Escape Roomers De

Cutthroat Cavern is a game whose resume is tough to beat. It made the name for itself by taking the 2nd place in the first edition of TERPECA (2018) and holding strong in the following years, making it one of the iconic staples of the USA escape market. It’s the flagship game of 13th Gate Escape at Baton Rouge, Lousiana, which may not be among the most convenient destinations, but Cutthroat Cavern makes travelling there well worth it.

For the sake of any comparisons, keep in mind that this is quite an old game, but it is still an amazing game even all of these years later. No acting and only 60 minutes may sound quite underwhelming for nowadays standards of top games, but I assure you that 13th Gate Escape made a great use of that time. Prepare to pick up your jaw from the floor at least a few times – the number of amazing reveals this game contains is astounding! In my opinion it had arguably the best set design out of all games we’ve played on this trip (rivalled probably only by The Quest for the Temple of Light). To think that somebody had courage to build all of this so many years ago is especially impressive!

Introduction

We didn’t just book 3 escape rooms – we booked an entire journey. Ranked #22 worldwide at TERPECA 2025, the Chimera Corp Saga takes you through three completely different worlds, and while each can stand on its own, it’s at the very end that you realize how cleverly everything has been connected into one cohesive story.

Story & Emotion

Each part of the saga delivers a completely different emotional experience:

– Castle Flüffendor is pure joy—lighthearted, charming, and filled with moments that genuinely made us smile (including one unforgettable, adorable plushie highlight).
– Dark Lullaby shifts the tone entirely, bringing tension, surprise, and at least one moment that truly caught me off guard.
– Help Wanted focuses on interaction and presence, turning the experience into something more personal and story-driven.

What impressed us most is that, although these rooms work perfectly as standalone experiences, the finale connects them in a surprisingly clever and satisfying way. Suddenly, everything makes sense.

When you first read the description of Criogenic, you know something wild is coming. The premise? Putting yourself in cryogenic stasis using a low-cost service—what could possibly go wrong? It immediately sets the tone for an experience that’s both quirky and intriguing. This game can be played in Barcelona or Zaragoza but this review is from our experience at Madrid.

The theme is refreshing and quite unique in Spain, which makes it stand out from the many more “classic” escape room plots you might find. Another big plus: the game is fully playable in English, which makes it a great option for international players visiting Madrid.

Introduction

Sometimes a room appears out of nowhere — and suddenly everyone is talking about it.

That’s exactly what happened with The Crimsons Recipe. We hadn’t even heard of it before, and then it climbed to the number one spot on escapetalk.nl. Naturally, we were curious. What was behind this sudden hype? So we checked availability… and quickly realized we weren’t the only ones asking that question. On the weekends it’s hard to find available slots for quiet some time but we were luck to find a slot.

Standing there on the day of our booking, stepping into that welcoming bar atmosphere, we knew this wasn’t just another stop on our trip.

Story & Emotion

What made this experience so special for me was the storytelling — and especially the way sound carried it.

It is often difficult for escape rooms to truly communicate the story, especially when layered with subplots and emotional depth. Here, it was done beautifully. The narrative unfolded with clarity, and at times we even felt personally addressed and guided through it.

The sound design deserves its own standing ovation. It wasn’t background music — it was immersive, directional, alive. Voices surrounded us in a way that made the world feel inhabited and real, creating intimacy, tension and heartbreak within seconds. What I loved most was the emotional range: we laughed out loud at certain moments, and later I found myself holding back tears.

A masterpiece of ambience and puzzles. This room is rich with challenges and carries a strong sense of suspense – without sacrificing the joy of actually solving things. Multiple times we caught ourselves saying, “Wow, that was a big brain puzzle!”

It reminded me of Paradox Project in the best ways: clever structure, satisfying logic, and a great rhythm of discovery. The room felt polished, and they used their space exceptionally well. It’s also puzzle-dense, which I always appreciate – there’s a lot to do, a lot to chew on, and it stays engaging throughout.

Psycho Killer offers a brilliant mix of fun, fear, laughs, hiding, and plenty of “what the hell just happened?” moments. The story-driven opening is different, and I’d definitely recommend knowing the background beforehand, as i believe it would have been helpful to the experience.

The game throws a lot at you, and while that ambition is impressive, it can occasionally feel a little confusing in terms of what you, the team, or even the game itself is trying to achieve. That said, it never stopped me from enjoying myself — if anything, the chaos adds to the ride.

What a fun room!

When a room doesn’t have a lot of floorspace to work with, creators need to find creative ways to make every part of it as memorable as possible.

Charlie’s Chocolate Factory is a theme that’s repeatedly explored in many escape rooms. One might mistakenly assume that these challenges are primarily for families, but appearances can be deceiving: They often lack a logical flow and are less suitable for families.

Tribe Escape has created a masterpiece in this regard. Logically structured from the start, Charlie’s Chocolate Factory is just as interesting for families as it is for adult escape room players, and offers everything an enthusiast could dream of.

High school was a great fun room, which even got us dancing! The set was great and in theme and little acting moments made this game a delightful play.

