Story. Scenic. Puzzles. Immersion. Innovation. There’s countless paths to recognizing the Keys To Greatness in our industry, but there’s only one category that brings them all together as one. This is the accolade all others build towards, and the one goal that – big or small – every single venue in the country dreams of achieving. With nearly 1,000 games played by the Escape Authority Team, there are just three that can be discussed among the Best.
Escape Authority is honored to announce our 2020 Keys To Greatness – Best Game winners:
The Elevator Shaft
(Sylmar, CA)
Long-time Escape Authority favorite The Basement drops into our Best Game countdown like a six ton elevator falling from above. Because that’s exactly what this game is. The new and improved second chapter of Edward Tandy’s twisted story of torture and human meat puts guests in a race against the clock – that is, if you replace the clock with a dangling old service elevator literally seconds away from crushing you as it falls lower and lower with each passing second. An adventure full of taboo puzzles, masterfully hidden tech a theatrical show effects worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, The Elevator Shaft remains not only The Basement’s blood-soaked gem, but also one of the very Best Escape Games in the entire country.
Click Here to read our full review of The Elevator Shaft.
Miss Jezebel’s Tea Party
(Los Angeles, CA)
Miss Jezebel’s Tea Party is an experience like no other. Equal parts escape game and immersive theater, this wild, raunchy, hilarious attraction becomes the perfect gateway to both worlds. Without a doubt 60out’s most unique offering, Miss Jezebel’s Tea Party also stands firm against the competition as one of the most entertaining and compelling games ever imagined. Heavy character-driven interactions add an new layer to solving puzzles never seen before – inspiring even the most experienced of players to think outside the box to the extreme. Although Miss Jezebel’s Tea Party is an experience intended only for those 18+, it’s guaranteed to leave you satisfied, out of breathe, with a smile on your face.
Click Here to read our full review of Miss Jezebel’s Tea Party.
Cutthroat Cavern
(Baton Rouge, LA)
Cutthroat Cavern sails across the seven seas on a tidal wave that towers above all others. The sheer scope of this game is mind-blowing – from its 3,500 square feet of space to it’s intricately hand-carved details, from its massive hidden reveals to its full-scale pirate shipwreck, washed up on the beach along the shores an underground lake. Yeah, you read that right. Already a Keys To Greatness award winner for Best Scenic, 13th Gate Escape has created far more than just a few pretty sets. An intricately crafted storyworld allows us to evoke memories of our childhood dream of becoming one of The Goonies in what is instantly among the most immersive attractions we’ve ever stepped foot inside. Its puzzles transport it to the next level, with brilliantly clever tasks that each fit flawlessly within that storyworld, seamlessly blending tech in such a way that it simply becomes invisible magic, powering challenges so unique that some stand out as things we’ve just never seen elsewhere. 13th Gate Escape answers the question we’ve all imagined of “What if Disneyland had escape games?” with a resounding “it might never be as good as this.” Simply put, Cutthroat Cavern is a score-shattering, genre-redefining once-in-a-lifetime attraction worthy of any accolade, and the only one good enough to be named Best Game.
Cutthroat Cavern wins our gold Keys To Greatness – Best Game honor for the second consecutive year.
Click Here to read our full review of Cutthroat Cavern.
Congratulations to our winners of the second annual Keys To Greatness – Best Game award!
With more than 1,000 games played across the site, being picked as one of the best three in the country is a well-earned honor to truly be proud of!
With so many deserving games worthy of recognition, our goal is to ensure these Keys To Greatness awards are attainable to all – not just those with blockbuster budgets that might be otherwise out of reach. As such, it’s important to note that we have, as much as possible, limited games to winning a single category – but every game will still be qualified to win the coveted Keys to Greatness – Best Game award, as well as the Keys to Greatness – Remote Play awards.
*Although the games I’ve personally designed are consistently very highly rated by both enthusiasts and newer players alike, I cannot in good conscience nominate an attraction I created. As such, those games and the venues that call them home have been intentionally omitted from consideration for any Keys To Greatness award.
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