Tag Archives: ThinkFun Escape The Room

ThinkFun Escape The Room: Mystery at the Stargazer’s Manor

Room-in-a-box, Jan 2017

Stargazer’s Manor is the second ThinkFun boxed escape room we played, but is the first one they released, since in a fit of anarchic rebellion we decided to play them in reverse order.

Many of the comments on their other game apply here too, of cour… (more)

Category: Room in a box Tags: a bit different, good for beginners, ThinkFun Escape The Room

ThinkFun Escape The Room: Secret of Dr. Gravely’s Retreat

Room-in-a-box, Dec 2016

There are now several boxed escape games on the market, but this is the first one our group had tried, so we weren’t entirely sure what to expect. The first and most important question is: does it work as a substitute for an escape room? The answer, … (more)

Category: Room in a box Tags: a bit different, period historical, ThinkFun Escape The Room

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Recent player reviews

Riot Games reviewed Snowbound Express by LevelUp Escapes:

Played: 14 Nov 2024 Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!

originalgreat hostingmagical

Another trip to LevelUp and another incredible room. This might just take the spot of our favourite that they offer, and is definitely up there in our top Christmas rooms. As always, there’s very unique surprises that I won’t spoil, but I do want to say how refreshing it always is to find some things you’ve never seen before! I get the sense that they try to out do themselves each time and it’s easy to feel the excitement. The set is incredibly cool, with some fantastic details and the hosting was just the icing on the cake. They’ve really taken immersion to the next level with this one and we truly left having not just enjoyed but also feeling like we’d had a real adventure. Coming out into the axe throwing venue felt a little like stepping back out of Narnia through the wardrobe, and was a really welcome treat as we actually had some time to spare before dinner. Overall a good selection of puzzles and a great completion to their offering. If you’re looking for a Christmas game you absolutely cannot miss this!

Kelly Archer expert reviewed The Illusionist by De Kraakfabriek:

Team size: 5 Time taken: 59.03 Outcome: Successful escape!

beautifulimmersive

A beautiful looking room with puzzles that definitely tie into the theme except for the last room (where I don't understand how this puzzle ties in with the story at all). I was playing with colleagues who have not done an escape room before and I think this was a good introduction - the quality of the decor and mechanisms are all excellent, though a few of the puzzles must have been based on GM switches and didn't necessarily lead to anything (just solving a puzzle that needs to be done to finish a room - hard to explain without giving things away).

There is not much to tie to the story - the theme is very good for a magician but we didn't really find out what his final illusion was going to be, which was a shame.

Overall an attractive, solid room and if I was in the area I would try the others out.

EmmaSmiley reviewed From Beyond by Elusion Rooms:

Played: 13 Nov 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 56

immersive

Good room. Could of done with a little guidance as we missed a puzzle. Some original puzzles but a few too many matching puzzles though. The room was immersive with good use of props. Will be back for their other rooms.

🤘The Pick of Destiny expert reviewed Spellbound by The Escape House:

Played: 12 Nov 2024 Team size: 3

cleverimmersivestory-drivenquite difficult

We usually play as a team of two but this time we were joined by our fellow escape enthusiast to tackle this highly rated rising star room!! And thank goodness we had an extra pair of hands and the additional brainpower.

This room was FABULOUS. From entering the room all the way up to its conclusion, the love and care given to its concept was apparent. We enjoyed everything from start to finish!

We must admit, we don't usually gel well with the magic theme in escape rooms but we were far more than pleasantly surprised at how good this room actually was!! This room was so immersive that it's difficult not to get truly lost in the story and the puzzles!

We have one word for this room... BRAVO 👏🏾

Thanks for having us, we can't wait for the next adventure!

BevBreakout expert reviewed Hide N Seek by Brainiac:

Played: 10 Nov 2024 Team size: 4

immersivestory-drivenintense👻scary

This game is phenomenal. If you've been to Athens you'll know how well games are put together but this game just had the edge for me.

With this game, you get it all. The set design, the use of lights and sound. Puzzles, tension, Incredible acting.

Let's talk about sound and light, the games in Athens use both sound and light to it's full potential, however to some international players it's a bit too loud. Our team struggled a bit with the huge decibels that came with some games. This game never felt too loud and there was a beautiful moment with sound and light that gives me goosebumps thinking about it. It was so well done.

The game brought everything together, I now know cinematics is something Athens do brilliantly and this game was no different.

It was an awesome experience with a fantastic finale 👏🏻

Slots for this game are incredibly hard to book but if you can, then don't think twice. Oh and if you have a spare seat, let me know, I would absolutely play it again.

If you're a fan of the Halloween films or Michael Myers himself then this will always give the extra edge to players.

and 1 other game

Anonymous reviewed Tesla Project by Magic Escape Room:

Team size: 6 Time taken: 31:00 Outcome: Successful escape!

hi-techstory-driven

There was a lot to do in this game, and we enjoyed every bit of. A very hands-on mechanical style room with a unique set of puzzles which depended on teamwork. The set design was phenomenal.

If we had time we would have stayed and played a third game!!

and 1 other game

Hennerz204 reviewed cQ ORIGENES by clueQuest - The LIVE Escape Game:

Played: 9 Nov 2024 Team size: 5 Time taken: 54:00 Outcome: Successful escape!

hi-techcleverimmersivequite difficult

Some of the puzzles are really unique, that I've not seen anywhere else before. The premise was also clever with the props to match. One of the best rooms I've done

and 3 other games

🔐SpontaneousIllusion expert reviewed Spellbound by The Escape House:

Played: 12 Nov 2024 Team size: 3 Time taken: 89:40 Outcome: Successful escape!

hi-techimmersivemagicalquite difficult

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.