A Day in the Life of a Game Master
Like most jobs, a day of Game Mastering begins when I clock in. The rest of my day, however, is bound to be unique. Once I’m clocked in, I take my stuff to the Clue Room and check in with my Team Lead to see what games we have booked for today.
Before any games can run, I have to set up all the rooms. I first flip on all the lights and then go through and turn on all the tech props. This could be as simple as using a remote, or as intensive as reaching inside the mechanism to hit the reset button. Once all parts of the game are powered on I check that all the locks in the game are zeroed out (set to 0000). The last part of the setup is to send test hints to make sure the chime/audio cues are working.
Game Master Rose in PastaWay
After everything is ready to run, the Team Lead on shift will let me know when the group has been checked in. When they’re ready, I head up front to greet them in the lobby. We small talk a bit while we walk to the game and then I give a run-down of the rules and story for their play. Once we’re all on the same page, it’s time to start! I go sit down at my station in the Clue Room and start the clock. During the game I watch and listen to the group play and give hints whenever necessary. I also monitor to make sure the tech is running properly and that I’m ready to troubleshoot if needed.
Once the group gets out, escape or not, I greet them again and answer any questions they have. We usually take a fun group photo as well. After that I walk them back up to the lobby and offer them to sign our leaderboards. Once the group leaves it’s time to reset. Resetting the game is basically playing it in reverse. It’s also the time to sweep and disinfect the game to make sure it's clean for the next team. This cycle gets repeated between 5 and 7 times throughout my shift, and then I’m good to go home. My job is certainly unique, and I love every minute of it.
MER staff members at Main Event
The First Five Minutes in an Escape Room
The first five minutes in an escape room is all it takes to set the tone and pace of your entire adventure. Will you panic, argue with your team, or scream over each other? Or will you coordinate, communicate and succeed?
The first five minutes in an escape room is all it takes to set the tone and pace of your entire adventure. Will you panic, argue with your team, or scream over each other? Or will you coordinate, communicate and succeed? If the latter is your goal, read on!
The first thing that happens in your game is always going to be the intro. Different companies do this differently–some choose to play a video, while others have your Game Master instruct you live. In either case, listen closely. Your intro will tell you which items are important and which are not (a distinction that will save you game time), tell you how to work certain props (knowledge that will, again, save you game time), and especially tell you how to ask for hints (IYKYK).
We also know of companies that intentionally hide clues within their intros, so we always recommend listening carefully. Especially if you have a Game Master in the room with you, feel free to ask any clarifying questions that you have. At Murfreesboro Escape Rooms we encourage you to look around the room during this time, but ask that you don’t touch anything until your timer has started.
Phase two begins at the same time as your countdown. If you haven’t already, look around the room and take note of any locks, patterns or other suspicious items you spot. It’s good practice to call out to your teammates what you’re seeing. For example: “We have a five-letter lock on this cabinet and a 4-digit lock on this box.” It may feel awkward at first, but it will help you and your team keep everything straight throughout the game. And remember to keep an ear out for what your teammates are telling you they see as well.
Now it’s time to put it all together. If you have communicated with and listened to your teammates well up to this point, you should be able to solve your first puzzle. If not, it may be time to use a hint. At Murfreesboro Escape Rooms, we encourage our teams to not spend more than five minutes between solving each puzzle. Remember, hints don’t cost you time, but not getting a hint will, so ask away!
By this point, your first five minutes have passed and the first puzzle is solved. Now you just need to rinse and repeat this process of explore, say what you see, and solve. Before you know it, you’ll be a master escape artist. Ready to test run your new skills? Try Apartment A or Game Museum for a fun challenge or Movie Theatre if you’d rather keep things simple.
Fall Game Guide (Updated for 2024)
Summer’s all but over, and school is just around the corner. Why not have one last adventure? We have games in a wide range of difficulty, team size capacity and themes. In this guide you’ll find all 9 of our escape games…
Summer’s all but over, and school is just around the corner. Why not have one last adventure? We have games in a wide range of difficulty, team size capacity and themes. In this guide you’ll find all 9 of our escape games, listed from easiest to hardest, along with a brief description and a recommendation for what type of group would most enjoy it.
Christmas Crunchtime
Ok, ok, we know that this game is a bit out of season at the moment, but everyone can benefit from a little Christmas Spirit (and Christmas Crunchtime provides plenty). Bright colors, toys and presents galore; you’ll fall in love before the game even starts. Even if you’ve played its predecessor, Santa’s Messy Workshop, this game offers a beautiful new set, an urgent new goal, and a delightful new character. The game is designed to teach children how to play escape rooms, so adults beware!
Difficulty: Beginner
Available at: Medical Center
Perfect for: children learning to play escape rooms
PastaWay
Pastaway is the perfect game for any group of 2 players. While we generally recommend it to couples, the story makes no assumptions of the group’s relationship status, making it fun for friends, siblings, and the yet-to-be-determined relationships. This game is story-based, focusing on letting the players help resolve the story. This is also our easiest game, so if you aren’t sure which game to play first, start here.
Group size: 2 players
Difficulty: Beginner
Available at : Medical Center
Perfect for: Couples and story-lovers
Movie Theatre
Looking for something classic? Check out Movie Theatre! Classic puzzles in a classic setting, complete with hidden compartments and a sprinkle of espionage. Get in, find the secret ingredient, and get out. Sounds simple enough, but don’t trust everything you hear.
