Escape Games Live - Lemoyne — Attraction in Lemoyne

Update from 7 NOV: We went back even further back in time to a 1950-something LAPD precinct. If I could give a second five star review, I would. Although this room doesn't have the nostalgic and eye-popping decor of the 80s, the puzzles are really well done, and of course, Declan help set the stage for an awesome family event. Some of the puzzles in this room are a little more obvious as far as what is needed to piece together for solutions, but that gave more to do for every participant, including our youngest (9 y.o.). We saved the world... yeah!!!

Original Review:

We finished the 80s room, and it was absolutely incredible! We are escape room addicts and have tried all kinds (franchise, antique store, tower, museum, elevator), and this may be my #1 favorite experience. What makes for a good escape room for us? I'm surprised you asked, but sure, I'd love to share! But first, the bottom line is that the room was terrific for all the reasons below. Declan was a superb game host, and there is even a celebrity appearance for you Gen X Nickelodeon fans!

All locks and actions work as designed (combo, magnetic, or high tech sensors). All technology works. Tech can really enhance the "cool" factor, but when it doesn't work, it's tough to tell if the code or action was wrong or if the tech just didn't work. There is always a potential hiccup, but don't over-rely on tech that is more likely to frustrate the players. Puzzles and solutions are varied and require thought without specific knowledge. Rooms become tedious if it's just 10 boxes with padlocks for the final lock or if every puzzle is a counting exercise. Props are prevalent, themed, and tempting to explore (like walks down memory lane) but still distinguishable between clues and decorations. Have a lot of things for looking, but be careful not to have items that look like clues but just waste precious time (for example, you may need a metal goblet but keep finding coffee mugs that fit perfectly in the stained spot). It's a fine line. You feel truly immersed. Like going to Disney World, the details are important and maybe half the fun (of at least a quarter of the fun). Music helps but is not so loud it's disruptive. Ideal rooms can entertain all ages. It's no easy feat to have puzzles and decor that keep an adult challenged and interested but simultaneously allow an 8- year-old child to be engaged and feel like they contributed. When you can, it really can bring a family closer together with powerful memories, even if they don't escape. There is some kind of memorable final action that the whole party can join in or at least cheer on. Simply getting one more code can feel good, because you still escape, but the last action should really bring it all together (like a stake through Dracula's heart or raising the pirate flag). Game masters and hosts absolutely matter. They have to pay attention. When you yell for clues without response or get a response that is something you've tried, it disrupts the flow and pulls you out of the experience that much longer. Finally, when finished, the sweetest victory can still be the worst experience of the final door opens, and you're met with an impassive and unemotional "That's it,...

One of the most fun birthdays we have done! A group of 6 of us did The Precinct to celebrate a 31st birthday, and it was a blast! Declan was awesome, he explained rules and expectations in a humorous and informative way. This is our second Escape The Room as a group, and it definitely surpasses our previous experience. The hosts of our previous ETR [at a different business] were lackluster and seemed irritated at our being there. Declan was upbeat and encouraging, laughing along with us throughout. We also really appreciated the clues/hints setup, specifically that there was no limit and that we could opt to only receive clues/hints when we specifically asked. Given the current pandemic/coming out of quarantine situation, we were all very happy that room bookings are automatically private. Several ETR options were off the table for us, as one of our party is immunocompromised and should not be in an enclosed space with persons who may not be vaccinated. It was wonderful for our little family to finally be able to GO somewhere and DO something out in the world, masks off, and feeling...

My wife and I attempted the Sherlock room and it's the best loss I've ever had. The individual puzzles were clever without being obtuse, delightfully Sherlock-y, but what I'd really like to praise is the puzzle arrangement:

Puzzles were presented in batches, often 3-4 at a time, so there was always plenty to do! (One of the worst parts of an escape room is when you find yourself spending previous minutes staring at the shoulders of two people hunched over a desk solving the only available puzzle)

Puzzles are pretty clear about what kind of puzzle they are- I never found myself wondering if maybe the riddle I was trying to solve was actually just asking for a key from the next cabinet.

Aesthetics were also extremely good- my wife wants to know where they get their antiques.

I award this room 6/5, but subtract one star for keeping the heater INCREDIBLY high. Escape rooms are usually a little overtoasty but I went in shorts and a T-shirt and was having trouble concentrating...