This was a fun game, but I think I wanted more from it. The finale that it built up to just felt a bit anticlimactic and slowed the pace massively, but I’m not sure how that could be ‘fixed’. Ice Hockey fans will probably get a good kick from this game, but for me, of the games I’ve played at this venue, it’s probably position three of three – but that could also because I didn’t play it with Liz (she’s the brains)
Worldwide
List of the rooms we have reviewed outside of the UK. In date order from newest to oldest
Hotel Veloria: Lost and Found (Volkel)
Lost and Found is a stunning example of a classic, narrative led escape room, bursting with story, and some rather exceptional and complex puzzles. My only regret about the experience is that we only had time for one game on this trip, and missed out on the other games on offer at Hotel Veloria.
Escape Boats: The Inspectors (Galway)
Each game we played with Escape Boats (both Dublin and Galway) seemed to improve on the previous. The Inspectors had a great wow moment and some clever puzzles that we hadn’t seen before.
Escape Boats: SOS (Dublin)
Of the two games aboard the Zorg Ella, SOS was my favourite, combining an immersive set with great puzzles, and some excellent physical story telling
Escape Boats: Convicts (Dublin)
If you search anywhere for ‘best escape rooms in Dublin’, Escape Boats is a name that you’ll see everywhere, and I’m not surprised. Convicts was a lot of fun, and the added novelty of being on a boat will certainly make it a winner for many.
Tales of Torchdale: The Toy Factory (Zoersel)
At times I was so confused by The Toy Factory, but looking back at it, I actually loved the game. It is beautifully designed, if a little strange at times. It’s not surprising that The Toy Factory made its debut in the 2022 TERPECA rankings, nor is it a surprise that it remained in the top 50 in 2024.
Escape Rush: Botanist Manor (Brussels)
Botanist Manor is a ridiculous experience in terms of story, but somehow it works, and it’s surely a must play if you’re in Brussels. An epic set, fun puzzles, and a grandiose finale – what’s not to love?
De Gouden Kooi: Han’s Revenge (Mechelen)
Han’s Revenge is just a classic Escape Room – no actors, no terror, no dramatic shoot out – and it is excellent. De Gouden Kooi are developing their next game, and trust me when I say, I can’t wait to go back.
Entered: Demise of the Gricers (As)
Gricers was an interesting experience and I think one we both loved and appreciated, but also didn’t perhaps enjoy to the fullest. We found the tasks, at times, somewhat repetitive, and often we weren’t 100% sure what to do next.
The Push Mystery Rooms: The Movies Experience (Bruges)
The Movies Experience is one of those games that makes me realise that I need to re-think my Top 10, as this is definitely on it – and possibly at the top. From start to finish, I was in awe at what they have achieved with this game. Play it. Play it now.
De Gouden Kooi: The Secret of Saint-Rumoldus (Mechelen)
The Secret of Saint-Rumoldus is perhaps the sibling that one doesn’t think about with De Gouden Kooi as all the attention goes to Han’s Revenge. However, don’t overlook this game!
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
Big Break Hamburg: The Toy Maker (Hamburg)
The Toy Maker has moments that will wow you, moments that may frustrate you, and many many moments that will simply bring you joy. This is a lovely game and Big Break Hamburg have created a game that you just simply don’t want to leave
Skurrilum: Malvini’s Legacy (Hamburg)
Malvini’s Legacy is a good traditional escape room. It doesn’t have the ‘wow factor’ of the Ernie Hudson games, but if you want a fun escape room with some decent effects, good lighting, and enjoyable puzzles, oh and with a hint of magic – then this isn’t a bad choice.
Skurrilum: Ghosthunter Ernie Hudson and the Wailing Woman (Hamburg)
I can see why Ernie Hudson and the Wailing Woman is so well regarded in Hamburg. Strong puzzles, great story and immersion, and generally just a really fun game to experience.
Skurrilum: Ghosthunter Ernie Hudson and the Zoo of Death (Hamburg)
I was very much looking forward to investigating the Zoo of Death, and to be honest, it didn’t disappoint. While the Wailing Woman is perhaps a slightly better game, it is subjective and entirely dependent on player preference
Hidden in Hamburg: Neptune’s Curse (Hamburg)
Neptune’s Curse aboard the Rickmer Rickmers was my favourite of all the games we played at Hidden in Hamburg. With a narrative that took full advantage of its unique venue, plus some pretty solid puzzling, this game stood out amongst the other options at Hidden in Hamburg.
Hidden in Hamburg: The Forbidden Game (Hamburg)
Due to the ‘difficulty by darkness’ factor, The Forbidden Game was our least favourite Hidden in Hamburg game. It was fun in places, but not being able to see for a good chunk of it just felt like it was designed to slow teams down with no real narrative to explain why.