It was just all round fun, all puzzles were within the theme of the game, offering brilliant physical joys when you “break in” to the headmasters office.

the use of the space was imaginative with crawl spaces and some climbing but this just added to the joyfulness of the room. Had I had not played some highly ranked Terpica games this would have fallen nicely within my top 5 games of the trip but it had to stand up against some very tough competition.

A great game, perfect for families and younger players, experienced or not.

Introduction

Right from the first moment, the game found a clever and immersive way to guide us into its world—using light and darkness in a way that felt eerie and theatrical. It was as if something otherworldly led us toward the experience, and that subtle magic set the perfect tone for what was to come.

Story & Emotion

It’s the sense of being watched—or not—that keeps you constantly alert. The story carries real emotional weight, told in a way that feels both intimate and theatrical. It’s haunting not just because of its creepy atmosphere, but because the story has something to say. As the game progressed, I felt more and more immersed in the tragedy behind the mystery. It’s rare to find a room where the narrative feels so naturally and effectively told.

Set & Atmosphere

This isn’t your typical scare-fest or high-adrenaline horror experience. Instead, Overlook weaves a thriller with a dark atmosphere, full of tension and unease. It’s less about what jumps out at you and more about what doesn’t. I found myself constantly on edge, expecting something to happen…

While the set includes some clever effects and well-crafted decor, the intentionally dark environment made it difficult at times to spot important clues. A bit more visual guidance or placement refinement could have helped maintain flow. Still, the overall ambiance is strong and supports the story-driven experience beautifully.

Introduction

Our flight to Borneo didn’t quite go as planned. Instead, we crash-landed—figuratively speaking—on an unfamiliar island. And this is where our adventure began. What we found was a perfectly crafted room full of charm, surprises, and creativity. Designed with both puzzle enthusiasts and families in mind, this game delivers a joyful experience from beginning to end.

Story & Emotion

The story creates a lighthearted adventure atmosphere that feels welcoming and just the right amount of fantastical. For me, the emotional highlight was a combination of playful elements, satisfying discoveries, and whimsical moments—inviting players into a magical island world where fun is always just around the corner. It’s a room that brings out your inner child and keeps you smiling all the way through.

Set & Atmosphere

When we first opened our eyes, there was so much to look at that we spent a few minutes just absorbing the space. The room is beautifully crafted with a jungle theme, blending detailed decor and high-quality design. Despite being packed with visual elements, it never feels cluttered. A highlight is how naturally the puzzles blend into the environment—sometimes you need to look twice to spot them. Everything feels cohesive and part of the world, encouraging exploration without ever feeling forced.

The 80s produced incredible and unforgettable works in the world of cinema: Back to the Future, E.T., The Neverending Story, The Karate Kid, and much more, which still enjoy cult status today. And it wasn’t just the films of that era that shaped pop culture, but also arcade games as templates for cinema blockbusters.

Imagine if a cinema could transport you back to that time by not just watching these movies, but by experiencing them and becoming a part of them. This was probably precisely the intention of Monsieur Tryppolyte de la Trappe, and—damn it—he succeeded.

V

or ziemlich genau einem Jahr stand der Escaperoom-Anbieter “Geheimgang 188” kurz vor dem Aus und das mitten im Bau ihres neuen Raumes. Die Corona-Pandemie hatte dem Betreiber so zugesetzt, dass als letzter Ausweg ein Crowdfunding über 50’000 Fr. ins Leben gerufen wurde…-mit Erfolg! Erstaunlich schnell kam das Geld zusammen, der Raum wurde fertiggestellt und wir konnten uns letzte Woche voller Vorfreude und äusserst gespannt ins “Ministerium der Mysterien” begeben.

Ein paar Tage vor dem gebuchten Termin erhielten wir dann ein Mail mit dem Job-Profil und der Zusage für den Job als Service-Techniker, für welchen wir uns scheinbar beworben hatten.

Vor ein paar Jahren erforschten wir bereits den mystischen Tempel im mexikanischen Dschungel und entdeckten dabei eine besondere Trophäe: Einen geheimnisvollen Schädel. Nun wurden wir gebeten eben diesen Schädel wieder zurückzubringen in den Tempel. Seit er nämlich nicht mehr an seinem Platz ist, scheinen sich Unglücke in der Umgebung zu mehren und etliche Berichte von Einheimischen bezeugen, dass der fehlende Schädel mit einem Fluch belegt sein muss. Unsere Mission ist es daher zurückzukehren und wieder das Gleichgewicht zwischen uns Menschen und den Göttern herzustellen.

I was a little nervous going into this room as it was my first ‘horror’ room, where the room states ‘live actor’ this means, weare likely to be joined by someone who isn’t my teammate and definitely isn’t my friend. I somehow made it through to the end (just) and I’m clearly still here to tell the tale. Also, I actually really enjoyed it!

We entered the room, it was dark, our vision was limited. As we all stood round and were gaining our bearings, the narrativebegan to play to us. After the intro ended, the ‘game’ started. With still limited light, we set about our first puzzle.

This game takes you on a journey, with a Jumanji styleplaythrough with a twisted, creepy vibe, I would have been quite happy to have ended up in a jungle but instead, I was in an abandoned house that beckoned me to roll the dice first (oh joy).

Throughout the game, we each took turns rolling the dice, never really knowing where we would end up next. The game moved through areas with nice transitions.

