Playing escape room adventure games has been around since 2007 – and they are exactly what the name suggests: players are basically locked in a room together and must work together to find clues and solve a series of puzzles to “escape the room”. These games have taken the world by storm, offering an exhilarating blend of brain-teasing logical puzzles, adventure, and plenty of teamwork. But when the COVID pandemic temporarily put a stop to people going out for leisure activities virtual escape rooms were created at this left a space for at-home escape rooms and problem-solving mystery puzzles, which are now becoming increasingly popular. Bringing the fun and excitement of an escape room into the comfort of your own home makes for great entertainment, which makes the escape room in an envelope perfect. An escape room in an envelope is a compact yet immersive experience that delivers the same thrill in a convenient, portable format that fits through the letterbox – and is a lot cheaper! Puzzle Post have a variety of these games and we have been trying out one of their latest games called The Disappearance.
What is an escape room in an envelope? Well, Puzzle Post’s escape room in an envelope is a cleverly designed game that fits within the confines of a single A4 envelope. It includes a series of puzzles, clues, and challenges that players must solve to “escape” or complete a mission. The game can be enjoyed solo or with a group, making it a versatile option for various settings and occasions, such as game nights or dinner parties.
The Disappearance is the latest escape room in an envelope game from Puzzle Post. It is suitable for 1-8 players, age 14+, with a playing time of between 60 and 90 minutes. It is perfect for family game nights, dinner parties and general get togethers with friends.
The Disappearance: In the icy depths of the Arctic, Dr Carter has vanished after shadowy forces threatened her groundbreaking research. You must solve the puzzles to uncover her fate – before it’s too late.
In the envelope – 23 pieces:
- Introduction Letter
- Arctic Map (x2)
- Climate Trends Leaflet (x2)
- Conference Agenda (x2)
- Hydrophone Report (x2)
- Michael Eversleighs Note (x2)
- Migration Patterns Chart (x2)
- Northern Lights Photo (x2)
- Seismic Data Reading (x2)
- Seismic Blasting Flyer (x2)
- Temperature Report (x2)
- Wildlife Adoption Certificate (x2)
In the envelope are all the materials and clues needed to embark on your adventure, crack the case and open the vault. And if you do get stuck, there is a weblink for clues. You will need access to the internet for scanning QR codes, listening to audio clues and getting general clues and answers.
Beginning the adventure, on opening the envelope you are greeted with an introduction letter outlining the situation, inviting you to investigate and giving you a starting point. There are at first glance 11 pieces of documentation to examine, work out and lead you to other clues. The aim is to gather a series of numbers to unlock the vault and reveal the message.
Overall, The Disappearance is the first game I have played by Puzzle Post and on arrival my first impressions were that it is a quality game. After it was popped through the letterbox and removing it from the padded envelope I was met with a tissue wrapped envelope that looked like an envelope but rather than being addressed to someone it had information about the game, players and playing time. The back of the envelope outlines the story and gives you instructions. I shouldn’t get excited about an envelope, but as game packaging I thought it was fantastic – the Puzzle Post logo was even positioned as a stamp: a lot of thought has gone into the envelope so I had high hopes for the game itself.
After opening the envelope I found 23 game pieces – or evidence and clues. All high-quality cardboard and paper pieces that not only looked great but had a top quality feel to them. I loved that there are 2 copies of everything, making it easier to play with others.
The game has been very cleverly constructed around the story of a missing researcher in the Arctic. It has a playing time of around 60-90 minutes, which is about right as there is a lot of reading to do as well as listening to clues. I would say that it has a medium difficulty but you do need to have a logical and creative way of thinking. If you do get completely struck on a clue there is a handy help system on the Puzzle Post website to help guide you.
The game is lots of fun and the Arctic theme is great, and you don’t need an interest in the Arctic or Arctic research to enjoy the gameplay.
The benefits of an escape room in an envelope are fantastic:
- Convenience: No need to leave the house to play, finding a venue or being tied down to a time slot – everything you need is right in the envelope.
- Affordable: Much more budget-friendly than visiting a traditional escape room experience, cheaper than the individual price of an escape room visit – making it an excellent option for those looking for affordable entertainment at home with friends or family.
- Portable Fun: Whether you’re having a game night at home with family or friends, at a social gathering or even on holiday, you can bring the excitement of an escape room with you. A fun and interesting way to liven up parties or family game nights.
- Family Bonding / Team Building: These games encourage collaboration and communication, making them perfect for bonding with friends and family.
Puzzle Post’s The Disappearance escape room in an envelope is excellent from the second that it pops through the door. With high-quality components it brings the thrill and excitement of traditional escape rooms into your living room, offering a unique and engaging experience that’s both challenging and fun. A brain-challenging mystery that will test your problem-solving and deduction skills. And it is all 100% recyclable and plastic free.
If you are looking for an after dinner mystery to put your brain to work, by yourself or with friends, then I can highly recommend The Disappearance and Puzzle Post – I love it and hope to try out some of their other games. Can you solve the clues and open the vault? Order you copy today and have your own escape room in an envelope slide through your door!
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £16.99
For more information or buy, visit www.puzzlepost.com.