Group size: 2-6 players
Difficulty: Beginner
Available at: Stones River
Perfect for: small groups of noobs
Apartment A
Going for something more chill, more simple? We get it. We recommend Apartment A for any player looking for a worry-free escape experience. This room is brightly lit and the story is non-threatening, making this game perfect for that one friend you’ve been begging to play a room. In addition, this room has many familiar elements like Monopoly and Clue, ensuring there’s something for escape artists of all ages to enjoy.
Group size: 2-4 players
Difficulty: Intermediate
Available at: Medical Center
Perfect for: families, double dates, and scaredy-cats (don’t tell them we said that)
Game Museum
Speaking of board games, Game Museum is full of them. Not just board games though; video games too. There’s something for all types of players. This game holds a few more people than some of our other adventures, so bring all your gaming buddies on a tour of the eclectic game collector’s house. You never know; he might have a surprise in store for you.
Group size: 2-8 players
Difficulty: Intermediate
Available at: Stones River
Perfect for: gamers of all ages
Purrfect Crime
Love story-based games, mysteries, and characters that talk to you? More importantly, do you love cats? Then Purrfect Crime is the game for you. This game is for sleuths of all sizes and species. Solve the crime, name the suspect and enjoy some feline fun.
Group size: 2-4
Difficulty: Intermediate
Available at: Stones River
Perfect for: mystery-fans, cat-lovers
High Noon
We all have that one friend who’s really competitive, right? No? You don’t know what we mean? Hate to break it to you, but that means that you’re that friend. Sorry. But hey, no worries, we have a game for you. Bring all your friends (and I mean all your friends) to High Noon, the perfect team-based escape room. In this game you and your friends will be split into two teams and try to race each other through the challenges left to you by the local sheriff. Not really into competitive play? Smaller groups of players are welcome to play one side of the experience. No competition necessary.
Group size: 4-12 players
Difficulty: Advanced
Available at: Medical Center
Perfect for: The competitive spirit in all of us
Murfree’s Manor
Ready for some spooky vibes? Murfree’s Manor can provide. This game is not scary per se, but it is definitely creepy. No jumpscares, no gore, but an unshakeable feeling that something isn’t right…. This is a more physically active experience, as well as difficult to solve, so come ready.
Group size: 2-8
Difficulty: Advanced
Available at: Stones River
Perfect for: game enthusiasts, people with too much energy (you know who you are)
The Blind Pig
Last but not least is a fan-favorite; The Blind Pig. This game is notoriously challenging, but we’re sure it’s nothing you and your friends can’t handle. After all, who better to accompany you on your quest to get in good with the mafia than your life-long friends?
Group size: 2-5 players
Difficulty: Advanced
Available at: Medical Center
Perfect for: Friends down for a challenge
We hope that this guide has helped you and your team decide which adventure to play. If you have any more questions, give us a call at 615-900-0355 (Medical Center location) or 615-396-8715 (Stones River location) and we’d be happy to assist you. Happy escaping!
How Video Game Skills Translate to Escape Rooms
While point-and-click escape games aren’t exactly good practice for real-life escape rooms, some video game skills are very applicable. Let’s go over some skills that can be learned from video games that you may need to use in your next escape adventure.
While point-and-click escape games aren’t exactly good practice for real-life escape rooms, some video game skills are very applicable. Let’s go over some skills that can be learned from video games that you may need to use in your next escape adventure.
We say it all the time: teamwork is THE cornerstone of success in escape rooms. In multiplayer games players must collaborate closely and communicate strategies. These experiences foster strong interpersonal skills and teach players how to work harmoniously within a team—a vital asset when navigating the collaborative challenges of an escape room.
Gamers accustomed to coordinating with teammates online often find themselves adept at assigning roles, sharing information, and leveraging each member's strengths to solve complex puzzles and escape before time runs out.
Navigating expansive virtual worlds in video games, from sprawling cities to intricate dungeons, fosters a strong sense of spatial awareness. This skill is equally crucial in escape rooms, where participants must quickly familiarize themselves with the layout and strategically navigate through physical space.
Gamers accustomed to mapping out routes and understanding spatial relationships find themselves naturally adept at maneuvering within the confined settings of escape rooms.
Video games are notorious for hiding clues in plain sight, requiring players to maintain keen attention to detail. This habit of thorough exploration translates directly to escape rooms, where spotting subtle hints and understanding their significance can mean the difference between success and failure.
Whether it's identifying a hidden compartment or discerning a cryptic message, gamers adept at noticing minute details excel in the tactile environment of an escape room.
In conclusion, the skills acquired through gaming are not only applicable but advantageous in the realm of escape rooms. Embrace your gaming prowess as a valuable asset, and leverage it to conquer the puzzles and mysteries that await in escape rooms.
Ready to put your gaming skills to the test in an escape room adventure? Try Blind Pig for a collaborative team approach, or High Noon for a Team vs. Team showdown! Or if video games are more your vibe, check out Game Museum 🎮
Planning a Proposal in an Escape Room
Looking to plan a proposal in an escape room! Learn everything you need to learn here!