Drei Jahre lang hat EVENTastisch still und heimlich an ihrem dritten Raum, „Das Vermächtnis der Vorfahren“, gearbeitet und wenig bis gar nichts darüber verraten.

Und das ist gut so! Denn das Spiel, das komplett in Eigenproduktion entstanden ist, wartet mit einigen Überraschungen auf. Nähere Details der Story, die sich um die Ehre der schottischen Adelsfamilie Staunton dreht, und auf wahren Begebenheiten beruht, erfährt man im Verlauf des Spiels.

Eines sei vorweggenommen. Auch wenn die Spielzeit generöse 99 Minuten beträgt, es ist kein Raum für Anfänger!

Miraculum has opened its long‑awaited fourth room – and after The Golden Phoenix and Frankenstein, the team has once again raised the bar with The King of Dreams. This extraordinary experience was created in collaboration with The Room Labs – and you can feel that in every second.

At its core lies a mysterious, priceless manuscript and a world ruled by regulations, restrictions, and grey order. A world disturbingly close to our own everyday life, where creativity, imagination, and daydreaming slowly but relentlessly suffocate.

We enter a realm where rigid laws have drained every color from life. On our journey between reality and dream, we fight to preserve our childhood memories – and with them the last spark of imagination, before we too are lost in the all‑consuming grey.

The King of Dreams feels like a modern fairy tale that you don’t just experience, but step into. Layer by layer, a world unfolds that reminds us how precious imagination, memory, and hope truly are.

The experience plays intensely with emotions: fears and hopes, joy and sadness, longing and nostalgia accompany visitors at every step and create an adventure that resonates deeply.

Storytelling, lighting design, special and visual effects, theming, and set decoration are – true to the collaboration with The Room Labs – of the highest caliber. Every element fits seamlessly together, creating a dense, magical atmosphere that carries the entire experience.

It’s finally here!

Finest Escape has opened its long‑awaited second adventure at the Nuremberg TV Tower. Prestige – inspired by the film of the same name – revolves around a single question: how far are people willing to go for fame and recognition? In the case of two rival magicians, it’s about nothing less than “the perfect trick.”

With this room, the Kölle brothers have fulfilled a long‑cherished dream. No surprise there – Alexander is a professional magician who has performed countless times on stage. Secretly, we had hoped to see him in action during our visit, but that moment, unfortunately, didn’t happen. Yet his colleague stood in for him brilliantly, taking the stage as Magnifico with a magic show that was as astonishing as it was entertaining.

What’s the story?

London, 1920 – we are the assistants of the famous magician Harry Blackstone. When a rising illusionist named Magnifico amazes audiences with his spectacular act “The Teleported Person,” Blackstone sends us undercover into the “Magiculum.” Our mission: uncover the secret behind this seemingly impossible illusion.

With its spacious hall at the Nuremberg TV Tower, Finest Escape offers perfect conditions for spectacular set design – and Prestige makes full use of that potential. The high ceiling is cleverly integrated into the environment, allowing even large‑scale props to blend naturally into the scene. The setting impresses with real spatial depth: spread across two levels, players must crouch, climb small steps, and explore the environment from different perspectives. Professional lighting and sound design enhance the atmosphere beautifully, while impressive visual effects add countless wow moments.

The story of Camino a la Logia Negra takes us deep into a dark, mysterious world that immediately recalls the surreal atmosphere of David Lynch’s cult film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992). As in Lynch’s work, an FBI agent vanishes under strange circumstances – no signs of struggle, no trace of abduction. His colleague takes over the case and soon finds himself caught in a vortex of surreal events and unexplainable phenomena.

Our mission as special investigators is to take over the disappearance case of Agent Desmond. Just before we begin, we receive an urgent and cryptic message from a colleague – fragmented, puzzling, and alarming. It leads us to a secret meeting point where our investigation begins. The start of Camino a la Logia Negra is wild and unconventional. Without revealing too much, the acting was so convincing that we at times wondered whether it was truly a performance or if we had somehow ended up in the wrong place.

Introduction

We didn’t walk into a story — we were dropped into a state of emergency where we could be the heroes and save the world. From the very start, The Kramer Accident grabs your attention with a strong narrative hook: you’re tasked with finding an antidote to a deadly epidemic by entering the long-abandoned Kramer Institute — a place where something clearly went wrong. The briefing is more than a quick rundown; it sets the tone and pulls you directly into the scenario before you’ve even set foot into the institute.

Story & Emotion

The emotional core of the experience is driven by suspense, tension, and the thrill of progression. Fear is present — but it’s the active kind of fear that keeps you moving, not frozen. You constantly feel like you’re part of something dangerous, but important, which drives you forward with purpose.

As the mission unfolds, the pressure rises — but so does your confidence. The game rewards boldness, communication, and teamwork. By the time you reach the final moments, you genuinely feel like the hero. The journey may test your nerves, but it leaves you walking out with pride.

We had already played two rooms at Escape Arena back in 2021 – Vikings and Galaxy of Secrets. But their latest adventure, Bat’s Shadows, was a completely new experience for me. As the title suggests, this one dives straight into the world of Batman. The Dark Knight has mysteriously disappeared, throwing Gotham into chaos. Our mission: to retrace the villain’s steps through an abandoned sewage plant, outsmart deadly traps, and make choices that could decide the city’s fate.

