We played Vampire Crypt (this time) and it is part 2 of the Kingskeep storyline at NextGen. All of their rooms are part of aforementioned story line but you can play them independently of each other. The husband and wife duo who own NextGen are super sweet, awesome, and love to talk about the rooms. Their puzzles are always interesting and unique, the rooms atmosphere is always topical, and I love all the lore they include. They definitely are intentional with everything that's put into their business. Best escape room place in the Fresno area!! read more

Next-Gen Escape - Escape Games Near Me - Fresno, California

This is my first escape room in Fresno. And my second ever escape room experience period. Went with some of my girls for my sisters birthday! It was so much fun! We worked together and got through it with the help of some hints from our host lol. He was awesome! We tried our best not to use too much hints but fuck! If we didn't, we'd be stuck. We got to take a picture at the end. We loved it! Most definitely will be returning and trying a different room! read more

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Here after visiting their new location on Nees and First! I wanted to give them another try since we really do enjoy escape rooms and are running out of options in Fresno. I wanted to increase the rating here since this experience was better than our last one at their previous location. Maybe since it is newer all the sensors and such are working as they should so no hiccups there. Our game master was nice and explained everything pretty well. The reason I have yet to bump this to a 4 or 5 star review is maybe due to the difficulty and story of the rooms. At this new location they only have two levels 4/5 and 5/5 on difficulty. Our group consisted of 2 very experienced players and 2 inexperienced players so we did 4/5 (something about caves). I'd honestly rank this room a 2.5-3/5 in terms of difficulty. We got out with almost 30 minutes to spare and our two inexperienced players were able to solve a large chunk of the puzzles. Now getting out feels great but to drop $160 for 4 people on a 30 minute experience was a little disappointing. Also, like the last experience, the ending is very anti climactic. It doesn't feel exciting. We might've missed the game master mentioning that was the goal of our mission but we were surprised when he walked in to tell us we escaped. I am curious about their other room so we'll likely be back eventually. read more

This place is fun! There are so many reasons I really enjoyed the escape room, unfortunately I can't share most of them without giving away secrets! This place is definitely worth the money. My family and I showed up on Thursday night around 8 PM. We played the easiest room, the Kings Keep, and it was a lot of fun. The decorations used, the story that was created, and the layout of the room we're all wonderful. I didn't think the room was too hard, but there were a few elements that made me and my family stop and scratch our heads. The staff member that helped us was incredible. I believe her name was Cheyenne. She had great energy, was super encouraging, and her personality really excited us before we got into the room. All in all, this was just a really fun night. I will happily return to this place and play some additional rooms. read more

Next-Gen Escape - Exterior - Escape Games Near Me - Fresno, California

Next-Gen Escape is perfect entertainment during COVID times. FULL DISCLOSURE: I won a free game at an event so this review is based on that game. Next-Gen is an escape room. With COVID, they've moved to a virtual/zoom model and this crate model. I was contacted by email and a date and time for drop off of my game. I had no idea what to expect as I'd never played an escape room before and didn't understand how it would be played at my home. I was intrigued! At the appointed time, a masked employee arrived with a giant crate with two folders on top. (I was assured that the crate and it's contents had been cleaned.) One folder contained signs to use at the end of the game. I was told to start with the other folder. The first page listed very brief instructions with links to a timer and to a power point of the clues. It is best to play with at least one laptop and. We also used our phones but it also really helped to have a bigger screen everyone can see. I'm not going to give any more specifics to ensure I don't give anything away! Overall, this was good fun whether there's only two people playing or a group. I thought the level of difficulty was good, none of the clues were "easy." When you're tired of regular game night and what to elevate a bit, try these guys - emails were always responsive and they were on time for drop off and pick up. Highly recommend. read more

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I've done several escape rooms here in Fresno and I think this is my favorite location! I went with a group and we did King's Keep (the easiest room). Clues are unlimited and the worker that assisted us was so lively and helpful! The room was decorated really well and we were having so much fun that the hour didn't seem like an hour at all. I hope to come back soon and try out a more difficult room. read more

Fun options and easy online booking. Venue was a little hard to find but with it. They are pretty lenient with the hints but some still had a blast. read more

Huge fan after my group's first visit yesterday, we had an amazing time. The rooms are fantastic, they are even a bit more immersive than other rooms we have done. The game masters were fantastic and we had a great time. We took on Clauncy's Lodge and King's Keep and emerged victorious but more than that we were just really impressed with the rooms. The puzzles are great, they aren't overly complicated, the staging is great, no issues with any mechanics or anything. This is a big favorite of the group, I'm not sure how often they change their rooms out but I know for sure we'll be coming back when they get some new rooms, thanks for a great experience! read more

