Jul 24

Welcome back to the next issue of Escape Rooms Australia.

Half way through the year already and I feel like everyone around me is doing more escape rooms than we are. Its hard when I have to travel to get some rooms I haven’t done.

We are always open to feedback to help improve this magazine feel free to email us at:

era@eludegames.com.au

Enthusiasts and GamesMasters feel free to send us your stories, we would love to hear about them.

Please feel free to share this magazine with fellow Escape Room Enthusiasts by clicking on the share icon.

Owners, please keep us updated on any new rooms you have opening, we would love to promote them for you.

The same button will allow you to bookmark and save to favourites.

Advertising

If you would like to advertise in the magazine email us at era@eludegames.com.au and we will send you an information pack.

The Deep

An important outlying Facility in your water world has gone silent. You need to get there, find the problem and try to fix it… but it’s more dangerous than you can fathom. 

Players: 2 to 6
Difficulty: 5/5 (Hard)
Suggested Ages: Suitable for mixed age groups such as tweens and up.

Duration: 60 Minutes
Escape Hunt Sydney

Aladdin & The Magic Vault

Can you retrieve the lamp from the evil sorcerer’s impenetrable Magic Vault?

Having escaped from the cave of wonders with the lamp in hand all of Aladdin’s dreams became true.

That was until Sorcerer Abanazar returns to take his revenge…

Having tricked Aladdin out of the lamp he whisks it away to a heavily guarded palace in the desert. Abanazar then uses his fearsome power to enrich himself and attack his enemies, bringing misery and destruction across Arabia.

It’s up to you to get the lamp back and rescue the genie before it’s too late. But it won’t be easy, the lamp is being held in the infamous Magic Vault, secured with powerful spells that will take all your wits to break!

LEVEL 3 ROOM

This room is great for those who like more of a challenge or who have played escape rooms before but is still manageable for those new to escape rooms. It is our newest room and has a higher amount of technology.

Please note:

  • Groups will be split into two teams to start with and have to collaborate to get back together.
  • Must have at least one player aged 15+ in each team.
  • Ages 7+ are allowed however there must be at least 3 players aged 13+ due to the height of some puzzles

Players: 4 to 10
Difficulty: Level 3
Suggested Ages: Suitable for ages 13 and above.

Duration: 60 Minutes

Time Machine

Curiosity has led you to take a daring step inside of an abandoned time machine. However, you find yourself in a tricky situation when the door slams closed behind you and the time machine activates!

As you hurtle through a time vortex, you must use everything at your disposal to repair the time machine and make it back to the present day. You will have to act fast to prevent the complete collapse of the unstable reactor core…

Can you and your team repair the reactor or will you be lost in time forever?

Limited sessions available.

Players: 2 to 4
Difficulty: 2.5/5
Suggested Ages: Suitable for ages at least 16 and above.

Duration: 60 Minutes

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Prison Break

How well can you perform while being captive? The high-security prison you are being held at seems a no-way-out place.

Can you challenge the wardens, the security and ultimately yourselves to work together and find a way out towards freedom?

A brilliant gameplay that requires the best of you to succeed!

Players: 1-6
Difficulty: Medium-Hard
Suggested Ages: Suitable for mixed ages. Children under age 14 must bear accompanied by an adult.

Duration: 60 Minutes

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Temple Of Doom

Assemble the notes of the famous archeologist and begin a quest for a great discovery.

The ancient Indian temple is hidden inside the wild jungle. Ancient traps are blocking the world from entering and exploring its secrets.

In this quest, you become true adventurers of the jungle in an unforgettable stage for all ages.

Players: 1-6
Difficulty: Medium
Suggested Ages: Suitable for mixed ages. Children under age 14 must bear accompanied by an adult.

Duration: 60 Minutes

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School Of Wizards

The powers of evil are growing stronger. A brave young magician is seeking allies for the ultimate battle against the powerful and demonic wizard.

Having just graduated from the School of Wizards, you need to find all the answers hiding in your academy’s halls and equip yourselves for the battle against evil!

Players: 1-6
Difficulty: Medium-Hard
Suggested Ages: Suitable for mixed ages. Children under age 14 must bear accompanied by an adult.

Duration: 60 Minutes

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Hostel

Transport yourself to the eerie confines of a hostile hostel. A seemingly benign invitation leads to confinement.

You awaken in a perilous dungeon. To escape this ordeal, you will need to unlock your survival instincts and conquer the dungeon’s challenges to reclaim freedom.

