Review the Room

UK based Escape Room Blog

Team of Two

All of these rooms below we have completed as a team of two, so if we can do it, you probably can too!

Cryptology: Daylight Robbery (Nottingham)

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.

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.

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.

Logic Box: The Portland Heist (Highbridge)

A really strong first game by a new company and we’re sure we’ll be back to check out their other game soon. The Portland Heist had clever puzzles (don’t overcomplicate) and good story and set design. This would be a fun game for both enthusiasts or ‘regular’ people, especially families.

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.

Houdini’s: RMS Titanic (Southampton)

We loved the attention to detail in both the game, and the waiting area. The room itself had touches that were historically accurate, and the reception had a poster of the Titanic that was signed by the youngest survivor of the disaster.

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: 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 [LINK] 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: 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?

Compendium: Bedlam (Bury) 

With excellent set design, fantastic game flow, and satisfying puzzles, Bedlam stands out amongst its peers as my favourite game at Compendium. (Okay, maybe it’s tied with UI-55, but that game is an entirely different beast, and not quite your traditional escape room.) 

Compendium: Laboratory (Bury)

A nice and bright room that felt very different to the other offerings at Compendium. This is a large space that could handle bigger teams, and has some really satisfying puzzles. Good fun.

Compendium: Wrong Turn (Bury)   

A creepy room with good set design and some nicely challenging puzzles. Perhaps a bit gruesome for the family, but those of you who seek out horror rooms will likely enjoy (especially if you get the live actor version) 

Lucardo: Safe House (Rawtenstall)

Yet another fun room by Lucardo. We’d been holding off playing the online avatar version of this game as we wanted to play it in real life, and we’re glad we did. We enjoyed Corruption a bit more than Safe House, but this game is unlikely to disappoint.

Lucardo: Corruption (Rawtenstall)

Lucardo have hit it out of the park once again. Corruption was full of fantastic puzzles, immersive touches, and all surrounded by a fantastic set. Prison in Manchester used to be my favourite Lucardo game, but this one may have surpassed it.

Adrenaline: Nebula (Wigan)

Nebula was easily our favourite room at Adrenaline, and if this is a sign of things to come then they’re a venue to watch. This room really clicked with us and we found the puzzles a joy to solve and the room a pleasant place to be

Adrenaline: Kidnapped (Wigan)    

Of all the games at Adrenaline, this is probably the one I would recommend most to the enthusiast community, or I suppose anyone up for a challenge. As far as kidnapping/serial killer themed rooms go it is well done, but what really makes it special is the bonus level if you have time to spare and are up for testing your skills

Adrenaline: Lab 3436 (Wigan)

With solid puzzles, some fun with science, and one rather amazing thing to lend weight to the time travel theme, Lab 3436 had me feeling like a genius when we escaped.

Adrenaline: Labyrinth (Wigan)

This room certainly felt like a labyrinth, with twists and turns meaning we didn’t know which way we would be headed next. With decent puzzles and a good flow to the game, we enjoyed our time in the Labyrinth

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: 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: 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.

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

Clue Cracker: Diamond Dogs (Tunbridge Wells)

Diamond Dogs has shown that it’s true you should never judge a book by its cover, proving that a heist game can be adrenaline-fuelled, immersive and exciting; full of twists and turns, inventive puzzles, and with a strong story. TL; DR – this game is fantastic

Lock and Code: Homecoming (Taunton)

Homecoming takes place in a massive space and plays out in a mostly linear fashion. You’re unlikely to be blown away by the set, but you may see a puzzle or two that you haven’t seen before.

The Panic Room: The Panic Room (Harlow)

Is it the most amazing game I’ve ever played? No. Is it fun, and a reminder of the sort of experiences that I had at the start of my escaping career that made me fall in love with this crazy hobby in the first place? Absolutely

The Panic Room: Strikeforce (Harlow)

Strikeforce isn’t likely to win any awards for design or creativity, but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this room to teams looking to play for the first time. It’s a solid room, but I do think that your GM could make it or break it for you. Fortunately, ours made it

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.

