Simon says, "Play this game"
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Date Played: May 31, 2024
Team size: up to 6; we recommend 3-4
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $33 per player
Ticketing: Private
Accessibility Consideration: One player needs to crawl. The game uses flashing lights and fog.
Emergency Exit Rating: [A+] No Lock
Physical Restraints: [A+] No Physical Restraints
2024 Golden Lock Award Winner
"Striking a balance between tension and gameplay, New Mexico Escape Room built their most well-rounded game and complete game to-date with Cabin 2.0: Simon Says, 'Die.' It's another gem in their already impressive lineup."
REA Reaction
I'm an unapologetic fan of New Mexico Escape Room. I love their particular blend of beautiful set and interaction design, with playful, and often humorous gameplay. We've given them Golden Lock Awards in the past for both Blackwell Manor and Super Secret... it's with that in mind that I say that for my taste, Cabin 2.0: Simon Says, "Die" is the most well-rounded game in New Mexico Escape Room's lineup.
That's not to say that Cabin 2.0 was the flashiest, puzzliest, or funniest game in the building... those honors go to Blackwell Manor, Nefertari's Tomb, and Super Secret, respectively. With this latest game, it really feels like New Mexico Escape Room nailed what they were going for. The tuning of gameplay, character, and design was impressive.
Additionally, Cabin 2.0 was an approachable horror game that served up great puzzles along the way. They'll catch you with a freight, but then they'll let you puzzle. It was well balanced.
If I had one major critique, it's that the hint system felt under-developed in comparison to literally everything else going on in Cabin 2.0. This is an issue that spans most of New Mexico Escape Room's games, and it creates a situation where their games are far better for teams that don't require help.
Overall, there's a maturity to Cabin 2.0 that felt fantastic. I played this game twice over the span of a few days, and my appreciation only grew the second time through. Due to Albuquerque being less of a tourist town, New Mexico Escape Room doesn't always come up when people discuss fantastic escape room companies... but they do fantastic work. They have 6 games in their building and 0 duds. There aren't many escape room companies putting up numbers like that.
Who is this for?
- Adventure seekers
- Story seekers
- Puzzle lovers
- Scenery snobs
- Horror fans
- Best for players with at least some experience
Why play?
- Wonderful set design
- Strong puzzle play, especially for a horror game
- There are a number of beautifully designed, unique moments
Story
The notorious "Simon Says" killer is already behind bars, but now, years later, our team of FBI investigators is finding new victims. We've returned to his cabin to see if we could find the killer and stop the murders.
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