Players: 1-6
Difficulty: Medium
Suggested Ages: This room contains graphic and disturbing content and mature themes, which is not suitable for persons under the age of 16 (18+ recommended).

Duration: 60 Minutes

Eyes of Argos

Today, you will all be agents and performing your first ever independent operation. The “Brain” of this operation will give you guidance along the way, and you will also be given a score at the end. So, good luck! And don’t miss out on any details! From now on, you will be called “The Watchers”.

* There are a lot of reading parts in this game, please consider about it carefully. 

*Sunday & Public Holidays have a 10% surcharge on the total price*

Players: 3-5
Difficulty: 5/5
Features: Logic Thinking, True Crime
Suggested Ages: Age under 14 needs at least 1 adult accompany.

Duration: 80 Minutes

The Syndicate

A skilled but small-time thief, you’ve caught the attention of The Syndicate-a crime organisation known for their reputation of eluding capture. They’ve given you a rare opportunity to join them but first you have to pass a test. You’ve successfully secured the item of their choosing. Now you have to follow their instructions to deliver it to a hidden safe house. The catch? Their instructions are coded so as to avoid revealing the location of their hideout. Solve the clues. Deliver the item. Join The Syndicate. Should be simple….just don’t get caught by the police who are getting closer…

Players: 2- 6
Difficulty: 5/10
Suggested Ages: Rated G (general exhibition), suitable for all ages. Under 12’s must be accompanied by someone over the age of 16

Duration: 75 Minutes

Carnivorous

Locked in the basement, you are the Serial Killers next meal

As the haze of chloroform dissipates, you and your three friends slowly regain consciousness, disoriented and groggy panic surges through you as you realize the gravity of the situation – you’ve been abducted by a cannibalistic serial killer. With a sickening feeling in the pit of your stomach, you exchange horrified glances with your friends, who are also coming to grips with the nightmare unfolding before you. Before you can react he ushers you into his grim basement lair, where he intends to make you his next meal. Fear grips your heart as he locks you in a cell, the echoes of your friends’ panicked whispers amplifying the terror of your situation. But despite the odds stacked against you, a fierce determination ignites within you – you refuse to become prey in this twisted game. With every ounce of strength and cunning you possess, you vow to find a way to escape the clutches of this deranged predator and reclaim your freedom, no matter the cost.

***IMPORTANT BEFORE BOOKING BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING:

This game is unlike other escape rooms you may have played before, This game will not push you through or baby you through the experience. If you are expecting hints and clues think again you will not get them you are on your own. Play is similar to a video game,you play at your own pace and when time runs out (and it will ) come back start again each time you play you will be quicker and get further into the game and story, just like a video game.

The aim of this game is for you to solve the game on your own. It is highly unlikely you will complete the game on your first attempt it could take several visits. If you are not comfortable with this style of game play do not book this room. If you want a clue room… book Mayhem Manor instead.

***The room contains Smoke effects, and loud noises. If you are sensitive to either of these do not book this room.

This is a 4 player game only no more no less do not ask. Do not arrive with less than 4

The game is only played at night with limited sessions so get in fast and book an available session..

  • Important Please Read Before Booking
    Terms and Conditions: ALL players must be 18+ (4 player game)

    Physical Activity required: Bending and crawling.

    We have a 0.00 alcohol limit.

    Location: We are located in Moolap near the Bellarine Hwy and Club Italia. We will disclose (via text) the exact location on the morning of your booking as part of your experience.

    Do we have toilets available? No…there is a McDonalds 2 minutes away at Leopold shopping center.

    Is there an age limit? Yes, this is strictly 18 years and up. No Exceptions. We may ask to see ID if you are under age when you show up we will ask you to leave and no refund will be issued.

    Can we drink alcohol prior to attending this escape room? No, if you are suspected of being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs you will be asked to leave and no refund will be issued.

    Is there Parking? Yes Please follow the instructions we send via text on the day of your booking. There is plenty of parking.

Players: This is a 4 player game only no more no less do not ask. Do not arrive with less than 4.
Difficulty: 4/5
Suggested Ages: Strictly 18 years and up. No Exceptions.

Duration: 80 Minutes

The Last Of Them

The year is 2038. It’s been 25 years since society as we know it collapsed due to a devastating pandemic. In this post-apocalyptic world, on the outskirts of a once-thriving city, fate has given you a chance to save humanity. 

But you are not alone…

Can you escape the hordes of infected and resurrect the decaying world around you?

Escape to survive!

