Games played by Armchair Escapist

Game
Company
Game
Location
Played: 6 Oct 2023 Team size: 3 Time taken: 42 mins Outcome: Successful escape!
originalstory-drivenfamily friendly

This had everything I could ask for in an escape room - fun puzzles, secret surprises, an opportunity to dress up and dance, character interaction, and a ton of treasure.

The set packs in a lot of content over a relatively small area, with enough spaces opening throughout the game to let players breathe. Nothing was particularly difficult, but there was enough there to keep us going for the entire game without stepping on eachother's toes. 

There's a satisfying narrative throughline that ties everything together and makes for some very fun moments.

I bloody loved it!

Played: 19 May 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 51 mins Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulhi-techcleverquite difficult😨creepy

The 13th Floor is a spooky, challenging game that has all the glamour and creep-factor of a haunted 1920s hotel. There are no real scares here, though, so it’s still suitable for most players. It’s got some great surprises in store, and with some satisfying puzzles to boot, teams should have a good time with this one.

Played: 5 May 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 1hr 45mins Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulimmersivestory-driven

I loved The Medusa Report. Every twist and turn was another satisfying reveal, another “OMG” moment. Diorama Games has perfected these satisfying puzzle mechanics that simultaneously make you feel clever and appreciate the cleverness of the designer – a rare thing in puzzle games. You’re going to want to back this game on Kickstarter to experience it for yourself.

After thoroughly enjoying both The Vandermist Dossier and The Medusa Report, I cannot wait to see what the third game in the series has in store.

Played: 18 Apr 2023 Team size: 1 Time taken: 1 hr Outcome: Successful escape!
quite difficult
Distress Call From Outer Space maintains the quality of its predecessor and adapts its gameplay well with the theme. Tactile players wanting a more hands-on experience might fare better with one of the other Scarlet Envelope themes, though there’s still plenty of content to be had here.
Played: 1 March 2023 Team size: 3 Time taken: 1 hr Outcome: Successful escape!

Escape from the Wizard’s Workshop is a colourful, fun intro to escape games for younger kids. It works great as a family game and would be perfect for parties. It’s definitely helped our little puzzler want to play more puzzle games – they had a blast!

Played: 13 Feb 2023 Team size: 5 Time taken: 30 mins Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulgreat hostingfamily friendly

Coco Loco is a fun room with a great aesthetic, utilising some novel puzzle types that will delight many players, and is a perfect family game. Come for the room, stay for the bar and excellent hosts!

Played: 31 Jan 2023 Team size: 1 Outcome: Successful escape!
value for moneystory-drivenquite difficult

Cabaret at Lapin Blanc is a fun, challenging game that fully steeps players into the Scarlet Envelope universe. Those who originally whet their appetite on the Introductory mystery will find the difficulty curve ramp up a fair bit.

The components look and feel great, and the puzzles were satisfying to solve. Scarlet Envelope pack a lot of punch in such a small envelope for sure! I’m very much looking forward to playing the next mystery.

Played: 22 Jan 2023 Team size: 3 Time taken: 40 mins Outcome: Successful escape!
family friendly

Curse of Thutmose is a fun adventure that’s best suited for families and less experiences escape teams. Enthusiasts are less likely to get the same kick out of it, but it’s a good room to play for a day out with the kids.

Played: 10 Jan 2023 Team size: 1 Time taken: 54 mins Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulillogicalquite difficult

Admittedly I played this game solo, which wasn’t the ideal gaming environment. But as the game touts itself as being suitable for 1-8 players, I figured I’d give it a go.

I recommend that anyone who plays The Deceit goes into it with a decent sized group of solvers with a diverse set of brains. Maybe all you need is a Chunk in your group (to hearken back to my escape room Goonies archetypes theory) – a wildcard who can make those spurious connections.

I think The Deceit needs extra signposting on around half of its puzzles. There’s a lot there that requires players to trial and error their answers and methods in order to stumble into the correct answer, which was frustrating in some cases. It’s a shame as I thoroughly enjoyed The Missed Flight.

Played: 29 Nov 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 37:00 Outcome: Successful escape!
value for moneyclevergreat hosting

Banged Up is an excellent opening room for Exit60, and a great beginning to Newport’s escape room resurgence. It’s a fun take on the prison break escape theme, and with its added character interaction, makes for a satisfying and more immersive experience.

Exit60 has potential for many more rooms, so expect great things to come. Definitely one to play if you’re in the area!

Played: 8 Sept 2022 Team size: 1 Time taken: 90 mins Outcome: Successful escape!

