SpontaneousIllusion

Orbital marked my 200th escape room (even if my ETR account doesn’t quite show that—there are a few older rooms I’ve done over the years that I’ve chosen not to review... but just to be clear, none of those were with this company!).

Honestly, I’m really glad I picked this game for the big 200. It was an absolute blast from start to finish! The flow of the game was smooth and logical, with a nice non-linear structure that let us split up and tackle different things at once. The signposting was spot on, and there were a few standout moments in here that I’ve never seen before, even after so many games which is always exciting!

The theming was truly out of this world. It genuinely felt like we were on board a spaceship, and the ending sequence was so well done really immersive and a perfect way to wrap things up. The puzzles were clever, varied, and fit the theme beautifully. It all just flowed really naturally, which is always a great sign of a well-designed room.

I can absolutely see why this one’s been getting so much love. Whether you’re into space-themed games or not, I’d definitely recommend checking this one out. I know space rooms can be a bit marmite personally, I’m not usually the biggest fan but my mate loves them, so I tend to save them for us to do together. That said, this one totally won me over. It all made sense, it was creative, and it kept us fully engaged the whole time.

So if you’re looking for a game that’s clever, polished, and packed with fun launch yourself into Orbital. It’s a great experience, and a brilliant addition to the escape room galaxy!

I wouldn’t take my star rating for Outlaws too seriously, as we just didn’t quite click with this game personally. A lot of the time we found ourselves solving things without really understanding what we were doing, which took away from the overall experience a bit. The room itself is also starting to look a little tired in places and could do with a bit of TLC to bring it back to its best.

There’s one particular element where a bit more force is needed to remove something, and we lost quite a bit of time not doing that mainly because we were being cautious and didn’t want to break anything. That did frustrate us slightly. It would’ve been helpful if, during the briefing, we’d been told that some parts might need a firmer hand. That said, I can understand the hesitation in saying that, as it could lead to someone applying force to something they weren’t supposed to and accidentally damaging it.

Wickedly Oz is a fantastic game that I believe both experienced players and complete newcomers will thoroughly enjoy. It strikes a brilliant balance perfect for those trying an escape room for the first time, while still offering enough challenge to keep seasoned enthusiasts engaged and entertained.

Visually, the game is absolutely stunning. As I’ve come to expect from Break Escape, the attention to detail is superb. They’ve clearly poured a lot of love and creativity into the design, and it truly feels like you’ve stepped into the magical world of Oz.

The puzzles themselves were great fun, with a good variety of challenges throughout. We made our way through most of the game without needing any hints I don’t think we had a single clue. There was one particular puzzle that left us a little unsure of what we were meant to be doing, but it really was the only moment that felt slightly off. The GMs actually asked for our feedback at the end, which we really appreciated, and we shared our thoughts on that section. It’s clear they’re keen to keep improving the experience, and with just a touch more signposting for that one puzzle, this would easily be a five-star game. Hopefully that change is made, as everything else flowed brilliantly and was so much fun to work through.

A addition at Break Escape is their new policy allowing players to take photos inside the room while playing. So if you love capturing your experiences for Instagram, this is perfect you’ll be able to grab some brilliant shots while immersed in Oz. That said, I’d strongly recommend avoiding spoilers beforehand. Don’t watch the trailer or look at too many photos if you can help it there are some truly delightful surprises waiting, and going in blind makes them all the more magical.

As for the theme, it’s a clever mix of both Wicked and The Wizard of Oz, though it definitely leans more towards the classic Oz storyline. That’s completely understandable building a game around a musical like Wicked would be quite a challenge but the nods to both are handled really well.

All in all, Wickedly Oz is a beautifully crafted adventure full of charm, clever puzzles, and unexpected moments. There’s plenty to get stuck into over the hour, and I’d absolutely recommend giving it a go it’s a proper treat from start to finish.

Disclaimer: Played on opening day, so changes may have been made since opening.

Grimm Up North is yet another exceptional escape room that impresses from start to finish. The game is overflowing with a diverse array of puzzles, each one distinct and carefully crafted to keep you on your toes. The variety of challenges ensures that no two puzzles feel the same, providing a refreshing experience with each new task. It’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into the puzzle design, and that attention to detail shines through throughout the entire game.

Our group of five played together, knowing that this was a collection-style game, and we wanted to ensure we had the best chance of collecting everything the game had to offer. Between us, we’ve collectively completed over 600 escape rooms, so we have quite a bit of experience under our belts. Even with all that experience, Grimm Up North still managed to keep all five of us engaged and busy, with each of us having something to do at all times. The game is designed in such a way that it encourages teamwork and communication, which made for an incredibly enjoyable and immersive experience.

