Brain Games Escape Room (San Pedro): Flynn's Arcade
A Tron-inspired escape room that will delight fans and non-fans alike. Don't worry if you haven't seen the movie, it's not mandatory to have a good time in this game. The working arcade cabinets are a truly special touch, turning what could be just set design into something that makes the room feel genuinely creative and satisfying to play. The puzzles themselves are innovative and clean, making this one of the best rooms I have played all year and a must-play! ★★★★½
Appleseed Avenue (Newhall): Election Day
I always give extra credit for creative themes, and puppets definitely qualify as a unique one. Your job here is to help crack a murder case in the middle of a mayoral race for Puppet Town and the game requires at least four people due to split start. I just wish there were more puppets in the game! ★★★★½
Quest Tavern (Pomona): Last Supper
LA games often feature actors, and "The Last Supper" features one of the best actors I've ever seen in an escape room. He is witty, plays off interactions perfectly, and is the indisputable star of the experience! There are genuine adrenaline-rushing moments alongside fine puzzles that make for a fantastic game. I tend to love rooms with actors and always give bonus points if they make me laugh. I recommend playing this game with a lively group! ★★★★½
Ministry Of Peculiarities (Azusa): Hope End
Hope End leans into its actors to drive the story and keep things interesting. There are some fun interactions before and after the game with the actors, so it's best to be engaged and forthcoming with everyone to get the best experience. ★★★★½
Hatch Escape (Los Angeles): Lab Rat
If you are a fan of escape rooms, you have likely heard of Lab Rat. This whimsical game is extremely creative as you are the "rat" and the rats are conducting experiments on you. The immersion is great and you will laugh a lot throughout the experience. I would say that most enthusiasts recommend this game for all types of players. See our in-depth review here. ★★★★½
Arcane Escape Room (Newhall): Ghosts of Mentryville
A small room that plays best with two players and is surprisingly one of the better rooms in a crowded LA market. I am not a puzzle-fest loving player, but I think this game is great in how efficiently it uses its tight space. ★★★★
Exit Game OC (Anaheim): 13th Basement
Another unique theme that puts a twist on serial killer escape rooms, as this game is a parody of horror games that leans hard into tropes and pokes fun at them. Best enjoyed by players who have played enough horror rooms to get the references. ★★★★
Hatch Escape (Los Angeles): The Ladder
This game is interesting as it's meant to be replayed. There are two tracks of tasks you need to complete, so try to bring six or more players to get things done. While I am not a fan of having to replay games to unlock content, the build of the game is pretty impressive. ★★★★
Escape Revolution (Los Angeles): Escobar
Set in 1993 Medellín, you're a low-level member of Pablo Escobar's operation racing to recover his cash and passport before the DEA closes in. You get to do things you would never do in 99% of escape rooms. ★★★★
The Basement (Los Angeles): The Courtyard
Chapter four of The Basement's long-running Edward Tandy saga drops you into the serial killer's fenced-in backyard, and the outdoor set design does a lot to make a cramped courtyard feel genuinely unnerving. The live actor keeps tension high throughout, and the non-linear puzzle paths mean everyone in your group actually has something to do. ★★★★
Scenario Escape (Brea): Mad Rapper
Another creative theme, this time based on hip-hop music. The Mad Rapper features a fully original in-house soundtrack with relevant puzzles to match. ★★★★