The Mysterious Case of Dancing Mania was a fun and creative puzzle booklet that had a satisfying variety of puzzles. it offers snackable puzzles but manages to back it up with enough narrative to make the solving worthwhile. I’d recommend this to puzzlers looking for something light and mildly challenging or for couples looking for a well-paced date night activity.

If this is the kind of quality you can expect from the Wacky Wheels subscription game, players are in for a consistent treat.

Played: 25 Aug 2022 Team size: 3 Time taken: 52:02 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulvalue for moneygreat hosting

As a steampunk fan, I fell in love with the aesthetic of The Time Machine, from the first moment we rocked up there. I wished I’d gone in costume! The story was fun, the puzzles flowed really well and we had a hell of a good time.

It was an incredibly fun experience from start to finish and I think it’s given our kid an appetite for more. Highly recommended if you’re in West Wales.

Played: 1 Aug 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 1hr 25 mins Outcome: Successful escape!
cleverillogicalquite difficult

The Corporation was a game of two halves for us. The components look and feel great, and the bits we enjoyed, we really enjoyed. The bits we didn’t put a bit of a sour taste in our mouths, but I think these are easily fixable. Some more signposting in some puzzles, reducing the process-driven puzzle and add a more granular hint system could iron out the creases and make for a consistently enjoyable game.

The game is reasonably priced so if you’ve got an experienced group and want a challenge, then give The Corporation a go! Newbies to these kinds of games might find it to be too inconsistent with its difficulty.

I’m looking forward to see where Puzzaroo goes with its next game, and I’m watching with interest to see if some of our hiccups with this initial game will be addressed.

Played: 27 Aug 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 1hr 9 mins Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifuloriginalstory-drivenquite easy

The Gilded Carcanet was a ton of fun to play. The story and artwork are great, the puzzles were satisfying to solve and injected us with a real sense of adventure. There are some wonderful a-ha moments to be had too.

This is a great game for couples, or a small group of younger players. I’d also recommend this game for family game night, and use the invitations and posters to enhance the setting even more.

Played: 20 Jul 2022 Team size: 3 Time taken: 55 mins Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulhi-techstory-drivenquite difficult

We thoroughly enjoyed Astro Quest. The team at Escape Rooms Cardiff have clearly listened to the players and have worked to create a room that is of the same consistent quality as their other games. The tech-heavy portion of the game might not be for everyone, but I think most teams will get a kick out of playing it.

Played: 13 May 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 45:54 Outcome: Successful escape!
great hostingfamily friendlysmell puzzle

I enjoyed playing Wild West, though I found the other games at Escape Game Swansea to be stronger for their puzzles. Wild West has the best set design, though, so if you’re up for something a little less serious in its theme, then I’d recommend giving it a go. Just make sure you bring your best nose with you.

Played: 13 May 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 50:33 Outcome: Successful escape!
great hosting😨creepy

Hostel was my favourite of the 3 rooms we did that day in Swansea. It’s got enough of a creepy atmosphere to set the mood without being overwhelming. The physicality of some of the puzzles was a delight, and for our team of 2 there was plenty for us to sink our teeth into.

I’d recommend Hostel for slightly larger groups who don’t mind a slight creep factor to their games.

Played: 13 May 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 44:00 Outcome: Successful escape!
value for moneygreat hosting

We had a great time playing Alcatraz – it was Mim’s favourite of the 3 rooms we did that day. There was great game flow and some fun a-ha moments that made it a fun game to play.

I’d recommend this game for a 2 or 3 person team who can collaborate well together, as you’ll need good teamwork and communication skills to succeed!

Played: 22 Apr 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 8 hours Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulimmersiveepicquite difficult
We’re only a few months into 2022, but I’m confident in saying that The Emerald Flame is one of my top games for 2022. The bar has been set incredibly high, and PostCurious should be proud in having created an experience that looks incredible and gives a true sense of adventure and discovery.
Played: 4 Mar 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 50:00 Outcome: Successful escape!

The Prison Van is an exciting, challenging escape room that’s well adapted to its unique setting. It’s got a good mix of challenging puzzle types and its setup allows for good co-operation between players. Just make sure you’ve got your eyes with you!

Played: 8 Feb 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 33:00 Outcome: Successful escape!
cleverfamily friendlyvery easy

Newspaper: Introduction to Mysteries is an excellent appetiser for Scarlet Envelope’s future issues. As a standalone game, I’d say it’s a bit on the easy side for veteran players. As a part of the overall Scarlet Envelope series, it serves as a satisfying taster of what players can expect from the series.

