Room Escape Artist

Rock ‘n’ puzzles

Location: Tacoma, WA

Date Played: October 8, 2025

Team Size: 2-8; we recommend 2-4

Duration: 60 minutes

Price:  $45-$50 per person, discount on weekdays

Ticketing: Private

Accessibility Consideration: None

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

Who among us hasn’t dreamt of being backstage at a rock concert?! In Rockstar, we had VIP invites for the Grit City concert, giving us backstage access before the show. But the band’s lead guitarist had misplaced his guitar – as is known to happen – and the show was going to be cancelled unless we could find it asap, i.e., within the next hour. 

The set was roomy but understated, appearing more like an unattended recording studio than the chaotic backstage area in an arena. It was clean and quiet. There were no sounds of roadies preparing the stage, sound checks, or graffiti scrawled on the walls. There wasn’t a lot of grit for Grit City, but it did make puzzling a bit more streamlined for players. 

That note aside, this game was really engaging and enjoyable to play. We found the puzzle design to be intelligent and creative, using a variety of on-theme props in unique, not-so-obvious ways. We approached several puzzles convinced we knew how to get to a solution, but the solve wasn’t as straightforward as we first thought. Another had us complete a simple task that resulted in a fun, memorable moment. While the puzzles related to the backstage theme, they were not all music-centric… though the drummer in our group did immediately claim one for himself. 

Rockstar was a solid, puzzle-forward game that leaned into the music-industry scenario. It is worth a stop when visiting the area. So grab your crew and get your VIP tickets for the next Grit City concert. Tickets are on sale now!

Who is this for?

• Puzzle lovers
• Roadies
• People who want to rock and roll all night (and puzzle every day)
• Any experience level

Why play?

• Creative puzzles
• Backstage theme
• Because the show must go on…

Story

The great rock and roll band Grit City was supposed to be playing tonight at the Tacoma arena, but the lead guitarist couldn’t find his guitar! If we didn’t find it, and quickly, there would be a stadium filled with angry fans.

Setting

The game took place in the backstage lounge area of Tacoma’s concert arena. Black and silver instrument cases were piled in an alcove. Colorful concert posters lined the hallway. A dressing room with a small recording booth could be seen through a glass door.

Gameplay

Cityscapes Games’ Rockstar was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty. 

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

Analysis

➕ The creative spin on familiar puzzle constructs made puzzles feel fresh and different. They were approachable, yet offered enough of a challenge for more experienced players. 

➕Rockstar made good use of the available, oddly-shaped space, creating a game area that felt larger than expected.

➕/ ➖ Set design was simple and unfussy, allowing the puzzles to take center stage. However, the space lacked the excitement and energy one would expect to find at a backstage arena. Additional decor details, background noise, even a bit of hard-hitting rock music would have added flavor and immersion.

➖ Beyond the initial setup, there was little story progression throughout the experience.

➕ One of my favorite puzzles contained subtle, humorous feedback when I started going down the wrong path in solving.

➕ The finale had everyone’s attention.

 🎸 🤘 Fun Fact: Grit City, the name of the band in the game, is an unofficial but widely recognized nickname for Tacoma.

Tips For Visiting

• You can’t miss the big green building on South Puget Sound Avenue.
• There is a parking lot with a few designated spaces and street parking available. 
• We enjoyed the chowders at several Duke’s Seafood locations more times than I want to admit.

Book your hour with Cityscape Games’ Rockstar, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.