A Whimsical and Immersive Escape Room Card Game

Table of Contents

Location: Home

Date Played: July 2023

Team size: 1; we recommend 1-4

Duration: 1 hour / game; total 3 hours

Price: ~S$48 on Amazon

Premise

Unlock! is a collaborative card game inspired by the concept of escape rooms. It employs a straightforward system that enables players to explore scenes, combine objects, and solve riddles. Mythic Adventures is the eighth installment in the Unlock! series, comprising three captivating cases:

• In the Clutches of Hades - You are Alix, a slave in Greece during antiquity. Gaining your freedom will not be an easy task unless you ask the Gods for help.

• Professor Noside's Animal-O-Matic - "The Animal-O-Matic transfers you into the body of any animal. It's not dangerous, I'm telling you! Will you stop moving James!"

• Around the World in 80 Minutes - "I made the bet with these gentlemen from the Reform Club that we will travel around the world in 80 days. Passepartout! Hurry! The world awaits Phileas Fogg's masterstroke!"

This series distinguishes itself with its immersive storytelling and delightful humor. The third game, in particular, shines with its masterful integration of narrative and gameplay, setting it apart from the rest of the Unlock! lineup.

Components

Unlock! Mythic Adventures, like its predecessors, comprises three cases, each containing approximately 60 cards, a tutorial deck of cards, and an instruction manual. To play, you'll need to download their companion app, available on both iOS and Android platforms. The app serves as a timer, sound effects generator, and clue system, seamlessly meshing with the physical components to create a cohesive and immersive gaming experience.

The third game introduces an additional pamphlet-style diary, serving as a helpful tool for solving puzzles while infusing a touch of flair into the gameplay.

Gameplay

Gameplay mechanics remain consistent throughout the Unlock! series. Commencing with the introductory card, players progress by locating card numbers and resolving puzzles using clues from the cards or the app.

The second game introduces an intriguing twist, utilizing your smartphone's camera as the "Animal-O-Matic." Taking pictures of various animals depicted on the cards enables you to assume their forms. Impressively, this mechanic functions seamlessly, accurately recognizing the cards and enhancing the immersive quality of the gameplay.

Puzzles/Thoughts

➕Premium quality cards. The cards maintain an excellent look and feel, with artwork that consistently meets high standards. They exhibit durability, eliminating any concerns of flimsiness.

➕Innovative and delightful puzzles. Most puzzles are meticulously designed, aligning with Space Cowboy's tried-and-true formula for crafting engaging challenges.

➕Second and third games offer innovation. The second game introduces a unique and refreshing mechanic, while the third game delivers an engaging story that unfolds throughout the gameplay.

✖️Occasionally finicky puzzles. Some puzzles proved challenging, requiring me to seek solutions (even though I don't consider myself a novice). There were instances when I couldn't arrive at the solution despite following the suggested approach. This did lead to some frustration, and I had to reluctantly move on.

Verdict

Unlock! Mythic Adventures has secured its place among my favorite board games, making it an easy recommendation for anyone seeking 1-3 hours of delightful puzzle-solving. The themes and stories in these games align with my preferences and offer a highly engaging experience.

Rating: 5/5

★★★★★

You can purchase it on Amazon here.