Mythologic: The Game (Gillingham)

Great fun for adults and kids, but between the theme, the set, and the types of puzzles and tasks throughout The Game, this room is one of our top picks if you’re looking for something the entire family can get involved with

Get Lost: Director’s Cut (Dover)

Perhaps we’re biased because Get Lost’s room always seem to ‘click’ with us, but we thoroughly enjoyed this room and thought the set design was very impressive. Always love a uniquely themed room!

Clue Adventures: Jet 2 Space (London)

Whether you’re an escape enthusiast or it’s your first time,  if you’re looking for a two-player game in London, or just looking for something a bit outside the norm for date night, you can’t go wrong with Jet 2 Space

Escape Plan Ltd: Roll Out the Barrel (London)

We loved Battle for Britain and although this room didn’t quite reach the greatness of that room, it’s a good room which we thoroughly enjoyed. Puzzles were logical, it was fun to be in, the ending was strong and the hosting was spot-on

Escape Plan Ltd: The Adventure Begins (London)

The Adventure Begins is a fantastic game with clever puzzles, a great set, and some really fun moments. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this room to teams that are trying to find their first escape room or to enthusiasts, particularly those that want to try their hand at their first room as a team of two.

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

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: 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.

Doomsday Games: Pathogen (Colchester)

In a market filled with 60-minute games, Pathogen is one of the rarer 90-minute experiences, and it certainly sets the bar high. The game was highly immersive, with excellent theming, and clever puzzles

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

Access Escape: Dark Magik (London)

The key selling point of this room is the darkness. Take that away and you’ll be disappointed. But as it is, it’s a room that’s worth doing just to really test yourself. Try it, you’ll be surprised. 

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. 

Ready Escape Rooms: Escape the Vault (Brighton)

A 40 minute room that won’t challenge enthusiasts (we got out in 12 minutes) but it is a whole lot of fun and we thoroughly enjoyed it. A great warm-up or cool-down room and definitely one to add to the list if you’re in Brighton!

Lucardo: Espionage (Manchester)

This room certainly won’t give you any surprises, nor will it wow you, but it is still a decent room. For us though, this was the weakest of the rooms at Lucardo (Manchester) – but they had set the bar high.

Lucardo: The Prison (Manchester)

A prison break is nothing new theme-wise, but this game was immersive and realistic and on a completely different level to not only to other similarly themed games, but also everything else on offer at Lucardo.

Lucardo: Virginia House (Manchester)

With the types of puzzles and the design choices, I would say this game is perfectly suited to small groups of enthusiasts (perhaps those that want to try their first room as a two) or larger groups of new players.

Lucardo: Gem Runner (Manchester)

Gem Runner is heavy on the ‘traditional’ escape room puzzles, with plenty of padlocks, codes, and searching and is not a tech heavy room. I could easily see this being a favourite with family groups, or even two person enthusiast groups like us.

Lock & Code: Dead on the Hour (Taunton)

Lock & Code rooms won’t blow you away but they are solid rooms that will give you an hour of fun. Dead on the Hour was fun, and at times challenging, but once again we left Lock & Code with smiles on our faces

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

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)

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!

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: 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

Bewilder Box: Judgement D.A.V.E (Brighton)

The rooms at The Bewilder Box are more than just escape rooms, they are experiences where everything works together to immerse you in their world. Each time you think you know what to expect they do something different, wonderful, and unexpected.

Eltham Escape Rooms: Keep Calm! (London)

Enthusiasts shouldn’t struggle with this room and probably won’t find anything they haven’t seen before in terms of puzzles, but it’s worth doing if for no other reason than the final challenge.

Puzzlair: The Lost Artworks (Yeovil)

This room is probably a love/hate type of room and I’m sure some people will love in. In fact looking at TripAdvisor you can see that many people do, but for us it is one that we’d advise our friends to avoid.

Clue Adventures: 2 Tickets 2 Ride (London)

What this room lacks in space it makes up for in fun. As soon as you’re in you’re working on puzzles, then you’re on the tube with more puzzles, then you’re off the tube with more puzzles, and just when you think you are done and home free, there’s another puzzles!

Escape Key: Plague (Newcastle)

I was expecting something that was more of an escape room combined with a history lesson. This was not that, but it was still good fun, although we did definitely start to feel the pressure towards the end!