Brought the family back a year or so later and still had a great time. Enough so that we booked another one the next day. So we're now veterans of three of the escapes. My two cents:
- We've done Classified, Gold Rush, and Mission Mars (solve Classified and Mission Mars, bombed on Gold Rush). That's the ranking I'd give them too in order. Classified was hard, fairly detailed but had some cool effects that were just awesome. Gold rush is a good classic story, more of a fast paced one (i.e. lots of quicker puzzles to solve - you need to be fast as there's a ton to solve). Mission Mars was the only one we found a little off, we felt the "plot" was a little weird - basically getting your ship fixed, but what made no sense was why would your ship have hidden things in it to fix it? Story didn't work for us - plus you pay more to do this one. They say it's due to the "technology" but I'm betting it's because the room is not in the main complex, you walk around the corner to go to it, so I'm betting it's rent of adding another space.
- We were a family of four. You're going to get partnered up with people unless you have a full room. Whoever is with you will make a big difference. We did Mission Mars with another family with similar kids (early teens) and beat the thing easily with 14 minutes to spare, almost a let down how fast it went. We did Gold Rush with a father and his young kid and they did nothing and it hurt us.
- My advice on how to do these - use clues early and often. Don't be a hero and spend minutes on something you're stumped on. I'd rather "win" the thing and have to use 8 clues to do it rather than lose the thing by trying not to get the hints.
- Remember you should book at least 24 hours out, earlier is better as it does book up.
We will be back to try Heist and Prison Break.