The Unlockables Escape Rooms (San Diego Location) — Local services in San Diego

Our friends and us have over 20+ games under our belt, and we've done many of the escape rooms in San Diego. In fact, it was a surprise that we hadn't played The Unlockables: A Puzzle Escape Experience one before. That said, we will definitely be back to play their other rooms "Sister's Secret" another mystery themed game, and "The Informant" a spy themed game. We opted to play their most popular game "The Escape" a mystery/thriller game after reading many rave reviews about this particular game. Without giving anything away, all players will be handcuffed, the game is played at times in dimly lit lighting, some light crawling may be experienced (by some of the players), and some of the areas you'll encounter is a little cramped. That said, this is one of our favorite escape games in San Diego! The game is non-linear and extremely immersive. You get to tell your game host if you want to experience as much of the game as possible, or want as little help as possible thereby closely replicating a true "escape room" experience. We told our host "Dan" we wanted as little help as possible since this wasn't our first rodeo so to speak. There is a pleasant "customized" surprise you'll discover when you're trying to get out. There's also enough challenges to keep veteran escape gamers busy without hints, but it's well designed enough so novice players can experience a great time, even if they need to get help from their host to continue solving the game. This game is not another escape room where all you have to do is solve 20 locks and you get out. You'll feel euphoric every time you you solve another part of the game! If there's one complaint, there should be more lighting at the very start as it's very difficult to see the very things you need to see to proceed. We heard other players have expressed similar concerns. If the owner solved that issue, they definitely have one of the Top 3 Escape...

Today we went in and completed the "Informant" Game as well as replayed "The Escape" It had been 7 years since we had played it and since it was our (my family/team's) first escape room, it had a lot of nostalgic factor.

First, the "Escape". Your group is separated at the beginning, and we knew some of the technicalities going into it, but it was nothing scary and felt safe the whole time. We had two gamemasters, Shelby and Mary, who were absolutely fabulous. They have definitely worked out some of the kinks that the original puzzle had, and everything was doable/logical. I think some of the story does get lost/doesn't come across quite clearly, but if you're only in it for the puzzles/escape then it doesn't really matter. Group Size: 4. Hints: 0 (this time around, although we did ask for 1 clarification) Game Rating: 4.5/5

Second, the "Informant". The games here at the Unlockables are pretty dark/dim so just something to be aware of. There were a few more puzzles in here that we felt were a little bit of stretch/challenge that we didn't enjoy as much, but still Mary made the experience a lot of fun. There are even a few side quests to do in this game which is different. Group Size: 4. Hints: Maybe 3 or 4. A few of these puzzles were not as intuitive. Game Rating: 4/5.

I likely won't be trying Sister's Secret, because it honestly sounded scary (and I'm a scaredy cat), but my brother in law has tried it and enjoyed the game with his friends. We will definitely be trying out the Poway location soon because they have different games and hopefully Kearny Mesa opens...

My first ever escape room I had done was here at Unlockables, and two years later, I came back to try for my tenth, this time with Sister's Secret. First, walking into the waiting room was a surprise. The last time I was there, it was very plain and uneventful. This time there were two mini escape room, which the owner told me he had previously used as conventions and outside activities. The lobby was further decorated with artwork, games, pop-culture memorabilia, and more. Once inside the separate prep room, we were shown a short video and informed on the guidelines. From there we entered the room. Without giving away any spoilers, the room is fantastic. From the decorations to the theming, you are fully immersed in this Paranormal adventure from the moment you walk up to the room. Once inside everything goes up to another level. Our group was mixed experience wise (two players had never tried a room before, and myself and two friends have an average of nine rooms attempted and escaped) and all puzzles were easily understandable and accomplished. The one clue we used was to double check the an answer on a puzzle toward the beginning. The host was extremely helpful and pushed us toward the right direction. We had a blast and will be sure to come back to finish the other rooms they have opened up. Highly...