This is an amazing game that is sure to get your adrenaline going, and possibly keep it going for nearly the full hour. There are sure to be puzzles in here that you love (and some you’ll probably hate), but all the puzzles are fair, the set design is great, and this is guaranteed to be an enthusiast favourite – and could be the game to get newbies addicted.
Midlands
List of the rooms we have reviewed in the Midlands. In date order from newest to oldest
Cryptology: Cypherdyne v1.5 (Nottingham)
Cypherdyne v1.5 may be Cryptology’s first game, but it’s also is an excellent example of everything an escape room should be: clever, exciting, and most importantly – fun. It’s perfect for new players and enjoyable for enthusiasts. With this as their first game, it’s no surprise that Cryptology has become a venue everyone seems to be talking about.
Cryptology: Rameseize (Nottingham)
This is a room that would be perfect for those new to escape rooms or seasoned escapers. The puzzles were fun, the room was solid, and the sense of exploration was spot on. With different ‘win’ levels, it works for everyone regardless of experience level.
Cryptology: Dreamscape (Nottingham)
Dreamscape is totally unique, a total blast, and absolutely rammed full of things to do. It is a perfect game for teams that are looking for a challenge to test their brainpower.
Clue HQ: The Legend of Miyalock (Birmingham)
The Legend of Miyalock seems to be the shining light in the ClueHQ collection. Admittedly we haven’t played many ClueHQ games, but Miyalock is a cracking game and one that ClueHQ can be proud of.
Trapp’d: Forsaken (Wellingborough)
We destroyed Forsaken, completing it in 23 minutes and escaping with the room record. It wasn’t a hard room but I can see why people may struggle, especially as it is so dark. I don’t know if bigger teams get more torches, but one per person would be nice. If you’re a fan of horror rooms and like a live actor, then you’ll probably get a buzz from Forsaken.
Trapp’d: Legend of Drakon (Wellingborough)
Drakon was our least favourite game at Trapp’d Wellingborough, but that could have been because of the reset error which threw us off. Considering we completed it in 34 minutes even with that error, I don’t think this game is likely to challenge teams, but it is still good fun. If your Trapp’d GM provides torches for your team then you’ll probably have a more enjoyable experience – if not, you best get eating your carrots.
Trapp’d: Atlantis (Wellingborough)
Credit to Trapp’d for doing something different with this room and the set design was spot on. It would have been nice to have seen a few more puzzles as the space was massive and could take them, but it was still an enjoyable time under the sea.
Angle Escape: Candy Shop (Peterborough)
The Candy Shop is the best of the rooms at Angle Escape and shows that they are improving with each game they build. Darkness and lighting was still an issue but that would be easily solved by providing more (decent) torches.
Angle Escape: The Getaway (Peterborough)
The Getaway firmly sits in the horroresque category for escape rooms, but is more creepy than scary. It’s dark and probably needlessly so, but out of the three games we played at Angle Escapes, this one falls firmly in the middle of the three for enjoyment.
Angle Escape: Victim (Peterborough)
The Victim is, I believe, the earliest room they have at Angle Escape, and it does show. As we played their other games they improved in quality. If darkness and lack of signposting doesn’t bother you, then you may enjoy this, but for us we just didn’t get on with it and left feeling rather deflated.
Want to Escape: The Guardian of the Gallery (Rushden)
The Guardian of the Gallery doesn’t feel like your average escape room. You can tell that this is built by an enthusiast who wants to push boundaries and create something different. This room is challenging, yet fair, and will likely be a firm favourite on the enthusiast scene for a long time to come.
Want to Escape: Teacher’s Revenge (Rushden)
If school was this fun, I’d probably be a doctor. This room was a joy from start to end thanks to its clever puzzles and lighthearted design. Was it as fun as Shimmy Shimmy or as impressive as Guardians? Probably not, but it was very close!
Want to Escape: Conspiracist (Rushden)
If I had to pick a game at Want to Escape that was the most “traditional” in the style of escape rooms, it would be Conspiracist, and I loved it because of it.