The dark and moody Gotham atmosphere is captured brilliantly in this room. You don’t have to be a die-hard Batman fan to enjoy it – but if you are, you’ll spot countless clever references to iconic DC characters throughout. The set design is phenomenal, showcasing exceptional attention to detail that makes the experience feel genuinely cinematic. The puzzles are creative, diverse, and logically structured – all perfectly integrated with the theme.

s there anything these guys don’t do well.
Owners – Fabulous
Hosting – next level
Sets – awesome
Puzzles – brilliant
These guys are smashing it and I have a lot of love for what they do.

Being that they have multiple venues, I was a bit sceptical that it might feel unloved and like a chain. But, I couldn’t have been more wrong, these guys are delivering.

Even before we attended the venue they were providing next level customer service. Honestly pulling together a mammoth trip and planning it, is no easy task and sometimes making contact with venues is necessary. We made contact with Escape Ventures and every single time it was met with super quick responses, kindness, helpfulness and it just felt like they actually wanted us to visit – Thank you.

Trust me, some of the places we contacted, we felt like they really didn’t want our money.
The Escape Venture venue in Port Charlotte was a highlight and a big shout out to our hosts. If you’re in the area, this is well worth a visit.

We then moved on to the venue in Orlando, the owners were able to make it happen that we were the first official group to play ‘Cornstalkers’, this is their brand new ‘scare’ game, we were so grateful to them fitting us in for this, before I go on to review the room, a big shout out to Ashley who hosted all our other games that day. Absolutely amazing host, thank you.

Introduction

You step into a breathtaking steampunk universe. This is not your average escape room—it’s a world you walk through. We wrapped up our Barcelona trip with this game, and it proved to be the perfect grand finale: visually spectacular, emotionally uplifting, and lots of surprises.

Story & Emotion

It’s an experience that invites you to look closer, to marvel and to explore. Rather than relying on a heavily scripted plot, Londium draws you into its world through discovery and interaction. The emotional arc is manly driven by exploration and surprise. There’s wonder, delight, and a spark of awe around every corner.

Introduction

From the very first step into the isolated wooden cabin, Evil Dead launches you headfirst into a cinematic horror universe like no other. Inspired by the cult-classic film franchise, this room doesn’t just deliver scares—it drenches you in them. For me, it was the most intense and unique splatter room experience I’ve played.

Story & Emotion

Even though it’s horror and splatter room, it’s not just about fear. The actors’ performances are so compelling that you find yourself emotionally invested. You care. You want to help. The urgency feels real, not just like you’re trying to escape, but like you’re caught up in a desperate attempt to save someone. This emotional engagement adds surprising depth and makes the horror even more immersive. It’s more than just surviving—it’s participating.

This room was the winner in the category Best Original Experience at the Spanish Room Awards 2024, and after playing it, I completely understand why.

I don’t think there’s another country with such a variety of high-quality escape games as Spain. Among the types of games Spain particularly excels at are those that incorporate humor. Without a doubt, it’s the European country with the most games that successfully blend humor — sometimes even with horror.

Unfortunately, due to the generally low level of English among the local population, many rooms are not (and most likely never will be) available in English, making them inaccessible to the average traveling enthusiast.

Sadly, this is one of those games.

If there ever was an escape room that could truly be called a masterpiece, it is undoubtedly “Magnifico Circus” at Escaparium in Laval. Among our group of five, this room was unanimously declared the best we have ever experienced. For me, this was an extra special occasion, as it marked Ilonas 150th and my 1000th escape room. And what a room to celebrate it with.

The day after playing, I woke up wondering if it had all been a dream—but it wasn’t. It was a dream come true.

From the moment you step inside, it becomes obvious that “Magnifico Circus” is a labour of love. Every inch radiates the kind of passion and dedication that only a true enthusiast could pour into a project. This isn’t just an escape room; it’s a heartfelt creation crafted with care, imagination, and a deep understanding of what makes an experience unforgettable.

📜 Story & Emotion
The story is beautifully rich and emotional, combining joy, sorrow, laughter, passion, and awe into one seamless journey. It’s rare to feel such a range of emotions in a single game, but “Magnifico Circus” delivers them all. Just when you think you’ve felt everything, it pulls you into another twist that touches you in a completely different way. There are true “wow” moments that elevate the story beyond anything we’ve experienced elsewhere.

🎠 Set & Atmosphere
Words can hardly do justice to the set design. It must be seen to be believed. Every scene is crafted with astounding attention to detail and transitions smoothly, pulling you deeper into the circus world with each step. The environment is theatrical, magical, and overwhelmingly immersive. It doesn’t just set the stage for the puzzles—it tells a story all on its own.

Several years ago, Heiner and I visited the original Sanatorium, which reached position 36 in TERPECA 2018. This year, we returned to experience their new game, located in the same space.

As with the original, the new Sanatorium immerses you completely—thanks not only to the acting but also to the impressive set design. For those who played the old game, it’s worth noting that the set is entirely new. This is not a remake, but a completely different experience.

While the game includes some scary elements, it’s not a classic horror game. It focuses more on the tasks and puzzles, and despite the dark atmosphere, it avoids jump scares. Most of the actor interactions serve to advance the story rather than to frighten the players.

