Stein Family Reunion
Location: Pleasanton, CA
Date Played: May 20, 2023
Team Size: 2-10; we recommend 2-3
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $36-40 per player depending on the number of players
Ticketing: Private
Accessibility Consideration: None
Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock
Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints
REA Reaction
Saving Frankenstein was a classic escape room with some fun moments of connection and discovery. Best suited for families and newer players, this game would make a great introduction to escape rooms.
Our objective was clear: a mob of angry villagers were rapidly approaching Frankenstein’s castle, and we had to reanimate his monstrous creation before they got there.
Clockwise Escape Room played it safe with Saving Frankenstein. This room was fun, yet it lacked any real “wow” moments that would excite more experienced players. Nonetheless, there’s a distinct shortage of quality escape rooms that are accessible to smaller teams in the Bay Area, and Saving Frankenstein fills that niche.
Whether you’re new to escape rooms or are a more experienced player seeking a game that makes sense and flows well, Saving Frankenstein is a solid option. And while you’re at Clockwise, I also recommend playing Revenge of Medusa for some more layered puzzles and a slightly larger set.
Who is this for?
- Newbies
- Puzzle lovers
Why play?
- You are looking for a smooth introduction to escape rooms
- You like the vibe of creepy old buildings
Story
A mob of angry villagers was on their way to Doctor Frankenstein’s castle. It was up to us to complete Frankenstein’s experiments and reanimate his monster before they arrived.
Setting
Saving Frankenstein took place in the sitting room and laboratory of Frankenstein’s castle. The environment was lightly spooky but not scary, with distressed wooden paneling, torn red wallpaper, and plenty of cobwebs. As the game progressed into the depths of the castle, the walls turned to stone and we were surrounded by evidence of Doctor Frankenstein’s experiments.
Gameplay
Clockwise Escape Room Pleasanton’s Saving Frankenstein was a standard escape room with a low-to-moderate level of difficulty.
Core gameplay revolved around solving puzzles and making connections.
Analysis
➕ The gameplay was solid, filled with lots of fun little moments of discovery. Everything made sense without being too obvious, making this game particularly well suited for newer players.
➕ Clockwise did a lot with a little throughout the set. Distinct wall and floor textures, lighting, and chunky props all had a reasonable level of polish, as well as showcasing the central set piece: Frankenstein’s monster himself.
➖ We were a bit perplexed by multiple Leonardo da Vinci motifs throughout the game. While I get the fellow inventor connection, these references didn’t quite feel like they fit the theme.
➖ Books and various other small props that weren’t part of puzzles were loose and inspectable, yielding unnecessary distraction.
❓ A small bit of required outside information was common knowledge, but easy could have been eliminated with a small inversion.
➕/➖ The ending almost landed. Audiovisual effects set the right atmosphere, but a physical effect was too slow and gentle to match the tone.
Tips For Visiting
- Saving Frankenstein was purchased from Legendary Escape Games in IL, with some number of customizations and modifications made in house. We’ve been informed that Clockwise Escape Room Pleasanton’s upcoming rooms will be fully original.
- Free street parking was available nearby.
Book your hour with Clockwise Escape Room Pleasanton’s Saving Frankenstein, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Disclosure: Clockwise Escape Room Pleasanton provided media discounted tickets for this game.