Want to Escape: Shimmy Shimmy Cocoa Pop (Rushden)
I’m a sucker for rooms that play on 80s nostalgia so it was probably a given that I would like this game. If you’re looking for a light-hearted game, then for sheer fun you’ll be hard pressed to find something more appropriate than Shimmy Shimmy.
One Way Out: Gas Alert (Oakham)
This felt like a game of two halves for us, we loved the first half but struggled in the second. Either way, this is a solid game with a massive space to explore!
One Way Out: Rhyming Room (Oakham)
This room will most definitely be a family favourite. If you’re in the area and are looking for a game to play with the family, then this is it. Likely to be fun for all ages and experience levels, Rhyming Room is worth it, even if it’s just to be impressed by Tilly Tonka’s intro!
One Way Out: Framed (Oakham)
A massive space makes this a perfect game for larger teams of either enthusiasts or families. Some very clever puzzles and a great way to play out a classic who-dunnit.
One Way Out: Robot’s Return (Oakham)
If you’ve played Coming Home at one of the several venues it’s available at, you might be tempted to give Robot’s Return a miss. Don’t. Despite the similarities in the stories, the games are entirely different, and Robot’s Return is a delight, both in terms of its clever puzzles, and its sweet little robot.
Escapologic: Reactorvate (Leicester)
My favourite games are those that completely immerse you in the world around you, particularly by forcing players to perform “real-world” tasks, and make you feel as though you are the star of your own film. Reactorvate did this, and more, and has firmly embedded itself in my mind as my favourite game at Escapologic’s Leicester branch (so far, at least).
Escapologic: Chronos (Leicester)
Sometimes we just don’t click with a room, and that doesn’t make it a bad game, our brains just weren’t wired correctly for this game. It was a very pretty room and the puzzles were tactile and interactive, but so far, Chronos is at the bottom of our Escapologic list.
Escapologic: The Gateway (Leicester)
I really didn’t know what to expect with The Gateway, but we thoroughly enjoyed it. Just the right level of darkness, no frustrations, and a good flow to the story, well done Escapologic – great fun!
Unescapable: Mary (Derby)
As always, these reviews are own personal opinions, but if I were pressed to name the best game at Unescapable, Mary would be my selection (although my favourite was Tommy). With pleasing puzzles, a great atmosphere, and a whole lot of fun, if you’re having trouble deciding which game to play at Unescapable, you can’t go wrong with Mary. (Well, really, you wouldn’t go wrong with any of them.)
Unescapable: Tommy (Derby)
A fun room that had a good sense of exploration, but perhaps play Tommy as a warm-up for the other games here. Our game was tainted by over-eager clueing by our GM, and a laborious first puzzle, but we ended on a high and that’s the main thing.
Unescapable: Alan (Derby)
A pirate themed room, but not as you know it. Surprise awaits you when you enter this room, and then you’re taken on a wonderful journey as the story develops.
Unescapable: Edith (Derby)
Edith has a reputation amongst UK enthusiasts that’s not undeserved. Your tolerance for terror will ultimately determine if this is one that you’ll love or leave, but it is without a doubt one of the best horror experiences we have played in the UK (so far), and struck a nice balance between horrifying and humorous
Cave Escape: Monuments (Nottingham)
I loved Cave Escape from the moment I stepped into the reception area two years ago to play Carfax, but Monuments has completely blown me away. Not only was this game one of the highlights on our nearly 60 game road trip, but it ranks among my favourite Top Ten games I have played to date
Escapologic: Robin of Lockskey (Nottingham)
It’s no surprise that someone in Nottingham finally created a Robin Hood themed game – It really was only a matter of time. Robin of Lockskey was the game I was most looking forward to on this visit to Escapologic, and it did not disappoint. Highly immersive, great puzzles, and totally adventurous, this is a must play game for sure.
Escapologic: Immaterium (Nottingham)
Possibly one of the most visually stunning games that we have ever played. Ok, the puzzles didn’t particularly click with us but that won’t stop us recommending this game. Make sure you stretch before you play, you need to be quite mobile as you navigate around the ship.