For those of you who have played La Peluquería, you will easily recognize that the same creative mind is behind this game, as it features many of the elements that made La Peluquería such a success: fun acting, humor, clever and creative riddles, a great set, an original theme, and even some action.

This time, we are helping another iconic figure of the 80s – Mr. Miyagi – on a very important mission that immerses us in Japanese culture. It’s great how every single riddle and task is connected to it, and how, despite the overall humorous tone of the game, it also incorporates an optional educational element.

Without giving anything away, I was pleasantly surprised by the English version of one of the riddles, which is based on typical (and nowadays perhaps slightly politically incorrect) jokes. It made me laugh, but at the same time, I admired how they managed to translate something that would normally be almost impossible to adapt.

This room, crowned as 10 Escapes’ No. 1 horror escape of the year, had been haunting my wishlist for quite some time. The only catch? It’s completely in Spanish. Since Santiago, the sole Spanish speaker in our team, was joining later, we almost had to skip it – until we luckily found Crisha, a local player, who stepped in at the last minute. Huge thanks to Cindy Escape Box for going above and beyond by arranging an English-speaking actor who was absolutely fantastic and ensured none of the terrifying details got lost in translation.

In La Isla de las Muñecas, players step into the eerie Tenebrae Museum, where curator Alexander Hearts exhibits a chilling collection of dolls from Mexico’s infamous Island of the Dolls. Each cracked, timeworn figure hides a sinister secret behind its hollow gaze. Once offerings to a restless spirit, these haunted relics now emanate an unsettling presence within the museum’s walls – something, or someone, seems to be watching, waiting for anyone brave enough to uncover the truth behind their silence.

Cindy Box, the creators of the award-winning Blasphemia, introduce La Isla de las Muñecas as the first chapter of the “Museo Tenebrae” trilogy. Drawing inspiration from real legends, the experience blends deep storytelling and authentic emotion with atmospheric horror. The set design is breathtaking: over a thousand dolls, continuously increasing through player contributions, create a claustrophobic yet mesmerizing landscape. Every detail – light, sound, and special effects – is tightly choreographed for a cinematic level of intensity, perfectly matched by immersive acting and direction.

What an incredible room! As like most of the rooms I played in this trip we were thrown straight into the game the moment the door closed.

The cinematics of this room were executed in perfect sync with the audio tracks / lighting effects and actor placement and boy did they pack a punch!

The set and theming was incredible and all the puzzles matched the theming very well.

A great use of space and very clever attention to detail within the build.

Hidden in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees, north of Barcelona, lies a place that has become legendary among horror fans and immersive escape room enthusiasts: the Insomnia Hotel in Berga. What Climent Vila and his team have created in this converted mountain lodge is far more than a game — it’s a complete overnight experience that gets under your skin.

While Insomnia’s first two games — Doctor’s Cocktail and La Casa — are more or less “traditional” escape rooms (albeit excellent ones, with La Casa defending its high TERPECA ranking for over five years now), its crown jewel, El Secreto de los Krugger (The Krugger’s Secret), is a six-hour, fully immersive experience that blends escape room, immersive theater, horror maze, and themed dinner into one unforgettable night. We were honored to be the first fully English-speaking group to play it — and it did not disappoint.

At the exact booked time, the doors open and you’re swept into the story. From the moment you step inside, the adventure begins. The hotel hosts no more than about a dozen guests at a time — and that’s intentional. The intensity of the experience thrives on intimacy, proximity, and the feeling that there’s no escape. You’ll dive into the dark and twisted history of the Krugger family, who inhabit the hotel and have filled it with puzzles, secrets, and disturbing details.

Check-in is handled by the master of the house himself, Sebastián — fully in character. Each guest room is its own escape game, dedicated to a Krugger family member and must be unlocked through puzzles by the guest staying in it: secret doors, barred bathrooms, locked coffin beds, mysterious contraptions — nothing is ordinary here. The décor ranges from morbid to bloody, the atmosphere from tense to downright terrifying.

The dinner is a culinary nightmare in the best possible way: creative, surprising, and perfectly tailored to the dark narrative. There are small tasks to complete — a questionnaire, tarot cards, private conversations. What they all mean is best left unspoiled. As you eat, the drama unfolds through short explanations and theatrical scenes — and it becomes clear: we are not welcome here. But it’s too late. The night begins.

With the arrival of the rest of the family, the first floor of the hotel opens — revealing a labyrinth of puzzles, secrets, and sinister figures. You’ll solve riddles, hide, flee, and complete tasks — all while avoiding capture. The puzzles are non-linear and spread throughout the hotel, allowing all guests to explore, solve, hide and sneak around simultaneously. Those brave enough will uncover hidden passages, secret laboratories, and deeper layers of the Krugger family’s story. A clever system tracks the progress of the guests, allowing the actors to balance the experience as game masters and ensure help is provided when needed.

Puñalada by Friki Escape Room in Madrid is a nostalgic yet modern tribute to the slasher genre, inspired by the iconic Scream films of Kevin Williamson. We played the Survivor mode with four players and escaped in 94 out of 100 minutes, and were more or less the last official playtest in English before the room was announced as officially playable in English. The experience immediately draws you into a cinematic setting that feels like walking onto a movie set where the line between player and victim starts to blur. The tone is suspenseful but playful at heart, making it approachable even for those who aren’t big fans of horror.

