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Play Classic Carmen Sandiego for Free
Today Netflix released a brand new Carmen Sandiego cartoon.
As a kid, I loved Carmen Sandiego in every form of media that I encountered:
- MS DOS games
- Game shows
- Cartoon
The new show has completely reimagined the character. They have transformed her from a cunning villain into what looks like something of an anti-hero.
I have no respect for any “Why did they change it? My childhood is ruined!” nonsense. This is for kids, not people in their 30s. I’m just happy that the character is back and hope that they continue to teach geography and history through amusing crime adventures.
Playing The Old Games
That being said, I was also really excited to find that the Internet Archive has a library of browser-based emulators that allow people to play all sorts of ancient video games for free.
It was a fun stroll down memory lane.
This archive includes a ton of Carmen Sandiego titles.
- Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego Deluxe? (the best version, in my opinion)
- Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego?
- Carmen Sandiego Junior Detective
- Where in Europe is Carmen Sandiego?
- Where in Space is Carmen Sandiego?
There is a lot more on the Internet Archive and their library also includes other classics like Snood, Colossal Cave Adventure, and Super Solvers Treasure Mountain… which might be the first puzzle game that I ever played. I have no idea how that one holds up. I might have to give it a whirl one day just to see.
It is really strange playing these old games. It’s amazing how far video games have come in 30 years.
David Kwong’s Enigmatist [Review]
A Gold Bug
Location: New York City
Date Attended: January 12, 2019
Duration: 120 minutes
Price: $95 / $125 / $150 per ticket depending on seat
Ticketing: Public
REA Reaction
The Enigmatist was a night of puzzles, magic, and storytelling. It was as quirky as it was phenomenal.
It was a performance, not an escape room, but it included escape room-style solving.
The Enigmatist has just extended its run of Friday and Saturday evening shows through March 2019. If you read this blog, and you are near New York City, you should purchase tickets immediately.
Who is this for?
- Story seekers
- Puzzle lovers
- Magic fans
Why Attend?
- Wonderful feats of magic and word play
- Good puzzles
- Lots of hidden layers and meaning
Story
The Enigmatist was a one-man show performed by magician and New York Times cruciverbalist (crossword constructor) David Kwong.
Throughout the evening, Kwong explored the story of Riverbank Laboratories.
The performance was an unusual mixture of magic, puzzles, cryptography, crosswords, and storytelling.
Setting
The Enigmatist was set on a small stage at the High Line Hotel. Upon arrival we were presented with 4 puzzles to solve in the lobby.
Once we took our seats within the intimate theater, we spent the rest of the evening enjoying the performance and solving the puzzles within it.
Gameplay
David Kwong’s The Enigmatist was a performance with gameplay. There were multiple puzzles to solve throughout the evening. The audience’s ability to solve the puzzles shifted the energy and dynamics of the show.
Core gameplay revolved around observing, deciphering, and making connections.
Analysis
➕ The opening puzzles were lovely. They generally struck the right difficulty balance. They set the tone for how to approach the puzzles in the show.
➖ Of the initial 4 puzzles, one was noticeably more involved than the others. Unfortunately it was also the most compact and hardest to see. This led to a an uncomfortable crowd around it. Having an extra copy or spreading it out more would solve the problem.
➕/➖ There were self-service hints available for the opening puzzles. This kept solvers of all levels engaged with the puzzles. That said, more granular hinting would probably have helped alleviate bottlenecks.
➕ Kwong has an impressive gift for sleight of hand. In general, the magical moments of The Enigmatist were really well produced. He put a fresh spin on everything by integrating the tricks into the story. In the process he gave both more meaning.
➕ Kwong played with words a lot… and I don’t mean puns. I mean he manipulated words and letters in mind-bogging ways. My biggest takeaway from the night was to never play a word game against David Kwong.
➕/➖ Throughout the performance, Kwong told an intriguing story of cryptography. He integrated a lot of charm and historical facts. At the end of his tale, however, he made some questionable decisions. I think I get why he did it, but I didn’t like it. I still don’t.
➕ There were layers and layers of hidden meaning and hidden magic. The last few minutes of The Enigmatist were 🤯.
Tips For Visiting
- Parking: It’s New York City. Good luck.
