Room Escape Artist

You can’t escape the matrix

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Date Played: February 8, 2026

Team Size: 2-7; we recommend 3-4

Duration: 60 minutes

Price:  $42-$54.50 per person, depending on team size

Ticketing: Private

Game Breakage: There were multiple broken puzzles.

Accessibility Consideration: At least one player has to crawl, all players need to climb stairs

Emergency Exit Rating: [A] Push To Exit, however, there was at least one section where the exit was unclear

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

Having seen The Matrix several times, I was familiar with the sci-fi film, but my teammates really knew the movie: the themes and characters, and the well-known lines that have become part of pop culture since the film’s release in 1999. As our experience unfolded, we puzzled our way through an extensive set with an abundance of instantly recognizable details. Being embroiled in the drama of the Matrix was our favorite part of the game. But beyond the immersive set, parts of the game play were problematic. 

Some puzzles put us right in the center of familiar scenarios, with memorable tasks and special effects that blended seamlessly into gameplay. But there were gaps in the storyline, making it hard to follow, even for those team members very familiar with the Matrix canon.

At the same time we encountered issues that impacted gameplay. One puzzle was noticeably out of order from the start, requiring a workaround that felt out of place. Another required outside knowledge. We solved another puzzle that led to a code we already had. But the biggest issue was a puzzle that glitched at a vital moment of the game and completely stalled our progress. Though we tried different solutions for quite some time, we finally had to bypass the entire section. 

With creative set design choices and puzzles that brought the film to life in an exciting way, I can see the potential for Twisted Matrix to be a compelling experience. We really enjoyed Maze Room’s other movie-themed game, Men in Suits, an homage to all things Men in Black. So unless you are a die hard fan of The Matrix and want to play just for the movie references, you may be better off opting for the blue pill instead.

Who is this for?

• Scenery snobs
• Sci-fi fans
• Die hard fans of The Matrix

Why play?

• Ambitious set
• Fun special effects
• References to the iconic film

Story

We seemed to be in a familiar place, until we received a message offering us a choice to find an escape, but the choice came with risks. Someone or something was watching us, noticing us. If we chose to proceed, what would become of our reality?

Setting

We started in a small hotel lobby, with a front desk, a snack area, and a few hotel room doors. The setting was somehow both colorful and drab at the same time, a place inexplicably stuck in time. 

Gameplay

Maze Room’s Twisted Matrix was a standard sci-fi escape room with a moderate level of difficulty. 

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

Analysis

➕ While not affiliated with the The Matrix franchise, there were many references to scenes, characters and locations from the 1999 film and its sequels. We also noticed nods to another famous sci-fi movie, as well as several, more generic sci-fi references. These were all really fun to recognize throughout the game.

➕ Set design was ambitious, with numerous puzzling spaces, technical props, and decor reminiscent of scenes from the movies. Special effects were present throughout, elevating gameplay.

➖Game flow was uneven due to gating and cluing issues. Several times we spun our wheels trying to use information and props that appeared to be usable at a particular point, but actually weren’t. 

➕ Some puzzles were pretty impressive, using special effects and creative design that integrated seamlessly into this world. We liked one that was right in front of us, yet really well-hidden. It was a fun aha moment when we discovered it.

➖ We struggled with a time-based puzzle that kept resetting before we could complete it. Having two input devices instead of one would have made this a fun moment instead of a frustrating one.

➖ One section brought us face to face with a key character in an impressive way, though a significant technical glitch at that moment completely stalled our progress. We wasted time trying to solve an unsolvable puzzle. 

➕ One interactive sequence ratcheted up the tension as we solved a puzzle. It was a memorable moment that felt like the most realistic application of a scene from the movie. 

Tips For Visiting

• There are several Maze Rooms locations in Los Angeles. This game is at the Vermont location: 132 S Vermont Ave, Unit 204.
• There is a small parking lot.
• When we visit Los Angeles for games, we like breakfast at Blu Jam Cafe or DuPar’s (best pancakes!), lunch at Mel’s Diner or Porto’s, and dinner at Yang Chow. For the best soup dumplings, visit Din Tai Fung (reservations highly recommended).

Book your hour with Maze Room’s Twisted Matrix, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.