One of my favourites due to its outstanding third case. 


Table of Contents

Location: Home

Date Played: Dec 2022

Team size: 2; we recommend 1-5

Duration: 1 hour / game; total 3 hours

Price: ~S$40 on Amazon

Premise

"Unlock! Epic Adventures" is a cooperative card game inspired by escape rooms, offering a series of challenging cases to solve. The seventh installment in the Unlock! series, it features three intriguing cases, with the third case being the standout:

• The Seventh Screening - Grab your popcorn! Tonight, the horror movie "The Werewolf's Final Night" premiers. Will you get through unharmed?

• The Dragon's Seven Tests - The Gold Dragons temple welcomes every seven years new disciples. Be worthy of Mater Li's teachings.

• Mission #07 - EAGLE, the secret organization, has been infiltrated. Agents, it's up to you to identify the mole!

Components

Each box of "Unlock! Epic Adventures" includes three cases, each containing approximately 60 cards, a tutorial deck of cards, and an instruction manual. To play the game, you'll need to download the companion app, available for both iOS and Android devices. The app serves as a timer, provides sound effects, and offers clues, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Additionally, the series comes with a poster and a booklet for specific cases, such as "The Seventh Screening" and "Mission #07."

Gameplay

The gameplay in "Unlock! Epic Adventures" follows the same structure as other games in the series. Starting with an introductory card, you progress through the game by finding numbered cards and solving puzzles, either through the app or by using clues on the cards.

While the first case maintains a standard format, the second and third cases introduce unique mechanics. The second case utilizes the smartphone app extensively, featuring a new puzzle mechanic. The third case is divided into two parts: identifying the double agent and arresting them. It also incorporates a novel mechanic that utilizes the smartphone's camera, creating a "wow" factor.

Puzzles

➕ Enjoyable Puzzles: The puzzles in all three cases are clever and satisfying to solve. Most puzzles feel fair and provide a sense of accomplishment when solved.

➕ Uniqueness and Innovation: The first and third cases stand out for their creativity and uniqueness. They offer plenty of "aha" moments and innovative puzzle elements that impress players.

✖️ Mixed Feelings About the Second Case: While the second case contains some good puzzles, the repetitive use of the smartphone to enter a 6-series pattern puzzle didn't resonate well with the players.

Verdict

"Unlock! Epic Adventures" is a standout addition to the Unlock! series and a must-have for escape room enthusiasts. With engaging puzzles, creativity, and innovative mechanics, it offers an exceptional gaming experience. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the genre, this series is highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5

★★★★★

You can purchase it on Amazon here