- Food: It’s Chelsea. You’re spoiled with options.
- Arrive early and enjoy the puzzles.
Book your tickets with David Kwong’s The Enigmatist, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Seven Forces – The Summons [Review]
A wonderful Masonic secret.
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Date Played: December 29, 2018
Team size: 4-6; we recommend 4-5
Duration: 90 minutes
Price: $30 per player
Ticketing: Private booking for your team, but other teams play at the same time
Emergency Exit: Yes
REA Reaction
This multi-team gala was puzzle-driven, beautifully staged, and wholly interactive. It incorporated group challenges, private team experiences, and an auction.
With The Summons, The Seven Forces introduced a new and exciting format. This large scale escape room-style event was unlike any other we’ve played to date.
The environment was energetic. When we weren’t solving puzzles, we were participating in various group activities. The dynamics were intriguing and constantly changing.
If we told you any more, it would spoil the game for everyone.
If you enjoy escape games, we strongly recommend The Summons to anyone who is anywhere near Cincinnati. You could play The Summons without any experience, but if you feel comfortable with escape room-style gameplay, you’ll probably enjoy it more. There’s a lot to do, and the smarter you play, the more you get to see.
Who is this for?
- Adventure seekers
- Story seekers
- Puzzle lovers
- Scenery snobs
- Best for players with at least some experience
- Players who don’t need to be a part of every puzzle
Why play?
- Escape room-inspired gameplay in a new staging
- Up to 48 people can actively engage at once
- Group dynamics
- The Cincinnati Masonic Center
Story
We had been summoned to an underground gathering of criminals for a gala and auction at the Cincinnati Masonic Center.
We knew that there would be other criminal crews, a competition, and an auction. Beyond that, we were told to dress classy.
Setting
Set within a few rooms of the gorgeous and imposing Cincinnati Masonic Center, we gathered with 4 other groups of classy criminals and a few characters to outwit others within this area.
We’ve written before about the difference between an immersive set and the genuine artifact. This place was the real deal. The level of detail in its design and layout harkened back to a century ago when ornate detailing and overt displays of craftsmanship were highly valued.
The seating along the side gave the game an almost gladiatorial feel (even if there weren’t onlookers in the seats.)
Seven Forces also constructed a number of movable structures within the game, as they could not make any true modifications to the actual building.
Gameplay
Seven Forces’ The Summons was an unusual multi-group escape game that was approachable to play and challenging to win.
Core gameplay revolved around searching, puzzling, and group dynamics.
The introduction of group dynamics was what made this game especially interesting.
Analysis
➕ The puzzles were approachable, but still challenging. They felt like the right difficulty level for the experience. Hints were readily available.
➖ Many of the puzzles didn’t feel grounded in the mythology. There was opportunity to more intricately link the puzzle play with the worldbuilding.
➕ We didn’t need to solve every puzzle in The Summons to win the game, or even fully participate in the entire game. Small teams could have an equally fulfilling experience.
➖ At times The Summons bottlenecked. There were limited actors with multiple responsibilities.
➕ The Summons fostered elaborate group dynamics. It really shined in this regard. I have to imagine that based on the individuals playing in that booking, any given game could be wildly different from any other.
➖ We found one late-game moment ill-advised. Although The Seven Forces took precautions to ensure this scene went smoothly, the payoff wasn’t worth the risk. It felt hollow and could be reworked into a more powerful and less risky scene.
➕The Cincinnati Masonic Center was the perfect stage for this adventure. Its majestic allure supported the narrative of The Summons. It was a fun environment to explore.
➕The Seven Forces used inexpensive components, but combined them cleverly into puzzles. Together with the beautiful staging, this delivered an experience that felt far more grand than it maybe should have. We were impressed.
➕The Seven Forces built temporary structures into the gameplay. The air of secrecy surrounding these spaces and the experiences within added to the ambiance and excitement of The Summons.
➕/➖ Every team received a private puzzle, which was delivered in an alluring manner. We solved ours quickly, but the puzzle was missing a bit of clue structure.
➕ In The Summons, solving puzzles had a tangible reward in the form of currency, in addition to more puzzles. The reward funneled back into the overarching gameplay. It worked brilliantly.
