RATING: 5 Keys          RESULT: Win           REMAINING: 10:33

Whether it be gathering severed body parts, or closely examining bloody torsos, there is something here for the whole family to enjoy!

You are investigators for the FBI, specializing in particularly dangerous and complex cases. An investigation into a serial killer has led you to his secret lair, and now you have one hour to identify the killer and get out of there alive.

The Shenandoah Skinner has been reaking havoc throughout the country for decades. In his wake lies a trail of murdered victim with very few clues leading investigators towards his whereabouts.

A lucky break in the case has allowed the FBI to triangulate the coordinates of the killers lair, affectionately coined the Chamber of Horrors. However, in recent weeks three men have gone missing. Two of them are likely murder victims… the other? Yea, that’s the killer and we’re not entirely sure if he’s inside right now or not.

It is up to this team of investigators to breach the lair, determine the identity of the killer, and get out without becoming victims themselves.

Scenic is certainly Gotham Escape Rooms strongest quality. That is by no means a way of saying that they lack in other areas, rather that the scenic is absolutely, believably, immersive.

Breaking into the Shenandoah Skinner’s lair starts in an alleyway of sorts. Brick walls, dark corridors, and a few ominous points of interest immediately set the tone. A peak into the actual chamber of horrors only serves to amplify the uneasy anticipation.

Once access to the murder den is gained, a chilling scene awaits. With this space measuring in at a brisk 62 degrees, investigators immediately notice how cold this killer really is. Using temperature to make the lair uncomfortable and uninviting proves to be a surprisingly effective world building technique.

A custom made soundtrack only acts to further plunge agents into the serial killers horrifying basement.

Chamber of Horrors covers a massive amount of floor space. An interesting aspect of the scenic is that there are four distinctly different areas, each with their own visual style. They all tie together and work with the narrative, creating one large scale, immersive environment.

For the most part, the puzzles in Chamber of Horrors flow naturally and fit the storyworld perfectly. With the exception of one task that came across as an out of place cookie cutter escape game prop, everything investigators interact with has a place in the story and environment.

A good mix of light scavenging, logical challenges, and physical activities leads to a well balanced experience. Agents will be tasked with completing some… uncomfortable steps along the way. Finger sandwiches anyone?

While much of the game is more story-driven, there are a few great “Ah-ha!” puzzling moments hidden throughout.

The somewhat non-linear flow and the sheer size of the games footprint leave plenty to be completed by all members of the FBI investigative squad. Whether it be gathering severed body parts, or closely examining bloody torsos, there is something here for the whole family to enjoy!

Gotham Escape Room set out to make an impact on the Philadelphia market. Chamber of Horrors definitely helps them do just that. From a scenic that instantly transports players deeply into the creepy storyworld to relevant and satisfying challenges, this game hits all the marks. The gamemasters take on an in-world role as the teams contact to the outside. Using walkie-talkies they deliver help fully in character in a way that makes it easy to forget they are running the game.

If it hasn’t been made clear by this point, it should be noted that this game contains some gore and mature material that may not be suitable for children or guests that faint at the sight of blood. That being said, it is approachable by players of all levels and groups of all sizes. There is plenty to keep large groups engaged and active, but it is beatable with a smaller group as well.

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Venue: Gotham Escape Room

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Number of Games: 6

GAME SPECIFIC INFORMATION:

Duration: 60 minutes

Capacity: 10 people

Group Type: Public / You may be paired with strangers.

Cost: $25 per person Mon-Thurs, $30 per person Fri-Sun

We thank Gotham Escape Room for inviting us to play this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, that in no way impacts the opinion included within this review.