Inspectors' Review:
You are handing my a lock...how am I suppose to unlock this on my own???
Oh what's the sticky stuff!!
Bleh! Don't eat said sticky stuff!
Boss you're taking FOREVER to solve this!
I feel like I'm going to waste away just watching you!
These keys go into the holes, boss! This isn't rocket science...
Boss' Review:
This games was played August 2020. This has been re-uploaded from my facebook group post to ease of tracking. Added information from 2021 me will be italized.
The first chapter of Curious Correspondence season one’s subscription was an engaging and challenging start to this story. I decided to purchase this subscription after hearing about the company’s connection to Mysterious Package Company, a company I have enjoyed buying from for the last few years. Curious Correspondence is independent of MPC, though, and it is important to make that distinction.
The premises of these mailings are that a series of ancient artifacts have been lost around the world. Dark forces seek to find them but you have been asked to begin a quest to recover them for safekeeping. This first chapter is a test to see if you are worthy of such care-taking. There is a larger narrative at play in this series but, for now, you are learning more about the setting and your part in it. Think of this as just the introduction to the series. There isn't any major plot development or character development but they are enticing you with a curious figure and an adventure. In this frame of mind, this game is puzzle heavy rather than narrative puzzle experience. In addition, you start your adventure at the most mundane of a places...a museum and find yourself involved in unravelling a curious collection of antiquities that seem to have a mind of their own.
Now, the puzzles are all paper based which is the key distinction to MPC, who are known for their tactile physical and aged components, which comes with a much higher price tag. When you unfold the letter and begin looking through the components I was overwhelmed by all the things to look at, as there are a lot of little details to get caught up in. Thankfully, there is a starting introduction as well as a single letter to guide you. The puzzles range from mathematical, pattern-based, logic, and more. Most of the puzzles are original and require a keen eye and patience in testing your theories. The puzzles can be completed in any order to the goal of discovering the mystery to unlocking a set of keys. Some were more intuitive than others. The mechanism to unlock the key was tricky.
There is a provided hint system if you become stuck. The clues usually consist of 3 gradual clues and a “gimme” which tells you more explicitly what you should be doing. The solution to the game is at the bottom of the page as a tab you can click and open. Now I was able to double-check my answer using the solution tab by scrolling line by line carefully. There is still a chance of spoilers but it may alleviate frustration in case the “gimme” was not enough for you. It wasn’t for me when I started but once I got over the hurdle I was fine. The hint system might have changed since I last played.
The customer service for me has been awesome! I have been speaking with Dave who has been quick to provide answers. He also updated the hint site when I struggled to visualize an element of the puzzle. If you, for any reason, need additional clues, feel free to reach out (I did through Facebook) and they are quick to help. They will also update their hint system. I am very happy with their willingness to take the feedback and run with it. Since MPC never had hint systems before, for the MPC alumni who work for CC, it is a new experience to create one.
In terms of theme, I loved the museum setting and the mystery they create with the characters and premise. I loved how they combined exhibits and maps and I appreciate how a story unfolds and lays down why you are solving the puzzles (I love stories in my puzzles). It isn’t simply “you are now in a museum, solve these puzzles.” They take a little time to build the setting and introduce a character (and you!). The paper components are high quality and I love how the envelope literally unfolds.
Overall, I really enjoyed this first chapter. While I struggled with the hint system initially, once I used the solutions very carefully, I got the kick in the butt to get me going. The atmosphere was well developed and they did a good job in piquing my interest for the next chapter. This game took me approximately four hours so for 20$ a month (or you can buy the year for a discount), I felt I got my moneys worth. If you’re looking for a new paper puzzle-based mail subscription then I think this is one to keep an eye on!
Check our Curious Correspondence here.
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