Room Escape Artist

Think fast. Hide faster.

Location: Emeryille, CA

Date Played: June 6, 2025

Team Size: 2-6; we recommend 4-5

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

Survive dropped us into a tense, post-apocalyptic world, where our mission took us beyond the safety of the compound and into hostile territory. Marauders roamed the area, drawn to commotion, and each time they arrived, we had to hide in total silence. The dark, foreboding set and the ever-present risk of capture kept us on edge, adding an uncommon layer of suspense to the traditional escape room format.

The puzzles were solidly crafted and moderately challenging, blending logic and teamwork. That said, the choice to provide only two flashlights for a five-person team felt like a deliberate nod to the “darkness as difficulty” trope, which may frustrate some players more than thrill them.

Overall, Survive delivered a compelling mix of adrenaline and brainpower. We emerged victorious, though I almost felt sorry for the marauders we left behind.

Who is this for?

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

Why play?

• A tense, immersive experience
• Puzzle-solving blended with stealth and survival
• To enjoy a little adrenaline with your logic

Story

We had been sent outside the safe zone, and we needed to restore a transmitter to facilitate our safe extraction.

Setting

Survive was set on a destroyed street of a post-apocalyptic city, with a large makeshift transmitter installed in the area that needed to be restored to operating order.

Gameplay

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

There was a combination of searching and classic deduction/ logic puzzles.

Analysis

➕ Survive was designed with intentionally noisy components, so that we are forced to hide silently regularly, turning our experience into an exciting game of hide and seek.

➖ “Darkness as difficulty” increased the challenge at the expense of player experience, as we were only given two flashlights for five people. I personally would prefer that every player have their own light source.

➕ The puzzle design was fair, solid, well clued, and well signposted.

❓While some people love escape games with actors, I was relieved to realize that the marauders were only recorded conversations. Even though I was still careful to hide whenever they “came on scene,” I was able to relax and enjoy the storyline.

➕ The conversation between the investigating marauders was humorous, and I had to silence my laughter a few times while hiding. Great voice acting is underrated! 

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 Survive, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.