Escapologic: Epi-Centre (Nottingham)
Epi-Centre is a good room but probably not the first one we’d recommend at Escapologic. If there was less ‘clutter’ and better torches, we probably would have enjoyed this game more. Although saying that, we did enjoy the crazy ending.
Escape Stations: Prometheus (Nottingham)
If you’re booking a trip to Nottingham, make sure you don’t miss out Escape Stations. Their lobby may not yet be as refined as other venues in the city, but their first game is solid and is an enjoyable experience
Make Your Escape: Utopia (Derby)
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live a world like in the movie ‘Divergent’, then you need to play both Utopia and Dystopia, back-to-back.
Make Your Escape: Dystopia (Derby)
Will you choose to play Dystopia as a standalone game, in succession with it’s brighter and more futuristic sibling, or pit yourself against an opposing Utopian team? The choice is yours, but whichever you choose, you’re in for a treat.
Make Your Escape: Spellbound (Derby)
Spellbound is a mission, especially for a team of two. That’s why it’s normally recommended for 3+ players. It is achievable for a team of two, but it’s full on, with loads of puzzles and content to sift through – but from the very first puzzle, this game is a hoot!
Make Your Escape: The Signal (Derby)
Dystopia and Utopia seem to get all the love at Make Your Escape, but The Signal is certainly worth a play, and ideal for those new to escaping. The Signal was also the first (I think) game in the country to present players with an existential dilemma that will directly impact the outcome of the game. What choice will you make?
Extremescape: Viking (Disley)
Despite struggling with this room (we were tired), we absolutely loved it. From the start to the incredible ending, this game had everything and more. This room is a real gem in the escape room industry and must be played by everyone.
Extremescape: The Lost Tomb (Disley)
Tomb Raiding Adventures are perhaps my favourite type of escape, and The Lost Tomb at Extremescape sits amongst some of the best I have ever played. While I can’t really choose which of the three games at Extremescape is the “best,” this is without a doubt my personal favourite
Extremescape: The Pirate Ship (Disley)
It’s very easy to see why Extremescape have the reputation they do. They took a simple theme and made it something special. A great sense of adventure, solid puzzles, and a beautiful build, top marks Extremescape, and thank you!
Deadlocked: The Magic of New Orleans (Loughborough)
Great puzzles, lovely design, and some fun extras made this a game that we were sad to have finished. Be careful though, this game could turn out to be expensive, I think the Disney love is back and it’s time we booked another holiday to the happiest place on Earth.
Deadlocked: Vault Squad (Loughborough)
Vault Squad had one of the most unique openings to a standard “heist” theme that I’ve seen, and the amuusement it provided (particualrly when we tripped up) set the tone for the entire game. If you’re in Loughborough, skipping Deadlocked Escape Rooms would be a mistake
Break Escape: The Enchanted Forest (Loughborough)
I don’t know if it was because we were tired or hungry, but we struggled to click with this game. It was pretty and impressive, but the puzzles, particularly the search element, just left us feeling deflated.
Break Escape: Boiling Point (Loughborough)
While Boiling Point is probably not the game that I would be most likely to recommend to anyone that only had time for one Break Escape game, it was my second favourite of the four we played at the venue, and would be my recommendation for those that love a decent puzzle game, provided you don’t mind a slightly odd story line.
Break Escape: Nerve Klinik (Loughborough)
If being terrorised isn’t your cup of tea, then Nerve Klinik is probably one to avoid. However, if you’re a fan of scare attractions and puzzles, then step right up – the doctor will see you now.
Break Escape: The Sands of Time (Loughborough)
We should have performed better in this room than we did, but it was still enjoyable and this would be a great room for family groups to play, even enthusiasts should have a good time
Top Escape Rooms: No Place Like Gnome (Worcester)
The perfect game to end our visit to Top Escape Rooms, No Place Like Gnome was fun from start to end and was a beautifully assembled room with a lighthearted and family friendly feel to it.
Top Escape Rooms: The Dentist (Worcester)
I am overdue for a visit to the dentist, but I don’t think The Dentist at Top Escape Rooms is the best place for a check up. But if you’re looking for solid puzzles and a few thrills and chills, then it might just be what you’re looking for.
