This game surprised me. I thought we were going to get a horror experience but it was more horror-light (very light) and actually made us laugh in a couple of spots. There is a strange obsessions with toads in this game, but if you can see past that then this is a decent game (at a reasonable price) and serves the purpose of an evening’s entertainment.
Purely Online
Hourglass Escapes: The Road to Innsmouth (Play at Home)
The Road to Innsmouth felt like it squeezed a lot into a Telescape game. Ok there were cut scenes and videos etc, but it still managed to keep us occupied for over two hours, so if you’re looking for an evening’s entertainment then this could be a good shout.
Eleven Puzzles: Parallel Lab (Play at Home)
If you liked the first game by Eleven Puzzles, then this one is sure to be a hit. We found the puzzles to be fair, and the game was fun and in places funny. The ‘forced communication’ was also done well and is guaranteed to get you talking to your teammate(s). Eleven Puzzles take their time with their games, and it shows, this is a quality experience.
Edaqa’s Room: The Office (Play at Home)
If you’re looking for a digital escape room that actually plays like an escape room, then this one might be for you. The Office is possibly one of the most accurate digital representations of a typical physical escape room that I have seen
Online Escape Rooms Ireland: Spirit Seekers: The Dullahan (Play at Home)
At the start, we didn’t know what to make of this game, but it certainly grew on us. It was an interesting story and fascinating to have a virtual tour of a beautiful country (and some pigs made an appearance too). The puzzles were logical and fair, and it had a few surprises to keep us guessing
Escape Quest: The Avengers (Play at Home)
I’m not really sure how we felt about this game. It was a challenge in places, and at times quite clever, but it didn’t feel like a traditional online escape room experience, it was more like a test in our internet researching skills (which we totally passed).
Crime Runners: Beneath Vienna (Play at Home)
This felt like a nice continuation of the story that we enjoyed in Crime Runner’s first online game. With clever puzzles and a well delivered narrative, we enjoyed our time in the sewer.
Elgin Escape: Santa’s Last Parcel (Play at Home)
If you’re looking for a festive game to bring the family together, whether you’re all around one screen or dotted across the globe, Santa’s Last Parcel could be a great option for a bit of lighthearted puzzling
Next Level Escape: The Strange Disappearance on Station Eleven (Play at Home)
This game had great graphics, a unique story that was filled with humour, and thanks to some tweaks to the game play, it was frustration free. If you’re looking for a game that will challenge you, make you laugh, and has unexpected twists and turns – this is the game for you.
E-Scape Rooms: The Sword of Drakul (Play at Home)
>The Sword of Drakul seemed to take away a lot of the frustrations with their first game, The Alp, and this made for an enjoyable experience. The graphics were slick and the puzzles were solid, well done E-Scape Rooms, you’ve made a cracking game!
Hourglass Escapes: The Rise of the Mad Pharaoh (Play at Home)
Rise of the Mad Pharaoh brings a unique twist to the format of former escape rooms turned digital that makes it one of the best examples of the genre that we’ve played. If you’re looking for a collaborative digital escape game, this is one to consider.
E-Scape Rooms: The Alp (Play at Home)
Well produced, decent puzzles, and an interesting storyline, The Alp is a game that we finished and both said ‘I enjoyed that game’. It’s great to see that even this far into the pandemic, decent online games are still being produced
Wild Child: Chernobyl: A Puzzle Septology (Play at Home)
Play it as intended, don’t get help, accept you may not complete it, and just enjoy the experience. This is a game to be played, to leave, to come back to, and to find your own eureka moments. Strap in, you’ll never have experienced anything like this before
Locked In Folkestone: Sub-Agents (Play at Home)
Nothing to make this game stand out in the online escape room world, but we were actually surprised by this game. The ending felt a bit abrupt and most of our time was spent on one puzzle. If you’re a logic-fiend then you’ll likely get through in no time, but it’s not a bad way to spend an evening with friends (virtually).
Hourglass Escapes: The Navigators and the Call from Beyond (Play at Home)
I loved the aesthetics of this game, and the incredibly bonkers ending! The puzzles it had were good, but we couldn’t help but feel like it just needed a few more so we really felt satisfied. Saying that, this is still a game we’d recommend if you want a reason to get you friends together. More please Hourglass Escapes!
