Quandary: Runaway Train & Locked In Dead (Roseville, CA)

Runaway Train (left) & The Locked In Dead (right)

[Updated June 2017] Their new "Runaway Train" room was awesome and there were a lot of great puzzles that were new to us. The physical space was fine for two and I feel it would be cramped if there were any more than four people in the room, let alone eight. The co-founder, Ryan, explained how we solved the room the way he originally intended for it to be solved in terms of team communication. The room was simplified to accommodate the general public. If you ever play the room, you will understand :).

Wall of Fame + electrical socket

The Locked in Dead thematically takes place after the Runaway Train but I generally find it hard to follow story lines while escaping. The room was not nearly as good the Runaway Train in terms of instant gratification and the last portion was a little tedious. Also, the theme was more common and the puzzles tended to be more of the pen and paper type. [We have confirmed that this room has been updated and while we have not played the updated version, from what we hear, many of the elements were changed for the better.]

Pros: Good theme, simple yet fun, clever puzzles in Runaway Train and all at a good price
Cons: Small physical spaces, not many hidden rooms

• Set/room design: Average
• Technology/automation: Gen-1 room (low tech)
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Price: $25/person
• Number of players: 2-8, open to the public (we recommend 2-4)
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Overall Rating (Runaway Train): ★★★★
• Overall Rating (The Locked In Dead): ★★½

See their website here: http://www.quandaryescaperooms.com