Top Escape Rooms: Sea Quest (Worcester)
Considering this started life as a box game, it was much more than that and ended up being one of my highlights of the day – admittedly I have a soft spot for pirate games. Sea Quest was a fun game, well hosted, and satisfying to play.
Top Escape Rooms: Jingle Joyride (Worcester)
It’s no surprise that Top Escape Rooms are claiming Jingle Joyride is proving to be one of their most popular games. I think after the year we’ve had, we could all use a little Christmas Cheer, even in the midst of summer, and Jingle Joyride truly was a joy to play
Escape Nation: Incognito’s Secret Lair (Stafford)
We chose Incognito’s Secret Lair to be our 200th room, so no pressure. This room had a good mix of puzzles and we can easily see this being a family favourite (equally good as a two though!)
Escape Nation: The Citadel (Stafford)
With an impressive narrative driving the game forward, tasks hinted at what might have befallen the Citadel. Strong puzzles, great GMs and strong narrative, The Citadel was incredibly enjoyable.
Trapp’d: Monosphere (Northampton)
The Monosphere probably won’t be winning any awards, but we found it enjoyable. What we were most impressed by is how Trapp’d have managed to keep it so clean given the amount of white in a room located next door to Molten Creek Mine!
Trapp’d: Molten Creek Mine (Northampton)
Yet another fun room from Trapp’d, not their best, but equally not their worst. Be prepared to get dirty so make sure you don’t do this room before a night out! A fun use of tech and on-theme puzzles made this an enjoyable room
Trapp’d: 46 Below (Billing Aquadrome)
A fun room with strong set design and a good story to follow. Families (particularly kids) will love this room! A bit of wear-and-tear that needs to be fixed, but we enjoyed it regardless
Trapp’d: Dead on Arrival (Billing Aquadrome)
We wouldn’t recommend Dead on Arrival to someone that has never played an escape game before, but we enjoyed it, escaping in about 33 minutes, which leads us to conclude that the puzzles are sound, and it’s worth giving it a go.
Trapp’d: Exordium (Billing Aquadrome)
A good warm-up room for enthusiasts or a great family room. On the easier side so enthusiasts will probably fly through it, but it’s enjoyable and has some nice design touches that we haven’t seen elsewhere
Hour Escape Rooms: The Black Diamond (Peterborough)
Having found ourselves often frustrated in Stranger Things, The Black Diamond was a wonderful change of pace with logical puzzles with clear sign posting where required and an enjoyable finish
Hour Escape Rooms: Stranger Things (Peterborough)
A fun room with some nice 80s touches. Decent puzzles but ultimately let down by red herrings and an over abundance of sign-posting. A few tweaks to the puzzles, and perhaps the clue system and this could be a great room
Escape Peterborough: The Hunt (Peterborough)
I would encourage enthusiasts to tackle this in smaller groups, or some of the team will likely find that they miss out on much of the action. However, the linear structure, and the more traditional escape room-style logic and observational puzzles make this an ideal room for new players
Escape Peterborough: Escape the Seven Seas (Peterborough)
If you’ve done rooms at Escape Peterborough before then this room will be nothing like them. They’ve really upped their game with this room and the only rival for it there is The Cabin. Good theming, decent puzzles (although padlock heavy), but swash-buckling fun
Escape Peterborough: The Cabin (Peterborough)
Even standing in the hallway, it’s clear that the set design for this game is leagues above the games we had played here previously. The Cabin is a solid, well thought out room, and worth playing if you’re planning to visit Peterborough.
XscapeNow: Sweeney Todd (Telford)
A ’fun’ take on the rather grim Sweeney Todd story. Decent puzzles, good design, and a good flow. We struggled, but we’re not really sure why
Trapp’d: Dead Man’s Cove (Kettering)
This room was the highlight of the day for me. I know VX2.0 seems to be getting more love right now, but this room is fun, traditional, and just generally well put together
Trapp’d: VX 2.0 (Kettering)
You’ve got to give Trapp’d credit for what they’ve done with this room. They’ve tried to do something different, and they have. If it wasn’t for a jumpy GM we’d have probably enjoyed this room more than we did
Trapp’d: Abigail (Kettering)
Yes, Abigail is creepy, and there are a few attempts at jump scares, but this, for us at least, was not a true horror experience, and was more of a well done paranormal themed room
Trapp’d: Motel (Corby)
This was a straight-up horror room, there’s no denying that. But the puzzles flowed and we had fun, even with the live actor tormenting us at every turn. Horror fans will love it
Trapp’d: Maine State Prison (Corby)
When it was new this was probably a decent room. Unfortunately in its old age it has lost its way and become a bit frustrating. Couple the frustration with tired props and it’s good it’s set for retirement.