The space is cleverly designed with varied environments, keeping each transition dynamic and visually engaging. Lighting and sound play an essential role in building tension and guiding the emotional rhythm of the game. Just as in the Scream universe, a phone call can change everything here – the telephone becomes a key piece of the experience, heightening suspense and pushing players to stay sharp. While some sections evoke classic suburban slasher scenes, others deliver unexpected twists that reflect both love and irony for the genre. The creators clearly know what they’re doing: the references to pop culture, movie tropes, and Scream’s narrative patterns are everywhere without ever feeling forced.

Mad Mansion is one of Spain’s most established escape room creators, with over ten years of experience and a reputation for high-quality, story-driven games. Their projects regularly appear among the country’s top-ranked experiences, making each new release highly anticipated.

With this pedigree in mind, we had high expectations for their latest creation, PROYECTO DCRISIS in Madrid. As Paradiso Escape Room’s first experience, it took us to Planet Alpha, where our team had to uncover the fate of missing teammates. Over 90 minutes filled with tension and action, we felt like we were in a movie or video game. Here’s how we experienced it.

From the very beginning, Proyecto DCRISIS impressed with strong storytelling and cinematic ambition. The mission on Planet Alpha gradually pulled us deeper into an abandoned military complex, where suspense and danger escalated through film-like sequences, lighting, and sound design. The opening and finale were particularly memorable, with one stunning special effect that left a lasting impression.

Being in a group that cumulatively played close to 6000 rooms I can say we’ve seen a lot of innovation, but nothing prepared me for “Magic Universe” by Mad Land in Madrid. This is more than an escape room, it’s a glimpse into the future of immersive entertainment. I’ll say it outright: this is the best escape room I have ever played.

Intro

The immersion begins in the fully-themed reception area, which even includes a bathroom (rare in Madrid!). The scale of the experience is breathtaking: Magic Universe is built in a 600 square meters space that soars to a height of 11 meters. It’s like stepping into Hogwarts, but even that comparison falls short: this is Harrenfall! What’s even more impressive is the technology working behind the scenes. The team at Mad Land has custom-built a unique system, including a ceiling that can be lowered with all the technical installations, allowing for seamless and magical transformations of the space and a modular set of controls that will allow them to run at least two sessions at a time without compromising any of the groups’ experiences.

Isn’t the first day at a new job always exciting? When the three of us was lucky enough to land a job at Nobel’s Dynamite Factory, we couldn’t say no to this completely normal job.

After getting into our lab coats and putting on safety glasses, everything was ready.

Our boss told us that, lately, there had been a few accidents in the factory, leaving them with only us to do this job. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say everything didn’t go smoothly for us either.

Nobels Dynamite Factory is the best room I played in Stockholm. In many ways it’s a standard room, but where it shines, is in its puzzles, and feel.

What I love about this room, and the other rooms at this location, is that I feel they are made with passion, both for puzzles, and for the history behind each room.

When we arrived in Athens basically everyone, from owners to players to internationals, told us this would be THE room of the trip.

The room was fully booked for the next 7 months at the time we played so expectations started to raise a bit and we got really excited to go there.

Entering the building, you feel something is going to be really good. The setting just before the room starts is already really well in theme and stunning.

As a few police officers from the last shift we entered the bar, had a coffee and heard there was a problem.

As good officers we went to check what the issues were of course.

In Athens there are such a lot of games focusing on a specific aspect of horror, jump scares, and the decor is taken less care of.

In this room this is absolutely not true and they took such good care of the decor finishing and polishing every single corner possible. The decor is absolutely stunning!

The puzzles/tasks in this room were clear and fitted the gameflow really well. Everything is well thought through and considered.

No weird puzzles or game killing tasks.

The music and the lights in this room were perfect! The music is loud but never TOO loud. It works and it fits the theme.

Midnite is the third and newest escape room from OuterGround, currently rated 9.9 on escapetalk.nl (as of September 2025) – placing it second among the top rooms in the Netherlands. Following The Execution and Jason’s Legacy, it marks another step forward for this company. It’s impressive how consistently high the quality of new escape rooms in the Netherlands and Belgium remains – one of the main reasons we keep coming back to this hotspot. Since 2018, this was already our twelfth trip to the region, with the sole purpose of experiencing outstanding games.

We managed to get tickets for a midnight screening in a cinema that already gives off a slightly eerie feeling as soon as you walk in. The host comes across as somewhat peculiar, strange noises can be heard in the background, and the building itself looks like it hasn’t been cared for properly in years. Of course, we tell ourselves it’s just our imagination – after all, we’re here to enjoy the show.

The welcome is extremely warm and sets exactly the right tone for the experience. After the game, the hosts take their time for an in-depth debrief, even discussing specific moments during play. A real highlight is the behind-the-scenes tour, which reveals just how cleverly the technical elements are designed and how precisely they contribute to the overall impact of the production.

After thirty years at sea, Gustaf Enoksson starts a new life as a lighthouse keeper in San Julián – but peace is only an illusion. The tower’s owner is drowning in debt and plans to extinguish the beacon, dooming an entire ship in a cynical insurance fraud. Suddenly, countless lives depend on us. Can we reignite the light before it’s too late?

