Room Escape Artist

Tiki time

Location:  Phoenix, Arizona

Date Played: February 16, 2025

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

Duration: 60 minutes

Price: $35 per person

Ticketing: Private

Accessibility Consideration:  At least one player needs to step onto a raised platform

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

The Isle of Wonder successfully addressed the challenge of how to fit an island into squared-off rooms.  By surrounding us with tropical foliage, dark rock walls and just enough sand, The Greatest Escape created an immersive set that made the space feel both large and intimate at the same time. Giant tree trunks and flowering vines gave the sense of a jungle towering high above us, while even more greenery encased the space. Puzzles were nicely integrated into this island world. Even the game timer fit the motif. 

The story was introduced by three tiki gods, who spoke to us from a monitor blended into the scenery. The dialogue was lighthearted, that is, until an evil dark spirit interrupted and established our mission: complete a series of challenges or be doomed to darkness forever. This set up led us to encounter a variety of brain teasers, logic puzzles, and dexterity challenges, all with a tropical vibe. We enjoyed working through the solves, though one style of puzzling was repeated several times, feeling somewhat overused. Puzzle solutions led to some nice reveals with enjoyable, though not over-the-top, bursts of pizzazz.    

The Isle of Wonder combined a good variety of puzzles with a touch of humor, adventure, and an immersive setting. If you have the time, it’s also worth checking out The Greatest Escape’s other game, Museum of History: Heist, which broke away from the standard “museum heist” genre with some solid puzzling and tech. 

Who is this for?

• Story seekers
• Puzzle lovers
• Scenery snobs
• Players with some experience
• Players who don’t have to be part of every puzzle
• Escapers who could use a vacation

Why play?

• Tropical island setting
• Puzzle variety

Story

Our travel agent had sold us on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation to Pa’ale, the Isle of Wonder, with tales of finding fame and fortune. Upon arrival, we met three tiki gods who said they’d be willing to guide us on our journey, since past human visitors had not fared well on their own. That sounded pretty good until an evil island spirit tasked us with a series of trials–succeed or be stuck in darkness on the island forever!

Setting

The island of Pa’ale was lush with greenery all around and sand underfoot. Giant tree trunks framed the space, providing a natural home base for the explorers who came to the island before us. A raised wooden platform held stacked supply crates, an old radio, and other artifacts that beckoned us to explore.

Gameplay

The Isle of Wonder was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty.

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

Analysis

➕ The video introduction by the tiki gods was engaging, pulling us into the story and adding meaning to our gameplay. These characters were on our side, coming back several times throughout the game. It kept the narrative moving and us focused on our mission.

➕  Set design was immersive, with many puzzles blended into the scenery. One dramatic reveal occurred in several places all at once, making the moment bigger and more exciting.

➕ Nicely layered puzzles with just the right amount of cluing provided a sense of accomplishment. Gating was effective as puzzle sections were revealed only when available. 

➖ We encountered a puzzle mechanic that was used repeatedly. Although it was employed with different components, it still felt repetitive.

➖ Weak magnets in one puzzle made it difficult to solve without extra hands to hold the pieces in place – not to mention loud noises and jumping out of the way when they slipped!

➕ Special effects with sound and lighting connected to the story and added to the realism of the island setting.

Tips For Visiting

• The Greatest Escape is located in a strip mall and there is a large parking lot.

Book your hour with The Greatest Escape’s The Isle of Wonder, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.

Disclosure: The Greatest Escape provided media discounted tickets for this game.