Review: Dragon Alley, Keystone Escape Games, Reno, NV
Fun Factor 10 - Top Fun Award
Keystone Escape Games
1350 Stardust St. Reno, NV 89503
Date we played: July 27, 2022
Booking size 2 to 10 - We recommend 4 to 6.
Game time: 61 minutes
Objective: Upon entering Dragon Alley you realize that you are transported back in time. You need to repair the Crystal of Time before your time runs out and you are stuck in the past.
Horror Theme: No.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Dragon Alley by Keystone Escape Games in Reno, NV is one of our all-time favorite escape rooms earning it a Top Fun Award with a Fun Factor of 10!
Dragon Alley was the sixth room we tackled during a busy escape room day in Reno, and despite arriving a bit tired, we quickly found ourselves energized by the immersive gameplay and engaging puzzles. We enjoyed it so much that we immediately booked the venue’s other room, Blood of the Original, which we also highly recommend. Dragon Alley easily ranks among our favorite escape rooms and has earned a Top Fun Award from Fun Factor Escape Room Reviews.
We were immediately immersed upon arrival, as our game host greeted us fully in character, complete with costume and makeup, setting the tone for the experience ahead.
We recall—and appreciate—that Keystone Escape Games kept us separate from the group that was about to finish, ensuring our immersion and interaction.
Upon entering Dragon Alley, you realize that you are transported back in time. You need to repair the Crystal of Time before your time runs out, and you are stuck in the past.
Dragon Alley earned its Top Fun rating thanks to its engaging set design and imaginative use of props. As the game progresses, the space reveals itself in immersive and organic ways, enhancing the sense of discovery with each solved puzzle. The puzzles are varied in type and style, and they consistently drive the story forward in a satisfying way. There’s a generous amount of puzzle content, with some requiring multiple steps and thoughtful integration of set elements. While we’d classify the overall difficulty as Intermediate, the layered nature of some challenges makes the experience especially rewarding and challenging. The hint system (detailed below) also adds a unique and entertaining dimension to the game.
Some of the set pieces used to solve puzzles were ginormous…impressively oversized or cleverly enhanced to provide layered feedback, adding to the immersive quality of the experience. The set was rich in detail, creating a fun and whimsical, theme-park-like atmosphere—and we mean that as a genuine compliment. While medieval-themed rooms often lean into darker or more ominous tones, Dragon Alley struck a balance: the period decorations felt authentic and transportive without ever feeling spooky or foreboding. We felt fully immersed and safe throughout—and I am sure that Laura and I were smiling the entire time!
We also especially appreciate when a hint system is seamlessly woven into the game world. Keystone Escape Games delivers one of our all-time favorites: a fully integrated, animatronic talking skeleton named Jim, who offers hints in character and adds both charm and humor to the experience. Hints from Jim were timely and well-calibrated to our progress. They felt like a natural extension of the game rather than a disruption, enhancing the overall experience. Frankly, we wanted to hang out with Jim.
Meet Jim…
Jim brought us much joy. Jim will deliver clues, keep you company and provide content while you are on your adventure!
Jim is not spooky or threatening.
The puzzles in Dragon Alley are nicely varied, engaging multiple senses and incorporating a wide range of solving techniques—including several that require teamwork. With a spacious layout and multi-layered challenges, we recommend a group of 4 to 6 players to get the most out of the experience. That said, experienced teams of two or three can still complete the room, but should be prepared for a more intense challenge due to the sheer volume of content and the need to coordinate quickly. There is some minor maneuvering/crouching required - we advise you to ask Keystone about this if your group has physical limitations. The time for Keystone Escape Rooms is set for 61 minutes instead of the standard 60.
Because of the room’s rich detail, layered gameplay, and high production value, we don’t recommend Dragon Alley as one of your first escape room experiences. This is a room to savor, best appreciated by players who have completed a few games and can fully enjoy the depth it offers. Frankly, if this is your first escape room, you might find it sets the bar so high that future rooms have a tough act to follow—Keystone has created something truly special here.
If you find yourself in Reno, Dragon Alley at Keystone Escape Games is not to be missed. It’s one of the most enjoyable and memorable rooms we’ve played. Please let them know you found them through Fun Factor Escape Room Reviews—and let us know what you think…and HAVE FUN!!
