Let’s face it, Compadre Robbery is a heist game; it’s right there in the title after all. And ordinarily, I would say that a heist is low on my list of favourite genres. But in the case of Compadre Robbery, I’ll make an exception. This game is amongst the most immersive games of this genre I have ever participated in. It’s rare to actually feel like you’re committing a robbery in an Escape Room, but with the epic opening sequence, the heart pounding finale, and all of the moments in between, no one can accuse this game of being an ordinary heist.
Spain
Carthago Escape Rooms: Halloween City (Cartagena)
If you’re a fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas then you must play this game – it’s beautiful and a true homage to the Tim Burton classic. Be prepared to be kept busy, and definitely don’t play when you’re half asleep!
Mythos Escape Rooms: Cursed Expedition (Murcia)
Historically (no pun intended) we’ve been pretty poor at Egyptian themed games, but the Cursed Expedition worked well for us. The set design was great, like a labyrinthine world that was very easy to get lost in, and the puzzles were enjoyable.
Run Rabbit: Medieval Dungeon (Valencia)
If you played Medieval Dungeon at The Chamber in Prague, then maybe don’t play this. If you haven’t played, then this is a fun game, with good design and decent puzzles. It won’t blow you away, but it should still give you a good time.
Factoria Escape Rooms: Perfect Shot in Buddha’s Garden (Valencia)
I didn’t know what to expect from this game. Yes, it was a little rough in places, but it was a lot of fun, in a good sized space and was filled with diegetic puzzles. The one negative? I left this game really wanting a Chinese takeaway!
Factoria Escape Rooms: Alien Invaders (Valencia)
I think our group was generally split on the preferred game at Factoria. Alien Invaders was a good time and had some fun puzzles, great acting, and a solid sense of adventure. Was it my favourite there? I don’t know. But did I enjoy it? Definitely.
Run Rabbit: Haunted House (Valencia)
As far as supernatural horror-games go, Haunted House felt quite tame, especially for Spain, with more of an emphasis on the puzzles and the story than on the horror/ghostly elements. But that shift in focus meant that the game was fun and clever, with moments of adrenaline, rather than utterly terrifying.
Cronos: Resident Corporation (Valencia)
Put Resident Corporation in the UK, and I suspect it would be beloved, but when looked at through the same lens as many of the other games in Valencia, it just doesn’t shine as brightly. The set is impressive, and the game is full of atmosphere, but the puzzles were on the weaker side. But, if you’re a fan of Resident Evil, it may be worth playing just for the easter eggs.
Don Escape: Miyagi’s Tea Room (Valencia)
I probably need to think about what was my favourite game in Valencia, but I’m pretty sure it was Miyagi’s Tea Room. This game had a beautiful set, great humour, excellent hosting, and enjoyable puzzles – plus, Mr Miyagi! What’s not to love?
Colours Escape Rooms: Mad Man in the Alley (Valencia)
This felt like more of a light-horror experience, so I would definitely recommend playing it with the live actor present – it really does add to the game. The set was spot on, the puzzles were decent, and the ending ramped up the adrenaline!
The X-Door: La Peluquería (The Hairdressing) (Valencia)
For me, La Peluquería perhaps suffered a bit from all of the hype we encountered for it both in Barcelona and Valencia, but even with that, it was still a ridiculously fun time. Irreverent, full of puzzles, and more adventure than I’ve ever had at a hairdresser’s before, this is definitely a game that’s worth a visit.
The X-Door: The Last Dragon (Valencia)
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The Hairdressing is the show-stopper at The X-Door, but if you’re looking for a filler game then The Last Dragon wouldn’t be a bad choice – especially if you’re a fan of Game of Thrones. It’s got a good set, fun puzzles, and some fun interactions with both the host and the set.
Classic Escape Room: Alice’s Wonders (Valencia)
Is this a stand out/must play game in Valencia? No. But if you’re looking to play a fun game that doesn’t take itself too seriously (and want a game in English) then Alice’s Wonders isn’t a bad choice. We played as a team of two and actually had a really fun time.
Krematorium: Malum (Barcelona)
Although the version of Malum we played wasn’t the version of Malum that we booked, that doesn’t take away from the fact that the set is expansive, and impressively built.
Outline: Outline (Barcelona)
I loved Outline. Even from just standing outside the building it was clear to see that this was going to be something special, and it was.
Open Mind: 11S (Barcelona)
It doesn’t feel right to give a score to a game based on 9/11. It just doesn’t feel right reducing my feelings on it to an arbitrary number, indicating whether it is a game that should, or should not, be played. This game will not be for everyone.
Cinemaescape: Barum Dum (Barcelona)
Barum Dum is an unexpected treasure hidden amongst the other stellar games on offer in Barcelona. It’s not especially flashy, nor is it particularly ground breaking, but Barum Dum is a solid puzzle game with a beautiful set.