Excellent staff and a wonderful experience for an 11 y/o birthday party. We did the lodge room and had a great time. Perfect level of difficulty with well-thought-out puzzles. Looking forward to trying more rooms and escape crates. Thank you Next Gen! read more

Next-Gen Escape - Escape Games Near Me - Fresno, California

A group of friends and I participated in Bomb Threat/Global National today. We had so much freaking fun and I swear we were laughing the entire time. For 3 out of 4 of our group, it was our first ever escape room. From the moment we entered, the host was immediately welcoming and easy to get along with. He explained everything to us and then showed us a short film so we had a little background. At no point are you ever actually LOCKED into your room, but it's more fun if you imagine that you are. I was amused to see that the company we were interning for (unpaid interns, mind you!) sell rubber duckies. I have quite the ridiculously large rubber duckie collection so I thoroughly enjoyed this. The whole room and theme was great. We've all worked in offices before right? So that was very relatable. None of the clues were overly hard but you definitely had to do some thinking. I've been out of school for so long at this point that it was a really fun challenge. I will mention that you are able to ask for clues. There are no blatant answers but the clues and hints were definitely helpful when we were almost there but couldn't quite get it. Eventually we managed to defuse the bomb with less than four minutes remaining! As mentioned we all had a great time. So great in fact that my friend booked the murder mystery box for our Halloween party this year! Check them out. You won't be disappointed. read more

Had a great first time in a virtual escape room for a yelp elite event! It's fun experience with a group, and I'd love to go with friends in the future if I have the chance. https://www.yelp.com/events/fresno-yelps-great-escape-with-next-gen-escape?ytl_=7b3a5e4e85054262baf25fb0df2ec9f0&utm_medium=email&utm_source=community_email&utm_campaign=Oct-16-2020 read more

Really really nice staff! Our group is fairly experienced with escape rooms, and we found Clancy's Lodge to be pretty easy. We didn't want to do the hardest room though(Cerebral), because of the sensory deprivation and claustrophobia aspects we were warned about. So that was a bummer, because making an escape room difficult doesn't have to include aspects that make some group members uncomfortable. Overall, it wasn't our favorite escape room we've ever done - it was very much focused on opening the next lock to progress. Not super immersive or expanding of the storyline. It was very step by step. If you've ever done an INCREDIBLE escape room, you'll know the difference when you do others. Props were...mostly just props! And that's probably fine for people new to escape rooms. But for our group, it was just okay. Also, a clue was missing in our room so we got stuck and had to ask for help. The worker apologized and felt really bad - but that was kind of lame and took away from the experience. Next gen was about the same level/vibe as Puzzle Effect in clovis. read more

I took my two kids here and we had a blast. Staff was very nice and puzzles were challenging but fair. We had a ton of fun and can't wait for the next room to open. read more

Would definitively recommend doing the kings keep escape room with Rory as the host! Hope to come back here soon. read more

What an experience! My boyfriend and I have done many escape rooms, near and far. Our time here at Next Gen was incredible! We tried out the King's Keep room and were blown away at the level of immersion and creativity put into the room. The tech was top notch, and much better than anything we've seen in Fresno. We had an absolute blast. They offered us a special deal to do Global National following our success in King's Keep, and of course we said yes! I was shocked at the depth this game had. It was incredibly layered, well thought out, quirky, and definitely challenging. We had to think deeply to get out of this one, but ended up succeeding with about 9 mins to spare. It was an outstanding experience overall. The game master was professional, friendly, and super fun! We will absolutely be back to do Clancey's Lodge and whatever else they dream up! read more

Next-Gen Escape - Global National success!! - Escape Games Near Me - Fresno, California

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Came here as part of a bachelorette party and had such a great time. The staff took great care of us and even let us do an extra escape room since we finished ours so quickly and another group had cancelled! Thank you for taking great care of us and for the great time! read more

Next-Gen Escape - Escape Games Near Me - Fresno, California

Took the team on a group outing and we all had an absolute blast! We did Clancy's cabin, which was an intermediate, which was perfect as most were first timers to escape rooms. Staff was all professional and friendly, and we will definitely be going back again ! read more

Amazing escape room! Very enjoyable, Damian was a very amazing and wonderful host. Will come back!