It’s wedding season; love is in the air, and maybe, just maybe, it’s time to pop the question. You know you want to plan something unique, special to the two of you. Since you’re both puzzly people, what could be better than an escape room proposal? We’ve seen quite a few of these, so here are our tips to pull it off!
#1 Plan ahead
This sounds obvious, but make sure to plan your proposal with us ahead of time. Call at least a week ahead of when you plan to propose. We’ll be able to offer game recommendations, hiding spots and other advice. We’d also like to give you a preview of the room so that you’ll have less surprises the day of.
Do your research into which game experience is a right fit for the occasion. We also recommend that you’ve played at least one game with us, or whichever company you choose, before popping the question as each company has a unique style and you want your game to fit your vibe. We want your entire experience to be smooth, fun, and memorable (for the right reasons).
Once you’ve spoken with the staff, picked your game and location, it’s time to make your reservation! This part will be done just like any other game reservation you make, but we ask that you call the store again afterwards so we know which reservation is yours.
#2 Drop off the ring in advance
This is similar to the first point, but make sure the team at the store has the ring well before your game, as we’ll need to hide the ring during the reset of the room. This also gives you another chance to go over the plan or ask any lingering questions. Dropping by earlier in the day, before your partner arrives, is preferable 😉.
#3 Recruit some teammates
This one is optional, but can help the whole experience go smoothly. Recruit a couple of teammates to join your game! This is especially helpful for larger capacity games, or more difficult games. It can also be helpful to have a few more brains attacking these puzzles if you’re feeling nervous or anxious. Just make sure they know where the ring is hidden so they can let your partner open that particular compartment or box.
Here are the main things to remember when planning your proposal in an escape room; 1) plan ahead with the on-site staff, 2) Drop off the ring in advance, and 3) bring along some friends to escape and celebrate with. Remember, we’ve done proposals before, so don’t stress it. On behalf of all the staff at MER, we wish you the best of luck.
Wanting to plan a proposal, promposal, gender announcement, or other surprise? We’re all ears! Give us a call or shoot us an email and we’ll see what we can do! Contact us here.
Escape Room Myth-Busting Part 2
Welcome back to our escape room myth busting blog series. Last time we covered being actually locked in, horror themed games, and GM’s behind the scenes. You can read our responses to those myths here. If you’re caught up, let's tackle a few more myths.
Welcome back to our escape room myth busting blog series. Last time we covered being actually locked in, horror themed games, and GM’s behind the scenes. You can read our responses to those myths here. If you’re caught up, let's tackle a few more myths.
Myth 4: You will use a prop multiple times throughout the game
Rarely. While we can’t speak for every escape room company, at Murfreesboro Escape Rooms you don’t reuse any props more than once during your experience. This means that once you’ve used an item, key, or code, you don’t have to worry about it again. Hooray!
Myth 5: Hints are for newbies only
False; hints are for everyone! We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: hints are there to help you. 90% of our escape enthusiast players use hints during their games, and 95% of players who don’t use hints don’t escape. If your goal is to escape without GM intervention, we’ll back off, but keep in mind what you're risking. PS: at MER we don’t dock time for hints, so use as many as you like!
Myth 6: If you don’t fill the game to capacity, you may have to play with strangers.
Nope! At MER all bookings are private. This means that only the teammates you bring with you will be playing with you. Hooray! (Choose your teammates carefully though)
We hope you learned something from our second round of myth-busting! Have you heard any other escape room myths that you’d like answered? Message us on Facebook or Instagram and we can address it in our next blog! See you there!
Escape Room Myth-Busting Part 1
Welcome to the first installment of our escape room myth-busting blog. Today we’re going to tackle the 3 most common myths that we hear from our players. Strap in!
Welcome to the first installment of our escape room myth-busting blog. Today we’re going to tackle the 3 most common myths that we hear from our players. Strap in!
Myth 1: You’re literally locked in
Nope! National fire codes disallow actually trapping customers in rooms. If the door to your game locks, you will have a clearly marked escape button that will allow you to leave at any time!
Myth 2: Escape games are horror themed and feature jumpscares
Sometimes. None of Murfreesboro Escape Rooms’ games are horror themed, but we do have one or two intended jumpscares. If you aren’t comfortable with this, ask your game master to warn you before the scare. We will do whatever we can to make sure you enjoy your experience.
Myth 3: Your Game Master is laughing at you behind the scenes
Definitely not. Your Game Master wants you to have a good time and escape the room. They’re watching you intently, ready to give you a hint the second you need one. There’s no time or energy for poking fun. They will laugh at your jokes though (if they’re good).
We hope these answers sway your fears surrounding escape rooms! Click here to learn about our games, or click the button below to purchase tickets. And stay tuned for more myth-busting in the near future!
Top 7 Tips For First-Time Players
No matter how many escape rooms you’ve played, no one knows more about your next challenge than your Game Master. It’s in their title, after all. We’ve asked each of our Game Masters to give their best tips for playing your first escape game.
No matter how many escape rooms you’ve played, no one knows more about your next challenge than your Game Master. It’s in their title, after all. We’ve asked each of our Game Masters to give their best tips for playing your first escape game. Below are their suggestions.
#7 Ask Questions
Part of the Game Master’s job is to make sure you feel comfortable and confident as you tackle the game. Asking questions will help your Game Master know what you do or don’t understand, and therefore know what to help you with. I promise, we’d rather you ask a million questions and enjoy your game than keep quiet and have a bad time. Ask away!
