Top 10 Favorite Escape Rooms in Hampton Roads 2019: From the "Escape Room Wizards"
Escape room rankings & reviews from Brendan & Ian - The Escape Room Wizards.
Brendan & Ian have played over 30 escape rooms in Hampton Roads together and love solving clues and critiquing rooms for others. Their unique experience as players and escape room monitors makes their Top 10 list a must read! (updated 7/24/19)
If you have a new room open in the Hampton Roads area, contact them to play to see if your room makes their list!
# 1. Do Not Disturb - Breakout Games
A recent string of kidnappings has awakened old fears in the people of Breakout City. You've tracked the Kidnapper to a run-down motel on the outskirts of town. Unfortunately, he was expecting you, and now you're caught in his twisted web of games. This investigation-gone-wrong will send your mind spinning as you try to save his next victims... Or become one yourself.
Theme/Immersion - 8
Clue Variety / Execution - 9.5 (best ranking)
Game Flow - 8
Originality - 8.5
Overall Score - 8.50
Review / Comments: Our #1 ranked room; Do Not Disturb, offers a solid storyline with top notch clue variety as you aim to track down a serial kidnapper. This room plays well to its theme by incorporating everyday motel items into its puzzles. Featuring plot twists and a surprising endgame. Do Not Disturb is an intense. but extremely satisfying room. (Difficulty - 7)
A recent string of kidnappings has awakened old fears in the people of Breakout City. You've tracked the Kidnapper to a run-down motel on the outskirts of town. Unfortunately, he was expecting you, and now you're caught in his twisted web of games. This investigation-gone-wrong will send your mind spinning as you try to save his next victims... Or become one yourself.
Theme/Immersion - 8
Clue Variety / Execution - 9.5 (best ranking)
Game Flow - 8
Originality - 8.5
Overall Score - 8.50
Review / Comments: Our #1 ranked room; Do Not Disturb, offers a solid storyline with top notch clue variety as you aim to track down a serial kidnapper. This room plays well to its theme by incorporating everyday motel items into its puzzles. Featuring plot twists and a surprising endgame. Do Not Disturb is an intense. but extremely satisfying room. (Difficulty - 7)
# 2. Ghostly Encounter - Escape2Win
Do You Believe In The Supernatural? An Unsolved Murder Shrouded In Mystery. A Restless Spirit Looking For Vengeance. And You And Your Team Of Intrepid Ghost Hunters Must Investigate A Haunted Parlor And Make Contact With The Other Side. But You Have Only 1 Hour To Solve The Mystery Of The Haunting And Escape With Your Sanity!
Theme/Immersion - 9
Clue Variety / Execution - 8.5
Game Flow - 7
Originality - 9
Overall Score - 8.38
Review / Comments: In a sea of horror themed escape rooms, Ghostly Encounters stands out predominately due to its immersive atmosphere, that sells the idea that you are attempting to contact the dead. Excellent décor and flavorful puzzles cap off an excellent experience for the horrifically inclined. (Difficulty - 8)
Do You Believe In The Supernatural? An Unsolved Murder Shrouded In Mystery. A Restless Spirit Looking For Vengeance. And You And Your Team Of Intrepid Ghost Hunters Must Investigate A Haunted Parlor And Make Contact With The Other Side. But You Have Only 1 Hour To Solve The Mystery Of The Haunting And Escape With Your Sanity!
Theme/Immersion - 9
Clue Variety / Execution - 8.5
Game Flow - 7
Originality - 9
Overall Score - 8.38
Review / Comments: In a sea of horror themed escape rooms, Ghostly Encounters stands out predominately due to its immersive atmosphere, that sells the idea that you are attempting to contact the dead. Excellent décor and flavorful puzzles cap off an excellent experience for the horrifically inclined. (Difficulty - 8)
# 3. The Dollhouse - Black Cat Escape Room
While she slowly wasted away in the house, speaking to no one, hiding away, the house itself crumbled as if trying to end the malevolence inside. As the years went by Agatha began to look like an old hag, her hair hanging in wild tangles around her face. Eventually, Ravensgate became the haunted house on Main where all the young boys would dare each other to knock on the door and run or to throw rocks at the windows. When they did catch a glimpse of Agatha through the grungy windows, they said she would be playing with her dolls as if she hadn't aged a day. But she would hiss like a rabid animal at anyone she saw to scare them away.
