room. I believe that it’s 3 hours because the puzzles require so much thinking and so much time asking for hints. I don’t think the puzzles are hard, just very odd. I understand that Paradox project proudly think outside of the box with their puzzles, but in this case the box would be your best friend in redesigning this room. We got to experience their abstract way of thinking in the Bookstore, which was fab! But they’ve missed the mark in this room. 

We’re intelligent players and when a room is made well, we glide through it and feel like a great team, but this left us stumped and deflated. 

Part of the story is fantastic and still makes us smile when we talk about it. They’ve clearly written a great story, the puzzles just need to be designed to the same level. 

It may have been a better experience with a large group so ideas could be thrown around. Maybe. 

I wish I could say more amazing things as the Bookstore was excellent, but I’m sorry to say, this was disappointing. 

BEAUTIFUL! What a stunning set! The steampunk theming is seamlessly worked into the enormous space. At no point did an area/room feel like it was lacking. They kept their high standards throughout the build. 

I was VERY nervous about this room as I am always anxious when playing horror rooms. I don’t believe this would count as a horror room; it’s eerie. There’s a good amount of pressure and anxiety placed on you throughout the experience, from the moment you enter the premises. I spent the first ten minutes pinned in the corners of spaces. Once I understood their style and approach, I was able to relax more and enjoy what was to come. The acting from the range of characters is phenomenal! I felt like I was inside a movie, watching the story unfold. You don’t get chased, but you’re definitely required to keep on your toes. 

The puzzles were perfect and suited the story and space very well. Although there are plenty of props, it’s clear what is needed and what is not. 

The scale of this ER is seriously impressive and works well as a two or as a group. The puzzles were a good mixture of easy and hard, which is perfect for different stages of the room. 

This room is a MUST when visiting Athens. 

The set design was in-keeping to the story and we truly felt like we were part of it. I can genuinely say, I had no idea where passageways were going to open. I am usually very good at finding the openings and I could not see any! This room is full of twists and turns which added to the sense of adventure. The actor plays a fun and entertaining character who we interacted with a few times throughout the story. 

Most of the puzzles were fitting, bar one towards the end that we found frustrating. We escaped with good time and pumped with adrenaline! 

I should start by admitting that I convinced my husband to play this with ‘day mode’. So we had the full puzzles and no live actors. This was a good opportunity for me to experience a scary room without the fear of something chasing me/jumping out. It was nice to have the opportunity to explore the expansive layout, without sweating at every turn. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t scary though! The music is timed well and they definitely knew when I was feeling confident as they would ramp up the sound bites whenever I would walk around on my own. It was easy to see how terrifying this would have been with the actors as there is no place to hide. The layout is expansive enough to feel like you could get lost, without being overwhelming. I truly felt like I was in an abandoned sanatorium, as the set-design is beautiful. I was so grateful to have full access to a fully functioning torch throughout the experience. It’s possible these aren’t available during the midnight mode, best to ask! 

The puzzles were themed well to the story and the clue-system complemented the story. For the first time in a long time, I came out of the room with many questions. We had somehow not done roughly 3 puzzles yet somehow escaped successfully. We escaped with a minimum of 20 minutes spare so we couldn’t understand why we weren’t able to complete these puzzles. I felt like it ended abruptly. The GM spent his time (still in character) explaining why it works this way, but I still don’t fully understand. I imagine with the actors and completing all the puzzles would make this a 5 star room. 

We both came out beaming after playing this room. There is so much fun to be had at every turn. We felt like children let loose at a kids play! This is definitely an active room, so no good for those who like to take things leisurely. 

The room features many ‘wow’ and ‘aha!’ moments. Some of the puzzles left us scratching our heads, even after multiple hints but it didn’t bother us. Good balance of padlocks and tasks to complete.

The music and sounds bites were excellent and timed well. We were constantly dancing or singing away. The clue system is beautiful, let’s leave it at that. 