Hidden in Hamburg: The Golden Skull (Hamburg)
The Golden Skull wasn’t quite my favourite game at Hidden in Hamburg, but it was definitely my favourite aboard The Capt San Diego. With a beautiful set, an adventurous narrative, and plenty of pleasing puzzles, what’s not to love?
Hidden in Hamburg: Master of Time (Hamburg)
Master of Time was a good start to our Hamburg experience and had a good mix of tech and physical interactions. If you’re unsure on playing because it’s on a boat, then don’t worry, the boat is so big that you’ll soon find yourself forgetting that you’re not on dry land.
Escaparium: Magnifico’s Circus (Montreal)
The word “circus” has become synonymous with the word “spectacle”, and Magnifico’s Circus was certainly spectacular on a level unlike anything I have encountered in an escape room before. I actually have no words to describe just how truly beautiful this game is, and it is something that absolutely must be experienced to believe.
Escaparium: The Forgotten Cathedral (Montreal)
I was going through my notes for this game and the words that seem to be repeated are ‘immersion’, ‘theatrics’ and ‘wow’, and to be honest that would sum up this review perfectly. Just play it, and be amazed.
Escaparium: Wardrobe for Sale (Montreal)
Wardrobe for Sale is utterly charming, and as deep as it is whimsical. There is a reason it was named the 7th best game in the world in 2023. And after spending the time investigating it, I will unequivocally say, yes, I would like to buy the wardrobe for sale.
Escaparium: The Lost Island of the Voodoo Queen (Montreal)
I love a pirate game, I’m not ashamed to admit that. This could possibly be my favourite pirate game that I’ve ever played. The puzzles, audio, GM, atmosphere and game design all pulled together to create a wonderful experience. Every little detail had been considered and perfected to ensure that nothing felt out of place – even the ending… ESPECIALLY the ending.
Wake Up!: Questomatica (Amsterdam)
Do I regret playing this game? No. Do I regret making it our last game in Amsterdam? Yes. Wake Up! wasn’t a bad game, it just doesn’t stand a chance with the other games on offer. If you’re desperate for a game, or perhaps a warm up game, then it’s not a terrible choice. But for the money, there are better options available.
Logic Locks: The Amsterdam Catacombs (Amsterdam)
The Amsterdam Catacombs was perhaps ahead of its time. And while other experiences have cropped up in recent years, stealing some of its thunder, the fact remains that it is still a fantastic experience that’s worth a visit if you find yourself in Amsterdam
DarkPark: The End (Zoetermeer)
From the beginning, straight through to, well, the end, The End was nothing like what I expected, and delightfully twisty. DarkPark themselves describe The End as a mix of escape room and immersive theatre, and honestly, I can’t think of a better way to describe it
Down the Hatch: Molly’s Game (Voorburg)
It’s easy to see why Molly’s Game has received so much praise since its opening: The game is beautiful, there’s really no other way to put it. I found it to be a satisfying fusion of story and puzzles, all wrapped up in an absolutely breath-taking set
Mama Bazooka: The Dome (Bunschoten-Spakenburg)
The best way to describe The Dome would be to call it a spectacle. And I’m inclined to think that’s the reason this game has been considered by escape room enthusiasts to be one of the top three games in the world for the last five years. However, taste is subjective
Rock City Escape: Soup Du Jour (Amersfoort)
This game had some great moments, some cool tech, and some entertaining jump scares. But I’m not sure it’s the best that the Netherlands has to offer. We enjoyed the first half of the game, but ended up leaving feeling a bit flat thanks to the second half.
Escape Room Junkie: Corpse Inc. (Baarn)
Corpse Inc. is possibly one of the most interactive games that we have played that isn’t a straight up horror experience. Full of both humour and adrenaline, as well as satisfying puzzles and a twisty narrative, it’s a game that’s worth paying a visit to amongst all the other world-class games in the area.
Sherlocked: The Architect (Amsterdam)
The Architect is Sherlocked’s first game, and one of the first games in The Netherlands, having opened its doors in 2014. Despite its age, the game holds up well, with clever puzzles, an intricate storyline, and some truly outstanding “Wow” moments
Stay in the Dark: Dark Park (Vlaardingen)
Stay in the Dark in a word: Unmissable. There aren’t many games that I would replay, but this is one. The more I look back on it, the more I realise how much I enjoyed it. Sadly it’s closing in May 2024 but if you get a chance to play it, you must.
5 Wits: Tomb, Espionage, Deep Space, Drago’s Castle (Syracuse)
If you’re an escape room enthusiast (or an owner) and are fascinated by ways that escape rooms can be run to be pretty much fully automated, then 5 Wits is a must play. Ok, the puzzles got repetitive and annoying at times, and if you were too quick and a team was ahead of you then you’d have to wait. But if you can get over that, then these are interesting games to play.
