Photos above are property of Envelescape
Company: Envelescape
Game: Thornbright Mansion: Chapter 1
Country: Canada 🇨🇦
Language: English
Type of Game: Tabletop Games 🧩
Genre: Mystery
Date Played: March 5, 2023
Difficulty (based on 1 player): 4/10
Size of Team: 1-6 ppl
Time: Unlimited (Approx. 60-90 Mins.)
Price: $29.99 CAD
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As a property investor you're always trying to find the best deals and when you heard that the illustrious Thornbright Mansion was up for sale, you were determined to see if it was worth the investment. Except when you arrive for your tour of the Mansion, you find yourself and fellow investors locked within the home and left with strange damages, peculiar notes, missing documents that all suggest that something odd is happening in these halls. With no way out at the moment it is time to investigate…and maybe find a way to the next room?
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This game arrives white envelopes with a company sticker sealing it shut. Inside the envelope is the game wrapped in a rich purple sleeve that protects all its contents. The game consists of a pop up 3D model of the main foyer within the Thornbright Manor. Alongside the model, there are five clue envelopes that can only be opened when instructed. Inside the clue envelopes contain additional paper materials like journal notes, ripped messages, etc that will provide clues to help with subsequent puzzles.
I really enjoyed the detail in the pop up room. There’s little clues that are effortlessly hidden and provide such fun when you uncover them. It really encourages you to explore the board, turn it, tilt it, etcetera. I found everything to be made well and felt good in my hands.
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
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The game begins once you read the introduction note that also provides you with a web link. This game does require access to the internet in order to access a server that provides hints and a place to submit your answers. Each puzzle corresponds to an item you see in the room (door, skull, safe, etc) and once you have solved the puzzle connected to the symbol you can type the answer in and if the answer is correct a green check mark appears and clicking it will direct you to a clue envelope to open. While this game is somewhat non-linear there are certain puzzles that require clues from others so keep that in mind if you’re scratching your head.
This game provides two hints per puzzle before a solution is given.
Photos above are property of Envelescape
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The puzzles in this game are light hearted and great for newcomers or young minds wanting to dive into puzzles. The range for pattern recognition, riddles, logic puzzles, maths, and observation. Once you understand the puzzle it is quite easy but I will say it can be tricky to get started as there is no “do this puzzle first.” I would have liked a little more sign posting as sometimes I took a hint to figure out my path. You may find yourself trying to work on puzzles that you actually can’t solve as a result. That said, the non-linear aspects play well into group work as you can divide things up for a short period before coming together to review what clues you unlocked. The clue pieces are essential for some puzzles so make sure to keep them handy! This game encourages keeping a keen visual eye on the board so have good lighting and a flashlight handy so you can get clear visuals when needed. I really enjoyed how well they integrated some clues as they created fun “ahas”!
I find the story promising but I feel like I don’t know a lot. There is a unique mystery around peculiar family members and stolen items but the progression doesn’t feel all that vast. I enjoyed how the story is presented with diary pages and scribbled notes but I wish the ending would have provided a little bit more reward in the story.
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
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"Thornbright Mansion: Chapter 1” is a fun yet small puzzle adventure packed with detail and mystery that is easy to dive into for family puzzle adventures or players looking for a shorter game. I think the story holds a lot to offer and the level of craftsmen in this game is marvellous to behold. I’m curious about the next room in chapter 2 and cannot wait to see what unfolds next! Will we make it out of this house…time will tell!
(If you do decide to try this game, please remember to let them know that you heard it from"ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)
Disclosure: We thank Envelescape for providing us with a sample of their game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.
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