An escape room is an adventure game where a group of 2 to 6 players are locked in a room and have to look for clues and solve puzzles in order to escape. If you're a fan of CSI and detective movies, this would be the perfect activity for you.
In 2015, my friend and I went to Lock Down at Lot 10, Kuala Lumpur. Because the rooms were limited, and each session lasted an hour, it was important to make a booking beforehand. There were several rooms to choose from, each with its own theme and difficulty level. We chose the easiest one, called "Bailout".
Before entering the room, we had to keep all our belongings in the lockers provided. No cell phones were allowed. Then, the game master briefed us about the rules of the game, before putting blindfolds on us and leading us to the room. We were given 60 minutes to escape. There was a big digital timer on the wall to tell us how much time we had left.
Throughout the game, you would be monitored through the CCTVs. There was also a phone in the room. If they see you struggling for too long, they would give you a call to offer some hints. Likewise, if you are stuck on a particular puzzle, you could call for some assistance, which would only be given through the phone. Failing that, if you have totally given up, you could ask them to come to your rescue, and the game would be over.
Another reason for them to have the CCTV was that there had been cases where overenthusiastic participants had destroyed the props and even tried to pry open the air vents to look for clues. 😂 That sounded like something I would do had they not warned me about it.
Another reason for them to have the CCTV was that there had been cases where overenthusiastic participants had destroyed the props and even tried to pry open the air vents to look for clues. 😂 That sounded like something I would do had they not warned me about it.
The game began with us being handcuffed and locked in a prison cell that was empty except for a broom. We used the broom handle to reach a key hanging on the opposite wall outside the cell. Then we unlocked our handcuffs with a code found inside the sheriff's hat. Most of the props in the room had a purpose, so we had to scrutinize each one of them to look for hidden clues.
Unfortunately, our brain cells didn't function very well in the dim room. We had to make countless phone calls. I think we only managed to solve one or two clues on our own. In the end, we were unable to open the lock of a safe that contained the key to our escape, despite being guided by the game master through the phone. We got the method right, but for some reason, the lock refused to open. We tried it over and over until our time was up, and the game master came to get us.
Unfortunately, our brain cells didn't function very well in the dim room. We had to make countless phone calls. I think we only managed to solve one or two clues on our own. In the end, we were unable to open the lock of a safe that contained the key to our escape, despite being guided by the game master through the phone. We got the method right, but for some reason, the lock refused to open. We tried it over and over until our time was up, and the game master came to get us.
The second time around, I went with another two friends. This time, we were put in a torture chamber, with a secret passage to a kids' playroom. I don't remember what the exact storyline was, but it was based on a true event. Things went more smoothly this time, with only two phone calls made. Three heads were definitely better than two. Plus, one of the puzzles was a word game, which was my strong point. It was a proud moment when we finally opened the door and the game master was already waiting outside to congratulate us.
There was no prize or anything if you managed to escape, only satisfaction and a boost to your ego.
