Sink or escape
Location: Rancho Mirage, CA
Date Played: January 7, 2022
Team Size: 2-8; we recommend 3-5
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $35 per player
Ticketing: Private
Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock
Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints
REA Reaction
In many senses, Mutiny: Skull Island was a fairly standard pirate game. Yet with some thoughtful design choices and a high attention to detail in the set and gameplay, this room managed to feel like something special.
This intentionality was evident from the very start. A rich range of wood tones throughout the set looked impressively weathered and real. A slight sloping to the bottom few feet of the walls clearly suggested the shape of a ship, not just a random rectangular room. Hanging lanterns set the mood while also providing sufficient lighting wherever it was needed.
The puzzle design was similarly thoughtful, cleverly taking advantage of physical elements and decor in the environment. The puzzles flowed swimmingly for a small- to medium-sized team, and we rarely felt bottlenecked. Especially in the last segment of the game, the puzzles involved tactile interactions, environmental observation, and team communication.
Escape Games at The River impressed me. Both Mutiny: Skull Island and Treasure Hunters: Station 13 had beautiful sets, creative puzzles, and a high level of polish on par with top-tier escape rooms in Los Angeles. If you’re in southern California, a visit to Escape Games at The River would make for a fun day trip, especially as they continue to add and cycle in more premium games.