Players: 2- 6
Difficulty: 4/5
Suggested Ages: Parental discretion is advised for players under 15. An immersive horror experience that contains blood, gore, restrictive practices and religious iconography.

Duration: 60 Minutes

Ninja Temple

You got lost whilst exploring a forest and stumbled upon a temple. Unfortunately, this temple is a hiding place for the notorious Ninja Warriors. They have locked you up and will return in an hour to cleanse their temple of intruders.

Players: 2- 6
Difficulty: Advanced
Suggested Ages: Suitable for ages 12 and above.

Duration: 60 Minutes

The Chamber of Lost Legends

Renowned archaeologist Professor Fox, once dismissed for unconventional theories, predicted Earth’s core destabilization. Join a mission to unearth ancient secrets, blending science with spirituality to stabilize the unraveling core! Can you unlock the chamber’s mysteries, or will catastrophe consume the world?
(note: a certain part of this room has mild strobing lights which could effect people who suffer from photosensitivity)

Players: 2- 6
Difficulty: 2/4
Suggested Ages: This room is not recommended for players under 12 years of age

Duration: 60 Minutes

Y2K

Y2K, Party like it’s 1999

It’s new years eve, 1999. Y2K ticks ever closer. You’ve just discovered a massive flaw in all computer code worldwide that will cause mass damage, unless you can upload the patch to prevent the bug kicking in.

Unfortunately your younger sibling who is here for the holidays has been messing with your PC. So here you are ready with the fix to upload but your computer isn’t quite as ready?

Find the pieces to get your modem connected and login. Get that patch uploaded before the clock hits midnight or nothing will ever be the same…

Please Note: This is the same room that used to exist in Townsville

Players: 4-10
Difficulty: 5/9/10 (less players=harder)
Suggested Ages: You must be 8 years or older. (U13s must be accompanied by an adult)

Duration: 60 Minutes

The Cursed Passage

Welcome to D.R.E.A.M, the only professional nightmare catchers in the business. We take dark thoughts and dreams and turn them into positive energy. Storing all the bad stuff safely in our facility.

Lately though we have noticed the dark energy seems be be leaking into the world as we know it. 

Can you and your team face your fears, conquer the nightmares, and reinforce the barriers between dreams and reality? Or will you become lost in the darkness forever? The choice is yours.

WHAT IS IT?

The Cursed Passage is a Horror themed Escape Experience. Your team will navigate through 5 rooms with the goal of solving puzzles to reinforce the barriers between reality and the nightmares. 

This is a points based game, with the goal of solving as many puzzles as possible in each room before the timer runs out and you take on the next Nightmare. 

​The Cursed Passage is a Scary Horror themed experience with live actors present, low lighting, loud sounds and haze effects.

 Cursed Passage is private bookings.

Open EVERY NIGHT from June 24, 2024 till July 7, 2024.

Players: 2-8
Suggested Ages: 12+

Duration: 60 Minutes

The Lost Jungle Gemstone

You are a team of Archeologists on the hunt for the lost jungle gemstone. Can you find it in time!?

Players: 2-4
Difficulty: 3.5/5
Suggested Ages: 8 years old to 100+.

Room Type: Mix of Tech and Traditional Lock & Key

Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible

Duration: 60 Minutes

Code Red

THERE HAS BEEN A CODE RED BREACH!!!

The FBI has called in you and your team of secret agents to break into the President’s Office! Your task is to disarm a bomb that has mysteriously ended up there. Security is zip-tight, so no one should be going in or out.

WHO would want top secret documents in the President’s office destroyed? Better yet, WHAT are they hiding?

DISCLAIMER: Please be advised that if you have previously completed our ‘Spy’ room that some puzzles have been kept the same.

Players: 2-7
Difficulty: 4/5
Suggested Ages: Participants must be  12+. Children younger than 12 are more than welcome to participate as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Duration: 60 Minutes

The Adventurers’ Guild- Chapter One: A Rocky Beginning

Will you answer the call of a king’s quest?

Our four adventurers story begins, like many before them, in a tavern when the opportunity for a quest is presented. The new prince has been born with a weak life force and the king has sent out a quest to retrieve a mystical relic said to have healing powers so strong it can bring those close to death back to life. 

Time is short and you must retrieve the relic before the prince’s weak life force gives out.

Players: Requires 4 players
Difficulty: Medium
Suggested Ages: Suitable for mixed ages. Kids over the age of 8 can do the room with adults, however without adults, the recommended age limit is 16.

