James Bloodworth

Don't let the Easter theming put you off, there's a lot to like here.  It does feature a split start and communication is very much the key (you start in the same space as Captive).  The puzzles are a combination and show very much EO's flair for puzzle design.  Sign posting is very good and it's only rarely we were seemingly stuck before spotting something we had missed.  As with EO's other games there is also a bonus element so once you've rescued Edgar you can then complete a series of bonus puzzles before finishing the game.  Our hosts were Kelly and Kodi and were fantastic throughout.  EO really has become one of my favourite venues for both their game design and approach to games.  It might not be as clever as the rest of the games here but it's still very much worth your time.

My favourite game at this venue, I do love a sense of adventure, the chance to let loose my inner Indiana Jones if you will!  Exploration is key in this game and some of the hightech puzzles feature elements I'd never seen before.  Again, this is mostly non-linear but the puzzles are excellent throughout.

There's a real sense of exploration here, elements of the room may seem daunting when you first get in there but it holds more than one surprise.  Another non-linear game with people able to work on different puzzles.  There is a central puzzle that I think could do with being slightly clearer as to what you have to do as to tore through the room until we encountered that but its still a great room and very much worth your time.

A fabulous science based room (you know when there's a periodic table in the room thats going to be used).  Gameplay is mostly non-linear but co-operation is most definitely needed towards the end.  Theming is excellent and hints are provided from a screen in the room.

Who doesn't love a Christmas room in the middle of Summer?  With some innovative puzzles and clever gameplay this room is sure to raise the cheer of anyone who plays it.  Puzzles are a real combination of search, logic, physical and dexterity but are well constructed and sing posting is good.

There are some wonderfully clever puzzles in this game that gave us a few issues figuring out what they wanted but we had a great time doing so.  Theming is once again very good and this is a fun light hearted room.

Clearly gaining some inspiration from another wizarding franchise this a fun game in the centre of Nottingham.  Puzzles are mostly electronic in nature with a couple of clever observational ones thrown in.  Theming is good if a little basic in places but had some nice touches that brought a smile to my face.  I enjoyed Break Escape in Loughborough and a lot of the same nice touches were present here as well.

Houdini's does seem to be carving out a reputation but it's probably not one they would want.  The hosting here was fabulous, but the room was broken in a few cases and it was clear it needed some maintenance doing on it.  It was on ok way to spend an hour but not worth going out of your way for, for the numbers only.

Justifiably one of the UK's most highly rated venues with a changing storyline around the same location that keeps on changing.  This time we had to solve the mystery of the toffee shop and recover the missing toffee's...  Puzzle design is absolutely flawless, rarely were we standing around not sure where to go as the sign posting is incredibly good.  There's not much tech here so a lot of padlocks but the puzzles are so well designed you won't notice.  Booking on can be hard but thats testament to its popularity.  This should be on everyones play list.

A classic room game fearuring a combination of search, deduction and translation(!) puzzles.  Play is mostly linear with a couple of surprises in later rooms that are executed well and should bring a smile to your face.

This game is quite child friendly with some fun theming.  The beach theming is minimal but effective, this is a relatively straight forward room but there’s still a couple of puzzles that could trip you up.

Taking over the space from “The Cage”, this is a large multi room game which features a split start told with a novel tale.  Story is good and theming and set pieces carry this off effectively.  Once the game starts there is a lot to do, and the game changes gear from linear to non-linear and back again and there a couple of points where it’s easy to get bogged down.  Theming is good and the puzzles are relatively standard but some are very obtuse, I think signposting needs some work to improve the overall flow of the game.  This is billed as their hardest game but I think some observation puzzles are unfair.

A classic escape room with a lot of familiar tropes.  This game is very padlock heavy and the puzzles are a combination of searching and logical deduction.  Theming is ok and is enough to convey the ideas and story behind the room.  Our host was Brad who clued us when we needed to and ran the game incredibly well.  

The newest game at the venue and it's a heist!  You have one objective and also bonus objectives (if you have the time).  I really enjoyed this room, the puzzles were clever and relied on both observation, logic solving and some physical deduction.

Our GM was Sarah was excellent throughout and clued us just when we were getting a little frustrated.

This is a great little venue with superb hosting, with Escape Brum around the corner, this could form part of a great day out for enthusiasts.