Dave Escape Rooms: Rita’s Cult Following (Play at Home)
A well structured and visually appealing game, but we found the puzzles were not up to the same standards. Is it still a decent game? Yes. Should you play it? Yes. I think if you are looking for something a bit different to everything else out there, then this could be the game for you
Escape Stations: Humbug Hijinx (Play at Home)
Humbug Hijinx was a sweet little game (yes, that was totally intended.) It’s a little clunky, but there are some solid puzzles, and even better, you’ll find an extra treat waiting for you upon completion.
Palace Games: The Sapphire Palace (Play at Home)
I loved everything about The Sapphire Palace, from the interface to the puzzles, and the format to the story. But at $20.00 per player for a game without a live host, I’m going to have a hard time recommending this game to the majority of escapers, even though it is fantastic. But if you’ve got the budget, go for it!
Deadlocked: Tunnelling Through Time (Play at Home)
Based on actual(ish) events, Tunnelling Through Time combines a bit of time travel with pleasing puzzles, and the magic of the movies to deliver a digital escape like no other. With 100% of the proceeds going directly to The Brunel Museum, I can’t think of a better way to have fun, learn something, and support a great cause; can you?
Beverley Breakout: Room 118 (Play at Home)
Possibly the biggest Telescape game we’ve played so far, it really just kept on going. There is a do-or-die ending to the game but one way or another, you will be able to finish. This game won’t blow you away with the visuals, but it is well put together and credit to Beverly Breakout for trying something different.
Escape Fun: Utopia Institute (Play at Home)
This game surprised us, and in a good way! Ok we got through it in no time at all and others may complete it quicker, but for only £8 it was surprisingly well put together and enjoyable to interact with
Escape Rooms Ennis: Under Siege (Play at Home)
Like a history lesson mixed with an escape room. This room isn’t overly challenging or the most exciting in terms of set design, but it was a fun room and had some nice extra touches to make the experience feel a bit more immersive
Fast Familiar: Bad Altitude (Play at Home)
Bad Altitude is not a game to rush through (especially since you can’t, really). It is instead one to sit back and just enjoy the ride, as you tackle your first day on the job with A.I. Airlines.
Farmer Ted: Farmer Ted and the Tractor-Related Injury (Play at Home)
This is not a bad game, it is also not a good game. I really don’t know what it is. Play it, you may enjoy it. Go in with an open mind and just prepare yourself for something ‘different’
Great Scott Escapes: Who Killed Bugsy Marlowe (Play at Home)
In real life, I’m sure that this would be a good game to play, fortunately even online it is great fun. Great Scott have done a great job of digitising their room and this will be one that we are recommending for a long time.
Enchambered: Together At Heart (Play at Home)
We’ve enjoyed all the Alone Together games but this was our favourite, and possibly the most challenging. Play it as a team of two, or maybe four, and you’ll have a great experience
Lake Escapes: Modern Detective (Play at Home)
At times we were frustrated with this game, but overall it was a decent game. I have no doubt that it would be better in real life, but for a digitised room it should still keep you entertained for at least an hour
Mythologic: The Island (Play at Home)
We really wanted to like this game but found the puzzles really let it down. It could be that the puzzles just didn’t click for us and you may enjoy it. If you do play this game, let us know how you get on.
