Well-suited entertainment.
Location: Tustin, CA
Date Played: July 5, 2023
Team Size: 2-8; we recommend 3-4
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $40-$45 per player
Ticketing: Private
Accessibility Consideration: Room is located up a flight of stairs; there is no elevator
Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock
Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints
REA Reaction
In Escapement Rooms’ The Tipsy Tailor, our team was asked to search an unassuming tailor shop for evidence of a rival bootlegger. I’ve played plenty of Prohibition-era speakeasy rooms, but never a tailor shop. I was intrigued by the refreshing theme.
The set was homespun and charming, with many small details that added realism and depth. Most props fit the theme and seemed chosen with intention, though there were a few used in puzzles that stood out awkwardly from the rest of the intentional décor. And there were ducks. Everywhere you looked, ducks and more ducks. But somehow it all worked, adding character and warmth to the space. I wanted to linger and explore… and maybe sew a button on something.
Many puzzles used everyday objects in new and creative ways. Some puzzles appeared beginner-friendly at first, but had unexpected twists that made us work a bit harder for the solve. There were quite a few puzzles, including a hidden surprise that you may or may not discover. The ending was a scramble that reminded me of a fireworks show finale: fast-paced and with an energy that culminated in a well-earned victory. This game was a joy to play!
The Tipsy Tailor was not wildly ambitious; it did not have expansive sets, tech-heavy puzzles or mind-blowing special effects. Instead, it offered a mom-and-pop vibe that reminded me of why I like escape rooms. If you are looking for a low-key experience executed very well, stop by Escapement Rooms and check out The Tipsy Tailor.
Who is this for?
- Puzzle lovers
- Any experience level
- Players who don’t need to be a part of every puzzle
Why play?
- Homespun, mom-and-pop charm
- Creative puzzles
- To appreciate distinctive duck decor
Story
Rumor has it that rival bootleggers were encroaching into our territory with a new drink called Tailor’s Tonic, which was putting a dent in our own illicit profits. Suspecting a connection to the local tailor shop, we needed to break in after hours and discover what was hidden there. And while we were inside, well, we’d rob them blind, too!
Setting
Our adventure started outside, directly in front of the tailor shop. After finding our way inside, we discovered a well-stocked store with everything you’d expect to find at a tailor’s: bolts of cloth, sewing supplies, buttons, colorful ties, and several suits hanging on a rack. Numerous wooden ducks were perched high and low around the room, giving the space a unique character.
Gameplay
Escapement’s The Tipsy Tailor was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty.
Core gameplay revolved around searching, observing, making connections, and puzzling.
Analysis
➕ The story was descriptive and engaging, with specific goals that defined the overall structure of the room. The result was smooth gameplay and momentum throughout the experience.
➕ Remarkably, the room had appeal in equal measure for amateurs and enthusiasts. Puzzles often included familiar objects in new and creative ways, making this a game that newer players will find fun and approachable. But the room was appealing to us as enthusiasts, too; we liked the overall game design and exciting, puzzle-heavy finale. When I played The Tipsy Tailor, I was reminded why I fell in love with escape rooms in the first place.
➖ One logic-based puzzle had more than one solution, depending on how you interpreted the information. This stalled our team for a few minutes, and gave us something to debate after the game.
➕ Set design was interesting and immersive, with realistic, homey decor that felt right in this space. Many props were authentic period items gathered over years of second-hand sales. This was a low-tech room with locks and task-based puzzles that felt appropriate. We were tempted to linger a while in the cozy corner chair, but the detailed decor and props persuaded us to explore further.
➖ Because the decor was so thematic, the few props that weren’t stood out awkwardly, though this didn’t affect gameplay.
❓The first challenge in The Tipsy Tailor was actually finding Escapement Rooms. We wandered about looking for the entrance. We must not be the only players who had a problem, because there’s a note on the company website explaining specifically that their door is next to an ATM, and not to use the stairs to the massage parlor. You’ve got to wonder how many times that’s happened. Either way, allow a few extra minutes for this unofficial first puzzle.
Tips For Visiting
- There is a parking lot.
- Look for the stairs by the bank ATM
Book your hour with Escapement’s The Tipsy Tailor, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.