Duration: 60 Minutes

Annabelle

William is a renowned expert of the paranormal. His most infamous case of all, the demon-possessed ‘Annabelle Doll’, is currently kept sealed within the Occult Museum in his home.

The unthinkable happened, somehow, the demon has broken the seal, and it has grown even more powerful than before. Even William is helpless against it, unable to keep it under control.

You and your team of exorcists must end this evil curse once and for all. Your mission is to enter William’s home, and seal “It” for good. The blood-stained Annabelle doll, what was once pure is pure no more…

Players: 2-8
Difficulty: 5/5
Suggested Ages: Players must be 12 years old and above. Players between 12-16 years old must be accompanied by at least 1 adult.

Duration: 60 Minutes

Before Midnight

Over 50 years ago in Shanghai, a famous actress who was working at Studio No. 7 vanished into thin air, leaving behind a suicide note. Till this day, her body has never been found.

Since then, many strange things have happened at Studio No. 7. Filming equipment malfunctioned for no reason, weird sounds came out of the dressing room in the middle of the night, and the actress’ tea cup was often found filled with hot water. All these weird occurrences forced the film studio to seal off Studio No. 7.

Recently, a young director has decided to reopen the studio to shoot a horror film, and you are the prop assistant for the film. It is the night before the filming begins, you suddenly remembered there is something you have not prepared for tomorrow. It is almost midnight, you returned to Studio No. 7, and a series of unexpected events unfolded right in front of your eyes……

*Please note that this room has a higher fear factor for players who have learned about Chinese and South Asian superstitions.

*This game contains parts where players have to get into tight enclosed spaces, which may not be suitable for players with claustrophobia

Players: 2-8
Difficulty: 4/5
Suggested Ages: Players must be 12 years old and above. Players between 12-16 years old must be accompanied by at least 1 adult.

Duration: 60 Minutes

The Secret Chamber and the Deathly Grail

The imprisoned evil spirit known as the “Death Prophet” has entered the magical school through sorcery and stolen the Divine Artifact known as “The Deathly Grail” from the Headmaster’s room. If the Death Prophet succeeds in gathering all the Divine Artifacts, it will gain the strength to break free and cause great calamity to the world. You and your fellow wizards must travel from the Room of Teleportation into the magical prison to retrieve “The Deathly Grail”. Ready for a magical adventure?

Players: 2-8
Difficulty: 4/5
Suggested Ages: There is no age limit, but players below 16 years old must be accompanied by at least 1 adult. Kids 5 years old and below can enter for free and don’t count towards the number of players.

Duration: 60 Minutes

Bunker

Early 80’s, the peak of the Cold War… a nuclear launch sequence has been started by the rogue agent Mr Fox. The whole world is about to end.
You and your team have arrived at the underground bunker – you need to all your wits and teamwork to stop the launch.

You are our last hope, and if you fail, the whole world will end.

This is an adults escape room but it can be slightly modified for families and children – please read this article for children’s games

This room is wheelchair accessible.

Players: 2-6
Difficulty: 4/4
Suggested Ages: Ages 10 and above is recommended, but everyone is welcome to play. Children under 7 play for free (but they still count towards the total number of players in a room) and must play with older children or adults. Ages 14 and under require a guardian to be present during arrival and when the game finishes but the guardian does not have to partake in the game. 

Duration: 60 Minutes

Prison Break

You are sentenced to life in a maximum security prison. With all appeal requests denied, your only path to freedom is to escape. A sudden riot provides the perfect opportunity.

This room can be slightly modified for families and children – please read this article for children’s games

This room is wheelchair accessible.

Players: 2-6
Difficulty: 2/4
Suggested Ages: Ages 10 and above is recommended, but everyone is welcome to play. Children under 7 play for free (but they still count towards the total number of players in a room) and must play with older children or adults. Ages 14 and under require a guardian to be present during arrival and when the game finishes but the guardian does not have to partake in the game. 

Duration: 60 Minutes

Prison Break: Head-to-Head

You are sentenced to life in a maximum security prison. With all appeal requests denied, your only path to freedom is to escape. A sudden riot provides the perfect opportunity. Can you escape before the other prisoners?

We now have a second identical Prison Break game! If you book Prison Break: Head-to-Head you will be split into two teams inside two separate prisons  and compete to see which team can break out of the prison first. Suitable for 7 to 12 players.