We've done many escape rooms and are self-admitted addicts. We had an amazing time at Next-Gen. They love to hear your feedback and are always looking for ways to create a new experience. Their storylines are unique and have local connections. Tonight we rented their first escape crate, "Left For Dead," and had a fantastic time. I am including pics from tonight's shenanigans! We can't wait for the next one! read more

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This place was hands down awesome! The entire experience was enjoyable, our guide Zack walked us through everything and was on point with the tips and clues. Kings keep Was our first time trying out the escape rooms and this was a perfect experience for newbies. Definitely worth a second time around, still have two other rooms to Try out! read more

Next-Gen Escape - We made it! #teamdanger - Escape Games Near Me - Fresno, California

Okay so we're not new to escape rooms and we've done two here at this location so my rating is based off of an average of both. The first one being the Clancey's lodge (4/5) which was good except for the fact that the sensor into the second room messed up and opened on its own, so we were exposed to it early, and it kinda ruined the thrill of what was on the other side for us cause we weren't supposed to see it yet. HOWEVER, he came back in to reset it while we were playing, and was also apologetic and even gave us an unexpected discount which I was planning on tipping him regardless because I felt like he was deserving and overall we did enjoy the room except for that one hiccup. I'm mentioning this cause he was actually paying attention to us and corrected oopsies on the spot which I feel like wasn't the case in cerebral. The second room we just did today which was Cerebral (0/5). So this was supposed to be their most challenging and we escaped in the end, but it truly didn't feel like we accomplished anything. She had to tell us we get out cause we were so lost and confused when she walked in congratulating us. Overall we felt it was underwhelming, and a big let down. First of all, the briefing was super short.. really just a bunch of pics that didn't prepare you for anything or immerse you into a storyline so there was little effort there. Then when we got in and began, our timer never started, I had actually called and told them well into the game, and they said they would start a timer on their end but I don't think that ever happened and I'll get back to this point later. This honestly ruins the thrill of running out of time throughout because we were never able to gage it and so the pressure wasn't there which wasn't like it should've been when you normally run out of time in a game. Secondly, one of our people got into the second room and was pretty much there for the whole time by himself sitting in the dark while the rest of us were figuring everything else out in the first room, he pretty much got his experience stripped cause we're pretty sure the door was faulty and he got in way too early and was just stuck there without doing things that needed to be done first. We know this was a hiccup because the game master was confused onto how we got there without us solving other things, which she said over the phone after we had already been in our situation for quite a while. She was questioning us about that when she really should've known and been following along to see certain things that shouldn't have happened, so I feel like this was another sensor issue like my first room I did here that wasn't corrected like it was the last time. So we ended up doing things out of order and none of it made sense in the end, when we had questions for her seeking explanations she couldn't answer them. We even asked how much time we had left to spare since we made it out, and she said she didn't know. Based off of reviews, maybe our experience would've been different with Damian since this seems to be his room and everyone enjoyed how he runs it. I just feel like she wasn't paying attention to us to guide us like we should've been, and fixing oopsies that we were experiencing ahead of time. read more

Very fun place to check out. Highly recommend it. The rooms are very creative and detail-oriented read more

When my 20 something kids who live in NY, LA and OC who come to visit us in fresno and we always go to all the escape rooms. Next gen is by far our favorite. Well made, great puzzles that rival their big city escape tooms read more

Last night we experienced Next-Gen. First off, we were hesitant because it was so reasonably priced compared to the other places we have been to. Although we have done MANY rooms outside of Fresno it was our first LOCAL escape room. We chose Chancys Cabin. It had some great puzzles and would have been even more challenging had it been darker. I wish it had been later in the day! That being said we really liked the room and it's challenges! Clearly no spoilers here! But it's in my opinion really worth doing challenges at this local escape room. We are seasoned and we still needed a dang hint! But we made it out with 11 minutes to spare! Our host was so awesome. I wish I could remember his name! Polite and informative. read more

This was an awesome experience! My boyfriend and I did this for a date night and we had a great time. Staff was friendly, everything was clean, and the mind games were awesome! I totally recommend King's Keep if you're new to escape rooms. We will definitely be back to Next-Gen! read more

Next-Gen Escape - Escape Games Near Me - Fresno, California

Brand new escape rooms in Fresno. The owners are extremely friendly. The rooms are well themed and have good flow. We were able to escape and logged the best time in both rooms. We are looking forward to their next themed room. We will definitely be back and highly recommend Next-Gen Escape. read more

Next-Gen Escape - Record breakers - Escape Games Near Me - Fresno, California

I went back for a second time and they were just as amazing. The lady was lovely, polite, and very patient. She gave helpful clues and was accommodating even when we cannot finish the room. Planning to go back in the next few weeks again. read more

WE LOVE DAMIAN!!! He is such a wonderful host! So much fun! Will be back next weekend!

