What is an Escape Room?
An escape room is a physical adventure game in which players are locked in a room and have to use the factors in a room to solve puzzles and connect links or complete missions within a certain time period. These games are the physical or live versions of the escape room video games. The earliest escape room was created in 2006, while the idea strongly grew and other countries like China, Australia, Canada and Israel took it up.
Types of Escape Rooms and E.R games
Now, if you find yourself googling what type of games an escape room may host, they're based exactly on the escape the room video games. These games focus around pre-set locations such as a prison world, or a dungeon - where you acquire teamwork to take the win. There are plenty of escape rooms, set all over the map in the United States of America, and Washington D.C has fifteen escape rooms in total.
These games focus around pre-set locations such as a prison world, or a dungeon - where you acquire teamwork to take the win.
There are five most popular sets of escape rooms, that follow:
The linear Escape Room: this is perhaps the most common set for an escape room. In this sort of a room, a player must solve a puzzle before he moves on to the next. This is perfect for players who want to go through the play without a lot of challenges and confusion. There are some drawbacks to this. Since the escape room is based on team work, and teams are usually very large, a lot of people can end up doing nothing as it doesn't take more than two people to solve a basic puzzle at a time. And ten people obviously can't pick a lock together.
Non Linear Escape Room: This one is perhaps my favorite. Unlike the Linear Escape Room, this one focuses on the whole team cracking down multiple different puzzles at the same time which usually link up to solve one big puzzle at the end of the game. This gives an opportunity to almost everyone who participates, to play. However, the downside of this is that you have to be very experienced and cunning to solve these. People get rather confused when trying to figure out the end game and end up getting spoilers from the game master, which quite frankly ends the suspense and alas - the game.
Mixed Linear and Non Linear: Here we have a mix of the two. More like a Russian Doll, this puzzle has layers. The team may be given one bottle neck puzzle, which would unlock more smaller, easier puzzles which would further unlock puzzles until the game is won. This usually tends to suit people and teams the best as it is comparably easier than the rest, and has a rather clear sequence to it. It makes it easier to solve and understand for people.
Red Herring: this is the most confusing type of room there is. This can usually be a Linear, non Linear or a mix room, but the catch is that you can't really know. The room is literally full of props and clues and you don't know which is which. You could think the clock on the wall is a clue and search it all over, only to find out that you've been playing with a game prop the entire time. Frustrating? Yes, without a doubt.
Scavenger Hunt: lastly, we have the scavenger hunt category. While this is not exactly a puzzle room, almost all Escape Rooms do have a scavenger hunt. In such a game, you don't really solve a puzzle but you're actually just finding things. There may be a number of things that you need to find and clues that lead to it all across the game room. However, since you're only searching for certain items and it can't really take forever or be something you can put your head to, the game does become a little monotonous towards the end.
The Purpose
When it comes to why Escape Rooms truly exist, there are several reasons. The concept for game rooms was developed in the early two thousands. For some people it became a thrill or something they do for fun. Teenagers, college students, and even early teens. It wasn't long before the idea of being locked in a room with your friends and shouting and solving puzzles became the ideal way to pass time. Some people do it as stress relief or a distraction. An escape room can be a great way to distract yourself from any worries as it can take your mind off your worry and place it on the puzzle.
Escape Rooms are also a great way to socialize and become friends. Since all Escape Rooms are based on team work and cooperation, which was the main purpose of the escape room, it can strengthen your presence socially. It can make you more patient with people, better at communication skills because of all the team work requires which in turn can truly benefit you in life. For some it develops trust. You have to put your trust in one person to know they can help you, which is the essential ingredient for cooperation and problem solving. Escape Rooms focus around the strategy of Immersive learning games which have been encouraged by many psychologists, according to cognitive studies.
How many people can play?
Well, there are different games for different group sizes. If a smaller group is playing, they can go for Linear. If a larger group is playing and they like a challenge they can go for non linear or the mixed. If you and your friends are truly looking for a challenge then the red herrings. I would not suggest the scavenger hunt for a larger group of people as it may become boring. An average team can support at least 20 people.
Is an Escape Room safe?
These games are set in simulated environments and are by no means real situations. Escape Rooms are a perfectly safe and legal way to pass your time or get in the fun zone with your friends.
How much does it cost?
Like laser tag, the cost of play depends solely on the time. There are usually different packages available for different hours for per player, such as $40 for an hour, $70 for two, and a $100 for three.
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