Room Escape Artist

You’re not a test subject. Not yet.

Location: Emeryville, CA

Date Played: June 6, 2025

Team Size: 2-6; we recommend 3-6

Duration: 60 minutes

Price:  $37.95 per player

Ticketing: Private

Accessibility Consideration: None

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

Declassified was set in a stark, grey decommissioned secret facility that had previously housed human test subjects. The room’s large size and industrial aesthetic created a bleak, institutional atmosphere that immediately set the tone. Over-bright lighting and functional set pieces contributed to a sense of cold detachment, evoking the feeling of being part of a morally ambiguous operation.

The game leaned into traditional escape room structure, offering a steady progression of puzzles that were well themed to the setting. While the puzzle content didn’t break new ground, it was thoughtfully constructed and made strong use of environmental elements. There were observational tasks, logic challenges, and physical manipulation activities that felt grounded in the facility narrative.

The difficulty level was moderate, with slightly less signposting than average and was challenging in a way that experienced players might appreciate, though it could create moments of uncertainty for less seasoned teams. Our group made the choice beforehand to play through without hints, and did find ourselves stuck on one specific puzzle that consumed about a quarter of our hour.

There was a narrative payoff at the end of the game and Declassified is a good fit for players who enjoy classic escape room mechanics within an immersive setting, especially those who don’t mind a colder, more clinical theme. While it may not dazzle with theatrical flair, the room delivered a consistent challenge wrapped in an unsettling concept.

Who is this for?

• Story seekers
• Puzzle lovers
• Best for players with at least some experience

Why play?

• For players who prefer substance over spectacle
• Declassified delivered traditional escape room gameplay in a stripped-down but immersive environment
• Just enough narrative to keep the stakes high

Story

Our mission was to locate a confidential hard drive.

Setting

Declassified was set in an abandoned secret facility that had previously housed research subjects. The brick and steel construction was stark and cold, and at first glance appeared quite bare.

Gameplay

Red Door Escape Room’s Declassified was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty.

The puzzles by-and-large were traditional escape room puzzles. This room required some attention to detail to locate puzzle elements.

Analysis

➕ The set was clean, sturdy, and well constructed.

➖ Several puzzle elements were unlocked early, but couldn’t be used right away. When we got stuck on a critical puzzle, the abundance of unused items created unnecessary confusion.

➖ One specific word/ image was reused in two different puzzles with unrelated meanings, which caused a moment of ambiguity. This word had no relation to the narrative whatsoever, and could easily have been changed to avoid confusion.

➕ Puzzle design was otherwise mostly fair, properly clued, and offered a satisfying challenge.

➕ It is often possible to complete an escape room while paying zero attention to the narrative. I enjoyed that Declassified actually ended with a finale moment that properly concluded the storyline.

Tips For Visiting

• There was street parking, but there were also public parking garages within walking distance of the venue.
• Red Door Emeryville was located in a shopping district and there were numerous eating establishments within walking distance.

Book your hour with Red Door Escape Room’s Declassified, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.