I’m always a fan of escape rooms that offer both a main quest and side quests, as it truly makes you feel like you're getting your money’s worth. It adds an extra layer of excitement, as you’re never just working towards one singular goal. Thankfully, Grimm Up North delivers on this front in spades. 

The set design is simply stunning. It strikes the perfect balance between a polished, professional look and a charming, handmade quality that I absolutely adore. It’s evident from the moment you step into the room that the designers and owners have poured a tremendous amount of passion into the creation of this experience. The attention to detail is remarkable, and every corner of the set feels meticulously crafted to pull you deeper into the world of Grimm Up North.

Overall, this is an outstanding game that truly stands out. It offers a perfect blend of challenging puzzles, immersive storytelling, and beautiful design. I wholeheartedly recommend Grimm Up North to anyone looking for a thrilling and memorable escape room experience. Whether you’re a seasoned escape room enthusiast or a newcomer, you’re sure to find something here that will leave you eager for more.

The theming of this game is truly excellent, immersing you fully in the 1980s and creating a nostalgic atmosphere that's hard to beat. I particularly loved the option to select your own soundtrack, which adds a personal touch and really enhances the experience, making you feel as though you've stepped back in time. The game also features some intriguing and original puzzles that offer a refreshing challenge, which sets it apart from others. Overall, it’s definitely one worth checking out for anyone who enjoys creative gameplay and a well-executed theme.

This is an enjoyable game where communication plays a key role, making it a fun experience for those who appreciate teamwork and interaction. While I wouldn't personally rank it as my favourite game on offer here, I think it still has its merits.  One area for improvement, though, would be the crates – it can be quite tricky to determine which crate is for which puzzle, and some clearer signposting would certainly enhance the experience. Of course, this is just based on our own experience; other players may not have had any issues with the crates and could have found them easier to navigate.

I firmly believe that a game really shines when you find yourself needing very few clues to progress, and this game definitely excelled in that regard. The one clue we did need was purely down to us being a bit careless and missing something obvious. Aside from that, everything flowed beautifully. The game had a lovely, well-thought-out theme that enhanced the experience, and it was both logical and cleverly non-linear in its design, which kept things interesting and engaging. It provided a fantastic challenge without ever feeling frustrating. All in all, it was an excellent and highly enjoyable game that I would happily recommend.

I enjoyed this game – it provided a lot of fun and excitement throughout. The experience was engaging, and I appreciated the challenge it offered. However, one slight downside was that, at times, the gameplay did feel a little repetitive, which slightly took away from the overall flow. Despite this, it's still a fantastic game to play, offering plenty of entertainment. Additionally, the set design is truly impressive, with beautiful attention to detail that adds a great deal to the overall experience.

If you're limited for time and only have the chance to play a handful of games, I would recommend prioritising others, as missing this one wouldn't leave you feeling as though you've missed out on too much.

However, if you're local to the area or have some extra time to spare, I would still suggest giving this game a go, as it does feature some genuinely enjoyable gameplay.

This was an incredibly enjoyable heist game! From start to finish, it was packed with excitement, and the clever signposting made sure we were constantly engaged, solving puzzles throughout the entire hour. The ending was absolutely fantastic and really tied everything together in a satisfying way. I absolutely loved this game. Every puzzle was carefully thought out and logical, which made the experience all the more rewarding. It was just a bit of a shame we were left with five padlocks still to unlock—we were so close to completing everything!

Without a doubt, this is my favourite heist-themed game I've ever played. I highly recommend paying Agent Brains a visit to experience it for yourself.

I’ll start by saying that this game is by far the most physical of all the ones at EO, but trust me, it’s absolutely worth it for the incredible payoff. 

Honestly, I’m not sure what else to add because, with EO, you already know what to expect – no matter which game you book, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time. The creativity and imagination behind their puzzles are always top-notch, and this game is no exception. It’s packed with unique and clever challenges that really make you think, all within a wonderfully designed set that draws you in from the moment you step inside. 

The Keyper's Secret is filled with some lovely surprises, and it’s hard to say much more without giving too much away. The last thing I want to do is spoil the magic of it. Suffice to say, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. If you’re looking for a fun and memorable adventure, this is definitely one to check out.

Wow... wow... wow... This game is absolutely fantastic and, without a doubt, my personal favourite of all the games here. It’s clear that so much love and care went into its creation, and it features so many delightful moments that make it truly remarkable. The game offers a wonderfully charming set that exudes a lovely homemade feel, which I absolutely adore. You’ll find yourself right at the heart of the hottest spot in town – ‘The Karma Club’. 

Your mission is to retrieve your golden record before the hour is up... all while resisting the urge to dance to the hilariously cheesy club music (and when I say cheesy, I mean seriously strong cheese – think Pop World meets puzzles). 

