I just wanted to update my previous review, as I've gone back to complete the remaining two rooms at this location- Amityville and Houdini. This is perhaps my favorite 60Out location overall. These were my 31st and 32nd escape rooms (with 31 successes!). For my reviews of Cartel and Hyde Circus (formerly Hyde and Seek), check the first iteration of this review.
Firstly, after successfully completing all four rooms at this location, I find that Amityville was my least favorite of the bunch, but it was still enjoyable! I think the theme was just not my usual cup of tea. All of the rooms at this location are rated "Medium" on their website, but there were varying degrees of challenge throughout each. My group of four finished Amityville in 25 minutes, and its progression felt on the easier side of the "Medium" rating. Cartel seems to be the most difficult of the rooms in this bunch. (Each player in my group has done at least 10 escape rooms at this point.)
The immersion of the environment in Amityville is top notch as always, and there were interesting effects and reveals as the puzzle tech progressed through the story. They leave you to your own devices at the start, it's pretty nonlinear meaning you get to explore the space and start piecing the clues together. Nicely creepy too! The ending takes some extra bravery, but beyond that, there was nothing too wholly frightening (in my opinion) that would prevent me from wanting to solve the puzzles (which I've found to be a mental challenge for me in other overtly horror-themed rooms).
Ultimately, finishing Amityville so quickly was a bit disappointing, which left me anxious for the challenge of Houdini, a room that has rocketed its way to the top of my list of 60Out rooms (of which I've completed 19). DROP EVERYTHING AND BOOK THIS ROOM. It only takes 5 players maximum, so pick a good group and get ready for a romp. Every player has to be totally ready to give themselves over to the theme and logic of the room- if you can do that, you should have one of the best games of your escape room career.
This room has some of the most innovative, advanced tech of any 60Out room, and you really get immersed in the puzzles from the moment the game starts. Seriously. Very immersed. Book it and see what I mean! Pairing escape rooms and escape artistry was a sheer win! It's a rather physical experience too, so be sure you're adequately mobile and not afraid of possible bumps. I'm never going to forget some of the moments we had inside that room (but that's for me to know and you to find out!). We emerged victorious in 35 minutes, and this room solidly earned its "Medium" challenge rating- but it could very easily be difficult for less coordinated groups. There's individual glory to be won in Houdini, but you're not getting out unless you work as a team.
Shy of giving away the juicy details, I can confidently say you've probably never done a room quite like Houdini before. It's thrilling from start to finish and every player will leave the room feeling like they played a vital part in your daring escape- that is, if you actually outsmart Houdini himself! This room is a gem among the bevy of escape rooms throughout Los Angeles. Book it ASAP (and check out the K Bakery down the block if you need a snack after your game).
Sad that this is my last visit to 60Out Silverlake until they add new rooms, but it's secured its spot on my list of top 60Out venues as well as top Escape Room spots in LA so far. Thanks for the escapes, hope to see you again soon!