➕ We learned how to play The Summons by playing it. The Seven Forces designed earlier interactions to set up later ones. It all came together spectacularly.
➕/➖ The final puzzle was an interesting beast. From a puzzle design standpoint, it was probably the weakest of the night. Conceptually, the interaction was absolutely brilliant.
Tips For Visiting
- There is street parking in this neighborhood.
- Review our tips for playing escape rooms with actors.
- Come in costume and get into character for The Summons. It’s worth it.
Book your hour with Seven Forces’ The Summons, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Disclosure: Seven Forces provided media discounted tickets for this game.
Escapism – Do Not Disturb [Review]
Do Not Disturb
Creepy dolls & good flow.
Location: Southington, Connecticut
Date Played: December 17, 2018
Team size: 2-6; we recommend 2-4
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $29 per player
Ticketing: Private
Emergency Exit: [A+] No Lock
Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints
REA Reaction
It’s great to see a new company come out of the gate with a strong game. Escapism gets escape rooms, and we’re incredibly excited to see where they take their designs.
Do Not Disturb was a fantastic game for less experienced players. It was well designed with strong puzzle flow.
If you’re an experienced player, there was something to enjoy in Do Not Disturb, but it wasn’t a must-play.
If you’re new to escape rooms, this would be a wonderful place to start.
Who is this for?
- Adventure seekers
- Story seekers
- Puzzle lovers
- Any experience level
Why play?
- An elegant set
- A great hint system
- Smart puzzles
Story
Our team of private investigators was called to investigate an abandoned and allegedly haunted apartment. It was up to us to determine the fate of its tenant.
Setting
We “broke into” a small, grandmotherly apartment with a cohesive aesthetic. It wasn’t a fancy setting, but it looked and smelled right.
Gameplay
Escapism’s Do Not Disturb was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty.
Core gameplay revolved around searching, puzzling, observing, and making connections.
Analysis
➕ The set looked homey, but slightly creepy. It had a gentle, welcoming aesthetic with just the slightest edge.
➕ Escapism’s set design included visual, auditory, and olfactory ambiance. These extra details added a lot to the experience.
➕Do Not Disturb had a stellar entry for onboarding escape room newbies.
➕ The puzzles flowed well. Escapism even augmented a few puzzles so that experienced players wouldn’t accidentally (or purposely) bypass parts of the game. It worked well.
➖ One puzzle could easily become overwhelming depending on the order the players connect various in-game elements. In part, the ambiance contributed to potential sensory overload. This puzzle could benefit from either more gating and/or stronger cluing.
➕ The hint system was designed specifically for Do Not Disturb. This detail added to the overall experience. We didn’t use any hints… but Escapism clearly knew how cool the system was and worked it into our game nonetheless.
➖ Escapism mixed locks with tech-driven opens, but too often the tech was too visible. If they can build housing around the tech and hide it in the decor, it’s effects would be far more effective.
➕Escapism had a beautiful, spacious lobby. Leave yourself a few extra minutes to hang out.
Tips For Visiting
- There is a parking lot.
- We recommend Tavern 42 for BBQ nearby.
- Leave some time to hang out in Escapism’s gorgeous lobby.
Book your hour with Escapism’s Do Not Disturb, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Disclosure: Escapism comped our tickets for this game.
Our Editorial for Escape Front
With the start of a new year, we reflected on the opportunities and cautions we see in the escape room industry in a guest post for Escape Front.
Discussion Topics
We discussed safety, first and foremost. Safety is on our minds right now, in the wake of the tragedy in Poland and will be a feature in Room Escape Artist reviews in 2019.
We also discussed the following topics that we see as essential to the growth of this industry in 2019:
- the evolving definition of “escape room”
- the importance of community
- the uptick in escape room closures
- how to design and build for success
- new avenues for theming
- why we love collaborations
We’ll likely unpack some of these concepts more at Room Escape Artist as the year goes on.
Thank you to Escape Front for the opportunity to contribute Escape Rooms in 2019: Opportunities & Cautions.
Basic Safety Evaluation in Escape Room Reviews
Update 12:15 pm: Based on reader feedback, we’ve updated some of these standards since this post originally published this morning.
For years we have been pushing for escape room creators to make safer games. We have been speaking out on the issue of safety at conferences as well as addressing safety issues in editorials and reviews.