Escape City Buffalo: Over the Falls (Buffalo, NY)
This is a game to play if you want to see an amazing set. Over the Falls was a visually appealing game and the story, flow was good. We didn’t click with some of the puzzles so felt like we were playing catch up, but somehow we managed to make it out in time.
Crypto Escape: The Extraction (Newmarket, ON)
From what I remember The Extraction got the second most votes in the TERPECAs for a game at Crypto Escape and that’s probably fair. We didn’t get on with the puzzles, but the set design and story was pretty impressive. It’s hard to make a game that is perfect for everyone and I’d guess that many people will play this one and love the puzzles – each to their own.
Crypto Escape: Below Zero (Newmarket, ON)
Set design was once again superb. Crypto Escape have really mastered the art of building escape rooms. We found the puzzles got a little repetitive at times, but we still enjoyed Below Zero and it’s worth playing just for the tech and the experience.
Crypto Escape: Cursed Temple (Newmarket, ON)
Although Cursed Temple isn’t as highly decorated with awards as some of the other games at Crypto Escape, this was my favourite of the three games we were able to fit into our visit. Of course, I might be biased thanks to my love of temple raiding games, but I think it had more to do with the solid, satisfying game play, underpinned by a decent storyline.
Next Level Escapes: The Thompsons (Hamilton, ON)
If you’re a fan of The Simpsons, then The Thompsons could be a winner. We didn’t gel with the puzzles, but that could just be us.
Next Level Escapes: The Graveyard (Hamilton, ON)
The Graveyard was a solid game, with challenging puzzles, an immersive and beautifully designed set, and a good amount of atmosphere. In short, while The Graveyard is unlikely to “wow” enthusiasts, it is a perfect example of what an escape room should be.
The Exit Games FL: Servants of Sleight (Clearwater, FL)
Ok, I see what all the fuss is about. We loved our time in Servants of Sleight and the less we say about it, the better your experience will be. Just go and play it, it’s a delight.
Legends Escape Rooms: Moonshine Cabin (Tampa, FL)
I knew next to nothing before heading to Legends Escape Rooms, but I was pleasantly surprised. Moonshine Cabin was fun, fair, and filled with some unexpected things. It’s a shame we only had time for one game at Legends, especially if their others are of a similar quality.
Escape The Cape: Mindhatter (Cape Coral, FL)
In hindsight, we should have just listened to the reviews. We found our time in MindHatter turned us into the Mad Hatter rather than leaving us in Wonderland. The puzzles were frustrating, and the ending was very flat.
Outerlife Studios: Scorched (St Petersburg, FL)
Scorched is a decent game that offers everything I expect from an escape room: an enthusiastic host, reasonably immersive set design, and fair, albeit few, puzzles. With the game lacking in content, however, it felt like it was over almost as soon as it began.
Sherlocked: The Alchemist (Amsterdam)
This is one of those games where you will play and then want to play again just to go back and see what you missed. Every single item in this game has been hand-crafted for the world they have created and the attention to detail is incredible
Museum of Intrigue (Syracuse, NY, USA)
I am not sure I’ve ever had this much fun at the mall, not even when I was 5. If you’re looking for something a little bit different, but totally fantastic, to do in Syracuse, you should look no further than The Museum of Intrigue.
Way Out: Ice Tiki (Athens)
I would love to play Ice Tiki again, even though we know how to solve the puzzles, the experience was just amazing. The time we spent in this game was like one big party and it was the perfect end to our holiday. Please please please can we get more games like this in the world!
G-Factor Group: The 7 Mysteries of Pharaoh (Athens)
We played this game on a whim and we’re glad we did. There was nothing mind-blowingly special about it, but it had fun puzzles, some cool tech, and a clear ending – although that ending could easily be improved with just a few minor tweaks.
G-Factor Group: Freedom for Sale (Athens)
I’m not a huge fan of prison rooms in general but this one felt just a bit too rough around the edges. We spent more time being frustrated and lost in this room than we did having fun. It’s nice it is available in English now, but it’s not one that we’d recommend to others.
G-Factor Group: Through the Mirror (Athens)
This game was a surprise of our Athens trip. I wasn’t expecting much, but, thanks to its original set and puzzles, it was a joy to play. I would have liked there to have been more to it or perhaps a stronger ending, but this game just went back to the main reason we play escape rooms: fun.
Coven Escape: Woman In Black (Athens)
I feel bad for Woman in Black as we played it the day after we had played Chapel and Catacombs so it perhaps didn’t wow us as much as it really should have. But it in its own right, it is still an incredible game with a huge set that I really enjoyed.
