A decent addition to the Unlock! series

Table of Contents

Location: Home

Date Played: Feb 2023

Team size: 2; we recommend 1-4

Duration: 1 hour / game; total 3 hours

Price: ~S$48 on Amazon

Premise

"Unlock! Legendary Adventures" is the ninth installment in the Unlock! series, a collaborative card game inspired by escape rooms. The game features three distinct cases:

  • Action Story - The elusive Stella has stolen the world's most expensive gem! Stop her and take away her precious haul.
  • Robin Hood: Dead or Alive - Robin has fallen into the clutches of the Sheriff of Nottingham. Call upon his companions to free him from the dungeon.
  • Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Burnt Angels - The most famous detective ever needs your help in solving a strange murder case.

Game 1 acts as your traditional Unlock! game, game 2 has an element of deduction and detective skills similar to Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective while game 3 changes things up by introducing various new and interesting mechanics with the various features of your smartphone.

Components

 

The game includes three cases, each containing around 60 cards, a tutorial deck of cards, and an instruction manual. To play, you'll need to download a companion app available on iOS and Android platforms. The app serves as a timer, sound effects generator, and clue system, enhancing the gaming experience. Additionally, the game provides extra components to assist in puzzle-solving.

Gameplay

The gameplay mechanics follow the established formula of the Unlock! series. Players start with an introductory card and progress by locating card numbers, deciphering puzzles, and using clues from the cards or app.

The third game introduces unique mechanics involving your smartphone's camera, providing an interactive and immersive experience. For example, you use the camera app as a virtual bow to shoot an arrow at an augmented reality target.

Puzzles/Thoughts

➕Better than average. The puzzles in "Unlock! Legendary Adventures" are better than average, offering an enjoyable overall experience.

➖No wow factor. The game introduces innovative puzzles, even though none of them stand out as exceptional.

➖Game 3 requires the use of the box. Game 3's reliance on the box as a component led to confusion when playing outside the designated environment.

Verdict

"Unlock! Legendary Adventures" is a solid addition to the Unlock! series, offering a night of entertaining puzzle-solving. While it doesn't introduce groundbreaking elements, it maintains the series' consistency in delivering fun and engaging experiences. It's a recommended choice for fans of escape room-style games.

Rating: 4/5

★★★★✰

You can purchase it on Amazon here.