Room Escape Artist

Sal’s Cybernetics is one of the best escape rooms in Phoenix. Here are our recommendations for great escape rooms around Phoenix, Arizona.

Toast to a better future!

Location:  Phoenix, Arizona

Date Played:  February 16, 2025

Team Size: 2-6; we recommend 3-4

Duration: 60 minutes

Price:  $39.00 per person; $24 added for 2-player games

Ticketing:  Private

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

Sal’s Cybernetics was an entertaining foray into a futuristic dystopian era, where the line between humans and robots blurred in unexpectedly delightful ways. From the optional wardrobe accessories that put us in character before we stepped foot into the game space, to the thematic puzzles that combined tech and human puzzling skills, The Immersive Machine built a world that had us engaged – and pretty much giggling – from start to finish. 

The set design was appropriately edgy, with hard lines, neon lights and metallic set pieces that created a definite cyberpunk tone. Game spaces were detailed and fun to look at; we only wished there were more interactions with the props in a few of these areas. Puzzles were on theme and often allowed for teamwork, keeping everyone focused and involved in solving. The finale was especially entertaining, taking a familiar activity and infusing it with humor, energy, and excitement. We laughed our way through it, and while one team member thought it was a bit repetitive, the rest of us wanted even more.

The review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the hint system: a sassy, sarcastic and somewhat starving appliance that not only kept us on track but interacted with our team in such a way we mostly forgot it was the voice of the gamemaster. The result? Some pretty memorable ad-lib moments that we are still quoting.

Sal’s Cybernetics took a potentially sterile theme and made it downright delightful. Phoenix contains several strong escape room companies, and with their very first game, The Immersive Machine is a great addition to the lineup of market standouts. I can’t wait to see what they develop next.

Who is this for?

• Adventure seekers
• Story seekers
• Puzzle lovers
• Scenery snobs
• Cyberpunk fans
• Members of the resistance
• Any experience level

Why play?

• Immersive set
• Puzzle variety
• Humorous content
• Hilarious hint system

Story

It’s the future – 2171 to be exact.  Corporations rule the world, and they want to get their hands on the new cybernetic tech that Sal has hidden in his upgrades shop. The Resistance tasked our team to smuggle Sal and his tech off the planet before the corporate police arrived on the scene.

Setting

The game took place in Sal’s upgrade store, a futuristic cybernetics shop, which also happened to have weaponry and various supplies needed to fight against the evil corporations who had taken over the planet.  Display cases showcase the latest gadgets, while neon lights and glowing computer screens gave the space a high-tech vibe.

Gameplay

Sal’s Cybernetics was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty. 

Core gameplay revolved around searching, observation, making connections, puzzling and interacting with an in-game appliance.

Analysis

➕ Before entering the game, we were shown to a rack of colorful clothing and accessories we could wear to “get into character.” It worked, imbuing a sense of silliness and setting the stage for a fun, humorous experience.

➕  Sets design was high-quality and visually detailed, with colorful lighting and unusual props that grabbed our attention from the very first moments. There was a lot of space to move around, and even areas that were not accessible right away were still visible and tempting.

➖ Several areas were creatively decorated and loaded with interesting details, but were underutilized in gameplay. We wished there were more puzzling in these areas.

➕  Puzzles were thematic and approachable, and our favorites blended human and machine rather immersively, and always with a touch of humor. Most puzzles had us working together in some way, ensuring that everyone was involved and engaged. 

➕ The in-game character – not an in-person actor – added something really special to the experience. Not only did it keep the game moving with hints and nudges when needed, but also connected with us via humorous interactions that made us laugh out loud.  These ad-lib moments made the game feel unique to our team.

➕ The final challenge involved the team in an engaging, high energy activity that had us giggling the whole time. It also contained one of the funniest ad-lib moments I’ve heard in a game. An entertaining conclusion to an entertaining experience!

Tips For Visiting

• There is a small parking lot available.
• We enjoyed the diverse menu at Doughbird restaurant.

Book your hour with The Immersive Machine’s Sal’s Cybernetics, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.

Disclosure: The Immersive Machine comped our tickets for this game.