The Weeping Witch is one of the best games in Anaheim, CA. Here are our other recommendations for great escape rooms in Anaheim.
I’m scared to close my eyes, and I’m scared to open them!
Location: Anaheim, CA
Date Played: October 7, 2022
Team Size: 4-8; we recommend 4-6
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $40 per player
Ticketing: Private
Accessibility Consideration: One player will need to crawl. There are flashing lights and fog. You will encounter an actor.
Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock
Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints
REA Reaction
Over a month after playing The Weeping Witch, my heart rate still races from the memories of this game. Cross Roads Escape Games gave these horrifying actor interactions meaning, and blended them seamlessly into smooth and comfortable gameplay, creating a cohesive experience that I still remember with the same intensity as when I was playing it.
Cross Roads Escape Games designed a game that we were genuinely terrified to keep playing. They brilliantly incorporated invisible safety measures to protect both the players and the actor during the most intense sequences. Their brilliance shined through the division of gameplay and genuinely well-designed puzzles. They balance this with the theatrics of the room, giving us the best of both worlds.
All of these prominent segments were matched with equally jaw dropping gameplay, puzzles, and interactions backed by an amazing story flow and entertaining, quirky characters. Their hint system allowed for a moment of levity where we could feel more at ease approaching the unknown.
With the exception of one slightly under-clued puzzle, the puzzles were creative, innovative, and exciting to solve. They were backed by solid tech. They progressed the narrative and each fit into the overarching experience effortlessly.
I can’t express how well this game made us exist in the moment. If you can handle horror (and especially if you relish it!) this is an absolute must-play experience on the west coast. While there, be sure to check out both The Fun House and The Hex Room for less scary, fun experiences.
Who is this for?
- Adventure seekers
- Story seekers
- Puzzle lovers
- Scenery snobs
- Horror fans
- Best for players with at least some experience
Why play?
- Groundbreaking immersion in both the gameplay and interactions
- Legitimately terrifying
- Excellent actor-driven scenes
Story
The Weeping Witch had been haunting our family for generations, luring her victims in with her wails. Our team needed to enter our family member’s study in an attempt to banish the evil spirit and end our family’s curse before she could consume our soul.
Setting
The Weeping Witch was set in Madam Ruby’s study, filled to the brim with oddities and curiosities used for both gameplay and immersion. The gaze of multiple dolls looked upon us from high above, and the eerie feeling of something lurking gave us chills down our spines.
Gameplay
Cross Road Escape Games’ The Weeping Witch was a standard escape room with a moderate level of puzzle difficulty.
This game included multiple horror scenes with an actor. It was not for the faint of heart.
That said, the puzzle solving and the theatrical scares didn’t happen simultaneously.
Core gameplay revolved around searching, making connections, puzzling, observation, teamwork, and theatrics.
Analysis
➕ The Weeping Witch was an intense experience. However, as scary as it was, we never felt unsafe. The gameplay directed us to specific locations, keeping us safe at key moments. This felt organic – unnoticeable, really – and it allowed us to enjoy the experience even under frightening conditions. Additionally, players can easily tap out at any point without ruining the experience for their teammates.
➖ The introduction before we entered the game was long and convoluted. We felt like it dragged on and could have been delivered in a more concise manner. Too many details made the story confusing. The escape room spoke for itself once we were inside. A more minimal introduction would deliver a stronger overall experience.
➕ The flawless technical integration of multiple animatronics and characters made the experience feel like a Disney ride. They fit perfectly in the setting, and balanced the terrifying moments with some giggles, without feeling corny or out-of-place.
➕ Everything in the room that moved was justified, exciting, and surprising. We were never left wondering when we’d triggered a solve or started an interaction; they were clearly defined.
➕ Cross Roads Escape Games incorporated a few amazing feats of stunt work that toppled all of our previous experiences in horror escape rooms. These were by far some of the best, most well-foreshadowed scares… which is what kept us continually on edge. Not only were the scares well-timed and impressive, but they were beautifully integrated in the story and set.
➕ The end sequence took our breath away. We couldn’t believe our eyes. Moreover, we trusted the game to keep us safe even in such a terrifying moment. The build up to this end sequence was especially memorable, with multiple story-driven steps to prepare for the incoming doom.
Tips For Visiting
- There is plenty of parking on-site.
- We recommend Stereo Brewing for a post-game beer and debrief session. You’ll need one.
Book your hour with Cross Roads Escape Games’ The Weeping Witch, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Disclosure: Cross Roads Escape Games provided media discounted tickets for this game.
