The Enigma Box (2018) Board Game

The Enigma Box is a board game released in 2018 that combines adventure, exploration, and puzzle-solving elements. Designed for 1-4 players with a playtime of 6000-10000 minutes, it offers a cooperative gaming experience where players work together to unravel mysteries and overcome challenges.

Game Components of The Enigma Box

100 hours of gameplay: Includes a welcome pack, booklet, 60+ riddles/puzzles, 30 investigations, and historical documents.

Virtual and Augmented Reality: Comes with a Cardboard-like VR headset and VR/AR content.

Physical Props: 3D-printed props, decoder wheel, various tools, and a pack of cards.

Miscellaneous: Board game map, T-shirt, badge, and a sturdy box to contain all components.

How To Setup The Enigma Box

Setting up The Enigma Box involves carefully unpacking and organizing the numerous components. Players should start by examining all the elements in the box, as missing any details can significantly delay progress. It is crucial to read the rules, especially those regarding the plastic figures, to avoid initial confusion. The setup process requires attention to detail, ensuring all documents and objects are correctly placed and understood before diving into the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Puzzle Solving: Players must solve over 60 puzzles and 30 investigations to progress.

VR and AR Integration: Utilizes VR and AR content to enhance the gaming experience.

Physical and Mental Challenges: Includes physical props, tools, and mental puzzles to decipher the mystery of ‘Arcanum Arcanorum’.

Team Play: Designed for 3-4 players to work simultaneously.

Objective: Decipher the mystery of ‘Arcanum Arcanorum’, the Secret of Secrets, by solving the enigmas and puzzles provided.

Player Experience

Playing The Enigma Box is a complex and sometimes frustrating but rewarding experience. The game immerses players in a rich storyline with creative and varied puzzles. However, some puzzles may feel too easy or flawed, and the repetitive nature of certain challenges can become boring. The game’s design allows for multiple players to engage simultaneously, making it a unique team-based experience. Despite some criticisms, the game offers a deep and engaging adventure that can span over 100 hours.

Pros

Immersive Storyline: Engaging background texts and a rich storyline.

Creative Puzzles: Many puzzles are innovative and well-designed.

Multi-player Capability: Allows 3-4 players to participate actively.

Diverse Components: Includes a wide range of physical and virtual elements.

Replay Value: The game is re-playable, with careful handling of components.

Cons

Flawed Puzzles: Some puzzles are easy to bypass or contain typos.

Repetitive Elements: Certain puzzles, like the Telegram puzzles, can become repetitive.

VR Gimmick: The VR component is perceived as somewhat gimmicky.

High Cost: The game is expensive, with a price point around £150.

Personal Thoughts on The Enigma Box

The Enigma Box is ideal for enthusiasts of escape rooms and puzzle games who are looking for a challenging and immersive experience. It is best suited for those who enjoy complex, long-term puzzle-solving and are willing to invest the time and effort required. While it may not be perfect due to some flawed puzzles and repetitive elements, it offers a unique and engaging adventure that can enhance problem-solving skills, dexterity, and intuition. However, the high cost and some design flaws might make it less appealing to casual gamers or those on a budget.

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