Elgin Escape: Piper Asylum (Play at Home)
Since the emergence of play at home escape room style experiences emerged nearly a year ago, one of the most sought after types is one that allows teams to play collaboratively from near and far. With Piper Asylum, Elgin Escapes has added another enjoyable game that is perfectly suited to players across multiple households
Project M: Cold Fusion (Play at Home)
Reviewing this game was a hard one. A lot of work has gone into it, and there is a lot of game play with oodles of story. I think if we hadn’t got ‘lost’, we would have enjoyed it more. Saying that, if you’re looking for a game to really challenge you and have you questioning reality, then give this one a try
Eleven Puzzles: Unboxing the Mind of a Cryptic Killer (Play at Home)
The more I look back on this game, the more I realise how much I enjoyed it. I don’t know if they’re planning on making another one, but I really hope they do! Fun puzzles, a great interface, and just a really enjoyable game to play
Fast Familiar: National Elf Service (Play at Home)
National Elf Service is an interactive Christmas audio adventure, perfect for a holiday celebration unlike any in recent memory. Bonus points if you gather your team and play on Christmas Eve, as I really can’t think of a better way to get into the holiday spirit, and save Christmas
Sara Lee Trust: The Detective that Saved Christmas (Play at Home)
This won’t keep enthusiasts busy for long, but apparently inexperienced teams often take an hour to finish it. It’s a cute little game with a fun ending and a good option if you’re looking for a festive ‘whodunnit’
RC Escapes: A Christmas Carol (Play at Home)
We weren’t massive fans of a few puzzles, but Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a visit from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and thanks to RC Escapes, we can all now enjoy the Dickens’ classic as an escape game
The Locked Room: Operation Code Black (Play at Home)
This game is a step-up on their previous game but we found ourselves being more frustrated rather than enjoying it. With a bit of tweaking to the interface, a few enhancements to the puzzles, and a better and more graduated clue system, then this could be a decent game thanks to the sheer amount of content it contains.
Bewilder Box and Eltham Escape: B.R.U.C.E Saves Christmas (Play at Home)
If you are looking for a festive game that is suitable for the whole family, full of satisfying puzzles, terrible jokes, and of course, mince pies, look no further. B.R.U.C.E. Saves Christmas is a perfect game for a socially distanced holiday gathering
Clue HQ: The Hunt for the Clueminati – Part 4: Genesis (Play at Home)
Genesis is another solid offering from Clue HQ, presented in the same format as the earlier games in the series. If you’re on the lookout for something that can be played remotely with ease, you can’t go wrong with any of games in The Hunt for the Clueminati series.
Edaqa’s Room: Carnival (Play at Home)
If you’re looking for some light-hearted family friendly fun, with some trickier puzzles to keep your brains sharp, Carnival is an excellent option, and perfect for remote teams.
RC Escapes: The Curse of Amberly Manor (Play at Home)
This was a fun game, although we enjoyed their first game more. Decent puzzles, a creepy vibe, and some clever interactions made it enjoyable, although don’t forget, you really only have 60 minutes
ESC The Game: ESC From Sub TXI (Play at Home)
We were impressed with ESC the Game’s first offering to the world of online escaping, and ESC From Sub TXI is equally as enjoyable, if not more so. With an arguably near-perfect online interface for remote teams, coupled with clever puzzles and a nice game flow, Sub TXI is one to consider
Society of Curiosities: The Bewitched Circus (Play at Home)
If you’re looking for an immersive, family-friendly adventure you can’t go wrong with The Bewitched Circus. The game is perfect for Halloween, but don’t worry, any spooky theming is very light, and the game would be a delight at any time of year
60out: Orion’s Ridiculous Revenge (Play at Home)
Even if it wasn’t free, this would have been a good game. It was hilarious from start to end and had us in hysterics throughout. The puzzles were good fun, but really came second to the humour, innuendos, and story.
Swamp Motel: The Mermaid’s Tongue (Play at Home)
As with Plymouth Point, the less we say about this game, the better it will be for you. Just go into this game expecting mystery, intrigue, sleuthing, and twists and turns a plenty.
Deadlocked: The Movember Virtual Moscape Room (Play at Home)
With a catchy theme song, immersive narrative, wacky humour, and clever puzzles, not to mention achievements to unlock and a nifty completion certificate, there’s nothing not to love about The Movember Virtual Escape Room
The Escape Game: Hanna Unlocked (Play at Home)
Yet another solid game from The Escape Game. You don’t need any knowledge from the series ‘Hanna’ to play and succeed with Hanna Unlocked, plus it’s free, so really what do you have to lose by giving it a try?
