We love the concept of Puzzle Post and really enjoyed playing this game. As soon as we have a reason for sending this to someone, Puzzle Post will be our first choice. It’s on the easier side, but that doesn’t detract from the fun
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: 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
Mystery Mail: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (Play at Home)
Of the three puzzle cards currently on offer from Mystery Mail, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was our favourite and stood out as something special. This card is a completely magical way to tell someone something special
Mystery Mail: A Very Merry Christmas (Play at Home)
Are you looking for a different sort of holiday greeting card to send to the Escape Room Enthusiasts/puzzle fiends in your life? A Very Merry Christmas from Mystery Mail offers a fun alternative to the traditional cards that are the hallmark of the season
Mystery Mail: Catch me if you Can (Play at Home)
As a system, Mystery Mail is solid and a great way to deliver a message to a friend (while making them work for it). This wasn’t our favourite of their games, but it did have the most serious theme so probably not the best for Christmas.
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.
The Panic Room: The Exorcism of Isabelle (Play-at Home)
The Exorcism of Isabelle was our first foray into the world of The Panic Room’s puzzle book/print and play options, and it was not a disappointment. With some mechanics that were vaguely reminiscent of the games in the Exit the Game series, and satisfying puzzles, The Exorcism of Isabelle could be a perfect choice for a game night.
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
Puzzle Post: The Missed Flight (Play at Home)
Puzzle Post is a great concept, perfectly delivered (no pun intended) and has so many uses. Party invitation? Pregnancy reveal? Happy Birthday message? So many options!
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.