Does this game make me want to keep playing? Absolutely!

Played: 18 Jan 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 43mins Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulvalue for moneystory-driven😨creepy

We thoroughly enjoyed The Glasshouse Ghost. It’s filled with the narrative charm and character we’ve come to expect from a Society of Curiosities game. It’s bursting with heart and I’m looking forward to tackling the next mystery!

Played: 4 Jan 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 60mins Outcome: Successful escape!
immersivestory-driven

The Vanishing Gambler is an incredibly well-polished and smart game with a few tricks up its sleeve. If you like a more grounded puzzle game, then I recommend you give this a go. If, like me, you like a touch of the fantastical, then I’d go with either The Balthazar Stone or Ghost in the Attic.

Played: 26 Dec 2021 Team size: 2 Time taken: 1hr 24mins Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifuloriginalstory-drivenquite difficult

The Treasure Trove of Pirate Cove is another feather in the cap of Solve Our Shirts. They’ve capitalised on the success of their first play at home puzzle game and have secreted away some delightful moments within the tee. Without a doubt you’re going to want to play this game. And you’ll have the best kind of souvenir afterwards!

Played: 31 Dec 2021 Team size: 1 Time taken: 53 mins Outcome: Successful escape!
originalcleverstory-drivenquite easy
With its fun art style, great voice acting and basis in forensic science, Curse of the Burial Dagger is a fun and educational play at home puzzle game that’s well suited to families and those looking to learn a little about forensics in a fun way. Grizzled puzzle lovers only in it for the solving might find this game a little light for their tastes, though.
Played: 22/12/21 Team size: 4 Time taken: 1hr 38 mins Outcome: Successful escape!

Mission: Elfpossible is a fun, vibrant and funny puzzle game that’s surprisingly challenging in places. Some less experienced teams might find it a little extra tricky in areas, but it’s a great way to spend time with family and friends this Christmas.

Played: 2 Dec 2021 Team size: 2 Time taken: 1hr 49mins Outcome: Successful escape!
originalcleverquite easy

The Distraction Agents is a fun ARG where you get out what you put into it. If you’re a pure puzzle solver who wants to go from A to B to C, this one might not be the right fit for you. But if you’re a fan of the experience and the interaction more than just the puzzles, I suggest you give this a go.

I see this is being a good game to play with a small group of friends so you could try to one up one another with your various ‘distractions’, played over the course of a few days. Theatre fans and those who enjoy experiential gaming would get a real kick out of this.

This is a game to be sipped and enjoyed, where you can craft stories you and your friends will tell long after the game itself is finished.

Played: 16/10/21 Team size: 2 Time taken: 37:15 Outcome: Successful escape!

Finding Sherlock 2 has successfully breathed new life into one of its oldest rooms (and therefore one of the oldest rooms in Wales). This new incarnation has dramatically overhauled its puzzles with great success, creating wonderful Moments and challenges in the process.

I think people who played the original Finding Sherlock game will get a kick out of seeing how the game surprises them. Finding Sherlock was one of my favourite escape rooms to play in Cardiff. Finding Sherlock 2 is even better!

Played: 14 Oct 2021 Team size: 2 Time taken: 46 mins Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulcleverstory-driven

The Custodian’s Keys serves as an excellent introduction to the Curious Correspondence Club universe. It’s got a wonderful visual aesthetic, fun puzzle mechanics and smooth, satisfying game flow. I feel like I’m now a part of that world, and am definitely hooked into playing the next chapter.

If you’re on the fence about getting a subscription, getting this as a single chapter is a good way to see if you gel with the game. More experienced players might not be challenged all that much, but it’s a lot of fun to play.

I’d recommend this game for fans of Post-A-Puzzle and Puzzle Post UK that want a richer narrative experience and a greater sense of grandeur.

Played: 27 Aug 2021 Team size: 3 Time taken: 40 mins Outcome: Successful escape!
family friendlyquite easy

I see The Wizard’s Study as a solid choice for a day of family fun. Kids especially should get a kick out of being a wizard for the day, and the game is about the right level of challenging with adult supervision.

All-adult groups or enthusiasts might want to consider Hotel Crime Scene or Jumunga for a bit more of a challenge.

Played: 26 Aug 2021 Team size: 3 Time taken: 39:29 Outcome: Successful escape!
value for moneyimmersivegreat hosting

We had a lot of fun at Sabotage. It’s wonderfully themed, solidly built and with a good mix of puzzles, despite some issues with game flow.

