License to plan trips
Location: Fredericksburg, VA
Date Played: October 2, 2021
Team size: 4-6; we recommend 4-5
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $28 per player
Ticketing: Private
Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock
Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints
REA Reaction
Exit Protocol was a traditional escape room with an emphasis on challenge, wrapped in references to Hollywood spy thrillers.
The high points for Exit Protocol were clever interaction design, especially in the mid and late game. The struggle of Exit Protocol, however, was a difficulty curve seemed erratic and difficulty spikes that sometimes felt under-clued.
I’ll add that we got a glimpse into what Rush Hour Live Escape Games is working on, and we are genuinely excited to see what they have in the pipeline. This is a company that knows how to build cool moments and the more that they lean on that skillset, the stronger their products will be.
As far as Exit Protocol is concerned, if you’re an experienced escape room player looking for something a little more challenging, check this one out. Newer players or players looking for something less focused on difficulty, should consider checking out some of Rush Hour Live Escape Games’ other offerings.
Who is this for?
- Puzzle lovers
- Best for players with at least some experience
Why play?
- You’re looking for a more challenging, puzzle-y escape room
- For self-aware spy thriller tropes and references
Story
Our CIA team was on assignment when something went wrong. Since the agent in charge was unreachable, we had to step in and secure our facilities and shut down the operations.
Setting
Exit Protocol was set in a travel agency. While it wasn’t the most exciting destination, Rush Hour Live Escape Games did nail the travel agency aesthetic. The furniture, accessories, and carpet looked the part.
They also did a good job of hiding some intrigue within this travel agency.
Gameplay
Rush Hour Live Escape Games’ Exit Protocol was a standard escape room with a higher level of difficulty.
Core gameplay revolved around searching, observing, making connections, and puzzling.
Analysis
➕ We appreciated the travel agency disguise that provided some theming for act one. Plus, this agency had a trick concealed below its depths that we especially enjoyed.
➖ That said, a travel agency is just an office. It wasn’t the most exciting stage for an escape room.
➕ Rush Hour Live Escape Games provided a clear starting place that will also serve as onboarding for any players new to escape room puzzles.
➖ The difficulty level was uneven. It was a puzzle-focused escape room where a lot of the challenge came from a lack of clue structure.
➕ Exit Protocol used some fun props in the second act that delivered some satisfying solves.
➕ /➖ The final sequence added a touch of drama, but also a bit of narrative confusion.
Tips For Visiting
- Rush Hour Live Escape Games is located in a mall. At the time we visited, there was parking lot construction going on at Spotsylvania Towne Centre. They are located behind the Towne Centre in The Village outdoor shopping portion of the mall, and the most direct route from the parking was blocked by that construction. There is still plenty of nearby parking, but we recommend you consult their website for details.
Book your hour with Rush Hour Live Escape Games’ Exit Protocol, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Disclosure: Rush Hour Live Escape Games comped our tickets for this game.