Just play this game. It’s so much fun and deserves so much more love. The puzzles are truly unique.

Once again, EO has delivered another brilliant room! This team truly excels at creating clever and unique games, and this one was no exception. It was an absolute joy to play. I particularly loved the separate starting point – it was even more enjoyable that, despite starting apart, you still had to work together to achieve a shared goal. It was a refreshing change from the typical "locked away" start you often see in other rooms. 

This game was just fantastic – there’s so much to do, and I loved that it offered both a main task and a side quest, making it feel like you really get your money’s worth. The puzzles were, as always, a delight to solve. It’s such a shame this room is closing – it's one that isn’t just perfect for Easter, but could be enjoyed all year round! If you get the chance, please go play it!

Wow, what an incredibly fun game to play! I absolutely loved how frantic it was and how much there was to solve. The game itself is beautifully designed, and it's a real shame it's closing soon. However, I'm so glad we managed to experience it before it ended, as it features some truly stunning moments. As I've mentioned in previous reviews, there are plenty of those "kick me" moments I adore – those moments when you've been approaching something the wrong way, and suddenly the lightbulb in your head turns on and you think, "Ah, of course!" This game is brilliant for that. 

It also offers such a unique twist on a Christmas-themed game, moving away from the typical "saving Christmas for Santa to deliver presents" storyline. What I really appreciated was how it was clear that everyone involved in creating this room had a great time, putting their heart into building it and coming up with the puzzles.

By the end of it, you’ll likely find yourself shouting “WILSON!” just like the iconic scene from the film. Be sure to wear your best socks, as shoes aren’t allowed! The reason behind this quickly becomes clear upon entering, adding to the immersion and making the experience all the more memorable.

In summary, this is a cleverly designed, immersive escape room with a unique theme and fantastic puzzles. It’s a must-try for fans of Castaway and escape room enthusiasts alike!

Although horror games aren't usually my thing, I can say I bravely ventured into this one. While I may not have been the most useful player, there were some truly lovely moments throughout. The theme is dark and macabre, reminiscent of a collaboration between the Brothers Grimm and a certain well-known American figure with a famous mouse, offering a creepy or alternative twist on their work. It was a real delight to play, and I encountered some unique elements I've not seen before in a game room.

The game does feature jump scares, but they come in the form of mechanical surprises—which you trigger yourself unknowingly (without spoiling anything, hopefully this reassures potential players). As I had anticipated the typical jump scares with witches screaming or loud sound effects, but this game doesn't rely on those. 

It's a fun experience for anyone to try and could be a great introduction for those interested in horror-themed rooms. It's not likely to leave you terrified, but it does an excellent job of building suspense in a delightful way. A truly unique and fun game!

This is quite an interesting review to write. First and foremost, it’s important to note that this is not an escape room; it's more an immersive art exhibition. However, the creativity behind Wake The Tiger is truly remarkable. At £9.50 per ticket, I’d say it was definitely worth the experience, especially on a drizzly afternoon in Bristol. That said, I do feel that if the price had been any higher, I might have felt a bit short-changed.

The set design and level of immersion are impressive, with some truly fantastic elements scattered throughout. There are a few hidden tasks to discover here and there, but I couldn’t help but wonder, why am I doing this? What’s the purpose?

However, I do recognise that I might not be the target audience for this kind of attraction. 

That being said, I can definitely see how some people would find this quirky, unusual, and exciting adventure enjoyable. Just be warned – you might encounter some rather awkward interactions with the Meridian villagers, who I feel could benefit from a bit more improv training.

I recently played this escape room, and where do I even begin? For puzzle enthusiasts, this game is an absolute gem. It’s a collect-a-thon-style experience with no set goal of escaping, but instead, the aim is to put as many elves to bed as possible. The game is packed with a variety of puzzles, making it ideal for a larger team — I’d say four people is the perfect size, allowing you to split up and tackle different challenges. Trust me, you’ll need to!

I played as a two, which was enjoyable, but we quickly realised that completing everything would be a stretch due to the sheer amount of puzzles. It’s not about rushing to the end; it’s about enjoying the journey and solving as many puzzles as you can to put those elves to bed. The puzzles are engaging and fun, with some lovely 'Kick Me Moments'.

One minor critique is I personally felt that some of the puzzles could use a little more signposting. As at times, it was difficult to tell whether we were solving a bonus puzzle or progressing the main challenge, which led to a bit of confusion. We found ourselves jumping between the two, but the game master did an excellent job of guiding us and keeping us on track.