Escape Republik: Nakatomi Plaza (Barcelona)
Nakatomi is a fun game and perhaps a must-play if you’re a Die Hard fan and want to enjoy some little easter eggs from the movie. I don’t know if it was hype, but we were expecting a more refined experience
Elements Escape Room: Exodus (Barcelona)
I need to sit down and properly think about what my favourite games were in Barcelona, but I am 100% sure that Exodus will be among them. An expansive set, solid puzzles, great hosting, and a fun/epic ending – Exodus is likely to be making an appearance in the TERPECA 2025 awards, I’m sure of that.
Escape Barcelona: K.O.N.G Protocol (Barcelona)
K.O.N.G Protocol is not just an escape room, it is an experience. If you ever wanted to know what it was truly like to live a video game, and not just play one, K.O.N.G Protocol is pretty much as close as you can get.
Escape Barcelona: Tomb Hunter: Akasha´s Legend (Barcelona)
In its prime I bet this game was something special. Unfortunately it has now past its prime and it shows as it’s a bit worn down in places (both in terms of set design and puzzles).
Escape Barcelona: CyberCity 2049 (Barcelona)
CyberCity was one of the games I was most looking forward to in Barcelona. Did it live up to the hype? Yes? I think so. It’s hard to say really. We had a great time, and the puzzles and set were fun, but I think I needed more neon. Is it worth playing? 100% yes.
Whitechapel Room Escape: Whitechapel (Barcelona)
This is not a game for the faint-hearted, but if you’re a lover of horror then Whitechapel is a must play game. We had a great time in this game and it was one of the standout games of our Barcelona trip.
CruPont Legacy: Nightshift (Barcelona)
It was hours before my heart rate slowed once we finally escaped from Nightshift; in fact, it’s now been weeks since we played, and I’m still not sure I’m recovered.
Golden Pop: Jurasico (Barcelona)
Jurassico is a 100% must play, beautiful game. If you’re a fan of the Jurassic Park franchise then you’ll find Easter eggs all over the place and it will take your enjoyment and appreciation of this game to the best level.
Open Mind: Slasher Party (Barcelona)
We booked Slasher Party on a whim, but it turned out to be my favourite game that we played in Barcelona. It’s not as flashy as many of the other games in the city, but the nostalgia, the tension, and the sheer joy I felt while playing made this game everything I didn’t know I wanted from a game, and one that I would recommend without hesitation or reservation.
Enigmik: NW6 Bunker (Barcelona)
Unlike many of the games we played, this wasn’t perhaps as immersive as some, and was what I would say was more in line with a traditional escape room experience, and a traditional escape room experience was exactly what we were looking for that day.
Enigmik: The Brewery (Barcelona)
Oftentimes I find games that have been designed in collaboration with or to promote a specific thing, be it a brand or a film, the experience often falls a bit flat. However, The Brewery bucks that trend, and stands as a shining example of just how perfect a well done collaboration can be.
Horror Box: Catalepsia (Barcelona)
It’s a shame, I wanted to love this game – we all did. Instead we all came out with our own frustrations. Being too tall, being too short, colour blindness, lack of coordination – any of these and your experience is likely to be subpar.
Unreal: District 111 (Barcelona)
If you’re a fan of Fallout or The Last of Us, then this game should be a must play. If you’re not a fan, then still play it – it’s great!
Kadabra: Poison (Barcelona)
In a city where the escape rooms are deviating more and more from their original form and venturing further into immersive experience territory, Poison is a breath of fresh, puzzly air.
Arcanum: La Posesión (Barcelona)
La Posesión feels almost like it has a cult following. Throughout our time in Barcelona, whenever we were discussing our trip with the GMs and owners we met in our games, one of the first things they asked was, “Are you playing La Posesión?” followed by a knowing smile when we said we had.
The City Escape Room: La Taberna (Barcelona)
I can see why La Taberna is rated so highly. In terms of sets, it’s one of the biggest we have played and it just seemed to keep going.
Criogenic Escape Room: Criogenic (Madrid)
Criogenic is funny, clever, and an adventure from start to finish. It is a superb game, adding a bit of whimsy to a city (and country), where horror experiences seem to abound. Criogenic was my favourite game we played in Madrid
Black Lake Escape Rooms: The Bride / La Novia (Madrid)
The team at Black Lake are so, so lovely and they deserve all the praise that The Bride is getting. I’m glad that they made this game playable in English as in our eyes, this is now one of the top games in Madrid – and considering the completion, that is very high praise
Bite the Fly: Bites Motel (Madrid)
Bites Motel is a perfect homage to one of the greatest films of all time – and also a fantastic game in its own right. While it has been pushed down the TERPECA rankings in favour of newer experiences, it has consistently held a place in the Top 100 games since it opened in 2021 for a reason
Tao Massage Parlour, Bite the Fly (Madrid)
We had a great time at our Tao Massage, and if the copy in Barcelona is similar, I can see why it’s such a popular and highly rated game there.
Shock Escape Room: La Santa (Madrid)
The set and atmosphere of La Santa are second to none. However, we finished the game feeling just a little underwhelmed and at times frustrated by the game play