This game was played August 2020.
Inspectors' Review:
STRING, real string! Boss let me have a taste!
I think they should make a cat edition - WereCAT sounds so much better!
Does this colour palette clash with my fur?
The packaging says stop...but I'm a cat and such direction is futile with me.
Box is too small for my body :(
Boss' Review:
The company, Wild Optimist, was one of the early companies to really launch escape room puzzle boxes that could be played in the home. Their kickstarter was launched back in 2016 and after the campaign being such a success, the game company, Mattel, even got on board to sell and distribute the game. I was not in the puzzle world in 2016 but recently I was able to get my hands on a Kickstater edition of this notable game (all version sold by Mattel have the same premise and puzzles but a different ascetic) and wanted to try out this well known game. Here are my thoughts.
Following the traditional model of an escape room, the Werewolf Experiment is fashioned as a 60-minute escape experience for those who don't want to trek to room locations. It provides a fun and quick (in comparison to many puzzle games) experience that can really make a night in or a get together great. It replaces boardgames by removing the need the read a rulebook as well as makes the 60 minute timer that builds tension in escape rooms optional for those wanting to take things easy.
The game has players searching for a cure for the werewolf virus that they have been infected with. The mad scientist who created this virus has made an antidote but this individual is fickle and would rather toy with players to have them prove they deserve the antidote. It is up to players to puzzle through Doc Gnaw games to find the code to unlock the antidote. Now as a true escape room, there isn’t a narrative as much as a premise but I still enjoyed how humour was used to tie together the premise with the puzzles. The set up working to provide motivation and an interesting theme but there is no characters or plot to dig into.
In terms of puzzle mechanics, this game utilizes all facets of the game and its box to hide clues. The locked boxes add a fun atmosphere to the game filled with "aha" moments as you unlock or discover pieces and I enjoyed the light-hearted feel of the puzzles. They are not tricking you and provide a well structured scaffold of clues to lead you to each new part of the game to solve. In this sense, the puzzles are easy as you know what to do but the puzzling comes from piecing together how the answers will move you forward. For my sister, who I played with, this was a welcome experience as her sleep-deprived brain (she just had a baby) was able to move through the game and feel accomplished, rather than drained.
As for customer service, I purchased the game from a third party. I did communicate with one of the creators after the fact and she was incredibly kind and very quick to respond to any questions. While this game is a one time only kind of experience, you are able to easily reset the game (printable sheets are available on website to replace components that have been written on) and passed on to others.
Overall, this game is an excellent option if you are looking for a true escape room feel in your comfort of your home. I recommend this for anyone looking for an easy night in but don’t want to be bogged down by heavy plot lines and narrative. I also recommend this for parents during nap time or after bedtime. The fun premise and the quick engaging puzzle activities really made this an enjoyable experience. I’m excited to try out more games by these creators!
Check our Wild Optimist here.
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