Review: Red Door Escape Room

RATING: 4 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 7:13

Use “The Sight” to break out of the slammer before your lockup goes into lockdown.

Story

The authorities are convinced that you possess powers that make you dangerous. Your cellmates have created a distraction and are counting on you for a chance at freedom. Move quickly and escape before the guards catch you!

People who have “The Sight,” a common nickname for a set of psychic powers and abilities, are being tracked and hunted by the military. The generals think we possess it, so we’ve been thrown into lockup, with little hope of escaping.

This military operation goes far deeper than we’ve ever imagined. They are chasing after people all over the globe, trying to eradicate The Sight from existence. What mysteries does the prison hide? What are the guards afraid of? Venture beyond the facade of the penitentiary, and infiltrate the ranks to help uncover the intricate notions that people with psychic abilities can rule the world.

Scenic

We start in a dilapidated jail cell block, with apparently no guards to oversee any misdeeds. A basic folding cot and a grungy toilet make up the contents of our “humble abode,” the walls of which are covered in hash marks, indicating the sheer number of days we’ve had to deal with captivity.

The prison is really a front for a full-scale military operation, intent on wiping out those with “The Sight.” There are multiple components that show we’re actually in the command center, rather than a correctional facility, despite the indication that we are not the only ones imprisoned. Hidden caches of weaponry and ammunition are present throughout the various chambers, whilst the soldiers are clearly conducting surveillance on us (albeit with some rather antiquated technology- they are still relying on video cassettes and VCRs!)

Drab cement dominates the walls and floors, hinting that we’re probably in a bunker of sorts. Clearly, the military does not care about aesthetics, as all of the furnishings consist of rickety metal chairs and rusted-out filing cabinets- not exactly a homey, welcoming vibe. It should be noted that there is an optional segment that features both flashing lights and extremely loud sirens, just in case anyone has sensitivities.

Puzzles

The puzzles in Prison Break run the gamut between physical and mental. Some minor crawling is present, but not necessary. The challenges all make sense with each other, and provide a cohesive, immersive environment.

We have access to various implements that typical prisoners do not- weapons, security cameras, and other contraband all help to further the storyworld. Of course, there are the everyday padlocks hindering our progress, but there are also riddles that require a creative use of technology.

Everything flows logically throughout the military compound. From breaking free of the cell block to sneaking into the guards’ office, we’re met with a different obstacle at every turn. All of the puzzles help build up to a rather interesting climax- a choice between calm or chaos. Either way, we help bring The Sight out into the world.

Overall

Prison Break is one of the stronger entries in “The Sight” storyline of the Red Door universe, with the plot being heavily influenced by this mystic power. All segments of this “episode,” as it called, come together to form a cohesive unit. Sometimes when a venue has an over-arching connection between games, it lacks in execution. This was not the case in this instance. It is apparent to see how and where this enterprise falls within the chronology that has been established.

Our team was evenly split between experienced players and newcomers to the genre, but the immersion created through the ambience and challenges led to all of us being able to both have a successful mission and enjoy ourselves.

One question remains: do we keep the peace or wreak havoc? Only The Sight can help us now…