Trapp’d: Reanimation (Corby)
A decent room that is definitely good for beginners and has enough fun to keep you going. Decent puzzles and theming made for an enjoyable experience.
LetsXcape: Sacred (Newark)
Costumes, puzzles, and one of the nicest owner/GMs you’ll ever meet. We preferred The Rig but Sacred is a very good room and has plenty to keep you occupied
Cave Escape: Carfax (Nottingham)
Carfax is a great room and it excelled in room design. Surrounded by the natural stone walls of the cave, the rest of the set was used to enhance this already impressive setting
Escapologic: Crypt-ic (Nottingham)
“Like real-life Indiana Jones” that’s what we were promised. It was certainly an adventure through a dark, creepy crypt, but luckily for us (and Indy) there were no snakes
Escapologic: Heistakes (Nottingham)
This is a fun room, but due to how linear it is and the lack of puzzles we probably wouldn’t advise it for large teams, especially if those teams are experienced. It’s definitely a room to give a go though as it is visually impressive.
Escapologic: Butcher (Nottingham)
![Escapologic: 13utcher [Butcher] (Nottingham)](https://www.reviewtheroom.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/butcher-150x150.jpg)
This room is not one for the faint hearted and if you’re of a nervous disposition it’s probably one to avoid. However, if you want a room that it a bit different and will not only challenge your mind but also your bladder control, then give it a go!
Escapologic: Contraption (Nottingham)
Like most of the rooms at Escapologic this was a linear room with very strong set design. Don’t get distracted by all the funky items and you should be fine
LetsXcape: The Rig (Newark)
You’ll be hard pushed to find a room with a better story, and you definitely won’t find a better setting for a room. This room lived up to it’s impressive venue and is well worth a visit/detour
Escapologic: Howitz (Nottingham)
Howitz is gritty, grimey, dimly lit, and full of jump scares and some really creepy toys, but if I were to give it a rating like a movie, it would receive a PG-13.
Escapologic: Curio (Nottingham)
This room delivers something that you probably won’t have seen anywhere else. No spoilers – a fun room with some very impressive room design and definitely one you won’t forget
Thinking Outside the Box: Retro (Peterborough)
I loved this room, I really did. Retrogaming memories are my weakness and this room exploited them to the max
Thinking Outside the Box: Magician’s Apprentice (Peterborough)
Everything in the room was on theme, and puzzles were logical. This is a fun room, that although perhaps a little ‘home-made’ is still worth the visit
Escape Peterborough: Contagion (Peterborough)
If you’re lucky enough to get a good GM then this is a solid room and one we would happily recommend to enthusiasts
Escape Peterborough: Witchcraft & Wizardry (Peterborough)
If things were running smoothly this is probably an ok room, particularly for children or new players. But if you’re an enthusiast I think you’ll find this room rather lacking and one to avoid.
Escape Peterborough: Espionage (Peterborough)
While we did escape, it was only just managed, and we were left feeling a bit deflated, due to both the quality of the puzzles and the attentiveness of the GM
Trapp’d: Red Rock (Peterborough)
This room is massive, and while we successfully completed it as a two, this would definitely be well suited to, and fun for, a larger group.
Trapp’d: Madame Curio’s Cirque Delirium (Peterborough)
Lacking in backstory this room makes up for it in the excitement it delivers at all points. Easier puzzles but good for all ages (except maybe the really old).
The Great Escape Game: Submerged (Sheffield)
If you’re looking for a room that does something a bit different then this is the one, it forces you to rely on communication between each other and without it you will go down with the ship.