The Great Escape (2019) Board Game

The Great Escape board game is based on the famous 1963 movie of the same name, which in turn was inspired by real events during World War II. The game captures the essence of the daring escape from Stalag Luft III, a German prisoner-of-war camp, by Allied prisoners in in 2019. Players must work together to plan and execute their escape while avoiding detection by the German guards.

Game Components of The Great Escape

Game board with multiple face-down cards and spaces with arrows

Plastic weights and handcuffs for each player

Dice for movement

Key cards in four different colors

Six handcuff keys

How To Setup The Great Escape

To set up the game, each player is handcuffed to the game board using the plastic weights and handcuffs. The game board is laid out with face-down cards and arrows pointing to these cards. Each player starts with their hand ‘trapped’ by the game’s mechanics.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Collect all four pieces of a key in a single color to unlock your handcuff.

Movement: Players roll the die and must land on an arrow by exact count to flip up a card.

Card Collection: Players can keep cards if the colors match and can only hold three cards at a time.

Key Selection: If a player collects all four pieces of a key, they choose a handcuff key without looking and try to unlock their handcuff.

Player Experience

Playing The Great Escape is an immersive experience, albeit somewhat frustrating. The game requires precision in landing on specific spaces and a bit of luck in choosing the right key. The handcuffs add a physical element, making players feel ‘trapped.’ However, the strict rules and limited card holding can lead to slow gameplay, and the necessity to land by exact count can be tedious.

Pros

Unique Mechanic: The use of handcuffs and weights adds a fun and interactive element.

Strategic Thinking: Players need to remember and strategize about which cards have been turned over.

Social Interaction: Players can influence each other’s chances by hoarding cards.

Cons

Tedious Rules: The exact count requirement can be frustrating.

Limited Card Holding: The three-card limit can slow down the game.

Cheating Potential: The game’s setup can encourage cheating, especially towards the end.

Personal Thoughts on The Great Escape

The Great Escape is for those who enjoy nostalgic games with unique mechanics. It’s ideal for players who appreciate the physical and interactive elements of a game, even if the gameplay can be slow and sometimes frustrating. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking fast-paced or highly strategic games. Despite its quirks, The Great Escape offers a memorable experience, especially for those who enjoy vintage board games.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.