Photos courtesy of Nicholas Bubeck

From hidden clues to flashing lights, The Nemesis Club is an awesome escape room. I recently experienced the Evil Robots game there, and I loved it.

Here are 10 things to know about visiting (and why to add it to your bucket list).

  1. You enter through Soda Jerk, a delicious milkshake bar located on High Street in Phoenix. To gain access to the escape room, you must say a password granting you entry to The Nemesis Club.
  2. While we experienced the Evil Robot, there are three different themes, each with hidden entrances. In the Evil Robots scenario, we had a BIG problem. A menacing robot at the Experiment Virtual Intelligence Laboratory (EVIL) was powering himself on. Our mission? Break into the retro-futuristic lab and shut the robot down before he finished charging and started wreaking havoc. We had just one hour to save the day.
  3. When it starts, a tour guide leads you into the room, but then something goes wrong. That’s when the tour guide abandons you, leaving your group alone to solve the mystery within 60 minutes. It felt like we were part of a vintage sci-fi movie, racing against time.
  4. It’s like being part of a puzzle, and you’re the pieces solving the task. Inside the room, you must figure out how to solve multiple clues, all while the robot slowly boots up, threatening us with every passing second.
  5. Your team must strategize solving the interactive clues like putting on goggles to see directions, finding keys to open boxes, sneaking past lasers, and using claws to grab things you cannot reach. The game is packed with technology, with adaptive gameplay, playful animatronics, and story-driven puzzles that keep everyone on their toes.
  6. It’s most exciting because you’re working against the clock. However, your guide “watches” you from an undisclosed location in case you need help. If you run into a bind, you can ask aloud for hints.
  7. Every person is constantly looking for clues to solve. I highly recommend this for a birthday party to enjoy with buddies. The meticulously crafted environment, complete with a beautifully scored soundtrack, makes it a thrilling adventure.
  8. At 11 years old, my friends and I successfully defeated the robot. Younger kids might need some help from adults, but it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.
  9. After you’re finished, celebrate your success over milkshakes! You’ll feel very accomplished. Plus, it’s the perfect way to wind down after all the action.
  10. Finally, once you try one, you’ll want to check the other rooms off your bucket list. The immersive experience really puts you at the center of the story, making it a must-see Phoenix attraction.

The Nemesis Club is located at 5350 E. High St., #109, in Phoenix. For more information, visit www.thenemesisclub.com.