Escape Hub: Inbound | Review

Escape Hub: Inbound Review | Word from France, you have one hour to get TOP SECRET British intelligence to safety. Axis air strikes are INBOUND. Climb and Crawl through the rubble of this bombed street of York.

Date Played: 2019
Time Taken: ~1 hour

Please note, this review was originally posted on Kent Escape Room Reviews.

About Escape Hub

Escape Hub is located within the Royal Star Arcade on Maidstone High Street. Conveniently situated in the town centre, this is a real hidden gem.  

Occupying much of the upper floor of the shopping arcade, its large glass frontage gives a great first impression. It comfortable seating area and friendly staff put you right at ease. The reception area also includes leader boards for each of the rooms and some puzzles, so get your competitive juices flowing! 

All members of the team here are very welcoming and its clearly evident that they care about their customers needs. Escorting you to the entrance to your room, your host gives you a quick briefing on what is about to begin. 

So without further adieu, here’s what to expect from Inbound:

On the Brink of War – Inbound

This room, summed up in one word – AWESOME!

Now the thought of running into a war zone as an escape room initially didn’t appeal to me until I started to read the write up provided by the Escape Hub website – when the words “Smoke” and “Crawling” were added to the mix, my ears pricked up and we booked only a few weeks after the room opened – And I was certainly not disappointed. 

The aim of this game is to obtain three British Intelligence secrets and escape. Based in war time, the scale of this room is pretty unbelievable. There is more than one large space to explore, giving the sensation of real depth and care to detail. Without spoiling the game, the way in which the designers have created this room is nothing short of genius. From the space, to the added atmosphere provided by a soundtrack, it’s a thumbs up from us.

The theme of ‘the war’ is a real hook in this escape room and impressed us a lot. We feel it would wow even the most seasoned of escapists, making it a fantastic stand out room in the genre. Think: The Great Escape.

The puzzles seem to be never ending and the effects within the room add that extra something to complete this masterpiece. Players can expect to encounter a fair deal of padlocks – which is no bad thing in an escape room, especially when it fits into the theme. Sure, in the war the boxes and munitions probably would have been locked down with a padlock… Or two… Or three.

But overall one of my favourite things were the unexpected twists and turns in this room, combined with thoroughly challenging moments. Everything is however achievable, after all we did escape! For those wondering how to get the best success from the room, I would suggest sometimes taking a step back and looking at things at face value – don’t try and overthink it! We often do ourselves! My advice would be to keep it simple and you will smash it!

A massively enjoyable experience, with a great theme, smart use of space and great effects. If you haven’t tried this room yet – you must! 

Would I recommend this room?

Yes, definitely. ​

Who would I recommend it to? 

The game is suitable for all to enjoy however not particularly easy for first timers, so maybe tried the Escape Hub’s other rooms first! It is also not wheelchair accessible, so keep this in mind when you book.

How many players would I recommend?

I would suggest that 4 players is the perfect number for this game. ​

Suitable for Children?

Given the war theme, I would suggest not and although there is nothing gruesome to worry about, the room doesn’t particularly lend itself to under 12s. ​

Inbound can be booked by heading to Escape Hub’s website here.