Room Escape Artist

Cretaceous creations

Jurassic Outpost is one of the best games in the Chicago area. Here are our other recommendations for great escape rooms around Chicago.

Location:  Schaumburg, IL

Date Played: October 25, 2024

Team size: 2-8; we recommend 3-4

Duration: 60 minutes

Price: from $90 per team for a group of 2 to $320 per team for a group of 8

Ticketing: Private

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

I have a life-long soft spot for dinosaurs… so I am happy to report that setting that aside, Jurassic Outpost is a fantastic and well-rounded game. While the aesthetics are very different, it played a lot like Magic Heist. By that I mean that it’s a beautifully designed, and well-built puzzle-focused escape game with very little to quibble about.

The biggest sin of Jurassic Outpost was that the opening puzzle was far more confusing than it probably should be. Difficult first puzzles are always punishing, but doubly so for new players. Everything was great past that point, with some small opportunities for refinement.

At the time of reviewing, Jurassic Outpost was the newest game in 60 to Escape Schaumburg, and it showed in the maturity of both the puzzle and set design. This is a company that has figured out how to build in a particular style, and that style has a ton of appeal.

It’s easy to be cynical about “mall escape rooms,” but 60 to Escape bucks that trend hard. It’s worth traveling to this suburban mall to see what they have going on because they are setting the standard for the greater Chicago area.

Who is this for?

• Puzzle lovers
• Scenery snobs
• Jurassic Park fans
• Any experience level
• Players who don’t need to be a part of every puzzle

Why play?

• Dinosaurs!
• Strong puzzles
• A compelling set and interactions

Story

We had been hired as a recovery team to find a dinosaur stolen by a rogue researcher at the Dinotopia Theme Park. Our mission was to track down the dinosaur and transport it back to the safety of our employers.

Setting

Jurassic Outpost had shades of Jurassic Park, but really felt more like a tropical archeological dig than a dinosaur park, which gave it its own identity. Visually, the game was heavily focused on equipment and artifacts, all of which looked compelling.

The set was broadly well constructed and detailed with the exception of a nook that felt a bit like an afterthought.

Gameplay

60 to Escape Schaumburg’s Jurassic Outpost was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty.

Core gameplay revolved around searching, observation, making connections, communicating, and puzzling.

Analysis

➕ The set was visually compelling. It had a lot going on, but wasn’t confusing.

➖ The opening puzzle fail state was confusing and obtuse. It was a rough way to start an otherwise strong game.

➕ Broadly speaking, Jurassic Outpost had strong puzzles and interactions to back them up. The game felt good to play.

➖ One process puzzle was far too process-y and demanding. It could have benefitted from some indicator lights or a bit of confirmation.

➖ It felt like there was a ghost puzzle involving wooden pegs that were supposed to do something and never did.

➕ A ball-roll challenge stood out as especially fun.

➖ We encountered a button that sounded like we were failing… but it was just the normal sound that the button triggered.

➕ The presentation of a particular screen was noteworthy.

➕ This is my bias showing, but anything involving dinosaurs gets a boost from my inner child.

➕ The finale used a bit of classic Disney magic to good effect.

Tips For Visiting

• 60 to Escape Schaumburg is located near the center of the Woodfield Mall. Park wherever you desire.
• Arrive with enough time to navigate the mall. This mall’s layout is a little strange.
• 60 to Escape also has its own bathroom, separate from the rest of the mall.
• The Woodfield Mall and surrounding area are filled with food options.

Book your hour with 60 to Escape Schaumburg’s Jurassic Outpost, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.

Disclosure: 60 to Escape Schaumburg provided media discounted tickets for this game.