I can't say enough great things about Black Out -- really, I talk about it to anyone who will listen. My experiences here have ignited a new interest in me and I want to attempt all the escape rooms I can.
I've been to the old location and the current one, for a work teambuilding event and for a family activity, respectively. The waiting room in the new location on Arrowridge Blvd is at least three times the size of the old one and would accommodate large groups much better. It's also darker and definitely helps get you into the spooky mindset.
Each Black Out Agent I've worked with has been exceptionally professional. They're in character even before you walk in the door, and never break.
I'm someone who isn't great at playing along, so I wondered how I would fare in a dramatic environment like this. I have to admit, I was completely swept up in the storyline and the urgency of our missions. My adrenaline was *pumping* during several tense moments. Even though my logical brain knew I was never actually in danger, I definitely felt scared a handful of times.
I have completed both the South End Psycho and Trade Street Epidemic rooms. The quality and difficulty of the puzzles were similar in both; the biggest differences were the interactions we had with the actors that visit the rooms. I did feel like we needed more help in Trade Street than in South End, but it could be due to our smaller group size.
Speaking of help -- don't let your pride slow you down. Take the hints! There were a few things I never would have figured out if it weren't for a gentle hint from our "agent on the outside." This is also a good time to recommend that you assemble your team wisely; your best friends and favorite people may not be the best problem solvers.
I absolutely plan on making another trip to try the Cell Block 704 room. Apparently, I'm now a person who does escape rooms. I'm excited to see how other escape challenges in Charlotte compare to Black Out; they've set a very high bar.