Mystery Manor is one of the best games in the Chicago area. Here are our other recommendations for great escape rooms around Chicago.
G-g-g-GHOST!
Location: Gurnee, IL
Date Played: March 13, 2022
Team Size: 2-8; we recommend 2-4
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $30 per player
Ticketing: Private
Accessibility Consideration: One player must be able to crawl
Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock
Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints
REA Reaction
60 to Escape’s Mystery Manor was a goofy and spooky take on the haunted mansion theme, full of character and whimsy. With a clear yet easy puzzle flow and parallel paths to victory, this experience was on the easier end of 60 to Escape’s offerings. The build quality was on the same level as their other experiences, including fantastical lighting and audio cues. Atmospherically, 60 to Escape nailed the immersion of the space in every corner.
Compared to their other experiences at both locations, Mystery Manor’s ending was missing some of the charm we’ve come to love from 60 to Escape’s games.
Mystery Manor is a fantastic game for newer players. It will be a great introduction to the wonderful world of escape rooms. If you’re choosing between 60 to Escape’s games, we recommend Hidden Temple for more experienced groups. However, if you have time in your day, Mystery Manor would be a delightful add on.
Who is this for?
- Adventure seekers
- Story seekers
- Scenery snobs
- Newbies
Why play?
- Humorous story delivered via fantastic voice acting
- Charming spooky mansion sets
- Great game to draw beginners into escape rooms
Story
As the only living members of an eccentric family, we’d been left an incredible mansion and a huge fortune. There was only one catch: we had to solve the mysteries behind this bizarre home to claim our inheritance.
Setting
Mystery Manor had a great set torn straight out of a mansion, including the sounds and lights to enhance the immersion. The set transformed in unusual ways as the game went on, with each set looking just as good as the starting room.
Gameplay
60 to Escape’s Mystery Manor was a standard escape room with a low level of difficulty.
Core gameplay revolved around making connections, puzzling, and observing.
Analysis
➕ The set was gorgeous, and traversing it was even more delightful. The scenery was full of fun and immersive elements including both audio and visual effects.
➕ Every puzzle mapped clearly to the story and to each of the characters we were able to interact with. It was abundantly clear what items went with what solves, allowing for a smooth experience.
➖ The game felt short, with only a handful of simple puzzles. The puzzles were quite fun and immersive, but the parallel nature of the game left us wanting more.
➕ We adored interacting with the main character. His quick wit and hilarious monologues sent our team into a laughing fit.
➖ The scale of some puzzle elements were off, causing a communication puzzle to be unnecessarily difficult.
➕/➖ The ending had a great sense of humor and wrapped up the experience nicely, but lacked some of the visual panache that players of 60 to Escape’s other rooms may have come to expect.
➕/❓ This game had an adorably goofy and spooky vibe, and is definitely not scary. If you’re looking for a heart-pumping game, this isn’t for you.
Tips For Visiting
- There is ample parking outside of the mall, with the closest entrance marked “J”
- There is a food court next to the venue
- Please note Mystery Mansion is at their Illinois location.
Book your hour with 60 to Escape’s Mystery Mansion, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Disclosure: 60 to Escape comped our tickets for this game.
