Escape Academy

Escape Academy is a collection of over a dozen handmade escape rooms, framed as a school that trains students to become expert escapists. Rooms were designed by people who build real-life escape rooms, and the whole campaign can be played solo or with one friend in local or online split-screen. It suits couples, parent-and-child pairs and friends looking for a relaxed co-op puzzle night.

Players say it captures the feel of a physical escape room well, with a mix of classic and inventive puzzles, timed scenarios like defusing a bomb at a tea party, and a light story told by a cartoonish faculty. Many recommend keeping pen and paper handy. Opinions on difficulty vary: some found it too easy, others needed hints, though most felt solutions made sense afterwards.

Recurring complaints include co-op desyncs where both players see a puzzle in a different state, word puzzles that are hard for non-native English speakers, budget-looking visuals, and a split-screen view that pops up each level. A few players also got motion sickness. Co-op caps at two players. With a five-hour campaign, it is a strong pick for a two-person game night, best bought on sale.