Sinapsis: Smile (Play at Home)
This game further blurs the line between video games and escape rooms, probably swaying more to the former rather than the latter. If you want a laptop killing and challenging communication heavy game, then this one could be worth a try – plus it’s really rather cheap ($4 at time of writing)
Control the Escape: Villainous Vaccine Ventures (Play at Home)
A basic but generally enjoyable point-and-click game. This game has a DIY feel about it but it’s better than some ‘professional’ games we’ve played. We’re looking forward to seeing what comes next from Control the Escape, hopefully a little more signposting.
Edaqa’s Room: Prototype (Play at Home)
If you’re looking for a light-hearted point-and-click escape room then they probably don’t come much more light-hearted than Edaqa’s room: Prototype. It kept us occupied and entertained for around 50 minutes and managed to provide puzzles we hadn’t seen before
QuestVenture: Cocktails, Spies and Murder (Play at Home)
If you’re looking for a game that you can play with the family and get everyone involved, then this is a strong contender for your choice. It’s well put together and has fun puzzles, plus an online leaderboard to give you something to aim for (if you care about those things)
Oblivity Podcast: The Profoctor Predicament (Play at Home)
A story driven game that takes a while to play because of all the narrative. If you’re looking for a quick game that you can rush through, then this probably isn’t one for you. However, if you want a game that sucks you into a new world, then give this one a try
Swamp Motel: Plymouth Point (Play at Home)
This game had twists and turns aplenty! Play Plymouth Point without knowing what to expect, and an open mind and you are in for a good time. This isn’t your typical online game, this is like being in your own immersive online thriller movie!
Next Level Escape: Temporal Tangle (Play at Home)
I loved this game, so much so that I played it twice. If you’re looking for a digital game that has subtle humour, a strong story, and great puzzles, then this is the game for you
Hysteria: The Forgotten Realm II (Play at Home)
Ignoring some questionable accents, this was a fun game and arguably the best online game we’ve played by Hysteria so far. I could easily see this game being a family favourite
Bewilder Box & Eltham Escape: Sector X: The B.R.U.C.E. Project Part 2 (Play at Home)
Part 2 of The B.R.U.C.E. Project was a fun game and provided a sense of closure to the narrative that began with Part 1
Conundroom: Imaginarium (Play at Home)
Imaginarium is a delightful little free game, enjoyable for all, but particularly perfect for families. If you want to try a digital escape room with the kids, it’s definitely one to try
Complex Rooms: Legends of Canada (Play at Home)
We enjoyed this game as it felt like good clean fun, it was a bonus to learn some Canadian history. Canadians will likely have an easier time with this game, but non-Canadians should still enjoy
The Escape Game: The Heist – Vol. 2: The Silk Road (Play at Home)
Of the two digital games currently available from The Escape Game, we felt that The Silk Road was the stronger, but only just, and we’re looking forward to the eventual release of Vol. 3
Creators United: A Lost Memory (Play at Home)
A Lost Memory was a perfect rainy day activity, that could be spread out for hours (or days) of entertainment. It’s on the more challenging side, but it’s perfect for people that love puzzles
The Escape Game: The Heist – Vol. 1: Chasing Hahn (Play at Home)
Chasing Hahn was put together very well (as we expected from TEG), with solid puzzles, a clean interface, and a great hint system, this is a great collaborative game to play with friends
Fox in a Box: A Perfect Day to Save the World (Play at Home)
A point-and-click game that had some good puzzles and was well assembled, for £8 it’s on the money. If you like point-and-click style games then this is a good choice, although it may not keep you occupied for too long
Sinapsis: Diabolic Escape (Play at Home)
This was possibly more video game than escape room, and very nearly killed our computers. If you’re looking for different, this is certainly that!