#6 Think Out Loud
This is a weird one, but if you think out loud while you play, your game will go smoother. Though it may be awkward at first to be constantly talking through your thought process, it will do wonders for both your team, and your Game Master. Your Game Master will always know what piece of the puzzle you’re missing, and your team will be able to use your ideas as inspiration in the future.
#5 No Dumb Ideas
On a related note; try every solution that comes to mind, and don’t doubt your teammates. Just because an idea doesn’t make sense to you, doesn’t mean it can’t work. Sometimes you aren’t seeing things the way the puzzle designer intended, and that’s okay! Just keep an open mind and encourage your teammates to try the ideas they come up with.
#4 Keep Calm
Think of an escape room as more of a puzzle room; you won’t be chained to anything, and the door won’t even be actually locked! There’s no reason to stress, so just explore the game and focus on one puzzle at a time.
#3 Do Your Research
Escape rooms come in all shapes and sizes, so to speak. While it is important to pick a theme that piques your interest, game capacity and difficulty should also be considered. Choosing a beginner level game will make your first escape room experience a much smoother ride. Also consider that for larger capacity games, while the puzzles themselves may not be difficult, there will be more puzzles to solve per game minute. Plan to play a game with total capacity close to your group size.
#2 Manage Your Time Carefully
Every second in the game is precious, so try your best to ration your time. The goal of your game is to solve the puzzles, not be constantly searching for what comes next. Our general recommendation is to spend no more than 5 minutes preparing for each puzzle. So whether you can’t find the puzzle or are spending too much time solving the puzzle, we recommend using a hint. This leads to our greatest recommendation:
#1 Use Your Hints
We know a lot of players don’t like to hear this, but teams that refuse to ask for hints are less likely to escape. Using your hints can save you from fights, preserve your momentum, and even save you several minutes of game time. Your hints are a resource to be spent, not hoarded. At MER you will never be penalized for using your hints, but some businesses have strict limits or deduct time for hint usage. Always ask your Game Master for clarification, and adjust your strategy as needed, but never be afraid to use a hint when you need one.
We hope our Game Masters were able to impart some wisdom and help you feel prepared to tackle your upcoming adventure! You can make a reservation here, or if you feel like being a part of the magic, you can apply to be a Game Master here.
Spring 2024 Game Guide
It’s that time of year again!
It’s that time of year again! Let’s jump into our Spring 2024 Game Guide!
A lot has changed since last spring; we now have 9 unique experiences, including a new Christmas experience. If you’re reading this guide to quickly gauge which room is best for your team, you can use the bolded sections as a tl:dr and be on your way. If you’re just here for the ride, buckle up!
PastaWay
Starting off strong, PastaWay is the perfect game for any group of 2 players. While we generally have couples play, the story makes it fun for friends, siblings, and situationships. This game is story-based, focusing on letting the players help resolve the story. This is also our easiest game, so if you (or your teammate) have never played before, start here.
Group size: 2 players
Difficulty: Beginner
Available at : Medical Center
Perfect for: Couples and story-lovers
Christmas Crunchtime
If you’re looking to play with little ones on the team, Christmas Crunchtime is the game for you. This room has easy puzzles that teach the basics of escape rooms at a level kiddos can grasp. The puzzles may be simple, but an adult’s help will be needed. Parents, be prepared to use your thinking caps!
Group size: 2-4 players
Difficulty: Beginner (adults help needed)
Available at: Medical Center
Perfect for: Families with little ones and first-time players
Movie Theatre
Missing the glory days of cinema? What about that iconic carpet? Check out Movie Theatre! Classic puzzles in a classic setting, complete with hidden compartments and a sprinkle of espionage. Find the secret popcorn ingredient and sneak back out without getting caught. This game is our largest beginner room, so bring your friends and try escape rooms together!
Group size: 2-6 players
Difficulty: Beginner
Available at: Stones River
Perfect for: Groups of friends
Apartment A
Need an easy-going game for a scared friend? We get it. We recommend Apartment A for any player looking for a worry-free escape experience. This room is brightly lit and the story is non-threatening, making this experience perfect for that one friend who’s too scared to do anything fun. In addition, this room has many familiar elements like Monopoly and Clue, ensuring there’s something for escape artists of all ages to enjoy.
Group size: 2-4 players
Difficulty: Intermediate
Available at: Medical Center
Perfect for: families, double dates, and scaredy-cats
Game Museum
Speaking of games, Game Museum is full of them. Not just board games though; video games too. This experience holds a few more people than some of our other adventures, so bring all your gaming buddies. You never know, the eclectic game collector might have a surprise in store for you.
Group size: 2-8 players
Difficulty: Intermediate
Available at: Stones River
Perfect for: gamers of all ages
Purrfect Crime
Love story-based games, mysteries, and characters that talk to you? More importantly, do you love cats? If so, Purrfect Crime is the game for you. This room is for sleuths of all sizes and species. Solve the crime, name the suspect and enjoy some feline fun. If you loved PastaWay, this game would be the purrfect game to try next (I had to).
