Location: Charleston, SC
Players: 2-8 (We recommend 4-5)
Price: $28 per person
Time to Escape: 60 minutes
He’s comin’! Let’s get outta here!
Theme:
It’s the 1970’s, and you’re stuck in prison. Luckily, an old cellmate of yours broke out recently, and left a few clues as to how to escape for you, you just need to wait for the best opportunity to break out. Unluckily, it seems the clues lead through the Warden’s office! He’s currently making his rounds, but will be back in an hour, and after suffering one embarrassing escape, he won’t take kindly to another attempt!
First Impressions:
Escape in 60 is situated in the heart of Charleston, in one of the rustic buildings on Market Street. Their open air lobby is inviting, and the staff is very helpful. The Warden’s office was an unassuming, but convincingly laid out room, and we could tell there were many surprises in store for us. After being given a quick briefing, we started our breakout.
High Points:
The room is laid out as a prison warden’s office in the 1970’s and has some great antique but sturdy props around to carry that vibe. Puzzle threads are non linear, and there is plenty to work through for larger groups, as well as a good bit of variety in puzzle types. There are a few surprising technological interactions that are used sparingly and add to the mystique of the room overall. The ultimate puzzle is highly intuitive, but not so simple that it can be solved immediately. Clues were hidden well, but not unfairly, and the story wove throughout the room in a cohesive way. I enjoyed a prison escape that took place outside of the cell, which is the usual escape room standby.
Low Points:
The hint system was hit or miss, and while some hints nudged us well, others felt too vague. The cluing between solutions and inputs was vague at times, and in others unintentionally clued towards the wrong area. Some puzzles felt a bit less polished than others, which led towards a slightly uneven flow through the middle, but were overall well done.
Verdict:
Prison Escape is very accessible for new players, while still holding a fun challenge in store for enthusiasts. An interesting storyline, along with tactile and time period appropriate props help make this a great starter room, while still being stimulating for those who’ve escaped a few times before. Book your break from the Warden’s office here!
Full Disclosure: Escape in 60 provided comped tickets for our game.
8.5/10 (Great)
Escape Room Adventurer 