After her death in that house that became her coffin, Agatha became a legend along with her haunted old home. The house was sold several times to hopeful young families wishing to restore it to its former beauty but, strangely, they never stayed more than a month. The house sat empty for years, falling into disrepair until the city decided to demolish the old ramshackle ruin. You and your friends have heard the legend of Ravensgate and tonight, before the secrets of Ravensgate are lost forever, you sneak in to find out what stories the house on Main still has to tell after all these years. But beware, brave adventurers, you only have an hour before the bulldozer arrives. And some secrets die hard.
Theme/Immersion - 9
Clue Variety / Execution - 7.5
Game Flow - 7
Originality - 9
Overall Score - 8.25
Review / Comments: One of the newest additions to the Hampton Road escape room community, Black Cat has put together an exceptionally original room with one of the most fleshed-out narratives for the players to uncover. If the gaze of a horde of dolls doesn't send you running, you'll find creative puzzles that keep you guessing what's next to come. (Difficulty - 8).
While she slowly wasted away in the house, speaking to no one, hiding away, the house itself crumbled as if trying to end the malevolence inside. As the years went by Agatha began to look like an old hag, her hair hanging in wild tangles around her face. Eventually, Ravensgate became the haunted house on Main where all the young boys would dare each other to knock on the door and run or to throw rocks at the windows. When they did catch a glimpse of Agatha through the grungy windows, they said she would be playing with her dolls as if she hadn't aged a day. But she would hiss like a rabid animal at anyone she saw to scare them away.
After her death in that house that became her coffin, Agatha became a legend along with her haunted old home. The house was sold several times to hopeful young families wishing to restore it to its former beauty but, strangely, they never stayed more than a month. The house sat empty for years, falling into disrepair until the city decided to demolish the old ramshackle ruin. You and your friends have heard the legend of Ravensgate and tonight, before the secrets of Ravensgate are lost forever, you sneak in to find out what stories the house on Main still has to tell after all these years. But beware, brave adventurers, you only have an hour before the bulldozer arrives. And some secrets die hard.
Theme/Immersion - 9
Clue Variety / Execution - 7.5
Game Flow - 7
Originality - 9
Overall Score - 8.25
Review / Comments: One of the newest additions to the Hampton Road escape room community, Black Cat has put together an exceptionally original room with one of the most fleshed-out narratives for the players to uncover. If the gaze of a horde of dolls doesn't send you running, you'll find creative puzzles that keep you guessing what's next to come. (Difficulty - 8).
# 4. Lunar Lockdown - Escape2Win
Join Star Command and take part in a rescue mission aboard the abandoned vessel Lunar Eclipse. You've got to find the hidden command codes and restore power to the ship in order to pilot it safely to Earth. But a hostile alien attack force has intercepted your transmission and is in route to your location! Can you survive?
Theme/Immersion - 9.5 (Tied as best ranking)
Clue Variety / Execution - 8
Game Flow - 6
Originality - 9
Overall Score - 8.13
Review / Comments: There is no other way to say it: this is the best looking room in the Hampton Roads area by far. The owners took almost 2 years to complete and the finished product is spectacular. Test your wits as you step aboard an intergalactic spaceship under attack from an alien race. Featuring no physical locks and plenty of high-tech gizmos, Lunar Lockdown is an absolute blast to experience... just don't get lost in space. (Difficulty - 5)
Join Star Command and take part in a rescue mission aboard the abandoned vessel Lunar Eclipse. You've got to find the hidden command codes and restore power to the ship in order to pilot it safely to Earth. But a hostile alien attack force has intercepted your transmission and is in route to your location! Can you survive?
Theme/Immersion - 9.5 (Tied as best ranking)
Clue Variety / Execution - 8
Game Flow - 6
Originality - 9
Overall Score - 8.13
Review / Comments: There is no other way to say it: this is the best looking room in the Hampton Roads area by far. The owners took almost 2 years to complete and the finished product is spectacular. Test your wits as you step aboard an intergalactic spaceship under attack from an alien race. Featuring no physical locks and plenty of high-tech gizmos, Lunar Lockdown is an absolute blast to experience... just don't get lost in space. (Difficulty - 5)
# 5. Raiders Of The Lost Temple - Puzzle Quest
The year is 1936. You and your group of eager treasure hunters arrive in a tavern in Toluca, Mexico to rest your feet after several days of trudging through the densely packed forests of Mexico searching for undiscovered ruins. You overhear a table in the tavern discussing how one of their own has just “vanished”. You hon in on the conversation at the next table. “I’m telling you the truth, I’ve found the lost temple of Quetzalcoat. It is still in pristine condition and has never been opened”. We must approach with caution because Jimmy just “vanished” I tell you. It has to be the curse of Quetzalcoat–if we can get in it, we will have riches beyond anything you could imagine.
