Category: Virginia

Time turned upside down

Location:  Williamsburg, VA

Date Played: October 1, 2021

Team size: 2-8; we recommend 2-4

Duration: 60 minutes

Price: $27.50 per player

Ticketing: Public

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

We have a huge soft spot for locally-themed escape games, and Time Siege – The Battle of Yorktown was just that. Williamsburg is a tourist town built on history, and Room Escape Williamsburg set their story in an especially intriguing – and the most influential – moment of the region’s history.

This time travel game focused heavily on its story, creating a sort of Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego narrative. A time heist occurred that would spell disaster for the American Revolution. We had to use our time machine to traverse time, find the stolen items, and return them to their rightful time and place.

Aesthetically, Time Siege – The Battle of Yorktown vacillated between deliberate and haphazard craftsmanship, with lots of exposed wires and loose components. It was always clear that things were there for a reason; it wasn’t clear that they had been built with intention.

From a gameplay standpoint, the puzzles were pretty straight forward. Experienced players will likely move through this game pretty quickly. This is one you enjoy for the local flavor rather than the challenge. If engaging with that local history sounds like your type of adventure, and you’re in the area, then this one is worth checking out.

Who is this for?

• Puzzle lovers
• History buffs
• Any experience level

Why play?

• Local theme
• Did a lot with the time travel mechanic

Story

As agents of the Bureau of Time Justice, we had been dispatched to traverse time in pursuit of Valerie VonBuren, codename Magpie. Magpie had stolen key items from General George Washington at the Battle of Yorktown.

We needed to find the items, correct the timeline, and if possible, apprehend Magpie.

License to plan trips

Location:  Fredericksburg, VA

Date Played: October 2, 2021

Team size: 4-6; we recommend 4-5

Duration: 60 minutes

Price: $28 per player

Ticketing: Private

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

Exit Protocol was a traditional escape room with an emphasis on challenge, wrapped in references to Hollywood spy thrillers.

The high points for Exit Protocol were clever interaction design, especially in the mid and late game. The struggle of Exit Protocol, however, was a difficulty curve seemed erratic and difficulty spikes that sometimes felt under-clued.

I’ll add that we got a glimpse into what Rush Hour Live Escape Games is working on, and we are genuinely excited to see what they have in the pipeline. This is a company that knows how to build cool moments and the more that they lean on that skillset, the stronger their products will be.

As far as Exit Protocol is concerned, if you’re an experienced escape room player looking for something a little more challenging, check this one out. Newer players or players looking for something less focused on difficulty, should consider checking out some of Rush Hour Live Escape Games’ other offerings.

Who is this for?

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

Why play?

• You’re looking for a more challenging, puzzle-y escape room
• For self-aware spy thriller tropes and references

Story

Our CIA team was on assignment when something went wrong. Since the agent in charge was unreachable, we had to step in and secure our facilities and shut down the operations.

Thrills and Kills

Location:  Williamsburg, VA

Date Played: October 1, 2021

Team size: 3-10; we recommend 3-6

Duration: 60 minutes

Price: $33 per player, 3 person minimum

Ticketing: Private

Accessibility Consideration: uneven floors, low lighting

Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock

Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints

REA Reaction

The Chesapeake Bay Butcher was a legitimately terrifying escape room. This was one of the scariest games that we’ve found on the East Coast of the United States.

As is the case with most horror games, the puzzles and gameplay would be unimpressive in a vacuum. It’s the way Colonial Escape Room blended these with fear and the environment that made this game special.

The decision to play this one is really simple. If you want to be scared, and you’re near Williamsburg, go play it. It’s rare to find escape room-based horror of this caliber on this coast.

If you’re not looking for horror, then you should go play literally anything else.

Who is this for?

• Adventure seekers
• Horror fans
• Best for players with at least some experience

Why play?

• Legit terrifying
• Compelling scary set that incorporates regional theming
• Outstanding active gamemastering

Story

As proper true crime fans, we thought we had figured out the identity of the Chesapeake Bay Butcher. The hard work has paid off, and now it’s time for the easy part… sneak into his house and confirm our suspicions.