This room can be slightly modified for families and children – please read this article for children’s games

This room is wheelchair accessible

Players: 7-12
Difficulty: 2/4
Suggested Ages: Ages 10 and above is recommended, but everyone is welcome to play. Children under 7 play for free (but they still count towards the total number of players in a room) and must play with older children or adults. Ages 14 and under require a guardian to be present during arrival and when the game finishes but the guardian does not have to partake in the game. 

Duration: 60 Minutes

Zombie Lab

A lethal man-made virus is turning healthy people into bloodthirsty, emotionless zombies. The virus is spread through a single bite. Most of the planet is now infected and humanity is on the brink of extinction. You are a team of scientists who were shipped to Russia to find the cure. You have only 60 minutes to save yourselves and the whole world before the zombies break down the door of the lab and eat you!

This room is wheelchair accessible.

Players: 2-6
Difficulty: 3/4
Suggested Ages: Ages 10 and above is recommended, but everyone is welcome to play. Children under 7 play for free (but they still count towards the total number of players in a room) and must play with older children or adults. Ages 14 and under require a guardian to be present during arrival and when the game finishes but the guardian does not have to partake in the game. 

Duration: 60 Minutes

Zodiac Killer

Are you looking for a scary escape room in Fremantle? The Zodiac Killer is the pseudonym of an unidentified serial killer who operated in Northern California and was never captured. Has the real Zodiac returned or is this his copycat? You have been captured, tied up and left in his lair. Escape is your only chance but can you solve the clues in time?  You have only 60 minutes to escape, or the next body in a morgue could be yours.

This room contains jump scares and may not be suitable for a younger audience.

This room has restricted wheelchair access – please call for details.

Players: 2-6
Difficulty: 2/4
Suggested Ages: Ages 10 and above is recommended, but everyone is welcome to play. Children under 7 play for free (but they still count towards the total number of players in a room) and must play with older children or adults. Ages 14 and under require a guardian to be present during arrival and when the game finishes but the guardian does not have to partake in the game. 

Duration: 60 Minutes

Wild West

A small town in the wild west, the Saloon stands tall. Gold miners and prospectors hang out here and the Saloon safe is where everything is kept. Can you and your gang work out how to get your hands on the gold before the Sheriff and his deputies return to town? Live your own spaghetti western as the absolute star of the show and immerse yourself in the magic of the Wild West Saloon.

This room is wheelchair accessible.

Players: 2-6
Difficulty: 3/4
Suggested Ages: Ages 10 and above is recommended, but everyone is welcome to play. Children under 7 play for free (but they still count towards the total number of players in a room) and must play with older children or adults. Ages 14 and under require a guardian to be present during arrival and when the game finishes but the guardian does not have to partake in the game. 

Duration: 60 Minutes

Tesla’s Mystery

Tesla died in 1943 in the famous New Yorker Hotel’s room 3327. After his death you have received a letter from Nikola Tesla himself. In the letter he asks you to come to his room to find his last invention and share it with mankind before the FBI gets to it. When you arrive to the room FBI is already on their way… you have 60 minutes before they get there and arrest you for trespassing. (note: a certain part of this room has mild strobing lights which could effect people who suffer from photosensitivity)

Players: 2-6
Difficulty: 4/4
Suggested Ages: Ages 10 and above is recommended, but everyone is welcome to play. Children under 7 play for free (but they still count towards the total number of players in a room) and must play with older children or adults. Ages 14 and under require a guardian to be present during arrival and when the game finishes but the guardian does not have to partake in the game. 

Duration: 60 Minutes

Mastermind: A Heist Story

You have been hired for a high-profile job – to break into a prestigious vault at United Bank and get your hands on the precious diamonds. In the early hours of the morning you have one hour to break into the office, disable all devices in the security room and then finally access the secure vault to get to the coveted prize before anyone realizes what is going on.

This room is wheelchair accessible.

Players: 2-6
Difficulty: 1/4
Suggested Ages: Ages 10 and above is recommended, but everyone is welcome to play. Children under 7 play for free (but they still count towards the total number of players in a room) and must play with older children or adults. Ages 14 and under require a guardian to be present during arrival and when the game finishes but the guardian does not have to partake in the game. 

Duration: 60 Minutes

The Chamber of Lost Legends

Renowned archaeologist Professor Fox, once dismissed for unconventional theories, predicted Earth’s core destabilization. Join a mission to unearth ancient secrets, blending science with spirituality to stabilize the unraveling core! Can you unlock the chamber’s mysteries, or will catastrophe consume the world? (note: a certain part of this room has mild strobing lights which could effect people who suffer from photosensitivity)

Players: 2-6
Difficulty: 2/4
Suggested Ages: This room is not recommended for players under 12 years of age

Duration: 60 Minutes

Train of the Dead

With a horde of zombies approaching, can you complete the cure and escape before it is too late?

