Boozies never say die!
Location: San Pedro, CA
Date Played: April 23, 2023
Team size: 2-8; we recommend 3-6
Duration: 75 minutes
Price: $99 for a team of 2, plus $45 for each additional player
Ticketing: Private
Accessibility Consideration: none
Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock
Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints
REA Reaction
If you’re like me, and you play escape rooms for the vibes created by compelling environments and the rush of the puzzles into reveals, then pull up a seat at this tiki bar; Treasure Island is for you.
There was something about sipping our (soft) drinks as we explored the space that really jived with our team.
The puzzles relied on keen observation and strong communication. Each win felt like a team effort. And each one was rewarding. Brain Games worked a number of different styles of reveals – both dramatic and subtle – into this experience.
If you’re seeking deeper narrative or a more cohesive journey told through tasks, puzzles, and interactions, well, your princess is in another… tiki bar. Treasure Island has character and attitude, but it’s a classic puzzle-centric escape room.
Located in San Pedro, Brain Games is a bit of a trek from many of the other Los Angeles escape room destinations, but it’s certainly worth it if this sounds like your cup of… island punch. Treasure Island is an enchanting addition to a strong escape room scene.
Who is this for?
- Adventure seekers
- Puzzle lovers
- Scenery snobs
- Those looking for a laugh
- Players who don’t need to be a part of every puzzle
- Any experience level… the gamemaster support in itself is fun
Why play?
- Funny gamemastering
- Engaging set-based interactions
- Intricate and intriguing set design
- A variety of quality puzzles
Story
We were vacationing at a tropical island. While visiting a tiki bar on the beach we heard rumor of a lost pirate treasure hidden in the caverns beyond the tiki bar. After a few drinks it seemed like a good idea to investigate.
Setting
The tiki bar was inviting. It had lots of detailed island- and nautical-themed decor. As we progressed deeper in the game the setting changed, but the level of detail was maintained… in every direction we looked.
Gameplay
Brain Games‘ Treasure Island was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty.
Core gameplay revolved around searching, observing, making connections, communicating well, and solving puzzles.
Analysis
➕ The sets were exquisite. Each act felt distinct, but they were part of the same universe. They were incredibly detailed, and somewhat busy, but not in a distracting way. They were beautiful worlds to explore.
➕ Treasure Island was packed full of content. There was a lot to take in at once, but the first act had a mechanic to guide players and keep us from sinking in over our heads.
➕ The many different puzzles required varied skills, including some exciting (and fair!) dexterity challenges. We also appreciated how one communication puzzle gave feedback to both people, in separate areas, working together.
➖ At one point in the middle of Treasure Island, we had two communication puzzles open at once. This led to our team of 5 shouting across each other, and across the same space, with 2 people solving one and 3 people solving the other.
➖ We completed one segment with incomplete feedback. Looking back, we couldn’t confirm if we’d been bypassed, or some lights were out. We also weren’t entirely sure the rules of play here, so we might have approached the task more specifically than intended, unintentionally making it more challenging.
➕ On multiple occasions, solutions were exciting moments. They revealed more information, or a new space, in an original way. If not that, then they sometimes revealed new scenic details, in a tiny but oh-so-apparent way.
➕/➖ We loved how the finale was punctuated through additional senses, but the visual moment was lacking. We wanted it to be bigger.
➕ The hint system bantered with us, which was delightful. The game didn’t take itself too seriously, patronizing us, and even playing a practical joke on one player.
➕ It was a tiki bar! We were encouraged to help ourselves to drinks (sodas), which added to the vibe. The gamemaster also played a crucial role in our tiki bar experience.
Tips For Visiting
- There was street parking available.
Book your hour with Brain Games’ Treasure Island, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Disclosure: Brain Games provided media discounted tickets for this game.
