An instant classic
“An ancient encrypted journal has come into your possession. The Society of Curiosities believes it may lead you to the lost treasure maps of fabled pirate Capt. Madok!
Unlock the secrets of the journal and dispatch your team on the ground to retrieve the maps!”
Having already played two of the games by Society of Curiosities, Mysterious Map Heist and Bewitched Circus we had very high hopes for Madok’s Lost Treasure, actually it’s a sin it took us so long to play this one.
I kept meaning to order this game but then life kept getting in the way, so I was very pleased when I received this game for Christmas. But because this felt like a game that should be savoured we waited another few weeks before we could play it. We finally sat down to play Madok’s Lost Treasure, as a team of two, but really you could play this with a bigger or smaller team.
CONCEPT/EXECUTION
As with everything The Society of Curiosities does, the first thing you notice is the quality of what you’re holding. Taking items out of the envelope has you questioning if this stuff actually is old, should we break out the archivist gloves while touching it?
The game was played using the items in front of us, websites, and a messaging system that they had built into their online portal. This messaging system really deserves a lot of credit for making the game work so well. You can use your phone to interact, but the online system takes away any issues with international numbers, plus your whole team can interact and see what is going on.
The game revolves around an island, which can best be described as paradise. While looking at the website for this island I swiftly turned to Google to find out where it was as it looked amazing and I wanted to book a holiday there. No spoilers, but let’s just say I was disappointed by my search.
Strangely, a while ago we watched a film called ‘Finding ‘Ohana’ and I couldn’t help but think of Madok’s Lost Treasure as there were certainly similarities (pirates, tropical islands, gold coins). This game really captured everything we love in a game, it had the sense of adventure like The Goonies, but from the comfort of our couch.
As a bonus to Madok’s Lost Treasure, this game arrived with a couple of extra puzzles, which although not as in depth as the main game were still fun to play and were a nice little addition.
Madok’s Lost Treasure is best described as an Alternate Reality Game (ARG), this is essentially a game that takes place in an alternate reality. I’ll be the first to admit that we were doubting our world knowledge at times and may have done a few Google searches to see if these places actually existed.
PUZZLES
Your best bet with Madok’s Lost Treasure is to think of it a bit like a Goonies treasure hunt (if you haven’t watched The Goonies, you really should). If you were planning to go hunting for pirate treasure, what would you need to do?
Madok’s Lost Treasure had a wide range of puzzle types, and yes, those puzzle types you just thought of while planning your Goonies inspired hunt are indeed in this game. You’ll find yourself following instructions on a treasure hunt, decoding ancient texts, observing things online (and in front of you), and conversing with other members of your team.
We loved the puzzles in this game, not only were they well thought out and designed to progress the story, but the use of both digital and physical items made it feel even more immersive and real. Society of Curiosities are perfectionists, and it shows with this game. I wouldn’t like to use the word ‘perfect’, but if this game isn’t, then what is?
CLUE SYSTEM
Society of Curiosities have one of the best online interfaces that we have seen. The game is designed so that you are telling your man on the ground where to go and what to do, so obviously you need a way to interact with them. Rather than just a standard text based website where you enter passwords to progress, in Madok’s Lost Treasure you are interacting with your team in what feels like real life using the Society of Curiosities very own messaging system.
The messaging system doesn’t have to be used through the website, if you’re in the US, Canada or UK you can just message using your phone, or if you don’t want to use your phone (or you’re in another country) you can use the online system. We opted for the latter as it meant we could both easily see what was going on rather than having to share a phone screen.
It’s not technically part of the clue system, but I like it and it kinda fits here so I’ll mention it now. At the end of the end (sad face) you get a complete debrief on everything you have done and how it all ties the story together. This is designed to be a communique from the desk of Aldora Pennywig, so again it doesn’t break the immersion. It’s a really nice touch as it brings everything together and reminds you of the journey you have been on.
Of course, the story doesn’t end with this game…
FINAL THOUGHTS
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.
The subscription prices for Society of Curiosities aren’t the cheapest, but if you can afford it, then you’re in for a real treat. Enjoy it like a fine wine, take your time and just savour the experience.
TOOLS REQUIRED
- Madok’s Lost Treasure ‘game pack’
- Device with an Internet connection
Final Rating:
| Puzzles | |
| Concept/Execution | |
| Clue System | |
| Value for Money | |
| Enjoyment |
Team: 2 players
Time Taken: 1hr 15minutes
Website: https://www.societyofcuriosities.com
Worst puzzle game I’ve ever played. It’s literally impossible to complete without at looking at majority of the hints. Wasn’t enjoyable from start to finish because of the wild jumps in logic and clues, from a subtle clue to just sending you a link with images. I’d feel better spending my money on someone kicking me in the balls and saying I won.