The lo-fi approach to theming the on point wartime aesthetic really sold it for us. I’d recommend you pop in and play it if you’re in South Wales.

Played: 13/08/2021 Team size: 2 Time taken: 1hr 19mins Outcome: Successful escape!

We both thoroughly enjoyed The Vandermist Dossier. From the moment we opened up the box to submitting our final answer (and damn, the reveal of that final answer is so satisfying!), we had a blast. The game is well put-together with innovative components and a gripping narrative.

I’d recommend this to puzzle solvers who like a good balance of story and puzzles, and who like to get involved with physical components. Fans of The Hincks series should get a kick out of the puzzles too (though the tone is more serious).

Played: 22 Aug 2021 Team size: 2 Time taken: 40:05 Outcome: Successful escape!
great hostingfamily friendly

If you find yourself towards the top end of Wales, I recommend paying Beyond Breakout a visit. The Mask is a fun room that would be a decent challenge for small teams, and you’ll have a blast with Lorna and Jo as your hosts.

Played: 21 Aug 2021 Team size: 4 Time taken: 46:02 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulvalue for moneyfamily friendly

If you're in the area, I highly recommend you play Escape from the Cursed Galleon. Our team of four was a good number to tackle the room, though I'd say that's should be the max. I'd say a duo of experienced players could take it on in time too.

And when you're there, see if you can find the Armchair Escapist logo!

Played: 20 Jul 2021 Team size: 4 Time taken: 1hr 8 mins Outcome: Successful escape!
value for moneyfunnyclever

We really enjoyed playing Welcome to Argenia. It was funny, had some very interesting puzzle types that I’d never seen before, and had a sense of being a fully-realised world, even in a fairly small geographical area.

As this is part of an ongoing series set in the same place, I’m very much looking forward to more adventures in Argenia. After how episode 0 ended, I wonder how high the stakes are going to get!

Played: 11 Jul 2021 Team size: 2 Time taken: 2hrs 27 mins Outcome: Successful escape!
value for moneyoriginalstory-driven

Monsters in the Wild is a fun, grounded game with a plethora of interesting puzzles and an exciting narrative with plenty of twists and turns. It’s a bit more accessible than The Submerged Sentinel, and would be perfectly suited to first-time players of Enigma Fellowship games.

Played: 3 Jul 2021 Team size: 2 Time taken: 2hrs 4 mins Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulvalue for moneystory-driven

We both really enjoyed playing Blackbrim. It’s a well-made and wonderfully-designed game with a great look and compelling storyline. The puzzles are balanced and will make you feel like a smarty pants when you solve them, and who doesn’t want that?

Played: 13 Jun 2021 Team size: 2 Time taken: 53 mins Outcome: Successful escape!
value for moneycleverfamily friendly

The Trapped Escape Game series would make for a perfect game to take on holiday or if you’re throwing a party. It’s highly portable and has a great party game vibe. Flight 927 is on the more challenging end of the scale, but still family friendly and accessible to most players.

Played: 6 Jun 2021 Team size: 2 Time taken: 53 mins Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulstory-driven

We really enjoyed playing The Gatekeeper. It’s a beautiful game with a nice storyline and a good selection of puzzles. This is one I’d say is a good fit for families or a couple having an ‘off the grid’ time away.

We found it a little easy, but we enjoyed the ride. If you’re after something with the look and feel of a hidden object game, but with better puzzles, then check out The Gatekeeper.

Played: 22 May 2021 Team size: 2 Time taken: 51 mins Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulvalue for moneystory-driven

We both really enjoyed The Cinderella Murders. It’s a perfect complement to the existing Society of Curiosities adventures and a nice mild break for your brain in between games. These games don’t skimp on production value, though. And, combined with a slick online interface, makes for a fun, fantastical fairy detective game.

Played: 19 May 2021 Team size: 2 Time taken: 48 Outcome: Successful escape!
cleverplain

The Heist needs some TLC. The puzzles themselves are pretty good, and are of a similar quality to what I’ve experienced in other Escape Reality rooms. But the room itself looks like it hasn’t had much love for a while, which put a bit of a dampener on our suspension of disbelief.

This room could work for larger teams of 5-6 given the size of the room, though there’d be a bottle neck at the midpoint of the game for anything larger than four people.


Played: 19 May 2021 Team size: 2 Time taken: 41:26 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulimmersiveepic

The Cardiff Castle has quickly become one of my favourite escape games in Wales. With a beautiful set, wonderful a-ha moments and solid puzzles, it’s an instant win for me.