Soooo fun! Second time doing an escape room, first time here. My boyfriend, our two friends and I did the "King's Keep," room. It was beautifully built and soo intriguing. Without giving anything away it was amazing and we had so much fun. We finished with 9 seconds left! Our "guide," who explained everything with us was named Ari I believe and he was awesome. We will definitely be back for the other rooms!! read more

Next-Gen Escape - King's Keep - Escape Games Near Me - Fresno, California

We did this as a team building event for work and had a great time. We didn't escape but it was still a great experience. Game master was friendly and have us a good overview. He also called with clues when we were moving too slowly. We did Clancey's Lodge and I can't wait to go back to do their other rooms. The ambiance was brilliant. Only suggestion is call if the time slot you want is unavailable. We went at 2pm because it was a work activity on a weekday. read more

Next-Gen Escape - Escape Games Near Me - Fresno, California

My husband has begged me to do the Escape Room for 2 years already. We just never gotten around to booking it because we either got too busy or we forgot. We almost had a chance to go to the Yelp Event, but it got canceled due to Covid. Thank goodness, they were able to do a virtual one and from that virtual one, we won the Left for Dead Escape Crate. An Escape Crate is something that gets delivered to you at home and then gets picked up after you're done. Way to work around the pandemic! It comes with a story. Ours was a zombie Apocalypse and we had to find the cure by solving puzzles to open locks. This crate was extremely challenging. I was a little frustrated at the beginning because our dry erase was completely dry and we really needed it for the map and word finder. We just moved and didn't keep any dry erase and we spent 20 minutes looking for something to write with and literally going back and forth about using a pen since the rules stated don't use a pen. I ended up using my only lipliner...This crate was extremely challenging and definitely not for beginners. Also, you have to be good at science and math for one of the equations. I'm not good at math, but somehow got the equation correct. It was like taking a timed test. My husband was determined to get the cure. I was in and out because the clues were extremely difficult. My favorite part was being able to take the chains off the crate. I would suggest doing it with multiple people and have an expo marker for back up just in case. It was cool and something we got for free to do, but I would want and pay for an easier box next time. Nothing with math or science equations. Lol. Thank you so much Next Gen for this great opportunity and I hope people find entertainment with these crates. read more

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So much fun. Zach was awesome. My family had a great time. We will definitely be back for the next adventure. Thank you so much. read more

Next-Gen Escape - Escape Games Near Me - Fresno, California

Sanitizing between sessions, masks required. Very organized, polite, professional service. Puzzles were clever: implementing reading, math, riddles, magnets, pressure, visual puzzles, logic, fun props, etc. Environments were well designed and immersive. read more

We truly enjoyed our experience with Zack for the The Walking Dead escape room. The story line was fun, and we look forward to our next room here. I also enjoyed the fact that Zack was collected donations for a great cause! It was neat to get the outdoor escape room experience for the first time! read more

I've played 4 escape rooms in town and this is my favorite because of the story building & diversity of puzzle types. We played Clancey's Lodge (paranormal investigation team locked in a creepy cabin) and as someone who doesn't like horror stuff I appreciated that the room was creepy without jump-scares! The game master was friendly and helpful. Looking forward to trying out their other rooms! read more

Best escape room in Fresno! The staff is super kind and fun. We can't wait until the add more rooms.

The escape crates are so much fun. I love that there is something like this my family I can enjoy from home. It kept us entertained from the moment we started until the time was up. The crate was dropped off and picked up at the specified time with no issues. The person who dropped it off was wearing a mask and gloves which made me feel very happy. I appreciate how they have adapted during Covid 19 in order to still provide services while Social Distancing and wearing masks according to guidelines. read more

My girlfriend and I decided to try our first ever escape room, and we were overly surprised. We had a great time! One of the guys, Zach, was great at introducing us to everything, and made the whole experience even better. Highly recommend! read more

I did Clancy's Lodge the week after their grand opening. Out of the 11 escape rooms I've done so far, this one is among the top that I've done. The room itself made me feel like I was submerged into the "lodge" which is something I usually saw lacking in half the rooms I've visited. The owners truly do care about making sure that escape room goers are having a blast. Great value and, of course, a great time! read more

Superb experience in every way! We went and did the King's Keep. The room was perfectly decorated for medieval times and the story line was consistent throughout the experience. The locks and special effects were outstanding!! We enjoyed the room so much that we immediately completed another room, Global Nation. This room had a completely different feel and challenges. Again, the storyline was intriguing and fun! The two employees that we interacted with were wonderful. They made sure that our experience was outstanding in every way. The rooms were high tech as compared to other escape rooms we have visited with a wide variety of challenges. The entire facility was immaculately clean! If more than a five star review were available, I would give it to them. Absolutely fabulous!! read more