On a dark, damp night we descended below the streets of the CBD to enter a world of prisoners and biohazards. Trapt runs escape rooms packed with puzzles to challenge your brain and encourage cooperation. The escape rooms are interactive games where teams of 2-6 players find clues and attempt to solve the puzzles that will help them escape before time runs out. Each room is decked out with a theme to enhance the experience.
Our merry crew booked in for two rooms – Prisonbreak and Biohazard. We tackled our first puzzle before we even entered the room when we attempted to divide up the teams. Who was up for a challenge ‘tougher than surviving a zombie apocalypse’ and who was a ‘first time escape artist’? Fortunately, we could debate our strategy while sipping drinks from the bar and getting comfortable on the lounge furniture. The friendly staff provided a safety briefing, including specific instructions not to pry open and climb through the ventilation shafts, as was apparently attempted by a previous team. At that point, I wasn’t sure whether to trust my common sense or doubt my lack of ingenuity.
Once they confirmed no one on my team was afraid of the dark (eek!) we were led into the prisonbreak room and our time started. We made good progress at the beginning, but just as I was beginning to think that it might be too easy we got stuck. Fortunately, we were equipped with a radio to call for help. This feature helped keep the game moving, as the staff could provide clues to get us on the right track. Our 45 minute time limit flew by and we were ‘so close’ to deciphering a code when our time ran out. The Biohazard team had a similar experience. While neither of our groups managed to break out of the rooms, we all had an excellent time immersing ourselves in the experience. (Plus, I can safely say it was the most fun I’ve ever had in ‘prison’).
The experience inspired me to pump up my puzzle solving skills in the other rooms. After hearing a rumour about the Wonderland room, I am determined to reveal its secrets.
– Jenny
Jenny Schmidt is an event addict. When she’s not attending live shows, you can find her sampling the latest craft beer or sipping a creative cocktail.
Trapt runs four themed escape rooms, with new themes coming soon. The venue is located at 377 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000. Book here. The venue is not accessible.
