Unlock!: Mystery Adventures – The Nautilus’ Traps (2017) Board Game

Unlock!: Mystery Adventures – The Nautilus’ Traps is a card game designed by Arnaud Ladagnous and published by Space Cowboys in in 2017. It is part of the Unlock! series, which is known for its escape room-style gameplay where players solve puzzles and unravel mysteries within a set amount of time.

Game Components of Unlock!: Mystery Adventures – The Nautilus’ Traps

Card Deck: A deck of sixty cards containing clues, objects, and puzzles.

Unlock Companion App: Required for running the timer, providing clues, offering hints, and confirming successes.

Rulebook: Includes instructions for setup and gameplay.

How To Setup Unlock!: Mystery Adventures – The Nautilus’ Traps

To set up the game, players need to download and install the Unlock companion app, which will guide them through the adventure. The card deck is shuffled, and players draw the initial cards based on the app’s instructions. The app sets the one-hour timer, and the adventure begins with a sea monster attacking the players’ submarine, prompting them to navigate through the depths to escape before their oxygen runs out.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Game: Players work together as a team.

Storytelling: The game unfolds through a narrative driven by the cards and the app.

Puzzle Solving: Players search for clues, combine objects, and solve puzzles to progress.

Time Pressure: The game is timed, with players having one hour to escape.

Objective: Escape the submarine by solving puzzles and reaching the surface before the oxygen runs out.

Player Experience

In Unlock!: Mystery Adventures – The Nautilus’ Traps, players embark on an underwater adventure filled with puzzles and challenges. The cooperative nature of the game encourages teamwork and communication as players work together to escape the submarine. The use of the companion app adds a dynamic element, providing real-time feedback and increasing the urgency with its timer.

Pros

Interactive Storytelling: Engaging narrative that progresses through player actions.

Cooperative Gameplay: Encourages teamwork and collaboration.

Dynamic App Integration: Enhances the gameplay experience with real-time clues and hints.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10 and above.

Cons

Time Pressure: Some players might find the one-hour time limit stressful.

Limited Replayability: The game’s puzzles and story are fixed, reducing replay value.

App Dependency: Requires a smartphone or tablet to play, which can be a drawback for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Unlock!: Mystery Adventures – The Nautilus’ Traps

Unlock!: Mystery Adventures – The Nautilus’ Traps is ideal for families, casual gamers, and those who enjoy cooperative puzzle games. It offers a unique blend of storytelling and puzzle-solving, making it a great option for game nights or group activities. However, it may not be the best choice for players seeking high replayability or those who prefer games without electronic components.

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.