I've played my first escape game in early 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand, and have continued to play my fair share of them over the years. I win, I lose (most of the time), I have fun (most of the time). And I want to share with you the five best escape games I've played so far in this world. I've also worked as a game master for a little over two years now, so It's safe to say I kind of know what I'm talking about.

IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER:

1-deadwood mansion

HONG KONG

Formerly known as Glostation, Sandbox VR is probably the most entertaining escape game I've ever played. I went there in late January 2018 and played the Deadwood Mansion game in Tsim Sha Tsui. Basically, you and your friends form a group where you need to choose a team leader and your weapons (each one is different). Your mission in the game is to survive the zombie attack in the mansion. There are various levels, each introducing more zombies and new and faster ones, ultimately leading to the final round. If you've ever played Call of Duty, it's the same concept, except that there aren't a multitude of rooms, and there's an actual ending. Even if you're not into gaming, I almost guarantee that you'll enjoy this game.

Click on this link to see how it is on the other side of the mask.

2- The Castle

BEIRUT

I used to work at Escape the Room in Lebanon, but believe me; this choice is not a biased one. I've played all of the games on this list with one particular friend, and we both compare The Castle to almost every game we play because it's that good. The issue (I think) with many escape games is that they rely on a wow factor rather than making the players think hard about what they're supposed to do. If you enjoy escape games with seven rooms, where you need to jump from windows, land in a pool, and make yourself fit into a vent, you're not going to enjoy that one. The Castle relies on your thinking rather than doing, and I think it's a brilliant game. It also has a small wow factor, which is the story: you're sent to a castle which people know almost nothing about, the only thing that's know is that some creatures loom there. And on that note, let's move on to the next game.

3-SAW

BEIRUT

This one is hard and entertaining in a way I completely adored it. Haunted Escape Rooms owner is really into Horror games, and all of his themes focus around that. You and your friends are captured by Jigsaw (The creepy clown guy who likes to play surviving games with people), and he wants to play a game. Your goal is to escape alive. Granted, this is a very recurring theme in horror escape games, but this one, in particular, is very well executed. I was scared, I was entertained, and I used my brain. One of the two things that set this game apart from other ones is the use of technology in it. There are new concepts and riddles I've never seen before, and the fact that you can choose whether you want an actor in the game with you: which you obviously should say yes to because it becomes that much more entertaining with an actual serial killer in the room. I recommend going there with a lot of people (more than 4).

4-SHUTTER ASYLUM

Jakarta

Remember how I said that if you were into games with seven rooms, a window, a pool, and vents, you wouldn't like the Castle? Well,, young thrill seeker, Shutter Asylum at Pandora Experience is for you. This game is 2 hours long. It has a pool (they make you wear flip-flops). It has seven rooms (or six I forgot, but the point is: it's HUGE). AND it's hard (or we're just really dumb). If you've watched Shutter Island, this escape is the Indonesian version with a bit of salt and pepper here and there: You're a patient in a mental asylum, you have amnesia, and you want to get out of the hospital. Now from what I stated above, I hope you get the point that this game is hardcore. It's not exactly a 'race against time' as you have 2 hours to complete it, but you'll have fun and enjoy the ride. Try not to wear long jeans or skirts.

5-THE OVERLOOK HOTEL: ROOM13

BANGKOK

Don't look for a website because they don't have one. But don't let that throw you off, Escape Room Thailand has six themed rooms! I played my first game there in 2016 (Crime scene: The Homicide Unit), but this one is better. Basically, you and your family were out on a road trip in the desert when your car runs out of gas, so you decide to book one night at this awful hotel. It turns out the hotel is haunted and is out to kill you, so now you need to get the hell out of it. This is an example of an exceptionally well taught out room with a theme worked to greatness. There are also new ideas and concepts I never saw anywhere else. If you want to book a place, use Facebook or visit them at MBK center (which you'll probably end up in if you're ever in Bangkok anyway).

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