Vortex Escapes: N.O.O.M Project (Play at Home)
This game went beyond our expectations of a 3€ game and gave us nearly an hour of fun. If you like point-and-click games, this is a good option
Marvo Mysteries: M.A.R.V.O Archives Phase Two (Play at Home)
Phase One lacked puzzles and felt like a warm up act for something bigger. Phase Two was the headliner, and delivered on the earlier promises
CodeBreakers: Hunting a Killer (Play at Home)
This was a really fun way to spend nearly an hour, time literally flew by! Some good puzzles and mechanisms meant we managed to be surprised on more than one occasion
CodeBreakers: Missing (Play at Home)
If you’re looking for something that feels a bit more realistic and immersive than many of the online escape style games out there, look no further than Missing for your next mission
ESC The Game: ESC From Cell 126 (Play at Home)
A really enjoyable game that kept us occupied for longer than it probably should have. A good interface, decent puzzles, and generally just a fun game
Society of Curiosities: Mysterious Map Heist (Play at Home)
Mysterious Map Heist is a fantastic little intro to the world of the Society of Curiosities and, filled with real-world interaction plus one moment of nail-biting suspense, managed to create a surprising amount of realism I simply was not expecting from a free game
Hysteria: Project Blue Book (Play at Home)
A few frustrating puzzles and a weak clue system meant that at times we were annoyed and our enjoyment waned. However, looking back at this game we can see that some puzzles were actually quite clever and our perseverance paid off to make a mostly enjoyable experience
The Panic Room: CSI: Stranglehold (Play at Home)
CSI: Stranglehold was the strongest of the games in the CSI series from The Panic Room (that we’ve played), and was reminiscent of a detective/murder mystery live escape game, making me strangely nostalgic for one
Big Break Hamburg: Operation Jackpot (Play at Home)
While heist-themed games are unlikely to ever be my favourite, Operation Jackpot kept us entertained with decent puzzles for over an hour. It’s simple, but effective
Marvo Mysteries: M.A.R.V.O Archives Phase One (Play at Home)
This was a good game, but it could have been great. We felt like it ended just as it was getting going and felt a bit miffed when it was over. It’s definitely worth playing as it is beautifully put together and is a wonder to behold, but I wouldn’t set aside much time to complete it.
Get Lost Dover: Operation Paranormal Research Anomaly Taskforce (Play at Home)
This game put puzzles and fun ahead of everything else and created a really fun, family-friendly game. The websites are rough around the edges but functional and everything worked as it should. Well done Get Lost!
Clue HQ: The Hunt for the Clueminati – Part 3: Orpheus (Play at Home)
Fans of Astra and Chronicle won’t be disappointed by the latest offering from Clue HQ, and if you’re looking for a digital multiplayer experience that also manages to be non-linear, look no further.
RC Escapes: The Sapphire Project (Play at Home)
A firm 60 minute time limit makes this game different and adds more pressure, but it’s a really enjoyable game and the ending is so much fun!
Clue Cracker: The Haunting of Harlequin House (Play at Home)
The Haunting of Harlequin House is the most complex of the Clue Cracker online games filled with more intricate and multi-layered puzzles. This, plus the slightly more sinister theme, may mean it’s one to skip if you often play with very young children, but definitely not one to miss if you don’t (or once you’ve put them to bed if you do)
Deadlocked: The Cyphstress (Play at Home)
Deadlocked don’t do things by halves, and The Cyphstress is a work of art, with beautiful design, clever and complex puzzles, a strong narrative, all subtly blended with the mythology behind Siren Craft Brew
Help Us Escape: Stanley’s Toy Box (Play at Home)
We really wanted to like this game, but I think we ended up hating it. It wasted nearly two hours of our life that we will never get back. You may enjoy it, we didn’t
Lee Ballan: The Pyramid (Play at Home)
Easily one of the hardest online games we’ve played to date. If you want a game that is heavy on communication and is a real challenge then this is the game for you
Elgin Escape: Murder Mansion (Play at Home)
We were pleasantly surprised by this game, ok the puzzles were on the easier side but the way we could both interact with the puzzles made for an enjoyable half an hour
The Panic Room: Mainstage Mayhem (Play at Home)
A fun room but probably one of the easier games by the Panic Room. With decent theming, storyline and puzzles, it will keep you entertained for a little while
Pentargo: Quarantine (Play at Home)
Not without its flaws, but with a mixture of complex, varied, and engaging puzzles, and over two hours of content, that can be played in one sitting or broken into multiple chapters, at $2.50 per person, it’s incredibly good value, and worth playing if you’re up for a challenge.
