Escape room video games are one of the subgenres of point and click adventure games. During each gameplay, the player’s task is to escape from locked rooms or houses by utilizing elements of the environment.
The popularity of these games quickly led to their transition from paper versions to computers, and then real escape rooms started appearing worldwide. Let’s consider what influenced their popularity, but first…
History of Escape Room Games
In 1988, when text-based games were still quite popular, John Wilson created the first game (an interactive fiction, of course) in which the player had to escape from a locked room. It was titled Behind Closed Doors. The idea resonated with players, and over the next 15 years, escape room video games began to evolve and took on the point and click style.
In 2004, there was a boom in this type of games, all thanks to the title made by the Japanese creator Toshimitsu Takagi – Crimson Room. Fun fact: fans of escape room games often refer to them as “takagism,” of course, in honour of Toshimitsu Takagi.
What Makes a Great Escape Room Video Game?
Above all, thematic diversity – everyone can test their skills in an escape room, choosing a title (and setting) that resonates best with them.
Here, nimble fingers don’t matter as much as perceptiveness, wit, the ability to connect learned facts, and most importantly – patience.
A significant portion of players appreciate escape rooms for the increasing adrenaline rush and constant tension, fuelled by the appropriate soundtracks. For some, it serves as a kind of introduction to visiting a real escape room.
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | A Little To The Left | 2022-11-08 | Puzzle | Max Inferno |
 | Sherlock Holmes The Awakened | 2023-04-11 | Adventure | Frogwares |
 | The Past Within | 2022-11-02 | Indie | Rusty Lake |
 | Escape Simulator | 2021-10-19 | Adventure | Pine Studio |
 | It Takes Two | 2021-03-26 | Co-op | Hazelight Studios |
 | The Witness | 2016-01-26 | Adventure | Thekla, Inc. |
 | We Were Here Together | 2019-10-10 | Co-op | Total Mayhem Games |
 | Superliminal | 2020-11-05 | Indie | Pillow Castle |
 | Antichamber | 2013-01-31 | Adventure | Alexander Bruce |
 | The Turing Test | 2016-08-30 | Adventure | Bulkhead Interactive |
 | The Talos Principle | 2014-12-11 | Adventure | Croteam |
 | The Room Two | 2016-07-05 | Adventure | Fireproof Games |
 | The Room Three | 2018-11-13 | Adventure | Fireproof Games |
 | The Room 4 Old Sins | 2021-02-11 | Puzzle | Fireproof Games |
 | Gnog | 2018-07-17 | Adventure | KO_OP |
 | Portal 2 | 2011-04-18 | Adventure | Valve |
The Room Series
| Release date: | 2018-11-13 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Fireproof Studios |
The Room series is a must-play for escape room game enthusiasts. The first instalment, The Room, premiered in 2012 and received the BAFTA award for the best British video game, as well as the game of the year on Apple iPad.
In this game, nothing is as it seems. Apparently, simple puzzles turn out to be complex brain-teasers. The attractive graphics, vintage atmosphere, and demanding puzzles make you eagerly reach for the subsequent parts of the series.
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Zero Escape Series
| Release date: | 2017-03-24 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd. |
Zero Escape is another series of escape room games. The series consists of three parts, each telling the story of nine individuals who have been abducted by a figure known as “Zero.”
Zero Escape enriches players with a new, incredible experience, and each subsequent installment raises the bar higher. The intertwined, twisted stories grip players like a magnet.
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The Talos Principle
| Release date: | 2014-12-11 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Croteam |
In the game, players take on the role of a robot who wakes up in a strange world filled with ancient ruins and modern technology. His task is to solve 120 puzzles.
A curiosity in The Talos Principle is that our hero spends most of his time outdoors instead of a dark, gloomy room. It’s where most puzzles are solved. Puzzles can be solved in various ways, but each choice will have consequences.
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Myst
| Release date: | 2021-08-26 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Cyan Worlds |
Myst is a mysterious adventure game where you explore the secrets of the island of Myst and forgotten places known as “Ages”.
Thanks to the innovative approach to graphics by the creators, Myst achieved worldwide success and became a timeless title. The game has an incredible atmosphere and highly challenging puzzles that might discourage those lacking patience – however, it’s worth delving into them, as each location has its own fantastic story.
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Portal 2
| Release date: | 2011-04-18 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Valve |
Portal 2’s story takes place 50,000 years after the events of the first installment. Awakened from hibernation, Aperture and Chell attempt to escape confinement. Unfortunately, the artificial intelligence GLaDOS stands in their way.
Although Portal meets all the criteria of an escape room game, it’s rarely perceived that way. It’s more commonly described as a platformer with plenty of puzzles. However, when delving into escape room video games, it’s also worth picking up this title and getting caught up in its incredible story.
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Benefits of Playing Escape Room Games
Above all, escape room games provide entertainment, evoke excitement, and challenge our minds. Moreover, they serve as an excellent introduction to visiting a real escape room – of course, with a group of friends. Fantastic fun is guaranteed!
Tips for New Players
Can’t wait to start your first escape room game? That’s great! Before you sit down in front of the screen, listen to our tips:
- Not everyone likes being scared. If you’re not into horror, start with a game with a less frightening theme (like Myst, for example).
- If it’s your first time, have a notepad and pen ready – jotting down important details will help with puzzle-solving.
- In escape room games, coincidences don’t exist – pay attention to all texts (even book titles, seemingly insignificant scribbles on walls, or notes scattered throughout the world).
- Search for repeating patterns; these could be colors, shapes, numbers, or words.
- Collect items, even if they seem unimportant at first – each one could be a crucial element or be useful in obtaining another item.
- Don’t overthink – sometimes the solution is much easier than it seems.
Conclusion
Escape room games have been delivering a plethora of experiences since their inception. Their engaging stories and puzzles keep you glued to the screen. Taking on challenges and uncovering mysteries make us keep coming back for more. The satisfaction of a successful escape is incomparable to anything else. But don’t take our word for it – experience it yourself!