Sixty minutes on the clock… a locked vault, a haunted hotel and a whole lost city between you and the exit. And the only way out is teamwork. (Yes, even with your brother-in-law.)
Say hello to Game Over Escape Rooms, the newest way to have fun on Center Street in Old Town Manassas. Game Over runs escape rooms all over the world, and now there’s a Manassas team bringing that same game right to our backyard, complete with its own parking lot. No Beltway required.
If you’ve never done an escape room, here’s the deal: you and up to five friends get locked into a themed world (well, not actually locked, you can step out anytime, but the clock keeps ticking). You hunt for clues, crack puzzles and try to finish the mission before time runs out. Every game is private, so you’ll never get paired with strangers, and if you get stuck you can call for a hint every five minutes.
Pick your poison
The rooms are hand-built, with custom props, lighting and sound. There are four to choose from:
- Nightmare Hotel (Horror, Expert): A wrong turn on a countryside trip, nightfall, and a creepy old building with a “Dreams Hotel” sign. You check in for the night. Then the doors close behind you. Perfect timing for spooky season.
- Top Secret (Adventure, Experienced): You’ve been captured by guards at a paramilitary headquarters. Break out of your cell, crack the high-security vault and swipe the XJ7 missile blueprints before time’s up.
- Genie and the Lamp (Adventure/Family, Experienced): The Dark Caliph has exiled the Sultan and wants to rule your land by fear. It’s on you to stop him.
- Lost City of Atlantis (Mythology, Medium): You’ve spent years translating ancient scripts, and now you’ve finally reached the ruins. Find Atlantis without vanishing along with it.
Bigger crew? No problem! Book all four rooms at once and up to 24 people can play at the same time. Game Over also hosts birthday parties (cake and cupcakes welcome) and corporate team building, so the next time someone suggests another trust-fall retreat, you know what to say.
It’s something different to do in Manassas, it’s a new small business in Old Town Manassas, and it’s a great excuse to grab dinner downtown before or after. Go support ’em, and tell ’em Manassas NOW sent ya!
If you go
- Where: Game Over Escape Rooms, 8955 Center St., Manassas (it has its own parking lot)
- Hours: Monday to Thursday, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Cost: $39.99 per player, 2 to 6 players per room, 60-minute games. Cards only, no cash.
- Ages: 12 and up recommended. Kids 8 to 11 can play with a paying adult.
- Tip: Book ahead, especially for evenings and weekends, and arrive 15 minutes early to check in.
- Book and info: manassas.escapegameover.us or 703-881-8277