18 months since the first zombie outbreak the world has fallen into an apocalyptic waste land.

A research facility on the brink of finding a cure was overrun and they managed to escape with all essential equipment aboard an old freight train, which failed to arrive at its destination.

Your mission: secure the train, complete the research and escape before the approaching Zombie horde surrounds you.

WARNING:
Not suitable for young children and people that scare easily.
Flashing light sequences may affect some players.

Players: 2-6
Difficulty: Very Hard
Suggested Ages: Children younger than 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Due to the nature of the game design and atmosphere of the rooms, it’s not recommended for children under 8.

Duration: 60 Minutes

Pirate Island

Arrr, Prisoners in paradise!

A palm-fringed, powder-white sand beach stretching as far as the eye can see; the sound of waves crashing against a distant reef… it could be the perfect holiday… if only you weren’t trapped in Calico Jack’s treasure island cabin!

The air thick with the smell of spilled rum and gunpowder, through the barred window you can see on the horizon a ship approaching, one flying the Jolly Roger.

It’s Calico Jack! No doubt on his way back to the cabin for you!

Can you escape with the pirate captain’s treasure before his ship makes shore, or are you destined to forever be a prisoner in paradise?

You’ve got one hour…

The sequel adventure escape room to Pirates – No Prey, No Pay!

Players: 2-8
Difficulty: 7/10
Suggested Ages: 9 years and up.

Duration: 60 Minutes

Entombed

Beware the mummy’s curse

In the dry, dusty and arid deserts of Egypt there is a lone building. Until recently it was the study of world renowned archaeologist Dr Smith. But Dr. Smith has been missing for months and is now presumed dead.

His last letter spoke of the lost treasure of Pharaoh Khufu and how close he was to its rediscovery. Had he found the tomb of Khufu and then succumbed to the rumoured curse of Khufu or had he fallen foul of rival treasure hunters?

Either way, your search for answers has taken a turn for the worse. Trapped in Dr Smith’s study it appears that the legend of Khufu may be true and the long dead Pharaoh may have returned. You’ll need your wits about you if you are to escape before the sun goes down.

Dare you enter?

Players: 2-8
Difficulty: 7/10
Suggested Ages: 13 years and up.

Duration: 60 Minutes

Click Image for Answer

The Adventure of the Red-Circled Responses

Okay my fellow Games Masters, it is time to combine our hosting with a classic game. I present to you:

Escape Room BINGO!

Based on a survey and field research conducted over the last few months, I’ve prepared a couple of lists of things customers have done or said a lot during their experiences.

INSTRUCTIONS

Print off the sheets and distribute to the hosts on duty. As your customers go through the room(/s), circle any of the things they say or do that appear on your sheet. First one to get a whole line (or the whole sheet?) wins. What do they win? Boasting rights – our favourite. Good luck Games Masters!

Rebus Puzzles

Pictograms, dingbats, old-school emojis: they’ve had a few names – let’s look at Rebus puzzles!

What is a Rebus puzzle?
Originating with heraldry and writers wanting to draw pictures instead of spelling out every word, today a rebus can make a fun little extra in an escape room. We have two main types: pictures for words, and words for words.

These Can Be A NEPAINCK
By strategically arranging letters and words, we can add a little extra step in reading a message. Go from a range of emotion from “I <3 U” to “I H8 U”, or give an instruction to “eiln pu” (line up in alphabetical order). Start messing around with spatial positioning of the words and letters and we can get slightly more complex.

A Picture Says A Thousand Words… Or Maybe Just One
Using a picture instead of a word generally fits in to a larger set of words to describe something that either contains that item, the letters of that item, or when multiple pieces (pictures, letters and/or words) can all combine to make a catchphrase or instruction.* You can even throw in a plus or a minus to cut corners.

More Modern Modifications
Today’s technology has given us an easy format for assembling artwork, all thanks to the device you’re probably reading this on.
How many emojis have you already used today? While we more commonly use them singularly as a reaction, try and convey a whole message just via emojis, like this person with an urgent reason to escape:

Chasing Challenging Changes
It can be a bit tricky here with balancing your puzzle with necessary outside knowledge, so Escape Room designers need to walk a fine line in choosing which pictures and words they include and what message to send. Remember players: try, try again, try something different, get a teammate to try it, then ask for a hint! Think out loud and describe what you are seeing and reading.