Will your team be able to solve the mysteries of the lost temple? Will the artifacts bring you fame and fortune? Are the artifacts cursed and will bring you misfortune and despair?
Theme/Immersion - 9.5 (Tied as best ranking)
Clue Variety / Execution - 7
Game Flow - 7
Originality - 9
Overall Score - 7.88
Review / Comments: If you want to forget you are in an escape room, than Raiders of the Lost Temple is for you. This room is immersive from head to toe with thematic decorations and clues to accompany it. It's tied with Lunar Lockdown as our highest ranking for Themes/Immersion with a score of 9.5. Does your party have what it takes to enter the temple and lift the curse? (Difficulty - 7.5)
The year is 1936. You and your group of eager treasure hunters arrive in a tavern in Toluca, Mexico to rest your feet after several days of trudging through the densely packed forests of Mexico searching for undiscovered ruins. You overhear a table in the tavern discussing how one of their own has just “vanished”. You hon in on the conversation at the next table. “I’m telling you the truth, I’ve found the lost temple of Quetzalcoat. It is still in pristine condition and has never been opened”. We must approach with caution because Jimmy just “vanished” I tell you. It has to be the curse of Quetzalcoat–if we can get in it, we will have riches beyond anything you could imagine.
Will your team be able to solve the mysteries of the lost temple? Will the artifacts bring you fame and fortune? Are the artifacts cursed and will bring you misfortune and despair?
Theme/Immersion - 9.5 (Tied as best ranking)
Clue Variety / Execution - 7
Game Flow - 7
Originality - 9
Overall Score - 7.88
Review / Comments: If you want to forget you are in an escape room, than Raiders of the Lost Temple is for you. This room is immersive from head to toe with thematic decorations and clues to accompany it. It's tied with Lunar Lockdown as our highest ranking for Themes/Immersion with a score of 9.5. Does your party have what it takes to enter the temple and lift the curse? (Difficulty - 7.5)
# 6. Dr. Madblood's Mystery Manor - Countdown Escape Room
The local tv host of late night horror films; Dr. Madblood, has invited you over to his creepy mansion. Upon arriving you find yourself submerged in a mystery that must be untangled within the hour. Just what is the good Dr. up to and are you required to help or stop him in order to be successful? Teamwork is vitally important as every second counts in revealing hidden secrets to ultimate success.
Theme/Immersion - 7.5
Clue Variety / Execution - 6.5
Game Flow - 8.5
Originality - 8
Overall Score - 7.75
Review / Comments: Paying homage to a local legend, Dr. Madblood's Manor offers quite a challenge (highest difficulty rating in our top 10). Despite falling under the horror genre, this room presents a unique endgame separating it from others like it. As all rooms at Countdown Escape Room VB, this one plays logical and linear to help get all party members involved in solving clues. Get acquainted with monsters only legend speaks of, you will need their help or failure is imminent. (Difficulty - 8.5)
The local tv host of late night horror films; Dr. Madblood, has invited you over to his creepy mansion. Upon arriving you find yourself submerged in a mystery that must be untangled within the hour. Just what is the good Dr. up to and are you required to help or stop him in order to be successful? Teamwork is vitally important as every second counts in revealing hidden secrets to ultimate success.
Theme/Immersion - 7.5
Clue Variety / Execution - 6.5
Game Flow - 8.5
Originality - 8
Overall Score - 7.75
Review / Comments: Paying homage to a local legend, Dr. Madblood's Manor offers quite a challenge (highest difficulty rating in our top 10). Despite falling under the horror genre, this room presents a unique endgame separating it from others like it. As all rooms at Countdown Escape Room VB, this one plays logical and linear to help get all party members involved in solving clues. Get acquainted with monsters only legend speaks of, you will need their help or failure is imminent. (Difficulty - 8.5)
# 7. Search For the Holy Grail - PuzzleQuest
Transport yourself back to a time where chivalry and honor are a part of daily life. Live in Camelot and join in with castle life and then travel with King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table in a quest to find the famous Holy Grail. No matter how you learned the story- this is the “real” quest for the Grail. The true grail brings you life…….the false grail will take it from you.
Theme/Immersion - 8
Clue Variety / Execution - 8
Game Flow - 8.5
Originality - 6
Overall Score - 7.63
Review / Comments: Gather 'round lords and ladies, take a seat at the round table of Camelot! It is your duty to find the Holy Grail and etch your name in history. To do so, you will need a keen eye and clever deduction to navigate this renaissance style chamber of clues. (Difficulty - 6.0)
Transport yourself back to a time where chivalry and honor are a part of daily life. Live in Camelot and join in with castle life and then travel with King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table in a quest to find the famous Holy Grail. No matter how you learned the story- this is the “real” quest for the Grail. The true grail brings you life…….the false grail will take it from you.
