Deckscape: The Art of Escape (2019) Board Game

Deckscape: The Art of Escape is a cooperative card game designed by Martino Chiacchiera and Silvano Sorrentino, and published by ABACUSSPIELE in in 2019. The game falls under the categories of card game and puzzle, and is suitable for players aged 12 and above.

Game Components of Deckscape: The Art of Escape

Cards: The primary component, consisting of a small deck that includes item cards, puzzle cards, and hint cards.

Scoresheet: For tracking mistakes, marked with an X for each incorrect answer.

Themed Story: Each game has a unique story and setting, such as Heist in Venice, The Mystery of Eldorado, and The Curse of the Sphinx.

How To Setup Deckscape: The Art of Escape

Setup is straightforward: open the box, read the first card, and follow the instructions. Players work through the deck of cards, solving puzzles and advancing the story. The simplicity of the setup allows for immediate start of the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to solve puzzles and advance the story.

Puzzle-Solving: Players answer questions on puzzle cards and check their answers against the solutions on the back of the cards. Incorrect answers result in penalties.

Story Progression: The story advances regardless of the correctness of the answers, but penalties affect the final score.

Hint System: Hint cards are available for players to use without penalty, helping them when stuck.

Teamwork: Players can work on multiple puzzles simultaneously, separating the deck into groups to stay involved.

Player Experience

Playing Deckscape: The Art of Escape involves a blend of puzzle-solving, teamwork, and narrative engagement. Players must pay close attention to details and make decisions that impact the game’s progression. The games are designed to be thematic, with each scenario offering a unique setting and challenge. For example, The Mystery of Eldorado adds a survivalist twist, while Heist in Venice features complex puzzles and teamwork.

Pros

Portable and Simple: The game consists of just a deck of cards, making it highly portable.

Thematic and Engaging: each game has a well-crafted story and setting.

Variety of Puzzles: Includes a range of puzzle types that require different skills and reasoning.

Family-Friendly: Appropriate for all ages, with no gruesome content.

Group Play: Encourages teamwork and allows multiple players to work on different puzzles simultaneously.

Cons

One-Time Play: Once the puzzles are solved, the game does not offer much replay value.

Limited Iterative Solving: Players get one attempt at each puzzle, which can reduce the iterative discovery and ‘aha’ moments.

Penalty System: Incorrect answers result in penalties, which can feel punitive rather than educational.

Some Puzzles Too Easy or Too Hard: Some puzzles may be too straightforward or too obscure, leading to frustration or boredom.

Personal Thoughts on Deckscape: The Art of Escape

Deckscape: The Art of Escape is ideal for those who enjoy cooperative puzzle-solving and story-driven games. It is particularly suitable for families or groups looking for a fun, thematic escape room experience without the need for extensive components. While it may lack the iterative puzzle-solving of some other escape room games, it offers a unique and engaging experience with its simple yet effective mechanics. For new players, The Mystery of Eldorado is often recommended due to its balanced puzzle difficulty and engaging storyline.

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