It's some of the best fun you can have in a locked room, and the doors will open soon right here at home.
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The escape room concept has been building in popularity in metro Australia - and, after savouring and solving several, Tamworth residents Jody and Stuart Stevens decided they wanted to create that experience for others.
They are on the cusp of opening Escape Rooms Tamworth, which will have four rooms themed Quest for the Throne, Zombie Apocalypse, Escape the Murder Scene, and Down the Rabbit Hole.
"It will be immersive of most of the senses; we want it to be a real sensory sort of experience," Mrs Stevens said.
Escape rooms have their genesis in the video game world, starting with 2004's Crimson Room.
In a typical physical game, players work together to solve a series of problems, one leading to the next, until they achieve the ultimate goal - such as being able to unlock the door - within the time limit.
The problems could include finding objects or clues; solving puzzles or riddles; or a physical task such as hitting a target.
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Mrs Stevens said she "became obsessed" after having played in some city venues in Newcastle, in Sydney and on the Gold Coast.
"It's just the challenge they have, the entertainment value - you're completely immersed for a full 60 minutes and forget about anything else," she said.
However, she said, "You're never, ever trapped in there."
"It's a big, open space once you're in the room; it won't be claustrophobic at all," she said.
"I've had some very, very funny looks. Lots of people are getting it confused with a panic room."
The rooms all have different themes, challenges and levels of difficulty.
The Tamworth business is a few weeks from opening at 13 Brisbane Street.