Scooby-Doo: Escape from the Haunted Mansion (2020) Board Game

Scooby-Doo: Escape from the Haunted Mansion is a cooperative board game based on the popular animated television series “Scooby-Doo.” Released in 2020 by The Op Games, this game allows players to step into the shoes of Scooby-Doo and his friends as they explore a haunted mansion filled with mysteries to solve.

Game Components of Scooby-Doo: Escape from the Haunted Mansion

5 Narrative Books (one for each character: Fred, Velma, Daphne, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo)

13 Map Tiles

60 Clue Cards

8 Secret Envelopes

5 Character Standees

1 Mystery Manual

Hints and a score tracker (Scooby Snacks)

How To Setup Scooby-Doo: Escape from the Haunted Mansion

To set up the game, players start by reading the initial entry from Fred’s Narrative Book, which guides the setup process. This involves placing the first Map Tile and positioning Velma in a starting location. Players then distribute the character standees and prepare the narrative books. The game is divided into two chapters, allowing players to pause and resume play at their convenience.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to solve the mystery.

Coded Chronicles System: Players use narrative books indexed by 4-digit numbers to uncover clues. Each character has a unique ability (e.g., Velma researches, Scooby smells, Shaggy eats).

Map Tiles and Clue Cards: Players place character standees on Map Tiles to reveal numbers, which correspond to entries in the narrative books.

Puzzle Solving: Players decode puzzles and open secret envelopes to progress.

Objective: Escape the haunted mansion by solving the mystery of Lady Fairmont’s ghost.

Player Experience

Playing **Scooby-Doo: Escape from the Haunted Mansion** feels like participating in an interactive episode of the Scooby-Doo series. The game is highly engaging for families, with puzzles that are fun and not overly complicated. Each character’s unique abilities add to the narrative, making it feel authentic to the franchise. The game can be completed in about 2-4 hours, depending on the pace of play.

Pros

Immersive Storyline: The game provides a deep, narrative-driven experience that stays true to the Scooby-Doo theme.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above, making it a great family activity.

Interactive Puzzles: Puzzles are fun and varied, with a good balance of ease and challenge.

Reusable: Although it’s a one-time playthrough, the game components can be restored to their original state, allowing other families to enjoy it.

Cons

Single Playthrough: The game is designed to be played once, as the puzzles and solutions are revealed in the first play.

High Price Point: Compared to similar escape room games, it is on the pricier side.

Potential for Missing Pieces: Some customers have reported missing cards or pieces.

Personal Thoughts on Scooby-Doo: Escape from the Haunted Mansion

This game is ideal for families and fans of Scooby-Doo who enjoy cooperative gameplay and puzzle-solving. It’s a great way to spend quality time together, engaging in a fun and interactive mystery that captures the essence of the Scooby-Doo franchise. While it may not be replayable, the initial experience is rich and enjoyable, making it a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate escape room-style games.

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