Puzzle Post consistently produce games filled with quality components and decent puzzles, and The Secret Set is another excellent addition to their line up.
Escape Boxes
A game that is contained in a box, you may need to go online to complete tasks, but you have something physical in front of you
Theory 11 / Neil Patrick Harris: BoxTWO (Play at Home)
For me, BoxOne was a more enjoyable experience with better puzzles and a more engaging story. But there is no denying the quality of BoxTwo – IT’S SO PRETTY! Fun trinkets to interact with, and some clever dynamics – other than one puzzle, it’s a solid game.
CU Adventures: Murder on the Ornament Express (Play at Home)
We were expecting an easy ride on the Ornament Express, but it wasn’t to be. This game unexpectedly challenged us and kept us occupied for nearly an hour. This would be a lovely little game to break out for the family, and as it’s replayable, you could get competitive and break into teams to see who can solve the mystery in the quickest time.
Crafty Maze: Elf Assembly (Play at Home)
This feels like an expensive game, but actually it’s decent value considering all it comes with and the entertainment it gives. These crackers would be a great addition to any Christmas table (or Thanksgiving for that matter) and our team of four experienced puzzlers were pleasantly surprised by how fun this game was.
Post Curious: The Morrison Game Factory (Play at Home)
The Morrison Game Factory is beautifully crafted, and completely charming. If you’re on the fence about whether or not you need another puzzle game, the answer is unequivocally “Yes.”
Diorama Games: The Medusa Report (Play at Home)
The Medusa Report is one of those games that feels chaotic at the start, then as you progress it comes together to form a beautiful harmony. The documents blur the lines of what’s real and what’s fantasy, and it’s really rather impressive how much puzzling can fit into one box!
The Detective Society: Family Adventures (Play at Home)
If you’re looking for a gentle introduction to get your family interested in play at home escape rooms, then look no further. The Detective Society: Family Adventures, is the perfect game for family games night and I really do hope they produce more games like this.
Studio Stamp: On Circus Grounds (Play at Home)
If you’re looking for a game that is well assembled, has an intriguing story and a few puzzles to boot, then get some friends round, have a glass of wine, and give this a try
Unsolved Science: Case 01 – The Object (Play at Home)
Out of the box we didn’t know what to expect, and having now played the game we can comfortably say that this is something different to the norm. Unsolved Science have done a great job of merging the joy of escape room puzzles with science.
Real Escape Game: Escape from the Cursed Spirit of the Abandoned School (Play at Home)
Escape from the Cursed Spirit was about as close to being in an interactive movie as I could imagine, with high quality videos featuring artwork and characters from the Jujutsu Kaijen manga/anime series and an engaging storyline, not to mention puzzles that make the player part of the action
The Enigmagram (Play at Home)
Why send a card when you can send an experience? The Enigmagram is a wonderful way to send a little something extra with whatever message you wish to convey, whether it’s a Happy Birthday, revealing a secret holiday, or simply to tell someone you’re thinking of them.
Curious Correspondence Club: Chapter 3: The Tinker’s Trinket (Play at Home)
I think this was our least favourite of the games we have played by Curious Correspondence Club. I don’t know if we were tired, or the puzzles just didn’t click with us, but we’d recommend Chapter 2 over this one.
Curious Correspondence Club: Chapter 2: Warehouse on the Wharf (Play at Home)
We enjoyed this game much more than Chapter 1. The puzzles made sense, the tactile components were clever and a joy to work with, and the final video brought a close to the story and our mission.
Curious Correspondence Club: Chapter 1: The Custodian’s Keys (Play at Home)
I can’t put my finger on it but this game felt like it was flawed in some way. Perhaps the puzzles weren’t for us, but the system with the keys didn’t seem to work as intended and the puzzles left us feeling frustrated and definitely not wanting more.
iDventure: The Heist (Play at Home)
It’s a shame this game can only be played once, but we enjoyed it. The clever use of bots helped immerse us in the heist and this game felt very different to others we have played.
Puzzle Post: The Scandal (Play at Home)
The Scandal is the perfect group game at any time of year, but it should definitely be on your Christmas list. Put away Monopoly, this will cause less conflict and will give your brains a nice little post-turkey workout.
