Escape Room in a Box: Flashback (2019) Board Game

Escape Room in a Box: Flashback is a cooperative board game designed by Mattel, Inc. and released in in 2019. The game is a follow-up to the original Escape Room in a Box game and puts players in the shoes of amateur sleuths trying to solve a series of puzzles to escape a themed room within a time limit.

Game Components of Escape Room in a Box: Flashback

19 puzzles

4 real combination locks

Tangible props and physical components

Colored containers with locks

Pen and paper

Access to a freezer or ice water

Instruction sheets

Optional integration with Amazon Alexa for timing, hints, and a spooky soundtrack.

How To Setup Escape Room in a Box: Flashback

Setting up the game is straightforward: simply open the box, read the initial instructions, and start solving puzzles. There is no complex setup required, making it easy for players to dive in immediately. The game is structured into three 30-minute segments (blue, red, and purple), each with its own set of puzzles that can be solved sequentially or simultaneously.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to solve puzzles.

Puzzle Solving: Solve 19 puzzles, including word, physical, visual, and spatial challenges.

Lock Mechanisms: Unlock 4 real combination locks to progress.

Branching Paths: The game features three separate paths that can be solved independently or in parallel.

Objective: Construct a powerful amulet to escape the clutches of the mad scientist werewolf, Doc Gnaw, within 90 minutes.

Player Experience

Playing Escape Room in a Box: Flashback is an immersive experience that mimics a real-life escape room. The game is designed to be engaging for players of all experience levels, with a narrative that involves delving into the past to remedy a dangerous situation. Players can split up to work on different paths, making it a great team-building activity. The game’s use of tangible components and real locks enhances the tactile experience, making it feel more authentic than many other tabletop escape games.

Pros

Solid Puzzles: Engaging and varied puzzles that are more tactile than most tabletop escape games.

Strong Narrative: A cute story with strong writing and playful dialogue.

Easy Setup: Minimal rules and no software required.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for families with kids, offering different types of mental challenges.

Replayability: Can be played up to three times by sticking to one path each time.

Cons

One-Time Use: The game is less suitable for repackaging and replaying due to the physical components.

Precision Issues: Some puzzles lack precision or require specific environmental conditions.

Art Consistency: The artwork is not consistently memorable throughout all puzzle tracks.

Personal Thoughts on Escape Room in a Box: Flashback

Escape Room in a Box: Flashback is ideal for story seekers, puzzle lovers, and anyone looking for a fun and challenging cooperative game. It’s perfect for family game nights or adult gatherings, offering a unique and engaging experience. The game’s ability to scale to different player counts and its nonlinear puzzle paths make it versatile and enjoyable for a wide range of players. However, it is important to note that the game’s replay value is limited due to its one-and-done nature, despite the possibility of playing through different paths. Overall, it’s a great entry-point for those new to escape room games and a satisfying experience for veterans of the genre.

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