Monster Quest Escape Rooms - Dr. Frankenstein [Review]

It’s alive! or is it?

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Date Played: February 12, 2025

Team Size: 2-8; we recommend 2-4

Duration: 60 minutes

Price: $39.99-$54.99 per person, depending on number of players

Ticketing: Private

Accessibility Consideration: There is one step to navigate

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

We entered Dr. Frankenstein’s low-lit parlor and stopped dead in our tracks at the sight of someone sitting in the corner, back towards us, their face obscured with wild black hair. They didn’t move. It was unnerving. One member of our team bravely crossed the room and gave a cautious nudge. It sure was an effective way to get our attention at the start of the game!

Closeup of an old victrola on a small table.

Puzzles were well-themed and straightforward, with a few that led to solid reveals. While some puzzles felt fresh and unique, others were simple, standard escape-room-fare, making the game feel a bit dated, especially in the first act. As the game progressed, it grew more engaging, with unusual interactions and effects that surprised us and made the game fun. One shocking moment was a highlight – although not the one we were expecting. And though there was some blood and gore, it was not overly gruesome, and touches of humor helped to lighten gameplay.

This is the third iteration of an escape room business at this location, and we could see where new ideas and tech were positively incorporated into this room. Still, it’s more appropriate for newer players than hard-core enthusiasts. Monster Quest has plans to add more monster-themed rooms in the near future, with an overarching storyline to tie individual games together. We look forward to seeing what they develop next.

Who is this for?

Story seekers
Grave robbers
Newbies

Why play?

Unusual props
You’re a Frankie fan

Story

The fair city of Frampton had angered the wizard Keldore, who summoned evil from throughout history and lore. We had been called upon as bounty hunters to explore Dr. Frankenstein’s Victorian-era mansion to find out what has happened to some villagers who have gone missing.

Setting

The game began in the parlor of the mansion, filled with antique furniture, eerie paintings, and accessories that looked appropriate to the era. A figure sat in shadows in the corner of the room; perhaps he could offer us the first clue in our mystery.

A fireplace beside a large wardrobe in an old home.

Gameplay

Dr. Frankenstein was a standard horror-themed escape room with a low level of difficulty.

Core gameplay revolved around searching, observing, making connections, and puzzling.

Analysis

➕ For a game without live actors, the main characters of Dr. Frankenstein and his assistant Igor were well developed; they were featured prominently via audio clips and a unique, in-world device; it worked really well to deliver story points and move the narrative along.

➕ The initial space was large but simply decorated. As the game progressed, the set grew more interesting, with unusual set pieces and detailed touches that added depth and interest to the scenery. One mechanical-looking part was so realistic we kept trying to interact with it, only to realize it was just elaborate decor.

➖ Some of the early puzzles were basic and familiar, one’s we’ve seen many times before. They lacked pizzazz and failed to provide a spark.

➖ One of the puzzles was particularly finicky to manipulate. Another, more complex puzzle was solved by chance before we could work through it.

➕ The most immersive puzzle required ingenuity to put several pieces together to solve; it engaged the entire team and resulted in a big surprise moment; it was the highpoint of the game.

➖ At two separate times, we were confused by details revealed that appeared to be part of a puzzle, but were never used, suggesting they were ghost puzzles.

➕/➖ A large, prominent prop drew our attention throughout the second act. It was impressive but surprisingly had only a minor role in the overall experience, leaving us wanting more.