Theme/Immersion - 8
Clue Variety / Execution - 8
Game Flow - 8.5
Originality - 6
Overall Score - 7.63
Review / Comments: Gather 'round lords and ladies, take a seat at the round table of Camelot! It is your duty to find the Holy Grail and etch your name in history. To do so, you will need a keen eye and clever deduction to navigate this renaissance style chamber of clues. (Difficulty - 6.0)
# 8. The Ghastly Flapper - Speakeasy Escape Room
Our local talent has gone missing! Was she murdered? Was she abducted by her jealous man? Did she quit and run off to the islands? Come find out!
Theme/Immersion - 9
Clue Variety / Execution - 7
Game Flow - 6
Originality - 8
Overall Score - 7.50
Review / Comments: The Ghastly Flapper room comes from another new player in the Hampton Roads escape room community. Speakeasy Escape stepped on to the scene packing a punch with this first room, presenting quite a challenge. Ghastly Flapper is a one of a kind escape room that utilizes several areas all created to portray that of a real secret 1920's speakeasy. Explore every detail running from room to room as you uncover the whereabouts of the missing starlet. (Difficulty - 8)
Our local talent has gone missing! Was she murdered? Was she abducted by her jealous man? Did she quit and run off to the islands? Come find out!
Theme/Immersion - 9
Clue Variety / Execution - 7
Game Flow - 6
Originality - 8
Overall Score - 7.50
Review / Comments: The Ghastly Flapper room comes from another new player in the Hampton Roads escape room community. Speakeasy Escape stepped on to the scene packing a punch with this first room, presenting quite a challenge. Ghastly Flapper is a one of a kind escape room that utilizes several areas all created to portray that of a real secret 1920's speakeasy. Explore every detail running from room to room as you uncover the whereabouts of the missing starlet. (Difficulty - 8)
# 9. Infected - Mission Escape
A Failed Biological test has Infected your team. A painful death is certain unless you can find the Antidote. Only 60 minutes remain.
Theme/Immersion - 8
Clue Variety / Execution - 7
Game Flow - 6.5
Originality - 8
Overall Score - 7.38
Review / Comments: A popular theme with escape rooms these days, as everyone can relate to the fear of being infected by a deadly virus. What sets Infected apart is the creative use of innovative puzzles and the super clean and organized room. To find the antidote to save your party you'll need at least 4 players, preferably with some prior escape room experience. (Difficulty - 8)
A Failed Biological test has Infected your team. A painful death is certain unless you can find the Antidote. Only 60 minutes remain.
Theme/Immersion - 8
Clue Variety / Execution - 7
Game Flow - 6.5
Originality - 8
Overall Score - 7.38
Review / Comments: A popular theme with escape rooms these days, as everyone can relate to the fear of being infected by a deadly virus. What sets Infected apart is the creative use of innovative puzzles and the super clean and organized room. To find the antidote to save your party you'll need at least 4 players, preferably with some prior escape room experience. (Difficulty - 8)
# 10. Battleship - Zenith Virtual Reality
Theme/Immersion - 7
Clue Variety / Execution - 6.5
Game Flow - 6
Originality - 9.6
Overall Score - 7.28
Review / Comments: Ready…Aim…Fire! Battleship presents a never before seen dynamic to Hampton Roads escape rooms with the platform of duel rooms that compete against each other at the same time. Load the torpedoes and fire away at your enemy as you race to bring down the rival ship before they sink you! Battleship is challenging and quite exhilarating being able to see both rooms' progress. As a note, you can play this room without a second party to compete against, you race the clock instead. (Difficulty - 7)
Theme/Immersion - 7
Clue Variety / Execution - 6.5
Game Flow - 6
Originality - 9.6
Overall Score - 7.28
Review / Comments: Ready…Aim…Fire! Battleship presents a never before seen dynamic to Hampton Roads escape rooms with the platform of duel rooms that compete against each other at the same time. Load the torpedoes and fire away at your enemy as you race to bring down the rival ship before they sink you! Battleship is challenging and quite exhilarating being able to see both rooms' progress. As a note, you can play this room without a second party to compete against, you race the clock instead. (Difficulty - 7)
Ian & Brendan are always up for new and interesting escape room challenges. If you have a new room open in the Hampton Roads area,
contact the Escape Room Wizards to play to see if your room makes their list!
contact the Escape Room Wizards to play to see if your room makes their list!