Escape the Crate is a bi-monthly “escape room” style game that you can play at home – alone or with friends. Each game is “themed” and requires that you crack codes, solve riddles, and discover hidden items to solve a mystery. Unlike escape rooms, you can control the amount of time that you allow yourself and you’re able to replay the box as many times as you desire!
Although it depends on the skill set of each player, this game is designed for players ages 10+, but with adult supervision younger players are able to enjoy this game.
This is a review of Game #7: Escape: The Heist of Bonnie and Clyde
Revenge is sweet.... After being one step behind the sinister Mr. X for missions and missions, the tables have turned. Along with your fellow EMIT agents, you have targeted the location of Mr. X's secret plans....the vault of a small bank in the heart of the nation. You know that if you are to stop his future changes to history, you are going to have to get into that vault and get your hands on those plans. There is one tiny problem though... the bank in question is about to be robbed by a notorious duo.... Bonnie and Clyde. You need to follow the bank robbers to their hideout, find out what they know, and break into the vault of the bank before they catch up. In this cat and mouse game, nothing is sure.... including the ending. There are MULTIPLE endings to this game, leading to a few different ways to replay the game until you perform the perfect heist. Win and you will have all of the plans you need to be one step ahead of Mr. X. Lose and you might just end up next on Bonnie and Clyde's hitlist.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About the Escape the Crate Box
The Subscription Box: Escape the Crate
The Cost: $29.99 + shipping bi-monthly (longer options are available for prepay at a discount including $57.98 for a 4 month – or 2 box plan and $83.98 for a 6 month – or 3 box plan).
The Products: A themed “game” box, typically including things like sealed envelopes containing “clue” items and various puzzles and riddles to solve.
Good to Know: You need a computer with an internet connection to play this game. Although you are unable to return a box, you are able to cancel at any time. Subscriptions review on the 15th of the month prior to when you receive your box. You can see full terms and conditions on their website. This game is designed to be played by 2-6 players, but is able to be played alone as well.
Ships to: US and International. Shipping varies, but for reference shipping to PA was $5. From Escape the Crate:
We ship to Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and various other countries. Shipping costs are quite a bit higher than those shipped domestically. International customers are responsible for any taxes or duties that their countries may impose on them during delivery.
Escape the Crate Game #7 Review
When you sign up for this subscription, you will select your plan information and be told your approximate game shipping date. If you sign up from now through 3/31/18 your order will ship out the first week of April. All new March and April subscribers will receive the “Escape the Queen’s Curse” game. Every adventure runs for 2 months. At the end of the time, the adventure is retired and the next adventure is sent out. Retired adventures can still be purchased and played in the retired shop.
Since returns are not accepted, if you want to sample a flavor before you buy the game you can play a free online example game.
When you open the box, you will see game instructions on top. This will tell you the web address and password to get started. You are instructed not to open any envelopes and some other high-level information about the game.
After you remove the insert, you will see several other sealed envelopes.
All the envelopes and even the box itself is used to solve the puzzles! Don’t throw anything away – literally, everything may or may not be a clue!
Each has a sticker on the back instructing you not to open until told to by the game.
You’re given a cute little notebook to help with your sleuthing!
Each of the first envelopes that you find contains other clues, envelopes, and puzzles! In the end, you have 9 envelopes in this puzzle that needs to be solved to enter the final challenge.
I can’t show you everything in this box because it would spoil the surprise and give away the game! This crate is full of adventure – you work through each envelope and discover puzzles, riddles, and solving the mystery.
Somethings you might receive are letters, ciphers, puzzles, tools to help your sleuthing (such as a black light), and interesting and intriguing objects (fake money, fake jewels, pictures etc.) that may or may not help in solving the mystery!
Each game is designed to last about an hour – but you can control the amount of time you allow to solve the puzzle. If you’re playing by yourself, or during a girl’s gossip and wine-fueled night – you’re welcome to set your timer for a bit longer! When I played the game (by myself) last weekend I set a stopwatch to see how long it would take me instead of using a countdown timer. It’s nice that you have the control over the timing, so you can make it as stressful or relaxing as you want!
For each puzzle there are hints – and eventually, a solution that you can click to see. If you’re playing with younger players, or find yourself hung up on a certain puzzle you are encouraged to start clicking for some hints. I was stubborn with them at first and didn’t allow myself to click, but eventually needed to in a couple of places! I am pleased to say (with honesty) that I could solve all of them with just a few hints, and never had to reveal the full “solution”.
The website itself is elementary – not a lot of functionality built-in – giving you the options to play by the rules or “cheat” a bit. For instance, for the last puzzle, you could only select a certain number of safety deposit boxes to open… I followed the rules the first time but then was curious what the “real” answer was and clicked to my heart’s content without the system kicking me out or making me start over.
When it was all said and done, this puzzle took me 80 minutes to complete, and I’d estimate that I used about 30% of the hints. I had a lot of fun playing, and am looking forward to playing with my husband or friends in the future!
Verdict: This game was really fun! I liked the ability to pace myself – and I thought the puzzles were at the right level of difficulty. I have a toddler at home with an 8 pm bedtime, and this was a fun and different way to fill my Friday night in!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, but from the retired store (shipping out on April 3rd). If you sign up today, you will receive Game #8 – Escape the Queen’s Curse.
Coupon - Use code LOCKPICK to save 10% off your first box!
Value Breakdown: At $29.99 for this box, you’re getting a reusable escape room style game for less than the cost of one typical ticket.
Check out our Geek + Nerd Subscription Box Directory for more mystery and crime-themed boxes!
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