Real talk: Its Nightmare is genuinely scary, so if you can’t make it through a horror movie without wetting yourself then we suggest trying another of Rush Escape Games rooms. There are six after all, with themes spanning everything from regal medieval halls to superhero hang outs (a favourite for kids). There’s even a super tough room available which was so hard (it had a five per cent success rate) Rush had to modify it slightly.
But back to 60 minutes of puzzling, R15+ terror that is the Its Nightmare, the escape room. Time Out's bravest decided to review. Led down a dark, glowing red corridor our intrepid escapees are informed that not only do many people receive bad news shortly after exiting this cursed room, but that even the CCTV is said to cut out occasionally (though we had plenty of assistance when needed).
After making our way down an even darker hallway (with bonus creepy crawlies at our feet) we emerge into the set of a horror flick, complete with bloody handprints and possessed paintings. Genuine screams occurred more than once as we picked our way through the room’s puzzles and tried not to freak out when we had pat-down faceless, creepy child mannequins (anything for a clue).
The flow of each escape room varies at Rush. Its Nightmare is a more intuitive room where you enter with little instruction or direction – a choice that adds to the overall unsettling environs. Read all notes you find carefully for clues and don’t be afraid to stick your hands into strange holes – if you want to escape alive that is.
Outcome: Success!
Atmosphere: 5/5
Creativity of puzzles: 3/5
Difficulty: 3/5
Fun: 5/5
Best quote: “I like that room because of the aircon, but I don't want to be in there because I don't like all the screaming.”
Our tip: Double check everything, some clues are easy to overlook due to your sheer terror.