Team - 4 players
Outcome - Escaped (Full Completion)
Time Elapsed - 1 Hour 1 Minute 1 Second
Hints Used - 0
"You are the lucky winner of a free stay at Foxcrest Retreat, where the famed Dr.Gravely has improved upon the latest in spa treatments and relaxation for those of high social standing. Upon your arrival, however, you and your fellow guests may find the "health retreat" is not what it seems.."
Overall Thoughts
As mentioned in my previous ETR review the main similarity with these games and the EXIT games is the use of a decoder wheel but I personally prefer the way EXIT does it with the cards to check you are correct. The main issue with the ETR decoder is you have to line up the same two symbols on the wheel to know you are correct; in a way this gives you instant confirmation but it also makes it way easier to "brute force" an answer. If you manage to line up one symbol but are uncertain on the full answer this makes it too easy to just cycle until you find the answer.
The puzzle flow of this game is incredible at no point was I uncertain where I was upto or where to go next making the game feel seamless. The instructions and guidance throughout are great and although we did not need it hints are available online via their website. The puzzles within ranged from jigsaw-esque puzzles to physical tactile puzzles. Although the tactile puzzles were fun it did slow the game down significantly and only allowed for one player of the group to work on progression of the game, whereas all of the other puzzles could allow multiple players to work on it simultaneously. When I initially opened the box I only saw 4 puzzle envelopes which was significantly less than the previous box but this game opens up to more than it first appears.
I personally preferred the theming and the story of this box over stargazers manor as you got a lot more background information and development throughout.
Overall I'd say this game is an absolutely fantastic box for both beginner and intermediate level puzzlers; although those with a lot of puzzle experience may find the puzzles a little on the easier side. The game is also fully resettable and you do not destroy any of the contains.
Final Review
Difficulty - 2 / 5
Puzzles - 3.5 / 5
Theming - 3.5 / 5
Creativity - 4 / 5
Enjoyment - 4 / 5
Value For Money - 5 / 5
Overall Score - 4 / 5
Sneak Peek