The Panic Room: CSI: Mafia Murders (Play at Home)
With lots of evidence to work through, decent puzzles, and a solid ending; if you want a game that will make you feel like a detective, then this game is a good shout.
The Panic Room: Mansion Impossible (Play at Home)
Mansion Impossible is a fun, family-friendly way to spend an hour or two. With a lovely little homage to live escape games that made me giggle with delight, this was my second favourite of the digital games on offer from The Panic Room, but it only just missed out on being my favourite.
The Panic Room: My Dearest Emily (Play at Home)
My Dearest Emily is easily my favourite of the online offerings from The Panic Room. With a lovely story, a bit of history, trickier puzzles, and some beautiful illustrations, what’s not to love?
Trapt: Project G.O.D Particle (Play at Home)
This game was really well put together and was clearly designed to make it an enjoyable experience with the user in mind. Don’t be daunted by all the information that greets you, just get stuck in!
Clue HQ: The Hunt for the Cluminati – Part 2: Chronicle (Play at Home)
Chronicle took the strengths of Astra, and improved on any weaknesses. If you haven’t played any of The Hunt for the Cluminati series yet, you’re missing out
The Panic Room: CSI: Grounded (Play at Home)
If you’re looking for a game to introduce someone to the world of online escaping, CSI: Grounded is a good choice, with a few “easy win” puzzles, bolstered by a few more difficult tasks to keep things interesting
Modern Fables: Medogan, Chapter 1 & 2 (Play at Home)
The text-adventure game design means that Medogan may not be for everyone, but I enjoyed the narrative-driven, imagination-invoking adventure, and will definitely be on the lookout for Episode 3. If the strength of Modern Fables’ text game is anything to go on, then I can’t wait to finally make it out to their live games when the world restarts
Enchambered: Together Apart (Play at Home)
Together Apart is a beautifully designed game and at (a minimum donation of) $5 it is a bargain, it would even be good at twice the price. Bring your communication ‘A’ game!
Clue HQ: The Hunt for the Clueminati – Part 1: Astra (Play at Home)
ClueHQ have done a great job in providing an online escape experience that teams can all participate in at the same time and solve puzzles simultaneously. With a couple of tweaks to how you interact with the puzzles it would be pretty close to perfect
QuestVenture: Cosmic Panic (Play at Home)
If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, look no further than Cosmic Panic and prepare for a fun, and surprisingly immersive, adventure
Crime Runners: Back to the Congressman (Play at Home)
We very much enjoyed this game and came away with the same type of buzz that we get when we complete a physical escape room. We were truly immersed in the story and were saddened when we reached the end. For now, we’ll just have to wait for the sequel
Clue Cracker: Fairground Felony (Play at Home)
In terms of difficulty this is a step (or five) up from their other online experiences but it still features the same quality of story throughout, and has puzzles that will give your brain a good workout
Clue Cracker: The Disappearance of DJ McDee (Play at Home)
If you’re looking for a game to dip your toes into the water of virtual escape rooms, look no further! The Disappearance of DJ McDee is a great way to try out the format before committing to Clue Cracker’s paid games (which are also highly enjoyable.) And yes, the song is really catchy
QuestVenture: A Hunt Across The Capital (Play at home)
A perfect balance between online treasure hunt and escape room. The experience was slick, well thought-out, and with puzzles that had varying levels of difficulty. Refreshing to see something different
Enchambered: Alone Together (Play at Home)
Often in live escape games, the communication challenges can be some of the most difficult tasks teams come across. Alone Together is a great little game to hone your communication skills so you can impress the GM once we can finally play outside again!
Clue Cracker: Escape from Extinction Island (Play at Home)
On the easier side for enthusiasts, but perfect for the family. All in all, it’s a great intro to remote escaping and scratched a little bit of the escape room itch we’ve been feeling – and there was a dinosaur!
Bewilder Box & Eltham Escape: Sector X: The B.R.U.C.E. Project – Part 1
Take a pinch of Bewilder Box, a dash of Eltham Escapes and mix it together with a healthy dollop of fun. Throw in a perfectly blended use of technology, and you have the recipe for a great time.