There is a rustic, hand-made feel throughout . A very unique room with a lovely owner who executed his vision very well. 

First and foremost, I should acknowledge the epic performance throughout the story. The actor took the role of multiple characters, each played impeccably. Our interactions with him had us in stitches, always guessing his next move. 

The puzzles were beautifully crafted into the space. Not once did we question the relevance of a puzzle. We also experienced lots of new puzzles, which after playing nearly 200 rooms, was a breath of fresh air. The mechanisms and technology used was flawless. One particular moment is widely discussed across other ER companies when we shared we had done this room.

No complaints here; just two very happy players! 

This was our favourite out of all the paradox rooms. As a 3 hour room, we were impressed by the progressing story and mass of puzzles. The mechanisms and tech used is beautiful, with spaces appearing out of what seemed like nowhere. We thoroughly enjoyed the puzzles and the set-design was beautiful. We completed this with good time to spare and managed to play the game without a break. 

Well, the rumours are true! This is definitely the biggest and most immersive escape room I have ever played. This was the last room planned into our Athens trip so our expectations were high. As soon as you get there, you are immediately immersed in the story. I must say, the detail and effort that has gone into the build is incredible. I just wish that more of the story took place in the ‘village’ as this alone would have also been spectacular. I could’ve spent hours just in that space alone. We were eased gently into the horror as we had many interactions before even beginning the ‘official’ plot. 

I should say that I am not a fan of horror rooms and it is my husband that books them into our trips. If I had it my way, we wouldn’t have booked any. But I’m so glad he did. Although I was PETRIFIED during the chapel experience, it was hard not to be impressed by the scale, detail, and beauty. There was NO place to hide in the first part which didn’t help my fear! They’ve clearly planned this very well as you’re constantly on edge. My poor husband was left to solve the first puzzle as I stood still hoping I’d see daylight once again! The role of the ‘helper’ to give hints is a great part of the story. I should mention that the character ‘William’ makes sure that you can ask to tone it down if you’re too scared. At the start I asked them to focus their energy on my husband, leaving me alone. Fair dos, it must’ve been hard as we were as a two, but they did this well. 

The puzzles are perfect as they’re quick and simple enough to complete, even when terrified! 

I should say, when they say ‘walk, don’t run’ you MUST adhere to this. During a terrifying scene, I ran, which ended in a very painful injury. I played the second hour thinking I had fractured my wrist. There are many aspects where 2 hands and two working legs are required. So having one hand completely out of action, and a very sore hip, it was very tricky. Although it was my fault by running, I would suggest that they invest in rubber matting underneath the terrain as we had a similar event in their other room where we both walked into a space and instantly almost fell over due to the complete lack of friction. This did not tar my experience as I’m still giggling picturing the GM watching me face plant the floor. It must’ve been absolutely hilarious. Nothing broken, just a lot of bruises! 

This is an experience I will never forget! 

This room has gone straight into my top 3 in almost 200 rooms. My favourite in Athens. I had watched the film 3 times, and the set is impeccably true to the film. Usually I would walk into a scary room feeling on edge, however, I felt an instant sense of familiarity and was put at ease. I was itching to get started and was (for the first time ever) excited to explore a creepy room. Usually I’m found glued to a corner for the first 10 minutes, but this room was different. This room is different to a typical escape room as there is lots of props and you truly feel like you are in the man’s home. 

It’s true what reviews say, there aren’t many ‘typical puzzles’. You’d think after nearly 200 rooms we would be disappointed, this was definitely not the case. The room is mostly task based and at no point did we find ourselves bored. We are eager to find our next task based room as this really was my favourite escape room experience. 

The acting is perfect and really keeps you on your toes. There is no need to run, but I did out of excitement. You’re not chased but you have a perfect amount of anxiety placed on you.  

The scale and set-design is beautiful and seamless (which I’ve only said about 15 rooms). Whilst typing this i am sad that I will not be able to experience this again for the first time as this truly was an exceptional experience for both of us. We stayed up until 3am discussing the room and still can’t stop! 

