Escape Tales: The Awakening (2018) Board Game

Escape Tales: The Awakening is a cooperative card game that falls under the horror and puzzle genres. It was designed by Jakub Caban, Matt Dembek, and Bartosz Idzikowski, and published by Board&Dice in in 2018. The game is meant for mature players aged 16 and above, and can be played solo or with up to four players.

Game Components of Escape Tales: The Awakening

Game Cards: 122 cards featuring puzzles, items, conditions, and maps.

Doom Cards: 9 cards that introduce challenges and complications.

Location Cards: 18 cards setting the scene for each room in the game.

Storybook: A book with Choose Your Own Adventure-style paragraphs guiding the story and gameplay.

Action Tokens: 18 tokens used to explore areas and objects.

Mobile App: Required for inputting puzzle solutions and receiving instructions, accessible on Android and iOS.

How To Setup Escape Tales: The Awakening

To set up the game, players start by organizing the Location Cards on the Game Board, which represents various areas or objects to explore. The Storybook is prepared by ensuring the paragraphs are randomly arranged to avoid spoilers. The Game Cards are shuffled and placed within reach. Players also need to access the mobile app, which requires an initial internet connection but can operate offline thereafter.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Exploration: Use Action Tokens to explore different areas and objects.

Puzzle Solving: Solve puzzles using the Game Cards and input solutions via the mobile app.

Story Progression: Follow the Storybook to progress through the narrative.

Decision Making: Make choices that impact the story and final outcome.

Replayability: The game is designed to be replayable with multiple endings based on player decisions.

No Time Limit: Players are not timed or scored, allowing for a relaxed focus on the story.

Player Experience

In Escape Tales: The Awakening, players take on the role of Sam, a father desperate to wake his daughter Lizzy from a mysterious coma. Guided by a mysterious book and an enigmatic figure named Mark, players embark on a journey filled with challenging puzzles, difficult decisions, and a rich narrative. The game encourages deep immersion, with no time limits or scoring, allowing players to fully engage with the story and puzzles.

Pros

Immersive Story: A deeply thematic and engaging narrative.

Replayability: Multiple endings based on player choices.

No Time Pressure: Allows players to focus on the story and puzzles without time constraints.

Detailed Components: High-quality Game Cards, Location Cards, and Storybook.

Flexible Gameplay: Supports 1 to 4 players.

Cons

Long Playtime: Games can last between 3 to 6 hours.

Emotionally Intense: Contains content warnings for themes like suicide.

Complex Setup: Requires careful organization and use of the mobile app.

Personal Thoughts on Escape Tales: The Awakening

Escape Tales: The Awakening is ideal for players who enjoy narrative-driven games and are looking for a deep, immersive experience. It is perfect for those who appreciate puzzles and decision-making without the pressure of a timer. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking quick, light-hearted games or who are sensitive to emotionally intense themes. The game’s rich story and replayability make it a standout in the escape room genre.

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