'Escape room' game opens in Cape; another coming soon

In an escape-room game, a team of players are locked in a room and must solve a series of puzzles and collect clues to unlock a door or a series of doors and effectively "escape" and win the game.

Attractions such as these have gained in popularity throughout the country. Soon, Cape Girardeau will have two of them.

Todd Ferren, owner of Talon Falls Escape in West Park Mall, said the escape-room craze started in Asia and made its way to the U.S., where it was picked up in larger cities. Ferren also owns Talon Falls Screampark in Kentucky, and he added an escape attraction to the park before recently bringing it to Cape Girardeau.

But Talon Falls Escape is not scary like his haunted attraction is, Ferren said. It is a family-friendly activity for ages 12 and up.

There are two themes from which to choose: "Escape from Back to the Future" and "The Morgue," intended to challenge the mind, not instill fear.

A third theme, "Treasure Hunt," is planned for April.

On weekdays, Talon Falls Escape is available as a corporate team-building activity. On the weekends, reservations are available to the public for fun with friends, or a date-night activity.

Another escape room soon will be open across from Southeast Missouri State University in downtown Cape Girardeau. Escape Cape also aims to bring in businesses during the week as a team-building activity.

"It takes good communication skills to solve these puzzles and clues," John Welter, co-owner of Escape Cape, LLC, said, which makes it ideal as a company activity. Weekends will be available to the public.

The Escape Cape building has a basement and an upper level, where the themed escapes will take place. Guests can choose their theme, "kind of like going to the movies."

Like the movies, the themes will be rotated over a period of time. Welter expects new themes every six to 12 months, depending on popularity.

The first three themes Escape Cape will feature are "Pirate Cove," "Pharoah's Tomb" and "Killer's Lair." Though he admits "Killer's Lair" can be creepy, Welter said his attractions are family-friendly, and the pirate-themed game can be modified to make it more accessible for a younger crowd.

Talon Falls Escape is open in West Park Mall.

Escape Cape has an expected opening date of May 1.

bbrown@semissourian.com

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