For a little more than a decade now, it seems like escape rooms have become the go-to entertainment options at strip malls around the world. Some are good, some are awful but the general feeling is now one of "been there, done that." There needs to be something to generate some new "life" into entertainment options for birthdays, coworker gatherings or just really, really competitive family members looking for reasons to thin out their wills. I don't know if The Game Show Experience is that new medium of choice for individuals looking for such a thrill, but it is a fantastically entertaining time.
Six of us went here for my nephew's birthday, and I have to say I was already impressed upon entering. Framed photos of game show hosts of yore greet you, and while there weren't any of Chuck Woolery and his fabulous hair, there was a photo of Bob Eubanks, the patron saint of basically insulting you to your face in the most "aw, shucks!" way possible. Plus, Donna Summer was playing on the stereo, and that's always a good start.
James greeted us and, collectively, we all loved the guy. Let's be honest, the job of a game show host is harder than you'd think. But being a game show host for total strangers in the suburbs looking for a quick burst of entertainment? That's borderline impossible. And to do it comedically? You'd have an easier time phoning up Santa Claus and convincing him to consider a diet of venison.
But James could not have been a better host. He got us signed in and situated, he ran our "show" with natural gusto, and he had jokes! Again, hosting is tough and comedy is even tougher. You'd never know this with James running the show. (Shout out to... Emma, was her name, I think... Our tech was quite exceptional, too, though I confess I cannot remember her name...)
And speaking of the show, it was a blast. You'll have your "Family Feud"-esque moments, a physical challenge or two, word puzzles and more. Plus, you get to decide on a playlist before your show begins to set the mood... Did I hear Iron Maiden not once but twice in our time here? Yes, I did, and I would give this review 10 stars if I could.
I could go on and on but this is one of those experiences that you're better of, uh, experiencing. It's worth the time, the staff is wonderful and the photo opportunities are pretty spectacular. If you're looking for an escape from escape rooms or just something different, you absolutely need to give The Game Show...
Read moreThis was the BEST place for a birthday party event!
It was so much fun from the moment I stepped in. First, the vibe is cool - they have life-size cut outs of several famous game-show hosts and a bunch of face cutouts for fun insta-pics as well as props in the very cute front room. The back has additional room with sofas and the entire place is decorated with a lot of thought of fun and creativity.
Second, there were a number of games to play and they were all interesting, engaging, and exciting. There were action-type games mixed in with question-type games. The pace is great and you want to keep going and going. It was 90 minutes of fun the entire time.
Third, the staff is amazing. Our host Chris H was phenomenal. He was high energy but also read the room very well. He kept the excitement going and paced the momentum perfectly. Jesse was one of the techs and he was also very good.
Fourth, this place is perfect for all types of events. As I was leaving, another group came in for a "surprise" birthday party for a friend. This place is perfect for a work event and an outing for family and...
Read moreWent a few months ago with a group of 13 or 14 girlfriends. We had a great time, and our host Troy was amazing!!! Only reason it doesn’t get 5 stars is that it feels a little pricey for what you get. A couple small suggestions for the owners—I think they could add to the experience by having you move from one room to the next for different games so that you get to enjoy a couple of different sets instead of just being in the same small room the whole time. Also if they could bring in a big wheel like they have in Price is Right that would be awesome and would add to the experience (similar contraptions can be found in many arcade places). We’re a competitive group and there were a couple too many opportunities to practically double your team’s score at the very end, which took away from the earlier wins and made it feel like less of a legitimate competition between teams. All these little recommendations aside, we really did have a great time! Definitely worth doing at least once if you...
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