Myself, Mr. W the hubby and my son who shall go by the name of Dave K. (don't ask) have visited different escape rooms over the last year, my son having the most success when he managed to escape one venue with a group of his student friends at university.
So when Adventure Rooms Cardiff invited us along for an hour of brain teasing, decoding, and deciphering we all jumped at the chance.
The first puzzle was how to get in, as the door was locked, could this be part of the game? But no Kieran the enthusiastic franchise owner opened the door and welcomed us into the comfy waiting area.
Kieran, explained that the theme of the Adventure Rooms was devised by a Swiss psychics master, and the puzzles involved are educational, fun but definitely made to get your brain working. He was very enthusiastic about this new Cardiff venture and as he talked to us about the game he invited us to do some puzzles in the waiting room.
At the moment there is one game called The Mad Scientist, but there is another in the pipeline opening soon called The Black Queen. The idea behind The Mad Scientist it that you wake up in a room and you don't know how you got there, the only thing you know is that you have 60 minutes to escape.
So after a briefing, we were ready to do the game. Now this is the tricky part, how do I review an escape room without giving too much away?
When we got in the room we were immediately surprised, let's just say the start was not what we were expecting, I may have let out a little shriek of excitement! Anyway, we worked together and managed to get out of the first sticky situation and then onto the next...
The key aspect of this game is teamwork. Yes, some puzzles can be completed on your own but it can often take you longer than when you work together. Some puzzles were simple and easy to complete, some much harder. If you have a logical brain you are half way there.
If you are totally stuck, keep an eye on the countdown screen in the room. The room is on CCTV surveillance and as you are monitored Kieran and his staff can see when you need help and give you hints via the TV screen.
So did we get out? We were so very close and as the time ran out, and the countdown went to zero, we were still stuck in the room. We thought that was it but then the timer started again. If you are very close to escaping, and there is no one in next, they can extend the time for you by a few minutes, just so you have the satisfaction of completing it. We managed to get out two minutes over the time.
Kieran the franchise owner was really welcoming and enthusiastic
We highly recommend it for groups of families or friends, and age doesn't seem a barrier although I do think it's best suited to children 8 and over. It would also make an awesome team building game. In fact, they do have a 'dual adventure' game where you compete against another group of people.
Prices depend on how many of you are in the team. If there are two of you, it will cost £25 each, if there are six of you, it will cost £15 each. The fun is immeasurable though and I think it's money well spent. It's a totally immersive experience and makes a change to get everyone together away from their screens, not easy these days. A booking is required before you turn up so be sure you book in advance. Those that get out get a certificate and mini trophy too! Highly recommended.
Details
Adventure Rooms Cardiff,
5a Longcross Court,
47 Newport Road,
Cardiff,
CF24 0AD
https://www.adventureroomscardiff.co.uk/
I love this idea, it sounds similar to the Crystal Maze which I used to watch. Would be good with a group of friends to do something different x
ReplyDeleteYes, I used to love the Crystal maze! It is great with a group of friends.
DeleteI love the idea of playing real life Escape rooms. I used to love playing the computer games online
ReplyDeleteYes it is like an adventure game, I remember playing Monkey Island. It's like that without monkeys lol.
Deletewow! It's like a live table game! It sounds like a great idea, really unique x
ReplyDeleteI've heard of escape but I haven't ever tried it I'm rubbish at puzzles though so don't think I would escape the room especially only having an hour, sounds like so much fun though xxx
ReplyDeleteThat's the beauty of this, you do it with a group of friends, and if you are not brilliant at one type of puzzle, generally your friends will be. It plays to your strengths. You will be surprised how much fun it is.
DeleteOh they have something like this near us and our friends keep saying we should go. It sounds fab and great fun too!
ReplyDeleteTry it out, I've done three now and they've all been brilliant.
DeleteI'm not sure we'd survive family time like this!! Mr H would be brilliant at it, he's great at puzzles and tasks like this, but I think the rest of us would hold him back! Xx
ReplyDeleteIt plays to people's strengths, if you are not good at one type of puzzle, then you may be good at another.
DeleteThis sounds like so much fun! What a great idea.
ReplyDelete#TriedTested
I love that their faces are so engrossed in the tasks, it looks like so much fun x
ReplyDeleteIt is super fun, and brilliant to play as a family.
DeleteI think I'd be too scared! x
ReplyDeleteHonestly this game was was not scary.
DeleteThis looks like so much fun but I know I'd be complete rubbish at it. I hated Crystal Maze, but would watch it with the children and sit there shouting "get out now" at the TV screen Lol
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to go soon. It looks like such a fun/different thing to do in Cardiff x
ReplyDeleteYes, it was certainly fun and different that's for sure.
DeleteI like the sound of this. Looks like fun. What a great idea of what to do in Cardiff.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like so much fun! I'd love to do this with my friends one day :)
ReplyDeleteI'm far too claustrophobic to try this - the idea of being shut in terrifies me but my husband is really keen to give it a go!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your review on #TriedTested this week x
I wasn't too sure about this the first time I did an escape room but honestly you can get out at any time. You are too busy having fun to realise, just think you are in a room with a closed door.
DeleteMy daughter did this it sounds like so much fun! #TriedTested
ReplyDeleteHere is my blog about my journey around the world. Stay with me for more updates about your travels around the world.
ReplyDeleteRitin Parbat