Immediately after the fire in Poland, we started noting in reviews whether each game had an emergency exit… but that was a quick change.
Moving forward, we are going to apply a more useful standard when evaluating basic escape room safety.
Preface
We wholeheartedly believe that the excitement and fun of an escape room comes from the game, puzzles, story, and set design… not from being locked into a room.
Just as a thrill ride will make you feel the threat of falling without injury, a great escape game will create excitement without endangering the lives of the players.
Emergency Exits
The most important aspect of escape room safety is that players have the ability to free themselves in the event of an emergency. There are more and less optimal ways to provide this, but regardless of method, self-freeing is a mandatory safety requirement.
We have observed 4 categories of escape room emergency exits. All reviews moving forward will note the style of emergency exit. We have ranked them in order from most preferred to least preferred.
A+: No Lock
The game is entirely mission-based, or it asks you to escape from a locked door, but there is a different door in the room that is never locked. Regardless of configuration, there is always an unlocked door present to the team.
This is an accepted industry standard.
A: Push To Exit
The team is locked within the room by a maglock (magnetic lock). This door will automatically pop open when the game is over or if the players push an emergency “Push to Exit” button. If power to the maglock is cut at any time, the magnet will automatically open.
This is an accepted industry standard.
B: Emergency Key
The team is locked into the room using a physical lock. There is an emergency key available for the team to open the locked door at any time.
This is an acceptable approach, but less optimal. In a crisis, it requires locating the key – even if it is clearly labeled next to the door – and performing a precise motor function. It could be exceptionally challenging in the dark. It takes more time.
F: No Emergency Exit
The team is locked within the room and there are no emergency exits available to the players. The only ways for a team to exit the game are by (1) completing the game and finding the exit key or (2) being released by someone outside of the game.
This is an unsafe approach to escape room design.
Physical Restraints
While considerably less common, we have noted a similar pattern of approach to physical restraints in escape rooms and grouped them into 4 categories. Similarly, we have ranked them in order from most preferred to least preferred and will note this on all reviews moving forward.
A+: No Physical Restraints
This escape game involves no physical restraints.
This is an accepted industry standard.
A: Push To Release
One or more players are physically restrained at some point within the game. The restraints are maglocked and the players may release the restraints with the push of a button. Should the power fail within the game, electricity to the electromagnet would be cut and the maglock would release on its own.
This is an accepted industry standard.
B: Mechanical Release
One or more players are physically restrained at some point within the game. The restraints have a backup mechanical release such as a carabiner or handcuff safety switch. The players may free themselves at any point.
This is an acceptable approach, but less optimal. In a crisis, it requires some dexterity or physical effort. It could be exceptionally challenging in the dark. It takes more time.
F: No Emergency Release
One or more players are physically restrained at some point within the game. These players have no means of freeing themselves during a crisis.
This is an unsafe approach to escape room design.
Limitations
We are not fire inspectors. There are a great many codes that a fire inspector is supposed to enforce. We don’t have the background, access, or authority to enforce these laws.
We have to assume that the owner of an escape room company is adhering to their local laws and that individual municipalities are enforcing their own laws.
Tracking
During 2019, we will maintain a dataset of basic escape room safety in the games that we play. We will issue a report at the end of the year.
Evolution
These standards and how we approach them will most certainly evolve over time. We welcome input.
Open Reviewer Standard
In the interest of encouraging safe game design and making it easier for all players to find games that they are comfortable entering, we welcome any reviewer to apply these standards within their reviews.
We also welcome any reader who visits a game we had previously reviewed to leave a comment on any Room Escape Artist review with the date visited and the safety standard.
Note that there are a few reviews scheduled to publish throughout January 2019 that predate this blog post. They will only have basic yes/no on the question of emergency exits.
Lisa Live on BBC 5 Discussing Escape Rooms & Poland
Earlier this week, David wrote about his appearance on live tv.
If that morning weren’t crazy enough, a few hours after his tv appearance, a radio producer from the BBC 5 Live emailed us. So David left the sound studio (minus the camera) set up on our table, waiting for me to take it over that evening.