Group size: 2-4
Difficulty: Intermediate
Available at: Stones River
Perfect for: mystery-fans, double dates and cat-lovers
High Noon
We all have that one friend who’s really competitive, right? No? Hate to break it to you, but that means that you’re the competitive friend. Sorry. But hey, no worries, we have a game for you too. Bring all your friends (and I mean all your friends) to High Noon, the perfect team-based escape room. In this game you and your friends will be split into two teams and try to race each other through the challenges left to you by the local sheriff. Not really into competitive play? Smaller groups of players are welcome to play one side of the experience; no competition necessary.
Group size: 4-12 players
Difficulty: Advanced
Available at: Medical Center
Perfect for: The competitive spirit in all of us
Murfree’s Manor
Ready for some spooky vibes? Murfree’s Manor can provide. This game is not scary per se, but it is definitely creepy. No jumpscares, no gore, but an unshakeable feeling that something isn’t right…. This is a more physically active experience, as well as difficult to solve, so bring your best.
Group size: 2-8
Difficulty: Advanced
Available at: Stones River
Perfect for: game enthusiasts, people with too much energy (you know who you are)
The Blind Pig
Last but not least is a fan-favorite; The Blind Pig. This game is notoriously challenging, but we’re sure it’s nothing you and your friends can’t handle. After all, who better to accompany you on your quest to get in good with the mafia than your life-long friends? Be prepared to think hard and play hard in this prohibition-era pursuit because a ticket to the mob doesn’t come easy.
Group size: 2-5 players
Difficulty: Advanced
Available at: Medical Center
Perfect for: Friends down for a challenge
Found a game that strikes your fancy? Buy your tickets here. Already played all 9 adventures, but hungry for more? Click here to sign up for our newsletter so you can be the first to know what we’re conjuring up next.
New Year, New Things Coming
Wow! Can you believe it’s 2024 already? Rather than mourning the time that’s passed, let’s take a moment to celebrate all we’ve accomplished and look forward to what we’ve got coming.
Wow! Can you believe it’s 2024 already? Rather than mourning the time that’s passed, let’s take a moment to celebrate all we’ve accomplished and look forward to what we’ve got coming.
Where we’ve been:
2023 was a crazy year for MER. PastaWay technically opened on Dec 26 of 2022, but things really ramped up for the game in 2023. It was our first team-developed game, as well as our first tech-based experience, so it’s near and dear to our hearts 😍. In that vein, our second tech experience opened in June; The Purrfect Crime!
Shortly after the launch of Purrfect Crime, things got crazy for all the staff behind the scenes as we finished up our merge with Locked Escape Games (now Murfreesboro Escape Rooms-Stones River). Hopefully you’ve all enjoyed having new games under the MER umbrella.
Next, we closed the beloved Santa’s Messy Workshop game for a cleaning and touch-up before the Christmas season. And what a touch-up it was! The game got a brand-new name, story, character, and completely refreshed puzzles! Christmas Crunchtime was definitely the fan-favorite of the season!
There’s been other small changes around the stores as well. Long-time MER fans will know that your photo memories have never looked so fun!
Where we’re going:
2024 is shaping up to be just as much fun as last year! We’re excited to announce that we’ll have more merch options soon! We’ll have keepsake photo frames, as well as magnets and keychains available soon, so stay tuned!
We’ve also got some spooky ideas brewing for a Halloween ‘24 pop-up event, escape game workshops, and let’s remember that Christmas Crunchtime is only here temporarily….. 🤔
What's Right for You; Escape Room or Haunted House?
It’s Spooky Season! If you’re looking for something to do this Halloween there are two main options; Haunts and Escape Rooms. What’s the difference? We’ve figured that most of it falls into 3 main categories…
It’s Spooky Season! If you’re looking for something to do this Halloween there are two main options; Haunts and Escape Rooms. What’s the difference? We’ve figured that most of it falls into 3 main categories; Objectives, Engagement Levels, Age Suitability. Let’s talk about it.
Engagement Levels:
Escape Rooms: Escape room experiences have a set duration (usually 60 minutes). Participants are actively solving puzzles and working toward a goal (usually involving unlocking an exit).
Haunted Houses: Haunted house experiences tend to be shorter; ranging from only a few minutes to 30 or so. The experience typically involves walking through a predetermined path and encountering frightening scenes and characters, with focus on the scares rather than completing challenges.
Objective and Interaction:
Escape Rooms: In escape rooms, the primary objective is to solve a series of puzzles and challenges to "escape" from a locked room or scenario within the time limit. Participants will need to work together to decipher clues, find hidden objects, and solve riddles to progress through the game and eventually unlock the exit.
Haunted Houses: Haunted houses are designed to create a frightening atmosphere. Instead of puzzles, the main interaction involves encountering actors and/or animatronics who aim to scare visitors. The objective for attendees is typically to navigate through the haunted house without getting too scared or startled.
Audience and Age Suitability:
Escape Rooms: Escape rooms are generally designed to be family-friendly and suitable for a wide range of ages. While some escape rooms may have themes with mild suspense or mystery elements, they are typically not intended to be overly frightening or gory. Families, friends, it doesn’t matter; all are welcome to play.
