EXIT: The Sunken Treasure – An Escape Room in a Box (one-time use category)
, by Nicholas Jones,
5 min reading time
The growing popularity of escape rooms has sparked a thrilling genre in the world of tabletop games, with EXIT: The Sunken Treasure being one of the most captivating entries. For those unfamiliar, escape room games bring the puzzle-solving excitement to your living room, where players collaborate to solve riddles, crack codes, and progress in a race against time. In this blog, we will delve into the enchanting world of EXIT: The Sunken Treasure and discover what makes it a treasure in its own right.
The Premise
EXIT: The Sunken Treasure is part of the EXIT game series, designed by Inka Brand and Markus Brand. The game sets players off on an underwater adventure to uncover the secrets of a sunken treasure. Unlike many board games, which encourage replayability, EXIT games are a single-use experience, mimicking the one-shot nature of actual escape rooms. This game is designed to provide a complete narrative, with the treasure hunt offering a one-of-a-kind immersive experience.
How it Works
The game begins with a storybook and several puzzles that immediately immerse players in the experience. Players must solve each puzzle to unlock the next stage of the story and eventually find the treasure. The puzzles vary in complexity, often requiring keen observation, lateral thinking, and creative problem-solving skills. The solutions to these puzzles lead to a series of numbers, which are then matched with a corresponding code that allows players to move forward.
The Components
EXIT: The Sunken Treasure comes with a variety of components that serve as keys to unlocking the mysteries of the deep sea. These include a decoder disk, cards of different types (riddle cards, answer cards, and help cards), and various other items that may seem peculiar at first but reveal their purpose as you progress through the game.
Gameplay Experience
Designed for 1 to 4 players and with a playtime of about 1-2 hours, EXIT: The Sunken Treasure provides an intense experience that demands collaboration. Players need to communicate effectively and work together to solve the riddles. The time pressure adds a delicious sense of urgency, while the challenging puzzles provide a satisfying cerebral workout.
The Puzzles
The puzzles in EXIT: The Sunken Treasure are ingeniously crafted, with each one being unique and surprising. They use the game's components in unexpected ways, and sometimes they even require players to alter the materials, which means cutting, folding, or writing on them. This tangible interaction with the game elements adds a delightful tactile dimension to the experience.
The Difficulty Level
EXIT: The Sunken Treasure is aimed at players who are new to escape room games, with a difficulty level that is challenging but not frustrating. It acts as a perfect introduction to the mechanics and types of thinking these games require. Experienced players might find the puzzles less challenging, but the game's narrative and the joy of discovery provide ample enjoyment for all levels.
Educational Value
The game not only offers entertainment but also has educational benefits. It can help in developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. The setting of the game also sparks curiosity about maritime history and navigation, potentially leading to further learning opportunities.
The Theme and Artwork
The sunken treasure theme is thoroughly engaging and well-implemented throughout the game. The artwork helps to establish a strong atmosphere, with beautifully designed cards and items that transport players to the mysterious underwater world. The storybook is particularly well done, providing context and continuity to the adventure.
Replayability
Like a real escape room, EXIT: The Sunken Treasure is meant to be played once. However, this does not diminish its value. The experience is so engaging and memorable that the single playthrough feels rich and complete. For those who are concerned about the single-use aspect, the price point is reasonable, making it a worthy expense for an evening of entertainment.
Accessibility
The game is relatively easy to set up and does not require extensive knowledge of escape room games. The rulebook is clear and concise, providing a good explanation of the game's mechanics without giving away any of the surprises.
Conclusion
EXIT: The Sunken Treasure is a well-crafted escape room game that offers a fantastic blend of storytelling, puzzle-solving, and adventure. It is an excellent choice for those looking to dip their toes into the genre or for seasoned puzzle enthusiasts eager for a new challenge. With its beautiful design, creative puzzles, and enthralling theme, it’s a game that will likely captivate you from beginning to end. Even though you can only play it once, the experience is so unique and enjoyable that it justifies its place on your game shelf.
Each game of the EXIT series tries to elevate the standard escape room formula to new heights, and The Sunken Treasure is no exception. It provides a deep dive into what makes this genre so special: the joy of solving a mystery, the thrill of working under pressure, and the satisfaction of a story well concluded. Whether you're playing with family, friends, or as a solo adventurer, EXIT: The Sunken Treasure promises an exhilarating escapade that's hard to forget. So gather your team, set the mood, and prepare to unlock the depths of the ocean's most well-kept secrets. Who knows what wonders and riches you'll find once you decipher the path to the sunken treasure?