Then it was my turn:
The radio host from the BBC 5 Live asked many of the same questions as the host from EURONEWS NOW… but with a different tone.
David and I have more experience with radio than with tv. That said, this was my first live recording experience, which was intense, especially in the wake of a tragedy. It was a lot of pressure knowing that whatever I said would inform someone’s opinion of escape rooms.
It might not have been a lot of people’s opinions… it was live at 1:30am for the folks listening. But then again, the folks listening in the wee hours are probably really listening, right?
The Gate Escape – D.J. Death [Review]
Don’t fear the reaper.
Location: Leominster, Massachusetts
Date Played: December 17, 2018
Team size: up to 6; we recommend 2-4
Duration: 35-45 minutes depending on play style
Price: $23 per player
Ticketing: Public
Emergency Exit: Yes
REA Reaction
D.J. Death was The Gate Escape’s introductory Halloween popup game that didn’t die.
With structured puzzle sections, this game was far more directed than your typical escape game. Additionally, it was nonthreatening, even if the theme sounds scary.
Although the set design was a bit uneven – with some puzzle sections looking great and others looking a bit cheesy – it played well and culminated in a delightful conclusion.
D.J. Death would be a wonderful game for newbies. Even as experienced players, we found a lot to enjoy. It wasn’t hard, but it was amusing. If you’re an experienced player, The Gate Escape’s other games are must-plays. D.J. Death is worth adding to your lineup if you’re open to sacrificing some difficulty for a novel game structure.
Who is this for?
- Dance party goers!
- Puzzle lovers
- Halloween fans
- Any experience level
Why play?
- Music
- Dance party
- Fun puzzles
Story
Death DJ would host the most exclusive Halloween party of the year. If we wanted to gain admittance, we would have to pass his test and help him build his playlist one puzzle at a time. If we failed, we’d be cut… from the guest list.
Setting
D.J. Death was a large, open space with 10 smaller puzzle stations along the periphery. Each station had a unique, spooky theme: vampire, voodoo, mad science, etc. (They ranged broadly.)
The level of detail was a little uneven. Some areas looked great; some felt like party-store Halloween. Generally, the visual focus directed us at the puzzle components.
The coolest parts of the set were the dance floor and DJ booth… which were really what mattered.
Gameplay
The Gate Escape’s D.J. Death was an unusual escape room with a low level of difficulty.
This large gamespace was divided into sections, each containing one puzzle. We moved through the space solving the puzzles and collecting tunes from the D.J. himself.
Core gameplay revolved around observing and puzzling.
The Gate Escape offered two play modes. If the entire group traveled between puzzles together, the game clock was 45 minutes. If the group split up to tackle the puzzles separately, the game clock was 35 minutes. (Our group of 4 stayed together so that everyone could experience the entire game. That worked well.)
Analysis
➕ D.J. Death was cute and joyous. It didn’t take itself seriously.
➕/➖ The set looked a bit party-store. With the Halloween theme, this generally worked just fine. There were, however, opportunities to improve the aesthetics.
➖Despite the name and the Halloween theming, D.J. Death was not a scary escape room. I have to imagine that this marketing is confusing to The Gate Escape’s customers.
➕ D.J. Death provided a gentle on-ramp to a puzzle game. By wrapping the game in a dance party, encouraging teams to work together, and keeping related puzzle components contained, it would be approachable to new players of all ages and abilities. The Gate Escape is willing to turn the lights on for nervous players.
➕ The Gate Escape built a great mix of puzzle styles into D.J. Death. They were largely tangible and interactive.
➖ Our least favorite puzzles were the less interactive of the lot. The puzzles with larger components generally felt more exciting.
➕ The separate puzzles came together with a meta puzzle. It made the escape room feel whole.
➖ There was opportunity for a more engaging meta puzzle in this space.
➕ The finale. D.J. Death had a wonderful ending. It really was the only way this game could have ended.
Tips For Visiting
- There is a parking lot.
- Take the elevator up and walk down the long hallway to The Gate Escape.
- 435 Bar & Grille is conveniently located in the same building.
- D.J. Death is not scary.
Book your hour with The Gate Escape’s D.J. Death, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Disclosure: The Gate Escape comped our tickets for this game.
Trapology – Crush Depth [Review]
Crushed it.
