Something NEW in Lansing to do: Escapology at Spare Time!

(Video: Escapology Escape Rooms via YouTube)

So it's up to you and your friends to solve a mystery. A murder. In an hour. You and the folks who can't decide what movie to go see, what pizza toppings you want, heck even where you want to eat. Think you can do it? Trust me, the journey is the fun!

My friend Kristen described it as "like a live version of Clue (the movie and the board game) all rolled into one".

It's Escapology. The live escape game. It's an escape room but so much more. And I've heard about them before, but was so excited to try it for myself. And it's right here in Lansing. At Spare Time Entertainment. Now, we attended the soft opening. The grand opening will happen soon and until then I invite you to keep checking back here.

We had a team of three. And I wouldn't suggest it get bigger than that. Four would be ok. But it get's crowded and if you get spun up in arguments, your clock will run out of time very quickly. You have to work together. Search for clues. Figure out puzzles. Unlock locks. Suitcases. Doors. Use your wits. There are clues. And sometimes clues within the clues. I don't want to give away anything. But man, this was fun. Exciting. Never done anything like it before. Kind of an ultimate team building thing. And lots of fun for you and your friends. If you can stop bickering. And the folks at Escapology do help you out a little bit. You get clues. You have a games master. If you get stuck you can buzz them for a clue. You get only 3 during your hour time. And if you ask for or use more than that, there is a 2 minute penalty. BTW, our dude was Reggie (Game Master and Escapologist). Had to give him a shout out!

The video above was our briefing before the game started. And sidebar, you are not locked in the room. You can leave at any time. But, your clock will continue to run. So if you have to pop out for a potty break or to answer a phone call you can. Also, you can't use your phone to help you out or take pix in the room. Thinking back on it, the phone wouldn't have helped anyway. And it takes away from the fun.

There are several different scenarios to play. We did the Budapest Express. And mind you, they were doing a soft opening but just to let you know, we killed it (pun totally intended) with a time of 54 minutes and 1 second. Setting the new record. So, good luck when you go in. You're not only trying to solve the murder in time and beat the clock. You're also trying to beat me and my team! Good luck with that! And have a great time cause this was so much fun. Can't wait to go back and try some of the other games once it's totally up and running which I understand will be very soon!