Well done.
Location: Turnersville, New Jersey
Date Played: February 3, 2023
Team Size: 2-10; we recommend 3-4
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $22-$35 per player, depending on team size
Ticketing: Private
Accessibility Consideration: This game is only accessible via a flight of stairs to the basement level of the venue. There are also a few steps in the game.
Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock
Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints
REA Reaction
What exactly is the secret to Bubba’s delicious barbeque? Think Solve Escape’s Bubba’s Backyard Bar-B-Que and Brouhaha was a refreshing theme that offered a nice departure from typical escape room scenarios. Though the first room was small, plain and a bit rough around the edges, we were soon treated to a large open space that was much more polished and entertaining. There was plenty to explore in Bubba’s backyard!
We experienced a good variety of puzzles that kept us busy the entire time. Though there were quite a few to solve, most puzzles were fast-paced and not overly challenging, making this a great game for beginner players. We especially liked one puzzle that was delightful and added distinct flavor to the overall story. The game flowed easily from puzzle to puzzle, though we did encounter one that used a common escape room activity that was frustrating, despite its simplicity. We appreciated the humor sprinkled throughout the game, providing light-hearted experiences that had us giggling until the final reveal.
If you’re a seasoned escape room player, Bubba’s Backyard Bar-B-Que and Brouhaha offered an original spin on familiar puzzle styles, served with a sense of humor. If you’re a new player, the approachable puzzle design and lighthearted theme make this a great entry into escape rooms. If you are in the area and want to play a fun game that flows really well, stop by and check out what’s cookin’ in Bubba’s backyard.
Who is this for?
- Scenery snobs
- Newbies
Why play?
- Lighthearted, not-so-subtle humor
- Unusual set
- To discover the secret to Bubba’s lip-smacking barbeque
Story
We had just attended a barbeque at Bubba’s place, and was it ever a brouhaha! Bubba’s cousin just has to know what makes his barbeque so dang good, and had convinced us to snoop around to discover Bubba’s secret.
Setting
We started the game in a small, clean and well-lit tool shed with a few tools propped neatly in a corner, a planting bench, and… a chicken coop. There was not a lot of fussy decor to distract from the puzzles.
Gameplay
Think Solve Escape’s Bubba’s Backyard Bar-B-Que and Brouhaha was a standard escape room with a low level of difficulty.
Core gameplay revolved around searching, observing, making connections, and puzzling.
Analysis
➕ Set design was intentionally sparse early in the game, giving little away as players explored a small space with a few props. This made the reveal even more surprising and impactful as we moved to a larger, more defined and detailed space. Props and décor were amusing and totally made sense in Bubba’s world.
➕ Think Solve Escape employed familiar escape room puzzles that we’ve all probably seen before, but layered them heavily with theme, humor and often a creative twist. The puzzles felt fresh, approachable, and fun.
➖ One early puzzle contained multiple sharp edges that scratched us repeatedly. This set piece should be modified to eliminate this issue while still retaining the overall effect.
➕ There was an audio puzzle that we listened to repeatedly, because one of us did not listen closely the first few times; not only was it highly entertaining, but the replay mechanism was simple and effective.
➖ After solving a puzzle (complete with humorous reveal), a component of a later puzzle was visible prematurely. To be fair, I had to search VERY thoroughly to find it, but find it, I did. Though it didn’t significantly affect gameplay, we attempted to use the component multiple times, until finally putting it aside until the appropriate time.
Tips For Visiting
- There is a parking lot.
Book your hour with Think Solve Escape’s Bubba’s Backyard Bar-B-Que and Brouhaha, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Disclosure: Think Solve Escape provided media discounted tickets for this game.