RATING: 5 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 13:07
Simon says to put the pegs in the LiteBrite, grab your cabbage patch dolls, and switch on the Atari. Nobody disobeys Simon!
Escape the 1980s is a rad 80’s escape the room game! Players have 60 minutes to use codes, clues, music, and retro tech to get “back to the future”
If one has to get stuck in a past era, 1980s would be a pretty righteous decade to be. Who wouldn’t enjoy wearing neon windbreakers, dancing to jazzercise videos, and watching John Hughes movies all day long?
While the official story is light here, Escape The 1980s employs one of the most unique and well done intro videos to help immerse time travelers into the storyworld.
The 1980s were totally tubular, but unfortunately the time machine is almost back up and running. Solve the clues, have a blast, and jump back to the future to win the game!
Escape The 1980s is set in a retro “mini mall” of sorts. Time warpers begin their journey in a video rental store. Here they will find every classic movie that lined the shelves of Blockbusters nationwide, and old-school radio to play around with, and plenty of in period style “artifacts” that are no longer commonly seen in “the future”.
Further into the mall guests will stop by a travel agency to book a flight, visit a game room, and even shop around for some vintage – uh I mean totally current and hip – clothing options.
The scenic in Escape the 1980s is not the most over-the-top immersive, awe inspiring set out there, but it just works. It absolutely transports players to the 1980s in an immediately recognizable fashion and keeps them there until the very end. Around each turn and through every door new nostalgic items help build the scenic world and actually make escaping back to 2019 seem like the losing end of the deal!
Successful world building can be seen, or heard, when the first things blurted out upon entering each new space are “man this makes me miss Blockbuster” or “dude this looks exactly like my basement did when I was a kid!”
Escape The 1980s is a mostly linear game filled with super fun task-based challenges. Time travelers will find themselves interacting with all sorts of old technology that they may or not be familiar with from thirty years ago.
If guests from the future do happen to have prior experience with 1980s items, then most of the puzzles will take them on a serious trip down memory lane. The younger crowd, who probably haven’t ever watched a movie on VHS or felt the frustration of the ball just slipping past their paddle in Atari’s Blockbreaker, will likely be enthralled as they explore retro toys and tech.
The challenges throughout Escape The 1980s are clever, and make creative use of the surrounding environment. They are also extremely approachable for all levels of escape game players, from the highly experienced to the first timers.
While the main mechanic used throughout the game may seem repetitive, it still works extremely well. It becomes almost a built in hinting system and more than just a tool for solving each puzzle.
One team member is assigned as the captain, given a fanny-pack to wear, and a walkie-talkie to stay in contact with the game master. This line of communication keeps players in the storyworld well. Hints can be “purchased” at a cost of three minutes, but fret not, there are several opportunities to earn back extra time through fun easter-egg tasks.
It is also important to mention the fantastic hinting mechanic used in the game. In addition to having the game master a buttons click away, the background soundtrack of the game is constantly changing to new 80’s pop music that also contains helpful nudges in the right direction. This was utilized in such a unique way, and with the team at Escape The 1980s being able to change the songs and volume of certain words, it allows them to perfectly help struggling groups along without making the players feel like they are reliant on asking for hints.
As far as puzzle tech goes, Escape The 1980s was an industry leader in developing and implementing automation in their game. This is not just a “lock and key” experience, but rather utilizes vintage machines and toys to move the story forward in a super fun way. The tech that is used for the puzzles fits within the storyworld and era perfectly.
Designed in 2014, Escape The 1980s is one of Philly’s oldest and longest running games. It has lasted this long and remained extremely popular for a reason: IT’S JUST PLAIN FUN!
We found ourselves laughing, reminiscing, and enjoying every minute of this unique experience. It may no longer be the most cutting edge technology based escape game on the market, but that doesn’t at all diminish its value. It is unique, it is insanely nostalgic, it is playable by anyone, and it is a blast.
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled throughout the game for hidden candy and coupons. You may be lucky enough to find a “Free Beer” or “Free Chicken & Waffles” voucher among other goodies. Escape The 1980s now calls The Bourse Building home, along with a wide array of great food vendors right outside the games lobby.
Escape The 1980s is designed and operated by Steel Owl Productions.
Venue: Steel Owl Productions
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Number of Games: 1
GAME SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
Duration: 60 minutes
Capacity: 12 people, 14 for private bookings
Group Type: Public / You may be paired with strangers.
Cost: $28 per person
We thank Steel Owl Productions for inviting us to play this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, that in no way impacts the opinion included within this review.