The Lighthouse was easily my personal favorite among the 32 escape games we played on our recent tour through Sweden – and that for several reasons. First of all, the location itself is one of the most beautiful I have ever experienced for an escape game. Nestled in the heart of nature, it feels absolutely magical. If you can, set aside some extra time to truly soak in this idyllic spot (did I really say that?) – it’s like stepping into an enchanted forest. We were warmly welcomed and excellently taken care of, which immediately made us feel at home.

Once upon a time much to my (and Heiner’s) regret “I CAN HEAR YOU”, the first game from the creators of Demise of the Gricers, closed its doors. I am sure many enthusiasts have experienced a dreadful sense of urgency when an awarded/recommended game announces it will close and the frustration that follows if you don’t manage to play it.

Fortunately, not all closures are permanent and sometimes there are second chances or paraphrasing something from a different company, sometimes the end is not the end, but just a new beginning.

As anyone knowing Heiner can imagine, it is not surprising that the day the pre-sale opened he “coerced” me into buying a pre-sale ticket and it is equally unsurprising that we were the first group playing in English.

Of course, after such a long wait, expectations can only be high, and at the same time I was also curious how a game that was originally conceived a long time ago (for this type of games) would fare nowadays.

I am sure you are also expecting something, so I will stop beating around the bush and simply say that I really loved the experience.

Ghostbusters meets Scooby-Doo. Let the rest be up to your imagination. That might actually be for the best, since describing what makes this game so great without venturing into “spoiler” territory is quite a challenge—but I’ll do my best.
The best way to start is from the beginning, which honestly deserves a paragraph of its own. There aren’t many games that can boast such a wild opening. One moment, everything seems normal—and the next, you’re standing there, baffled and laughing at the same time. We played in Dark Mode (of course), and I would highly recommend it for the full impact of those first scenes—if you can find an available slot in the coming months, that is. When a game begins like this, you already feel like you’ve gotten your money’s worth in the first few minutes alone. Playing at night also adds to the eeriness of what comes right after the opening, and I can’t imagine it having the same effect during the day.

The game unfolds in distinct phases: some focus on exploration, others on puzzles, and some are pure, chaotic fun. The room strikes a rare balance between (light) horror and humor. Our group doesn’t scare easily, and even though we played in Dark Mode, the comedic moments were what stood out most for us. That said, objectively speaking, there are definitely scenes that could be scary for those more faint of heart. They even managed to make Heiner scream—and the last time I saw that happen was also in Belgium, quite a while ago.

The magic theme is definitely not one of my favourite themes in an escape room, but I found this room to be immersive and really fun. The set design was beautiful even before you stepped into the game and the beautiful set pieces continued throughout. This room had clever use of several animatronics to help keep us immersed in the adventure and to tell the story of the game.

This room had some nice puzzles that matched the theming of the game. I highly recommend embarking on this magical quest if you are ever in the area.

Our light flickers into a once-lost Crusader temple as we slop into its forgotten halls. Our partner team advances from another angle, with only a misbehaved radio to connect us. What secrets of belief and ritual await us within these presumably silent halls?

With The Temple, a bit of patience is in order. It wasn’t clear what we were getting into. The rather mundane start doesn’t fully set up the rest adventure. There is an emerging story, with increasingly dark aspects. It deserves a bit more flair at the start.

The room uses a tablet to communicate with our other team, which is a series of prerecorded videos. Though it’s a bit theme breaking, and one of many things to carry around, the tablet was used to decent effect. It increased the overall atmosphere and told most of the story.

 Introduction

Right from the start, LOST pulled us into something truly unforgettable — the kind of introduction that only Dream Labs can craft. It felt familiar at first, like stepping once more into their creative world… but then, everything shifted. It twisted, morphed, and suddenly, nothing was as it seemed. Within just a few minutes, we found ourselves laughing, puzzled, thrilled — and then quietly afraid. It was weird, emotional, and completely absorbing. That introduction wasn’t just clever — it was beautiful in how it played with us. Dream Labs didn’t just start a game — they welcomed us into a dream we weren’t ready to wake up from.

 Story & Emotion

LOST doesn’t just tell a story — it breathes it into you. It’s a dreamlike descent into something haunting, where each step feels as fragile as it is fascinating. And somehow, you don’t want to escape. You want to stay, to understand, to feel more. The emotional pacing is perfect: fear rises and falls with intent, sometimes wrapping around you gently, sometimes rushing in with force. We felt chills, awe, dread — and even strange moments of calm. This wasn’t just horror; it was poetry in darkness. Dream Labs has woven something here that lingers in your mind and heart, long after the dream fades.

 Set & Atmosphere

This is not a “room” — it’s a world. And LOST is – for me – their most immersive yet. The environment is layered, textured, and filled with detail that begs to be explored. Every transition is smooth, every part breathes with its own life. The sound design, lighting, and set pieces aren’t just background — they’re part of the story, speaking without words. And that one scene — yes, that moment — gave us chills (or better to say heat waves) in the best way.