Overall, this game is a real treat, especially for anyone who loves a good puzzle. The sheer variety and volume of puzzles kept us entertained, and the light-hearted, elf-themed goal added a unique twist. I genuinely enjoyed the experience, and I can’t recommend it enough. Well done to the Locked In team — you've created something truly special! 👏

I’ve rated this game as quite difficult, not because the puzzles themselves are particularly hard, but due to the sheer volume of puzzles you need to solve if you’re aiming to collect everything.

This game was a delightful experience, offering a unique take on the escape room genre with some refreshing elements I hadn't encountered before. It’s genuinely charming and features a lovely, cutesy atmosphere that immerses you in its magical world. Of all the magic-themed games I’ve played, this one stands out for its heartwarming moments and creative design.

One small criticism I have, though, is regarding the game's use of items. Without giving too much away, the Game Master will inform you upfront that the game doesn’t follow the typical "one-use" policy for objects. Personally, I find it a bit tricky to remember objects I've already used or solved puzzles with, so once I’ve figured something out, I tend to forget about those items. That being said, the way this mechanic is incorporated into the game is still quite clever and adds to the experience.

The storytelling and use of technology in this game are outstanding, with some innovative features that really bring the narrative to life in ways I hadn’t seen before. Overall, it's a wonderfully immersive and magical experience that I highly recommend.

This was definitely my favourite game from this company. The gameplay was excellent and flowed so smoothly – everything just clicked together perfectly. I really loved the collectathon style, but with a clever twist that made it feel fresh and exciting. It was just really good fun from start to finish. The puzzles were engaging and kept us on our toes, and the whole experience had such a great rhythm to it. Highly recommend – it’s a fantastic game!

This was the room I was most excited for, especially after hearing so many glowing reviews and noticing the higher pricing, which naturally set my expectations high. However, surprisingly, it ended up being the room I enjoyed the least. That’s not to say it’s a bad game – far from it. For many, the time machine theme will be a real treat, especially if it’s their first encounter with it. For me, though, it felt a little familiar (reminding me of a certain game in Nottingham).

That said, there was one standout feature – a unique puzzle box that I’ve never seen before, which was a nice touch and something I really appreciated. It’s always great to encounter something new in an escape room.

The hype surrounding escape rooms can sometimes be a double-edged sword. When expectations are set so high, it can be difficult for any game to fully live up to them. While the experience was still enjoyable and well-crafted, it didn’t quite leave the lasting impression I’d hoped for. Ultimately, it’s a solid game – just not as groundbreaking or memorable as I had anticipated.

A solid game with a classic feel to it. While it didn’t quite leave as lasting an impression as some of the others we’ve played at Escape Plan, it was still an enjoyable experience. The puzzles were well-designed, and nothing really stumped us, which made for a smooth and satisfying gameplay. Overall, a good game and definitely still worth a go for anyone who enjoys a classic-style escape room!

Had a great time playing this game – it was really good fun! The puzzles were engaging, logical, and had that perfect "kick me" moment that made everything click into place. However, what really made the experience stand out was our Games Master, David. He was absolutely brilliant. All the Games Masters throughout the day were great, but the three of us all agreed we wished we could have had him for every game. He was not only a fantastic host but also really lovely to chat with afterwards. His enthusiasm and warmth really made the experience special. Highly recommend this game – it’s a great time, especially with such an amazing host!

This game has rapidly become one of my favourites, and I've played quite a few highly regarded games in the UK! But this one stands out as excellent. It reminded me of why I love escape rooms so much. Everything was so well thought out and logical. The game is beautifully crafted, and the attention to detail and care put into its design is evident. Truly impressive. Some of the puzzles were so stunningly clever that I couldn't help but audibly express my admiration (and trust me, that doesn't happen often). It was simply incredible! A massive well done to this company!

Here we have a typical Escape Hunt experience gone wrong. During the briefing, the games master was overly enthusiastic, even revealing the number of rooms in the game, which immediately took away any element of surprise.

The game had only been running for four weeks when we played, but props and puzzles were already broken. One puzzle made no sense at all, and the games master wasn’t sure how it worked either. They overrode multiple elements of the game, which impacted the flow. It was clear the games master needed more training, as many of the clues were incorrect—saying one thing but meaning another.

To make matters worse, one of the puzzles was just a copy-paste job from their western-themed game. It’s a shame because the first half of the game started off promising, but it quickly went downhill from there. Overall, a frustrating and poorly executed experience.

Eenjoyable game, very immersive with some very nice tech within the game. Again excellent hosting from Bob!

Typical Escapologist game, I would say it's probably their best game. The build in one room is nice, the other it's a bit meh. 

Placement puzzles don't work, had to be told to pick something up, and place it back down again for it to use... also use of Disney songs & Disney imagery within the room, and an image on the clue screen that clearly hadn't been paid for...