Diorama Games: The Vandermist Dossier (Play at Home)
It’s been a while since we’ve played a boxed escape game that truly wowed us, but The Vandermist Dossier did just that! Everything from the materials, to the story, and of course, the puzzles, had us thoroughly delighted as we followed Abigail’s clues to track down her whereabouts.
Trapped: The Zoo (Play at Home)
This is the perfect family game if you want to get your little ‘uns interested in escape rooms. Get them away from the computer, and put this game in front of them. It is good clean fun that will get their brains whirring away!
Trapped: Mission to Mars (Play at Home)
In my opinion, there aren’t enough space games. Mission to Mars manages to be fun, but also has the potential to be educational. It is on the easier side, making it ideal for a family game night
Trapped: Flight 927 (Play at Home)
Flight 927 felt like a step up on the previous season by Trapped. Puzzles were fair, story made sense, and it kept us occupied for nearly an hour. If you need a break from a computer, then this is the game you’re looking for
Co-Decode: Captain’s Treasure (Play at Home)
It would be impossible to talk about Captain’s Treasure without using the words delightful, clever, joyous, or perfection. If you are lucky enough to live close enough to Swindon to hire Captain’s Treasure, pick your date and book it now. No really; Book now
Breakout Unboxed: The Wizard’s Apprentice (Play at Home)
With a strong narrative, traditional escape room style puzzles, and a bit of magic, The Wizard’s Apprentice is ideal for a family game night, or perhaps just for introducing someone to the idea of an escape room.
Society of Curiosities: Madok’s Lost Treasure (Play at Home)
We waited a long time to play Madok’s Lost Treasure (and just as long to review it), and boy was it worth the wait! We loved everything about it, and finishing it was bittersweet. We were happy to complete our journey, but sad that it had to end
Cryptic Enigmas: CSI Bristol – The Unusual Suspects (Play at Home)
With physical and tangible items, The Unusual Suspects is one of the few games we have played in the last year that has come closest to truly replicating the feeling of an escape room at home, with loads of quality puzzles and the satisfaction of an actual lock to open
Theory 11 / Neil Patrick Harris: BoxONE (Play at Home)
Everything about BoxONE is top quality, and it was truly a delight to play. Enthusiasts won’t find it overly challenging but don’t let that stop you, it was a true delight
DarkPark: Witchery Spell (Play at Home)
This is probably one of the most immersive play at home games we have played so far. It carries a premium price, but I doubt you will find anything else like it out there. We felt like it promised a bit more magic than it actually delivered, but it was still a delight to play.
The Detective Society: The Disappearance of Claire Makova – Episode One (Play at Home)
In their marketing, The Detective Society promises to deliver an “immersive, narrative-driven world,” and they certainly haven’t disappointed. If you enjoyed games like The Network, Hunting a Killer, and Missing, (among others), this is definitely one for you, and well worth the price.
Trapped: Carnival (Play at Home)
As the easiest of the games on offer from Trapped, Carnival is a perfect choice for the whole family (aged 8+ according to Trapped). Thanks to the format and the puzzle styles, I can see this being a great hit at a children’s birthday party, or even the next family reunion
Trapped: The Art Heist (Play at Home)
Trapped have raised the bar for my expectations from an escape room in a box. The Art Heist is possibly on the easier side for hard-core escape enthusiasts but would be perfect for a family get-together
Epic Escapes: Hijack, Piracy, and Crime (Play at Home)
The games from Epic Escapes are one of the only play-at-home experiences we’ve found that, when played correctly, can accurately and easily transport an escape room into your living room. If you’re looking for something to spice up your usual boardgame night, look no further
Trapped: The Bank Job (Escape Box)
Christmas? Family holiday? Friends over? This could be what you’re looking for if you want a night of play at home escape room fun. Trapped takes the escape room out of the box and firmly plants it in your home. Experienced puzzlers won’t struggle with this game but there may be a few puzzles that have you scratching your heads for a few minutes
The Escapement: The Network (Play at Home)
With a well thought out story, great puzzles, and beautifully curated parts, The Network gets you as close to immersion as possible for a play at home game.