Unlock!: Escape Adventures – The Elite (2017) Board Game

Unlock!: Escape Adventures – The Elite is part of the Unlock! series of escape room games by Asmodee. It was released in 2017 and is designed for 2-6 players, with a recommended player count of 2-3 for the best experience. The game is known for its cooperative gameplay and storytelling elements, where players work together to solve puzzles and escape from various scenarios within a set time limit.

Game Components of Unlock!: Escape Adventures

1 Rulebook

Tutorial (10 Cards)

180 Cards (60 Cards per Scenario)

Companion app for time tracking, hints, code verification, and more.

How To Setup Unlock!: Escape Adventures

To set up the game, players start by selecting one of the three scenarios included: “The Formula,” “Squeek & Sausage,” or “The Island of Doctor Goorse.” Each player receives a set of cards, and the game begins with a ten-card tutorial to quickly grasp the game mechanics. The companion app is downloaded and used to run the timer, provide hints, and verify codes. Players then work through the deck of cards, searching scenes, combining objects, and solving puzzles collaboratively.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Teamplay: Players work together to solve puzzles.

Time-Limited: Players have one hour to complete the adventure.

Card Deck: A deck of 60 cards per scenario guides the gameplay.

Companion App: Provides time tracking, hints, code verification, and enhances the game atmosphere.

Objective: Search scenes, combine objects, and solve puzzles to escape within the time limit.

Player Experience

Playing Unlock!: Escape Adventures is a highly interactive and cooperative experience. Players must communicate effectively to decipher riddles, search scenes, and combine objects to progress through the game. The companion app adds to the tension with its countdown and penalties, creating an immersive atmosphere. The game fosters teamwork and puzzle-solving skills, making it a fun and challenging experience for families and friends.

Pros

Immersive Escape Room Experience: Brings the thrill of escape rooms to the tabletop.

Cooperative Gameplay: Encourages teamwork and collaboration.

Diverse Scenarios: Multiple unique scenarios with different themes and challenges.

Easy to Learn: Quick tutorial helps players understand the game mechanics.

Enhanced by Companion App: Adds to the game atmosphere and provides useful tools like hints and code verification.

Cons

App Issues: Some players have reported issues with the app, such as incorrect card instructions and compatibility problems with newer devices.

Puzzle Difficulty: Some puzzles can be overly complex or nonsensical, leading to frustration.

Dependence on App: The game relies heavily on the companion app, which can sometimes malfunction or be unoptimized for certain devices.

Personal Thoughts on Unlock!: Escape Adventures

Unlock!: Escape Adventures is ideal for families and groups of friends who enjoy cooperative games and puzzle-solving. It’s suitable for players aged 10 and up, making it a great option for both kids and adults. The game’s ability to foster teamwork and its immersive atmosphere make it a standout in the board game genre. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer competitive games or have issues with app-dependent gameplay. Overall, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to bring the excitement of escape rooms into their home.

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