Opened on August 1st, Condemned is unlike any other attraction around. Condemned is a unique and thrilling horror-themed experience.
Despite its horror-themed nature, it isn’t a haunted house, as one might think, but an interactive real-life escape experience. Locked in a room, with 60 minutes on the clock, up to 12 people have only their wit and each other to find the clues that unlock their freedom.
The creators, brothers Jamie and Kody McCarty, have been fans of escape room games since they were children. So when the prospect of attending a real-life escape room in Los Angeles came about, they couldn’t say no. Shortly after, they began planning and designing ideas for their very own attraction. “We started brainstorming that night,” Jamie said. “We pretty much had a solid blueprint of what we wanted.”
The room, illuminated only by a dim ceiling lamp, is filled with various eerie props. Along with the disembodied limbs and blood-spattered décor, there are the ominous sound effects of a fictitious killer – complete with backstory – that adds to the bloodcurdling atmosphere.
Having attended the attraction just a couple of weeks ago, I can say that the experience was absolutely thrilling. I was hyped up to participate and Condemned certainly exceeded my expectations. Each clue found only lead to another mystery of where to use it or how it would help. It isn’t a simple straight path. Condemned requires you to use teamwork as well as your deductive skills and holds similar qualities to the Saw franchise – without the need to cut off one’s leg to escape, of course. Even though my group failed to escape the room, it did not take away from the experience. The obstacles weren’t difficult, but they certainly weren’t easy, either. The attraction has appeal in spades that makes one want to participate over and over again. Participant Paulina Young said, “It was a pretty cool experience. I definitely recommend it.”
As Condemned gains more popularity and fame, the McCarty Brothers hope to expand their business. Because things have been going well for the business, extending their hours is already in the works and the brothers are hoping to add more to the attraction.
“We want people to come in and have fun,” Jamie said.
What you need to know
Location: 201 D St., Suite T, Marysville (Behind Pizza Guys in downtown Marysville)
Time: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, and 10:00 PM & Sundays at 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM
Admission: Tickets cost $25
For more information about Condemned, check out their website at http://www.getcondemned.com/
Note: This article was featured in the Fall 2015 print edition of The Prospector
My name is Tou Thor. Kid at heart, part-time procrastinator, and lover of video games and books. Interests include reading, writing, and eating – if I’m not doing one of those things, I’m probably sleeping. Or dead. Anyway, enjoy !
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