Haunted Houses: Haunted houses are often designed to be intense and scary, with themes centered around horror and fear. They may feature graphic or gory scenes, startling jump scares, and actors in frighteningcostumes and makeup. Due to their intense nature, haunted houses are typically recommended for older teenagers and adults. Many haunted houses have age restrictions, often requiring participants to be at least 12 years old, some being so strict as to only allow 18+ participants.
Of course, there is some overlap between both types of experiences. Some newer escape rooms feature animatronics, jump scares, and even scare actors. Haunted attractions are beginning to feature puzzles or physical challenges. We have a lot we can learn from each other, but that doesn’t mean both attractions are your cup of tea. Below are some recommendations for your Halloween activities. We hope you find something perfect for you:
An escape experience with friendly ghosts
Escape game with lots of suspense
Family-friendly escape experience without anything spooky. Perfect for smaller groups
Family-friendly escape experience without anything spooky. Perfect for larger groups.
A family-friendly night downtown
Haunted Trail experience
Haunted House experience
Fall 2023 Game Guide
Summer’s all but over, and school is just around the corner. Why not have one last adventure? We have games in a wide range of difficulty, team size capacity and themes. In this guide you’ll find all 9 of our escape games…
Summer’s all but over, and school is just around the corner. Why not have one last adventure? We have games in a wide range of difficulty, team size capacity and themes. In this guide you’ll find all 9 of our escape games, listed from easiest to hardest, along with a brief description and a recommendation for what type of group would most enjoy it.
PastaWay
Pastaway is the perfect game for any group of 2 players. While we generally recommend it to couples, the story makes no assumptions of the group’s relationship status, making it fun for friends, siblings, and the yet-to-be-determined relationships. This game is story-based, focusing on letting the players help resolve the story. This is also our easiest game, so if you aren’t sure which game to play first, start here.
Group size: 2 players
Difficulty: Beginner
Available at : Medical Center
Perfect for: Couples and story-lovers
Movie Theatre
Looking for something classic? Check out Movie Theatre! Classic puzzles in a classic setting, complete with hidden compartments and a sprinkle of espionage. Get in, find the secret ingredient, and get out. Sounds simple enough, but don’t trust everything you hear.
Group size: 2-6 players
Difficulty: Beginner
Available at: Stones River
Perfect for: small groups of noobs
Santa’s Messy Workshop
Ok, ok, we know that this game is a bit out of season at the moment, but everyone can benefit from a little Christmas Spirit (and Santa’s Messy Workshop provides plenty). Bright colors, toys and presents galore, you’ll fall in love before the game even starts. This is the perfect experience for families, humbugs, and your girlfriend who is still singing Sleigh Ride.
TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Apartment A
Going for something more chill, more simple? We get it. We recommend Apartment A for any player looking for a worry-free escape experience. This room is brightly lit and the story is non-threatening, making this game perfect for that one friend you’ve been begging to play a room. In addition, this room has many familiar elements like Monopoly and Clue, ensuring there’s something for escape artists of all ages to enjoy.
Group size: 2-4 players
Difficulty: Intermediate
Available at: Medical Center
Perfect for: families, double dates, and scaredy-cats (don’t tell them we said that)
Game Museum
Speaking of board games, Game Museum is full of them. Not just board games though; video games too. There’s something for all types of players. This game holds a few more people than some of our other adventures, so bring all your gaming buddies on a tour of the eclectic game collector’s house. You never know; he might have a surprise in store for you.
Group size: 2-8 players
Difficulty: Intermediate
Available at: Stones River
Perfect for: gamers of all ages
Purrfect Crime
Love story-based games, mysteries, and characters that talk to you? More importantly, do you love cats? Then Purrfect Crime is the game for you. This game is for sleuths of all sizes and species. Solve the crime, name the suspect and enjoy some feline fun.
Group size: 2-4
Difficulty: Intermediate
Available at: Stones River
Perfect for: mystery-fans, cat-lovers
High Noon
We all have that one friend who’s really competitive, right? No? You don’t know what we mean? Hate to break it to you, but that means that you’re that friend. Sorry. But hey, no worries, we have a game for you. Bring all your friends (and I mean all your friends) to High Noon, the perfect team-based escape room. In this game you and your friends will be split into two teams and try to race each other through the challenges left to you by the local sheriff. Not really into competitive play? Smaller groups of players are welcome to play one side of the experience. No competition necessary.
Group size: 4-12 players
Difficulty: Advanced
Available at: Medical Center
Perfect for: The competitive spirit in all of us
Murfree’s Manor
Ready for some spooky vibes? Murfree’s Manor can provide. This game is not scary per se, but it is definitely creepy. No jumpscares, no gore, but an unshakeable feeling that something isn’t right…. This is a more physically active experience, as well as difficult to solve, so come ready.
Group size: 2-8
Difficulty: Advanced
Available at: Stones River
Perfect for: game enthusiasts, people with too much energy (you know who you are)
The Blind Pig
Last but not least is a fan-favorite; The Blind Pig. This game is notoriously challenging, but we’re sure it’s nothing you and your friends can’t handle. After all, who better to accompany you on your quest to get in good with the mafia than your life-long friends?
Group size: 2-5 players
Difficulty: Advanced
Available at: Medical Center
Perfect for: Friends down for a challenge
We hope that this guide has helped you and your team decide which adventure to play. If you have any more questions, give us a call at 615-900-0355 (Medical Center location) or 615-396-8715 (Stones River location) and we’d be happy to assist you. Happy escaping!