Eliviascape is definitely worth the trip – this company have good solid games and what they are doing here is welcoming. The games have it all, puzzles, excitement, tension and narrative. Having now played many games across Europe, it becomes harder to see something new and easier to scrutinise.

My experience of scarier games in N.America, tend to not be comparable to the horror games seen across Europe. But after playing Abstraction I was excited to see how Judgement Day was going to unfold.

This game definitely had a more influenced European feel to it.

The two games had a similar feel, but this felt that the creator had just gone an extra step and pushed the boundaries to try and unravel that finished product. Using the narrative and set pieces to bring it to life.

Car troubles, a storm, an old cafe and the story of a young girl… what could possibly go wrong?

Silent Hill follows a classic horror movie progression. A rather mundane environment slowly intensifies and lures you into the depth of the story. It skirts the boundaries of a horror room, yet remains on the side of a puzzle room with frights.

The high quality set design captured my attention. Progressing through locales, I had a sense of moving in space and advancing the plot. Though perhaps a bit cramped, which could maximize the scare factor for two players, but was a bit too small for our team of four.

Introduction

“Spirit Stalkers, spirits arise,Text us anytime, we’ll clear the skies! When the unknown beckons, don’t hesitate,Text ‘Spirit Stalkers’ to seal your fate.” That jingle wasn’t just a catchy tune—it was the perfect curtain-raiser for Phantom Files. From the moment we heard the theme song, we knew this wasn’t going to be your typical ghost-hunting experience. As someone deeply driven by music and sound, I was immediately hooked—and when our in-character actor performed the song with full conviction, I knew we were in for something special.

Story & Emotion

The vibe of Phantom Files struck a delightful balance between mystery and comedy. Think of a quirky paranormal investigation where strange encounters are treated with enthusiasm, charm, and theatrical flair. The lighthearted narrative and the immersive character performance kept us fully engaged in the adventure, with just the right mixture of suspense and whimsical parts.

In October of 2023, we played Rain Corps, a futuristic dystopian adventure with a robot friend.

We were fortunate enough to have the new Escaparium game, Ctrl Alt Reboot, to be ready. This is a game in the same world (but the space has been changed).

Is this a sequel? Is this a separate game? Do you need… I’ll stop asking questions and cut to the chase. Having played the previous or not, it doesn’t matter. What awaits you is a world-class game.

Expect cut scenes summarising your progress, guaranteed to make you beam from ear to ear. Your Loomo robot buddy will be an autonomous true extra member to your team. A perilous journey awaits with Loomo by your side, you may even meet some of his other AI friends.

In 1996, the Tessemaker family took the bold step of opening a small campsite called “Tesseplekke” alongside their farm, as agriculture alone no longer offered sufficient prospects. Over time, their focus shifted increasingly toward camping, so that in 2001 they completely abandoned their farm operations and from then on dedicated themselves entirely to the expansion and development of Tesseplekke.

Driven by their passion for escape rooms, which they had experienced during numerous adventures of their own, Berend Jan Tessemaker began in 2019 to design his own escape room in an empty barn on the property. The implementation of this ambitious project extended over several years and was further complicated by the Corona pandemic. Thanks to the active support of his family and external specialists, an extraordinary escape room was finally created in the style of an abandoned Western town. With great attention to detail, innovative puzzles, and technical sophistication, the 90-minute room was built completely independently across a generous 180 square meters and has been delighting visitors with a unique gaming experience since April 2024.

As the saying goes, save the best for last! That’s exactly what we did—ending our three-day adventure in France with the two most talked-about new rooms: THE TAXIDERMISTE by Deep Inside and LE GRAND HÔTEL DE PARIS by The One Escape. Our journey truly culminated with unforgettable experiences in both, but nothing prepared me for the last room.

I’ll admit, I had certain expectations for the Grand Hôtel de Paris—and they couldn’t have been more off the mark. The surprise was all the sweeter. I never imagined stumbling upon a French horror escape game that could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the famed blockbusters of Greece or Spain.

We found ourselves playing the part of invited guests at the illustrious Grand Hôtel de Paris, a glamorous and storied venue where movie stars, politicians, and celebrities of decades past once gathered. The hotel’s historic charm shines, particularly with its beautifully preserved hydraulic elevator—one of the earliest of its kind, still functioning as a testament to the building’s innovative spirit.

Introduction

Hidden behind the storefront of a Parisian bookstore lies an experience that feels more like stepping into a cinematic dream than an escape room. As soon as the door closed behind us, we were not just players—we became part of a living story.

Story & Emotion

The emotional weight of The Taxidermist is what stayed with me most. From the very beginning, the narrative gently led us into its world, unfolding in a way that was easy to follow yet deeply layered. What resonated most was the message: never judge a book by its cover. That thought still lingers in my mind long after leaving.

The storytelling came through in multiple ways—dialogue, environments, objects—and managed to draw us in completely. I left feeling like I had truly understood the complete journey. The final moments were especially powerful to me and unexpectedly moving—yes, I had tears in my eyes by the end.

Set & Atmosphere

The environment was immersive from start to finish. Whether it was the small details or the the overall design we navigated through, it felt carefully thought out. Sound, light, and even scent created a world that felt both alive and mysterious. It’s not the biggest set we’ve seen, but it didn’t need to be—the world felt real and complete.