Despite being a very much ‘done’ theme, Banged Up managed to avoid a lot of the clichés and provided just the right level of whimsy for some good light-hearted fun. We weren’t in this game for a long time (completed it in less than 25 minutes), but we will remember our time fondly.
Wales
List of the rooms we have reviewed in Wales . In date order from newest to oldest
Escape Rooms Cardiff: Astro Quest (Cardiff)
Astro Quest is the rebirth of Press Start – and it works. The puzzles were much more enjoyable, the story made more sense, and the set dressing was good. It feels like this game now has something for everyone and it’s sure to be a much more enjoyable experience (once one puzzle is tweaked).
Mansion of Mystery: The Time Machine (Pembrokeshire)
Mansion of Mystery’s Time Machine was a highlight of our recent break in the south west of Wales, and it wasn’t just because of the Owl Garden and Zoo located within the grounds of Picton Castle. The Time Machine was a joy to play, and well worth including on your itinerary if you happen to find yourself in Pembrokeshire.
The Escape Game Carmarthen: Oubliette (Carmarthen)
This room was a let down for us thanks to an unfair placement of a handcuff key, and this really tainted our experience. The set design was decent for the most part, although the final ‘reveal’ was pretty much apparent from the start which was a shame.
The Escape Game Carmarthen: Depth Charge (Carmarthen)
The smoke in this room was set to 11, dial that down a bit and I think we’d have had a more enjoyable experience. Saying that, the set design for Depth Charge was pretty spot on and the puzzles didn’t feel out of place
The Escape Game Carmarthen: Lunar Base Alpha (Carmarthen)
If you’re planning to play only one game at Carmarthen and you’re struggling to choose, look no further. The stronger narrative combined with more tactile challenges made Lunar Base Alpha not just my preferred game at The Escape Game Carmarthen, but also my preferred game across both venues.
Tenby’s Great Escape: Captain’s Treasure Room (Tenby)
We didn’t click with this game, but we still appreciate that it was well designed and had a good sense of adventure. I had low expectations for this venue, and was pleasantly surprised. If you’re in the Tenby area then this venue is worth checking out
Tenby’s Great Escape: The Wizard’s Lair (Tenby)
It was a nice change to play a Wizard themed room that simply wasn’t a Harry Potter rip off. The set design in this game was spot on and they managed to fit in a few surprises, along with some enjoyable puzzles.
Tenby’s Great Escape: The Tenby Asylum (Tenby)
I probably wouldn’t recommend The Tenby Asylum if you’ve never played an escape room before, but for enthusiasts that are looking for a challenge and don’t mind a jump scare or two, then this is the one. The set was impressive, but even more appealing were the puzzles.
The Escape Game Swansea: Wild West (Swansea)
I wanted to love Wild West, but unfortunately it left me feeling just a bit flat. However, I wouldn’t let that stop you from playing. Despite my issues with it, Wild West was the strongest of the games at The Escape Game’s Swansea branch, and there were a few moments of pure puzzling joy.
The Escape Game Swansea: Hostel (Swansea)
I can see why this game has such a low escape rate. Darkness, lack of signposting, and puzzles that just didn’t seem to make sense or always fit the narrative. We left this hostel feeling frustrated and wondering if we should have just quit to became the latest victims.
The Escape Game Swansea: Alcatraz (Swansea)
The Escape Game’s Alcatraz is a standard prison break. That doesn’t mean it’s not fun though – the puzzles were fair and engaging, with a few unique twists, and perfect for those new to escape rooms.
The Escape Game Swansea: The Prison Van (Swansea)
Our dislike of Prison Van escape rooms was not changed with this game. It felt like signposting was limited, some poor choices were made on puzzle design, and generally we just felt frustrated at our time in the van.
Exitus Escape Rooms: Coco Loco (Cardiff)
Coco Loco was a delight for pretty much all the senses, and is a perfect family friendly escape room in Cardiff. Just when we thought the game was over, Exitus surprised us once again! Often you’ll get a card, or a badge to take away from an escape room, but that’s not good enough for Exitus – what a treat!
Exitus Escape Rooms: The Curse of Senutep (Cardiff)
If you find yourself in Cardiff, it would be a crime not to stop by Exitus. You can’t go wrong with any of their games, but The Curse of Senutep is the perfect choice for large groups or challenge seeking enthusiasts.
Exitus Escape Rooms: Virus Tinkerers (Cardiff)
Virus Tinkerers was a game where everything fell into place for us and we loved our time in the lab. Fun puzzles, solid design, and nice touches as a nod to the scientists involved in the Tenovus charity – this is a must play game in Cardiff.
Escape Rooms Cardiff: The Cardiff Castle (Cardiff)
Cardiff Castle is by far the prettiest of all the games we’ve played at Escape Rooms Cardiff, and possibly the prettiest we’ve played in Cardiff itself. It’s a solid game that will be fun for enthusiasts and great for newcomers to escape rooms, plus it’s a perfect tie in if you’re planning to visit the game’s eponym while you’re in the area
Escape Rooms Cardiff: Press Start (Cardiff)
We really wanted to like this game but we found the narrative didn’t seem to fit the game and the puzzles weren’t enjoyable to us. I’d imagine some players will click and blitz this game, but unfortunately this wasn’t the game for us.
Adventure Rooms Cardiff: The Black Queen (Cardiff)
Credit to Adventure Rooms Cardiff for trying to introduce different technology in the room, it is a great room and definitely one to do if you’re in Cardiff.
Escape Rooms Cardiff: Z Room [BETA TEST]
If this beta test was anything to go by then this is going to be a hard room but good room. Very different to the other rooms we did in Cardiff
Escape Reality: Fibonacci (Cardiff)
A decent but linear room that was challenging in all the right places, unfortunately let down by a terrible clue system
Breakout Cardiff: Vacancy (Cardiff)
Not a bad room and there are definitely better in Cardiff, but if you need a room to do then this is a decent contender
Escape Rooms Cardiff: The Tomb
A well designed room with puzzles arguably on the easier side. Probably good for beginners or anyone you want to get addicted to escape rooms
Escape Reality: Alcatraz (Cardiff)
A hard room for inexperienced teams who aren’t confident on their communication, and annoying for experienced teams who like good rooms
Escape Rooms Cardiff: The Heist (Cardiff)
A solid room but make sure you are comfortable working as a split team and are happy with your communication skills