The Art of Escape: Lilipout (Athens)
We really wanted to like this game, but instead it was our least favourite game of all the ones we played in Athens. It had potential thanks to the fun set design, but due to poor puzzles and a lack of signposting it is not a game we’ll be recommending anytime soon.
Lockhill: The Sanitorium (Midnight mode) (Athens)
This entire experience truly felt like we were in a live adaptation of a Resident Evil or Silent Hill video game. It. Was. Incredible.
Lockhill: Chapel and Catacombs (Athens)
In a city full of world-class escape rooms, Chapel and Catacombs stands out and was nothing short of incredible. I guess there’s a reason why it’s currently ranked by enthusiasts as the #1 game in the world. While I hate to add to the hype if I were asked, “What should I play in Athens if I only have time for one game?” There is no question, it would be this one.
Station 33: Wake Up (Athens)
Wake Up was a visually impressive experience and I can see why horror aficionados love it. I think we had been spoiled by other experiences so this one didn’t grip us as much as it possibly should have, but it is still a game we will likely never forget.
Exit Plan: The Dark Side of the Elements (Athens)
I think if this game was in the UK it would probably be more impressive, but it’s surrounded by world class games in Athens so it’s likely a little overshadowed. We had a good time playing The Dark Side of the Elements and I fell in love with the ceiling and some of the cool tech they used.
No Exit: El Exorcista (Athens)
I have never experienced anything quite like El Exorcista, and I think that goes for the rest of the team as well. We were, quite literally, dropped into the middle of The Exorcist and I have never felt more immersed in a game
Escapepolis: The Butcher Resurrection (Athens)
This game felt like more of a traditional live actor horror escape room rather than some of the others we played, and that’s not a bad thing. The puzzles were solid, the story was good, and the set was suitably terrifying
Escapepolis: Cosmos 05 Death in Space (Athens)
We really wanted to love this game, and in a way we did. We loved the tech, we just found the gameplay to be a bit lacking and we ended up more frustrated than anything else
Paradox Project: The Music Academy (Athens)
The Music Academy is one of those games that keeps on going. When we thought we were done, there was more puzzling to be done! We haven’t played many three hour games, but Paradox Project are surely the masters of this domain, what an experience!
Paradox Project: The Bookstore (Athens)
If you want a short review, then I’ll simply say The Bookstore is a beautiful game. The puzzles are perfect, the narrative is interesting, twisty, and ever present, and it’s all housed in a beautifully designed, quirky space. Athens may be known as a destination for excellent horror games, but those certainly aren’t the only excellent games you’ll find here.
Paradox Project: The Mansion (Athens)
While the sequel to The Mansion is more highly thought of, it would be wrong to skip this game in favour of only playing the second. The Mansion in its own right is a well-thought-out, fun game with a strong narrative, and an immense number of surprising and satisfying puzzles.
Improbable Escapes: Legend of the Mayan Temple (Kingston, ON)
A fun room, with solid puzzles but was unfortunately let down by a truly terrible clue system
Mountain Room Escapes: Escape the Cabin (Big Bear)
If you’re in Big Bear you should probably get out in nature, but if the weather is bad then this is a great room to do.
Mountain Room Escapes: Alpine Ski Lodge (Big Bear)
A friend had recommended Big Bear as a must-see so we thought this was a good excuse to go.
Escape Games at the River: The Secret of Dragon’s Spire (Palm Springs)
Some great wow moments and so much fun all around. Definitely worth doing!
Escape Games at the River: The Forgotten Pharaoh (Palm Springs)
Although not the best room at this location, it is still the second best room we did in Palm Springs
Escape Room Palm Springs: Bank Heist (Palm Springs)
Our third and fortunately final room at Escape Palm Springs was ‘Bank Heist’
Escape Room Palm Springs: Merlin’s Magic School (Palm Springs)
A room that tries to hard to be special and has a very strange GM setup. I’m not sure this room ever had any ‘magic’
Escape Room Palm Springs: Titanic (Palm Springs)
‘Titanic’ where you have to find the last hidden life boat before the ship goes down.
Stash House (Los Angeles)
Everything just works in the way it is meant to and you find yourself just moving from one puzzle to the next without a care in the world.
QuestRoom: Red Giant (Los Angeles)
If Red Giant is anything to go by, the company may well be setting the standard for the future of escape rooms.
Hatch Escapes: Lab Rat (Los Angeles)
If you’re in Los Angeles and there is a room that has been ranked number eight in the world then really it would be rude not to try it out.
Mission Escapes: Escape the Hideout (Los Angeles)
Just around the corner from Disneyland is Mission Escapes, and what better than to do an escape room after Disney closes?
Escapade Games: Zoe (Los Angeles)
We heard this was the scariest room in LA, we discussed if this was actually something we wanted to do. I’m glad we did