Preparing for your Child's First Escape Game
Escape rooms can be a great way to foster problem-solving skills and teamwork in children. They require players to work together to solve puzzles and uncover clues, which can help develop critical thinking and communication skills. Escape rooms can also be a fun and exciting way to create lasting memories and family bonds. However, you may be wondering whether or not your child is ready for their first escape room. Let’s explore some factors to consider.
Bringing Children to an Escape Room
Escape rooms can be a great way to foster problem-solving skills and teamwork in children. They require players to work together to solve puzzles and uncover clues, which can help develop critical thinking and communication skills. Escape rooms can also be a fun and exciting way to create lasting memories and family bonds. However, you may be wondering whether or not your child is ready for their first escape room. Let’s explore some factors to consider.
Age
Firstly, it's important to think about the age and interests of your child. Some games have themes or content that may be too mature or scary for young children. Some games may also have partial darkness or loud noises. Your child should also be able to read, at least a little bit, before playing their first escape room. Your child’s interests are also important to consider; board-game fanatics are going to enjoy Apartment A, while little cowboys and cowgirls are going to prefer High Noon.
Maturity
Next, you should also consider how your child responds to stress. Remember that escape rooms are timed experiences and may not be suitable for kiddos who don’t like to be rushed. You’ll want to ensure that your child is old enough to communicate with the rest of their team, and ensure they can handle the disappointment of an unfortunate, but possible, failure.
Prepare
Finally, it's important to prepare your child for the experience. Explain the rules and how the game works before you go, and encourage them to ask questions if they're unsure about anything. Here are some preparation tips:
Call ahead and ask about the game (Is it dark? Is there a lot of reading involved? etc.)
Make sure your child knows that it is just a game. They won’t actually be trapped in the room, and nothing bad will happen if you fail to escape.
If you have the time to visit the store, one of our staff members may be able to let you and your child look inside the game before you book. This can help your child feel more comfortable as they will know what to expect.
Bringing a little one to an escape game definitely changes the way your experience will look, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. With proper preparation, everyone in your party can have a wonderful time. If you have any more questions, or are curious about any special needs accommodations, drop us an email at contact@murfreesboroescaperooms.com or give us a call at 615-900-0355. If you’re ready to book, we recommend Apartment A or Santa’s Messy Workshop. You can book one of them here.
Spring 2023 Game Guide
Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it, so we’ve compiled this list of all of our games and what group of escape artists it's perfect for. Whether you’re competitive or chill, a beginner or a veteran…
This guide was originally written for Valentine’s Day 2023, but it still provides an accurate assessment of our games.
Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it, so we’ve compiled this list of all of our games and what group of escape artists it would be perfect for.
PastaWay
Starting off obvious, our newest experience, Pastaway is the perfect game for any group of 2 players. While we generally recommend it to couples, the story makes no assumptions of the group’s relationship status, making it fun for friends, siblings, and the yet-to-be-determined relationships. This is also our easiest game, so if you aren’t sure which game to play first, start here.
Group size: 2 players
Difficulty: Beginner
Perfect for: Couples
The Blind Pig
Next on the docket is a fan-favorite; The Blind Pig. This game is notoriously challenging, but we’re sure it’s nothing you and your friends can’t handle. After all, who better to accompany you on your quest to get in good with the mafia than your life-long friends?
Group size: 2-5 players
Difficulty: Advanced
Perfect for: Friends down for a challenge
High Noon
Speaking of friends; we all have that one friend who’s really competitive, right? No? You don’t know what we mean? Hate to break it to you, but that means that you’re that friend. Sorry. But hey, no worries, we have a game for you. Bring all your friends (and I mean all your friends) to High Noon, the perfect team-based escape room. In this game you and your friends will be split into two teams and try to race each other through the challenges left to you by the local sheriff. Not really into competitive play? Smaller groups of players are welcome to play one side of the experience. No competition necessary.
Group size: 4-12 players
Difficulty: Medium
Perfect for: The competitive spirit in all of us
Apartment A
Going for something more chill, more simple? We get it. We recommend Apartment A for any player looking for a worry-free escape experience. This room is brightly lit and the story is non-threatening, making this game perfect for that one friend you’ve been begging to play a room. In addition, this room has many familiar elements like Monopoly and Clue, making it perfect for escape artists of all ages.
Group size: 2-4 players
Difficulty: Easy
Perfect for: families, double dates, and scaredy-cats (don’t tell them we said that)
Santa’s Messy Workshop
Last but not least, Santa’s Messy Workshop. We know that this game is a bit out of season at the moment, but everyone can benefit from a little Christmas Spirit (and this room provides plenty). Or maybe you just vehemently DO NOT want to celebrate Valentine’s Day. That’s cool too. Either way, we’ll spread a little Christmas cheer your way. This is the perfect experience for families, humbugs, and your girlfriend who is still singing Sleigh Ride.
Group size: 2-4 players
Difficulty: Easy
Perfect for: families, double dates, and holiday-lovers
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, some other special occasion, or just looking for an adventure, at Murfreesboro Escape Rooms, we have an experience for everyone. Already know what you want to play?