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Date Played: December 15, 2018
Team size: up to 8; we recommend 3-5
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $32 per player
Ticketing: Public
Emergency Exit: Yes
REA Reaction
Crush Depth was a great escape room.
It had an intense, detailed, and imposing aesthetic. The puzzles were meaty and entertaining. The story put an atypical twist on a fairly common concept.
While we encountered a bit of ambiguity with puzzle sequencing, and it was occasionally difficult to find what we were supposed to do among the various set details, it still played really well.
We wholeheartedly recommend it for players who are nearby and have a bit of escape room experience.
Who is this for?
- Puzzle lovers
- Scenery snobs
- Players with at least some experience
Why play?
- Submarine aesthetic
- Unorthodox story choice
- Strong puzzles
Story
While we were serving aboard a submarine, the spirit of the boat’s former captain assumed control, and in a final vengeful act, set a course for crush depth. We had to banish the angry spirit and retake control of the submarine before we all received a gruesome physics lesson.
Setting
Crush Depth was an aesthetically gorgeous game, among the most beautiful that we’ve seen in the region.
The submarine set was detailed and weathered. It felt right. There was a lot to look at.
Additionally, the layout felt correct. The entire game took place in a narrow series of rooms.
Gameplay
Trapology’s Crush Depth was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty.
Core gameplay revolved around searching, observing, making connections, and puzzling.
Analysis
➕ Trapology turned a few rooms of their downtown Boston office building space into a submarine. The set design looked great.
➖ Although the set looked great, not all of the puzzle components were on the same level. Trapology relied on laminated paper for some clue structure.
➖ The submarine set contained interesting knobs, dials, and gadgets. It wasn’t entirely apparent which were in play and which were decor.
➕ We’ve escaped a lot of submarines, but this was the first one that was haunted by a vengeful ghost captain. Trapology twisted two themes together to create something new and exciting. (Note, Crush Depth is not a horror game.)
➕ Crush Depth was a puzzle-focused escape room with many excellent solves. We always had something interesting to work on.
➖ We encountered one clunky mid-game sequence. Some of the cluing felt a bit out of order.
➖/➕We couldn’t always tell when we’d triggered an open. Trapology could add lighting or sound cues to make tech-driven opens pop. That said, our attentive gamemaster directed us to anything we’d opened without realizing it.
➕ The final sequence of interactions was massive, tangible, and so satisfying. The conclusion was explosive.
➕ Trapology had a beautiful lobby. We wish we could have lounged there for longer. We loved the cozy, steampunk-inspired aesthetic.
Tips For Visiting
- Trapology is easily accessible by T. Take the Green Line to Boylston St.
- We recommend Explorateur on the corner for a coffee, drinks, a meal… and some really interesting desserts.
Book your hour with Trapology’s Crush Depth, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Disclosure: Trapology comped our tickets for this game.
Live TV & Radio Appearances About Poland
Yesterday was a whirlwind… and this is an unusual and personal post.
I appeared on a live broadcast of EURONEWS NOW… my first foray into live television.
Thank you Patrik Patyo Strausz for recording the appearance. (My parents really appreciate it.)
A few hours later, Lisa appeared on a live BBC 5 radio interview. (We’ll post this if we can get a link at some point.)
Sadly both segments were about the tragedy in Poland. We did our best to represent the community and underscore that most escape rooms are operating safely.
Live TV
That was one of the most intense experiences that I can recall. Adrenaline is a hell of a drug.
We woke up to an email from a producer in Europe. Within a couple hours of responding, I was doing a sound and video check. An hour later I was on TV.
I hadn’t been pre-interviewed or prepared in any way. I knew that we were going to be discussing the tragedy in Poland, but I didn’t know anything beyond that. I prepared for every possible question or angle that I could think of.
I sat there on Skype watching the first half of the broadcast: segments on the Brexit deal struggles and the hacking of top German officials. Then after a commercial break, a producer that I never saw told me that I’d be on next.
It all started and ended in a blur. There was so much to keep in mind. My voice. My posture. My eyes. The questions. The facts.
I’m honored that I was asked to appear, but I hope that there’s never another crisis like this. I’d do it again, but this isn’t what escape rooms are about. I’m much happier telling people about amazing games.
