Room Escape Artist

Eyeball it

Location: Paris, France

Date Played: March 14, 2026

Team Size: 2-6; we recommend 4

Duration: 60 minutes

Price:  €30-55 per player

Ticketing: Private

Accessibility Consideration:  The game is down a flight of stairs. Two players will need to crawl. All players need to duck down.

Emergency Exit Rating: [A] Push To Exit

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

As some of the most qualified candidates for the Lock Academy’s Examination to discover the most talented puzzle solvers (*hairflip*), we absolutely killed it. Lock Academy designed The Examination as a quirky nod to enthusiasts, full of ‘escape room’ things for escape room players. This game was created with fun moments for every kind of puzzler, allowing each player to have their big brain moment. With an unusual format and a bit of a twist, The Examination was able to push us deeper into the game world with the story progression, starting with the briefing. The game’s AI, E.V.A., was a welcome nod to a favorite enrichment robot players may know and love from video games.

The Examination did a great job at blurring the game and real world with an energetic gamemaster who expertly onboarded us into game mechanics without it feeling cumbersome.

We were initially disappointed with the first set in the game, but things ramped up quickly into significantly more interesting sets, and after playing the game, we understand and appreciate why it was this way. Still, there was opportunity to fix the visible wear.

If you’re in the heart of Paris, Lock Academy is definitely worth visiting for their unique way of engrossing players into their game world.

Who is this for?

• Puzzle lovers
• Best for players with at least some experience
• Players who don’t need to be a part of every puzzle

Why play?

• The world-building both in and out of the game
• An interactive AI full of silly references

Story

The Lock Academy was looking for talented escape room players like us to join its elite ranks. Our team was ready to take on the E.V.A. artificial intelligence and put our puzzle prowess to the test!

Setting

The Examination had varied sets which drastically improved as the game progressed. We began our exam in a waiting room, complete with paperwork and in-world onboarding. Once we were all checked in for our exam time, we were brought into a space outfitted with a massive puzzling pillar and very typical escape room décor. A menacing TV watched us from the corner with our exam administrator, the E.V.A. AI, watching over our every move.

Gameplay

Lock Academy’s The Examination was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty.

Gameplay revolved around searching, observing, communicating, making connections, and dexterity. Each area of the game focused on a different element of solving puzzles, offering something for every style of puzzler.

Analysis

➕ Our gamemaster was incredible at building the Lock Academy world both in and out of the game. Their ability to world-build with each small element of the introduction and gameplay shined. One memorable part of our onboarding was a brilliant set up for a puzzle we’d discover later.

❓ The start of the game deconstructed escape rooms in a way that felt tailored to enthusiasts. We thought this was funny, but not as fun as it could have been. We aren’t sure how well this would land for less-experienced players.

➖/➕ The first set was underwhelming. Although narratively, the design made sense, visible ‘hidden’ pathways and wear-and-tear were apparent.

➕ The sets and gameplay escalated further and further as the game progressed. We loved how the excitement curve went in the right direction 100% of the time.

➕ An early game moment surprised us, and despite a potentially risky design decision, all players were satisfied with the outcome. Nobody felt left out.

➕/➖ We were so glad that helmets were provided for one section of the game. These were absolutely needed, but some of them desperately needed to be replaced.

➖ One massive late-game puzzle was underclued. This puzzle would have been a great layered approach with teamwork required, but there were too many ways to interpret the solve and confusing options for a place to start.

➕ The Examination was designed to engage every type of puzzler. Each section had a different type of gameplay and solving, allowing each player to have their moment.  

Tips For Visiting

• We recommend Santa Lyna for some tasty brunch
• This game is available in French and English
• 👖We recommend knee pads. Consider these escape pants.

Book your hour with Lock Academy’s The Examination, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.

Disclosure: Lock Academy provided media discounted tickets for this game.