I’d hyped up the game quite a bit in my mind during lockdown, and I was delighted that it had exceeded my expectations.

If you enjoyed The Tomb and are looking for something a bit more challenging, The Cardiff Castle should be next on your list. But I think everyone will get a kick out of playing this room.

I’d recommend this game for groups of 2-3 (four maximum) as the rooms aren’t too big and bigger groups might step on one another’s toes.

This game is the closest to a Crystal Maze style experience you’re likely to get without going to the real deal. You’ll have a blast!

Played: 10 May 2021 Team size: 2 Time taken: 2hrs 57 mins Outcome: Successful escape!
value for moneycleverstory-drivenquite difficult

The Submerged Sentinel is another great puzzle adventure from Enigma Fellowship. Its rich story, innovative puzzles and superb attention to detail mark it out as an excellent choice for experienced puzzlers. I’m no newbie, and this certainly gave my brain a workout!

If you’re a less experienced player, I recommend you start with the other games from Enigma Fellowship – The Lost Knowledge and The Scattered Cards. If you’re up for a challenge, then definitely check out The Submerged Sentinel.

Played: 18/04/21 Team size: 2 Time taken: 1hr 48mins Outcome: Successful escape!

With each game Society of Curiosities manage to up the ante on their games. The quality of their materials speaks for itself and their puzzles have some wonderful ‘a-ha’ moments. There”s creativity and ingenuity abound in The Memory Stone, and it shows Society of Curiosities is going from strength to strength.

I’d recommend The Memory Stone to anyone who wants their games to feel as real as possible. If you’ve tried The Balthazar Box from The Mystery Agency, and are after something more challenging, then definitely go for the Society of Curiosities.

Played: 20 March 2021 Team size: 2 Time taken: 59:47 Outcome: Successful escape!

I loved The Balthazar Stone. It had all the right elements of mystery and discovery that I want in a good at-home escape game. The game materials are great quality and feel like real artifacts.

The puzzles are really well designed, making me feel like a real armchair treasure hunter. The seamless attention to detail that I’ve come to love about Mischief Theatre is clearly evident here.

I’d recommend this game for anyone who’s a fan of Society of Curiosities and is hungry for more. It’s less challenging than the Society of Curiosities games, so I’d say it lends itself more towards a casual or family game night.

Played: 06 April 2021 Team size: 2 Time taken: 1hr 19mins Outcome: Successful escape!

I really enjoyed playing Tunnelling Through Time. It’s filled with the charm, humour and clever puzzle design we’ve come to know and love about Deadlocked.

We finished the game in just over an hour and we were a little sad that it had ended. As with their previous charity collaboration, this game is more accessible for less experienced escape room fans.

Die-hard puzzle veterans might get more of a brain workout from their meatier options – The Insiders and The Cyphstress – though there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.

Give it a go, support the museum and learn something while you play!

Played: 29/01/21 Team size: 2 Time taken: 44 mins Outcome: Successful escape!

Codebakers is a fun, light game with a unique concept that will be a good gift to send someone as a surprise treat. I’d recommend this for older or more experienced players given the complexity of some of the puzzles.

I think the puzzles need a bit of tinkering to improve the signposting, as well as a rethink to the hint system to make it less cryptic for players who might already be lost or frustrated.

That being said, I’m looking forward to seeing their next bake. I really like the concept and I can never say no to both puzzles and sweet treats!

Played: 15/02/21 Team size: 2 Time taken: 45 mins Outcome: Successful escape!

Humbug Hijinx is a fun, light puzzler that’s suitable for anyone to play. I think it needs a little bit of polish in one or two areas, but you’re still in for a good time. I’d recommend this to anyone wanting to connect with friends during lockdown – with up to five simultaneous connections, it’s a great party game.


Played: 16/02/21 Team size: 2 Time taken: 1hr 23 mins Outcome: Successful escape!

Mechanics of the Heart was a joy to play. It’s riddled with charm and personality, and we had loads of fun with it.

I’d highly recommend this game for couples wanting to do something different on date night. Pour yourself a glass of red, lower the lights and get romantic!

Played: 10/02/21 Team size: 2 Time taken: 40 mins Outcome: Successful escape!

Loot Per Suit is a really fun way to recreate the escape room experience at home. I’d recommend this game for anyone stuck at home and wanting to scratch that itch. The challenge level is good for both families or couples, and I think everyone will get a kick out of running around the house busting locks.

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