Review: Pirate, Escape the Puzzle, Longbranch, NJ
Fun Factor 6
Escape The Puzzle
473 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Date we played: May 26, 2025
Booking size 4 to 8 (we recommend 4 or 5)
Game time: 60 Minutes
Objective: You come across the sunken city of Port Royale. Try to find the treasure and escape before the tide comes in to wash away everything!
Horror Theme: No.
Difficulty: Intermediate
We had fun playing Pirate at Escape the Puzzle in Long Branch, NJ and can recommend it with a fun factor of 6. That rating is due to the relatively expansive set that is thematically decorated, a variety of puzzle techniques and many puzzles which require tactile manipulation. Also the game flow was relatively effective - there will be an important prop that teams can find to help them with both content and game flow.
We had fun in this room. A few minor improvements could enhance the fun factor. There was one set piece that was clearly broken and propped against a wall, in a way which did not look intentional, but it held an important prop, so it should be fixed or removed, and the prop should be relocated. We nearly ignored it until our game guide, who happened to be in the room adjusting a cabinet that had been improperly reset, told us that it was in play. That speaks to a broader point: a little more care in room setup could avoid those kinds of hiccups. To their credit, the game guide was alert and responsive, correcting the issue as soon as it was spotted and making sure we stayed on track. Their presence was helpful rather than intrusive, and they were friendly and welcoming throughout.
The puzzle design offered a range from basic to more layered interactions, with a few clever twists. One puzzle, in particular, could benefit from a subtle yet important wording adjustment that would make the task more intuitive without diminishing the challenge. Nonetheless, most puzzles were fair and well-clued.
What stood out about the puzzles was that there was a nice variety. There are some non-linear elements where a larger group can divide and conquer. The space is thoughtfully decorated with a variety of props and visual cues that contribute to the theme, and the room uses its large footprint well to structure a sense of progression. While the set isn’t as polished or immersive as some higher-end builds, the finishing touches show thoughtful effort and create a space that’s genuinely enjoyable to explore. Some of the puzzles allow for parallel solving, which we always appreciate in group games. While the maximum booking size is 8, we’d recommend a group of 4 or 5. Though the overall footprint is generous, there are a couple of tighter areas where a larger team might feel a bit crowded. The booking engine requires a minimum of 4, but the company was accommodating when we called in advance and allowed us to book with fewer. This room is quite manageable by experienced duos or trios.
There is a nice variety of puzzles – some have a physical element to them. At times at least one player will need to navigate a tight space in a prone position…only one player needs to do this but only one player at a time could do this. Some puzzles are straightforward and basic while others have twists or multiple layers.
There are a lot of set decorations so teams need to alert to take in all the details. Escape the Puzzle does a good job of using the full footprint of the room for the game flow and progression. There is a touch of lighthearted humor in some of the decorations and puzzles. It’s clear that care went into the room’s presentation, while the set design budget of Escape the Puzzle may not be as large as other companies’, the props are well-chosen and contribute to a visually appealing set. There is a nice thematic soundtrack – that is not too loud – and a well-designed lighting plan that helps create the vibe of a watery scene.
Escape the Puzzle is located in what seemed like an unlikely spot as we drove up to it…a house! The house has been effectively turned into an escape room business – currently holding 8 escape rooms; there’s ample parking in a lot behind the building, clearly explained in the confirmation materials. The reserved parking spaces were a nice touch. We always love reserved parking!
If you’re in the area, we recommend checking out Pirate at Escape the Puzzle —we had fun playing this room. If you visit, please let them know you saw a Fun Factor Escape Room Review—and be sure to let us know what you think. HAVE FUN!
If you visit, please let them know you saw a Fun Factor Escape Room Review—and be sure to let us know what you think. HAVE FUN!