Yes, the location is a bit far out but YOU MUST PLAY THIS! There is a taxi service you can use to book taxis so it really is simple to get to and from. 

Wow! It’s fair to say I was very scared to do this room, and I now know I had every reason to be! The acting is next level and puts consistent pressure on you throughout the game. They give you adequate time to solve puzzles in between scares, however, I always felt on edge. I found myself hesitating to finish a puzzle just so I could mentally prepare for the next scare. The mechanisms involved for the actor are excellent and now I have seen things i had never witnessed prior to this game. The puzzles are easy enough and the set-design is perfect for the theme. The mechanisms used for transitions between rooms were excellent and we could never have guessed where we would be going next. 

For those that are apprehensive about horror rooms, I should say that you DO get chased around and this was particularly scary as a 2. Lots of bruises on my shins and thighs from shuffling around the room during chases! Great memories made. 

Beautiful room from another wonderful Enigma branch. The set is built perfectly for the story with such a hands-on, lovingly-made feel throughout. As a 2, we sailed through, however we didn’t feel like we did as luckily there’s plenty to do. A nice balance of puzzle types. Make sure you bring your reading glasses though! There’s some unique “wow” moments which gets hard to find after nearing 200 ER’s. Excellent! 

A lovely Christmas room. There’s so much to get through so keeps a good intense pressure as a two. We managed to get everything with 20ish seconds remaining so a strong pace is needed throughout! The puzzles are easy but as there’s so much to do, you still feel challenged. 

Beautiful scenery and well built. Puzzles are on theme and a good challenge. It’s a well written, logical room with lots of beautiful moments. Looking forward to their next room! 

What a lovely family escape room. We were a little sure at first as the first puzzle felt a bit awkward. However, as the game progresses we found ourselves having a lovely experience. The puzzles are a good balance between easy and average. 

Please note that the GM is there with you for the experience but he was wonderful. You actually forget he’s there but glad he’s there when you need validation! 

Unique concept and an inventive way to advance through the game. The puzzles are definitely leaning towards easy but we had such a laid-back and fun experience. 

One of favourite first puzzles to date - creatively used their space well.

The ambiance in this room was well cultivated for the right balance of eerie and adventurous. The story is unique and well written. The puzzles fit the story well and the room has a satisfying amount of jump scares! 

Loved this game! Perfect balance of puzzles. Literally can’t fault it. The vibe for this room is spot on and the feel good moments kept flowing. We clicked really well with this game and didn’t want it to end. Kelly is a very gifted writer and her passion really shows in her rooms, especially this one! 

A cool start to the room which required great communication. We are still kicking ourselves over what we missed (haha!). The room flows well and there’s plenty to do for everyone so we had a nice balance between working together and working separately. Some unique moments! 

Gorgeous puzzles and a lovely balance between padlocks and physical elements. Lots to do so organisation is key. There were so many unique and fun elements that we kept discussing on our long drive home. You can really see the playful storyline and design that has gone into this room. Everything makes perfect sense so the game flow is spot on. 

Our trip kicked off with this excellent room! Our host Kelly was incredible throughout the day and it was a genuine pleasure to spend the day with her and Kody. 

Castaway is a genuinely fun room and flowed effortlessly. The puzzles were playful and just made perfect sense! 

Another high-tech game! Creative storyline which flows effortlessly. Like their other room, the puzzles were challenging and kept us very busy for the full 90 minutes. However, when reflecting on the room, the first puzzle seems rather difficult to be faced with when you first start. Had this puzzle been a few steps in, it might have felt less draining! Although, we did feel a great sense of achievement when we succeeded. Nice balance of tech vs physical puzzles. The final puzzle may benefit from sign posting as there was one element that felt quite subjective. 

Big shout out to Michelle who ran this room for the first time during our visit. She guided us through the room efficiently with excellent and hilarious communication. 

