Kayla B.
Yelp
I've come back a few times, and both Otherworld and Gamegrounds are solidly "good".
Otherworld and Gamegrounds are two separate "experiences" both within the same building. Tickets are purchased separately for each. You can do both back-to-back, but I'd really recommend coming back twice if you're in the area. It'll be a long day with lots of standing if you try to do them back-to-back.
I'd describe Otherworld as an interactive visual experience with optional, hidden, unwritten-rules puzzles for you to explore. You can simply walk around Otherworld and enjoy all of the shiny views if you want, but if you're someone who likes to touch and figure out hidden meanings, Otherworld allows and encourages it. Otherworld is untimed, and spending 1-2 hours (just looking) would be normal and definitely 3-6 if you're trying to solve any puzzles.
Gamegrounds is a timed experience where you can play as many games (each with slots for 6 players) as possible before time runs out. All games use digital scorekeeping. Unlike Otherworld, all the games are extremely straight-forward and rules are written out. Games feel like real-life versions of arcade-esque games like whack-a-mole or ball toss or Space Invaders. It's like a mix between old-school console arcade games and Super Mario Party.
close-toed
Gamegrounds is less mentally stimulating but way more physically stimulating. The games are designed to be difficult for adults, but since points don't really matter, it can work just fine to have kids + adults playing together.
When we've gone (even on weekends), people tend to let you play with your own little group, and they'll wait their turn until afterwards. (i.e. A group of 2 behind us never tried to join our group of 3 in a game despite there being 6 slots).
Prepare to move around quite a bit for Gamegrounds, and close-toed shoes would be helpful but not necessarily. Just plan for something you can stand for at least an hour in since the entire place is standing. Accessibility-wise, there are quite a few games that involve simply standing (not dodging or bending), though almost all games require regular use of the arms. All games are designed for young kids or adults who are standing, and most would be difficult in a wheelchair.
PROS:
-It's a really unique experience. Otherworld is really cool, and it's hard to find anything else to compare it to. It feels like exploring a real-life video game where there's a backstory and lots of interesting things to learn if you touch and read all of the "optional" info. There are no "quest markers". There's just lots of side quests and puzzles you can do if you fully explore each room you're in and put together the pieces.
-Great job on Otherworld and Gamegrounds being both adult-friendly and kid friendly. Kids will love all of the shiny lights and interactive touching while adults can (if they want) get more mentally involved with the puzzles or skill challenges. This can make the entire place a great time for everybody of all ages (and of different interests in "art").
-Unlimited time in Otherworld is really amazing. It really lets you hang around all of the areas you like and spend as much time trying to solve the puzzles as you'd like. If you're here with groups/friends, there are lots of seated areas (in theme for the rooms in they're in) designed for sitting and talking. You can grab drinks and walk in/out of the Otherworld area as you please, making this a fun social spot if you have someone in your crew who wants to go super-deep into the puzzles and everyone else is just along for the ride.
-I love the backstory and alternative universe/lore they've put into Otherworld. I don't even think I've scratched the surface of the universe they were trying to make, and we went into every room and spent over 3 hours here.
-If you're staying hydrated or drinking any alcohol, the Gamegrounds area includes cupholders for its games.
CONS:
-The parking lot is a pothole nightmare. Drive slow. Almost every building surrounding here is abandoned, so take anything valuable inside with you.
-To keep the place running, I'd assume, food/drink areas are staffed by a single employee. It looks like that employee will set up a sign that says "Be back later" if they go on a break or lunch or to the bathroom. We've had multiple times where we've tried to grab a water or a snack while getting hungry to not see anyone manning the place for a long while. We've taken to having to bring our own waters.
-Some of the Otherworld puzzles/games don't seem to be functioning like they should. It might take a couple button presses to get something to register, and when it isn't registering right, it's hard to really understand if you're doing the unwritten puzzle "correctly" or not.
-Quite a few of the Player 1 spots in the Gamegrounds area are in need of help. Since they see the most abuse, their mechanics seem to perform way less well than player spots 3-6.