“60out,” the award-winning leader in immersive entertainment debuted its Godzilla vs. Kong escape room in mid-May in collaboration with Legendary Studios’ Monsterverse franchise. Located at HHLA, formerly the Promenade at the Howard Hughes Center, 60out operates five escape rooms at this location, including rooms featuring The Smurfs, Titanic, Godzilla vs. Kong, Hotel on Road 66, and Casino Heist as well as a VR experience with over 30 live-action journeys. The HHLA location is the only escape room in the country with two licensed games with major motion picture studios.

The rooms attract adventure seekers and gamers alike, with the HHLA location also serving as an event space that can be reserved for corporate team building, private parties, and other celebrations for up to 30 people. The Godzilla vs. Kong escape room is an immersive adventure that takes players deep into Hollow Earth to unravel mysteries, solve puzzles, and navigate electrifying challenges. The launch comes on the heels of the global box office success of Legendary’s newest entry to its Monsterverse, “Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire.” 

The exceptional experience introduces innovative technologies that redefine the industry standards and offer an adventure unlike anything customers have previously enjoyed. Features include an erupting volcano and a full-size monster skull. The room can be played with two to eight players and the difficulty level is described by 60out as “medium.” 

In Godzilla vs. Kong, adventurers embark on a colossal journey that transports them into a world where monsters reign supreme. Traveling to Hollow Earth, players are tasked with assisting the secretive titan research organization Monarch in gathering vital information on some of the most infamous monsters. Primordial relics, strange creatures, and earth-shattering encounters await gamers in this impressive spectacle. 

When a friend and I ventured into the room, we had somewhat differing opinions on the overall experience. Admittedly this was my first ever escape room experience, so I was pretty impressed by the setup and interactivity. My friend, who is a big fan of escape rooms and has participated in many of them, found it to be more of an immersive story than a seamless experience. Our guide, who was there to offer hints, did say that the company is working to make it more seamless as more players provide feedback. 

Other important things to note include the fact that it is beneficial to go with a tall friend for some of the more physical activities. My teammate also noted that we should have brought more people for a more effective use of time and a diversity of opinions, guesses, and ideas. Guests have one hour to complete the room and we finished with about eight minutes to spare. My gaming partner also noted that there were plenty of red herrings for potential clues and to keep previous gameplay in mind, but that, “What you know about past escape rooms doesn’t always ring true with this one.” My teammate is also a fan of the Monsterverse and says the room did a good job following the recent Godzilla and Kong storylines. 

Overall, I found the experience fun and interactive, but with a few kinks that could be worked out. For example, the room would have been a bit more cohesive with better lighting. My teammate agreed with this sentiment in that he also found it to be enjoyable but that the experience has room to improve. 

Legendary Picture’s Monsterverse is ten years old and going strong. An expansive story universe found across several platforms, the films and experiences center around humanity’s battle to survive in a world facing a catastrophic new reality, monsters of myth are real! Beginning in 2014 with Godzilla, the franchise is five movies in and has earned over two billion dollars at the global box office. Additionally, the Monsterverse recently hit the small screen with Apple TV+ and its event series “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” and features an interconnected world of video games, graphic novels, toys, and live experiences. 

60out has five award-winning locations throughout Los Angeles with 26 games created for a diverse range of interests and skill levels. Every game includes immersive storytelling, mind-bending puzzles, and innovative gameplay for an unforgettable time. Their other Westside locations include Hollywood and Koreatown both on Western Ave. and in West Hollywood on Melrose. 

“Consumers are seeking fun excursions more than ever to enjoy with friends, family, and coworkers. We have elevated escape rooms and gaming into fully interactive and life-like adventures through the latest technology, elaborate special effects, and immersive themes,” Ilya Vradiy, CEO of 60out said in a release. “We have invested heavily to create the most realistic and unrivaled games that will turn L.A. upside down with exciting new experiences.” 

60out created their concepts and games by developing software, working on intricate set design, and securing the IP licenses. 60out also worked with some of the industry’s leading theme park designers and augmented reality and virtual reality game software designers to bring these games to life. 

“Being immersed in a world developed by 60out means fantasy adventures can become a reality. The result is visionary and connective entertainment like no other,” said Vradiy. “We are excited to provide guests with new and unparalleled interactive adventures. From the moment guests step inside, they will be transported to imaginative worlds where excitement, mystery, and challenges await.” 

Tickets are $60. HHLA is located at 6081 Center Dr. #220, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

Photo collage by the author.