Overview
A puzzle-heavy prison break room from SideQuests. Linear and non-linear sections, heavy clue density, and a high challenge floor. Not for beginners.
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Our Experience
We tackled UNCLE with four people (down from our usual six — two teammates were keeping a newborn alive). We’re confident those two extra brains would have made the difference.
The room destroyed us — in the best way. We blazed through the first section and then stalled hard on something we probably shouldn’t have. We swapped tasks multiple times to get fresh perspectives, burned through a hint, and finally had two back-to-back epiphanies in the final minutes that launched us into full panic mode.
We failed. By approximately 30 seconds. We were completing the final piece as the host delivered the “you failed” speech.
Pay attention. PAY ATTENTION. That’s our only real advice. This room rewards focus and punishes inattention.
The theming is functional rather than beautiful — it works for what the room is, and the execution is clean. Linear and non-linear sections both flow well. Tools and surprises throughout kept things interesting without gimmickry. SideQuests puts genuine effort into their rooms and it’s evident.
Conclusion
We failed. We’re mildly humbled. But failing that close to the finish line on a room this well-crafted only speaks to how good it is. UNCLE is for escape room enthusiasts who want a real challenge. Bring your best team, your most creative thinkers, and leave your ego at the door.