Kept us on our toes for the full 90 minutes, definitely value for money. Great balance of puzzles. Unique clue system and a fabulous GM (shout out to Michelle!). 

Mixed feelings from this room. In general, the room was fine. I feel that some of the decor/theming could have had a bit more effort put into it to make it feel more immersive. A couple of puzzles seemed a bit odd and somewhat ‘thrown in’. Some stronger elements to the room but a couple of missed opportunities (e.g. the ending would benefit from simple sound effects as it just sort of ended). I see potential with this room as some of the puzzles have creative elements. Our GM was lovely and attentive. 

What a fun and beautiful ER! We had such a fun time making our way through a great mix of puzzles. Good use of available space. Traditional puzzles and plenty to do, without feeling overwhelmed. Lots of love has gone into this room with some whimsical elements! Cracking clue system (one I’ll never forget). Great GM which added to the overall experience. 

Wow! What an intense ER experience! As a two this room was challenging and definitely kept us on our toes. So many puzzles to sink your teeth into. Creative use of the space available. To begin with, it can feel overwhelming but once a couple of puzzles are cleared, other puzzles become clearer (if that makes sense)! Make sure you organise your space well as there is lots to handle! It was our first leaderboard game and will definitely be doing more in the future. 

Don’t be fooled! This room definitely caught us off guard with its beautiful scenery and unique puzzles. So much care has gone into this room. Unique puzzles for sure! 

Creative use of space! Cool storyline which flows nicely. Keeps you busy! 

We had so much fun at this venue and were very lucky to have Kerry as our wonderful host. She very kindly let us play all 4 rooms back to back. We felt like little children racing around with playful and traditional puzzles. You can see the love gone into creating the area. 

Another great room by escapement! Our GM Gary was also very attentive and had so much charisma when briefing/debriefing us. As a personal feeling, I didn’t click quite as much with this room but that doesn’t mean the puzzles weren’t great and unique.  The puzzles were a good challenge and definitely had us on our toes! 

What a beautiful room! So much love and detail has gone into creating a very memorable and immersive experience. Something for everyone in this ER. Special shout out to Vince for being an impeccable GM. He spent so much time sharing intel and knowledge. It was an excellent experience all round. 

UNMISSABLE! What a funky room! Such beautiful theming and quirky puzzles. Our GM Josh (I believe is his name) was once again very accommodating and fun. We had such a laugh doing this room and found the puzzles to be right up our street. 

Great room as always! Enigma Watford are making a great name for themselves. As equally fun as their other room. Perfectly themed set design. Nice balance of 1st and 2nd gen ER style. It’s a perfect amount of scary. Creepy enough to make you stop and think but not so scary that you can’t do anything! Look forward to the next room. 

Great host and original story. As experienced players we found it very easy (roughly done in half the time). Don’t take this as a negative as it was all logical, fun and on theme. We had lots of giggles and was a nice room to end the day on.

Had great fun and came across some unique puzzles! It’s always a risk going somewhere with only a few reviews so it was a relief to find out that it was as quirky and unique as previously reviewed. Definitely worth adding onto any trips around Manchester area. Lovely host/owner too which is always a bonus! Looking forward to their next room. 

We had so much fun as a team of two. Search heavy room which I personally love. Some unique “wow” moments and just an overall wonderful experience. 

Beautiful theming and wonderful craftsmanship of the set. Good balance of puzzles and felt immersed throughout. Truly felt like we were in an underground mine! 

Excellent craftsmanship and good balance of puzzles. Definitely a harder room but excellent if you like a challenge. GM was hilarious, we couldn’t stop laughing! 

Beautiful set design and some great GMing.  Some creepy elements so maybe not great for children! Great use of space and some fun physical elements. 

What an incredible experience! Felt like a child again. Very physical but in the best way! We had such a laugh completing tasks as a team of two. Made so many memories here and couldn’t stop smiling! 

Great room for a load of laughs. Lots of physical elements so bare that in mind when booking!