Update 11/22/22: If you enjoy Prison Break, we hope you’ll check out our interview with The Escape Game CEO and Co-Founder Mark Flint on The Reality Escape Pod.
A prison game without a Rita Hayworth poster!
Location: Orlando, FL
Date played: November 11, 2016
Team size: 2-6; we recommend 4
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $32 per ticket
Story & setting
In Prison Break, we found ourselves locked up. The cell’s previous occupant had disappeared, leaving a few clues for how we might follow suit. He may have escaped; we certainly intended to.
While there was a backstory, this was essentially a prison break mission.
This was one of the most visually compelling prisons we’ve been locked in. Cells are cells, but Prison Break presented an exciting adventure between the cells and the exit door.
Puzzles
The puzzles were on theme, but didn’t necessarily build to a compelling narrative.
While the earlier puzzles were more task-based, the late game involved more serious puzzling.
Standouts
The triumph of Prison Break was the progression from bleak prison cells to a compelling adventure. The Escape Game Orlando figured out how to make an exciting and visually appealing prison space. It worked.
Through deliberate design, The Escape Game Orlando took us on a journey and delivered a few wow moments.
The early puzzles made use of some fun and truly funny prop interactions. These props even triggered a more technologically advanced interactions that we wouldn’t have expected in prison.
Shortcomings
Prison Break rewarded observant inmates. Missing just one small detail – of which there were many – could completely stall out the game.
The puzzle structure of Prison Break was uneven and with more than 4 people, it would likely bottleneck.
Occasionally this game was painfully linear. While extra eyes might be handy, adding more teammates could lead to stoppages in game flow.
Should I play The Escape Game Orlando’s Prison Break?
If you want to break out of prison, we recommend this particular prison. Far too many prison escape rooms cannot figure out what to do with the players once they have broken out of the cells. Prison Break knew what came next and that’s what made it stand out.
It was a cleverly designed adventure with some fun and funny moments.
Be observant and expect the unexpected.
Both new players and experienced players will find something to enjoy here.
While it is prison, it’s not at all scary or dangerous.
Book your hour with The Escape Game Orlando’s Prison Break, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Full disclosure: The Escape Game Orlando comped our tickets for this game… and gave me a sweatshirt because prisons are cold. (Thank you!)