The Next Generation of Escape Rooms
We’ve all had that moment of trying to open your refrigerator for a late night snack, only to find a padlock on it. That’s okay though, you’re pretty sure the code can be derived from your Grandma’s old cookbooks. That’s a joke; this situation is highly unrealistic. Unless you’re at Murfreesboro Escape Rooms…
We’ve all had that moment of trying to open your refrigerator for a late night snack, only to find a padlock on it. That’s okay though, you’re pretty sure the code can be derived from your Grandma’s old cookbooks. That’s a joke; this situation is highly unrealistic. Unless you’re at Murfreesboro Escape Rooms.
Escape rooms have largely operated this way since the beginning. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Very few people walk into an escape room expecting 100% realism. The issue arises with the locks themselves. Usually the inputs are numbers, or a key. Sometimes you might have to enter letters or even a series of directions. These input options limit storytelling, and we’ve seen them all before. Escape games are about the new and unexpected.
Using tech as opposed to traditional locks allows for a greater variety of inputs; not just numbers and letters, but a sequence of shuffling tiles, or tracing of certain shapes. And since the answers of puzzles no longer have to translate into a number combination, players can move seamlessly to the next puzzle without getting lost on which lock to open next. This leads to more immersive room plots and more satisfying escapes.
Not only does tech like this help keep players on track and immersed in the story, it also makes the impossible possible. Not to pull back the curtain too much but that magical feeling you get when a Michelin Star chef from the beyond is talking to you? That magic was made entirely out of tech, and would not be possible otherwise.
At Murfreesboro Escape Rooms, we are striving to go above and beyond conventional escape games. Our first step is building PastaWay with ZERO conventional locks. Everything will be controlled by tech: all the sounds, the props, and yes, the locks. Our goal with this is not to be high tech. This is not just the next wave of the Internet of Things. This is dynamic storytelling.
Behind the Scenes Building an Escape Room
Have you ever wondered what goes into building a brand new escape room experience? Our in-house built escape games go through a detailed process from conceptualising through construction to play testing before it’s released to the public.
“How do you come up with these escape rooms?” “Do you get to design the games?” Our game masters get asked questions like these all the time. Why don’t we dive into the answers together?
All our rooms are built in-house
Lots of escape room companies will outsource the creation of their rooms. This is just like any business decision on outsourcing vs in-house; it takes a lot of time or a lot of money. In our case, we opted to curate an in-house development team. This is how we create unique experience that all our staff is proud of. When you step into one of our rooms, you can feel our brand in every aspect of the game.
Our design committee meets every two weeks to brainstorm how we can improve our games.
From solving puzzles to creating them, here at Murfreesboro Escape Rooms we believe that there are no bad ideas. This is why our design meetings look like throwing pasta(way) at a wall to see what sticks. Nothing is off the table; there is no budget, no limits. This allows everyone to speak aloud any idea.
Previously, our design process was taking a series of original puzzles and creating a story to go with them. Now, much like writing a movie, we start with a broad story and fill in specifics, like puzzles and characters, after.
We begin by brainstorming any number of story themes. From this wide collection of ideas we will narrow down to a single theme, then start the process again, this time brainstorming narratives until we decide on a single plot line. This same process of passing ideas through a series of funnels is repeated for designing the set layout and furnishing, creating the puzzles, and naming the game.
Win tickets
We have a raffle where you can win one of the 10x games for our brand new game PastaWay coming in November along with a $75 voucher for Marina’s on the Square restaurant. All you have to do is head on our facebook page:
🌐 Tag a friend and share
Four Reasons to play an Escape Room for your next date
Whether it's your first date with a new partner, or your 50th anniversary, you want to have a memorable date night idea Murfreesboro Escape Rooms provide a fun and unique experience through exciting stories, intriguing characters and…
Whether it's your first date with a new partner, or your 50th anniversary, you want to have a memorable date night idea Murfreesboro Escape Rooms provide a fun and unique experience through exciting stories, intriguing characters and fun filled hour of puzzling challenges. Here are four reasons why you should take your partner on a date to an escape room.
Shared experience
Just like rehashing a movie after seeing it in theaters, a similar phenomenon occurs after playing an escape game. Win or lose, you and your partner will now have an exciting adventure to discuss and remember for years to come. This adventure was for you and your partner; it was a unique experience meant for just the two of you.
Problem Solving Skills
Escape games are all about solving intriguing puzzles and challenges. Problem solving skills of course come in handy everyday, but learning how to solve problems together with your partner will make your relationship more resilient. Whether it's potty training a new puppy or organizing a get together with all your friends, life can be difficult but working through it with a partner is easier. Our escape rooms are a great way to practice without the pressure.
Pressure reveals a lot
When in an escape room, you will embark on an adventure to complete a 60 minute challenge.. This deadline will reveal a lot about how someone acts under pressure. Do they panic and freeze up (it happens to the best of us), or do they try to cheat in order to move ahead faster (no judgement). How your partner reacts to stress is important to know as you go forward in your relationship.
It’s important to have fun
Maybe the most important reason to play Murfreesboro escape room games with your partner is simply for the fun of it. Everyone needs a break from reality every now and then, and the importance of enjoying the time you spend with your partner cannot be overstated.
Looking for a date idea for your next outing? Pasta Way our brand new adventure - still under construction - is specifically designed for only two players. Check out our other rooms also great for a date night while you wait. 👇