Photo above is property of Puzzling Pursuits
Company: Puzzling Pursuits
Game: La Famiglia
Country: USA 🇺🇸
Language: English
Type of Game: Puzzles By Mail 📬
Genre: Detective
Date Played: 4/20/2021
Difficulty (based on 2 players): 6.5/10
Size of Team: Unlimited (Ages 13+)
Time: Unlimited (Approx 2-4 hrs)
Price: $29.95 ($5 flat rate Standard Shipping in the US)
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It is the 1920s. The mafia has been profiting from illegal sales of liquor due to Prohibition. Chicago's famous mafia boss, Al Capone had just been arrested but there's more to the story. FBI has reached out to you to assist on finding out more information about another gang called La Famiglia. It is said that they could be more dangerous than Al Capone's gang Outfit. We wish you the best of luck!
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We've always been a fan of "Puzzling Pursuits"s packaging. The black tissue paper and stickers that separate part I and part II of the game really provided that sense of mystery and elegance. In part I, there were 5 envelopes in different sizes. In part II, there were paper documents, newspaper articles, and posters. Before the game, we suggest going on the given weblink to check on the inventory in case anything was missing.
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
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This game is not linear at all and we love that. It's rare to get a tabletop game where me and Brandon doesn't have to fight over the materials. Since each envelope contains its own puzzle, we're able to pick the categories we felt more comfortable with. For instance, I chose the logic and Math ones where he picked wordplay. From the intro letter, you'll know which envelope to open first and from there you'll be able to piece together which clues are for which puzzle. If you get stuck, there are hints available on their website. Once you feel like you've found the right answer, you can check the solution on the same link.
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
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We really enjoyed the puzzles. There were 5 puzzles in Part I plus a meta puzzle at the end. Each envelope contained a puzzle ranging from easy ciphers to fun wordplays to harder logic and Math puzzles. Part II also has 6 puzzles. This part had puzzles that were somewhat intertwined with materials from part I. It was nice to be able to connect the storyline through the puzzles. Although the game did mention you can use outside resources, we didn't find that necessary. The meta puzzle at the end was also quite clever. It was a nice to conclude with a "wow" moment.
Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
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I love the attention to detail in the game design. Since these envelopes were letters received by Bill before, the creators even cut open the envelopes for you. Puzzling Pursuits also did a great job at the way they're able to hide and reveal clues just by using plain paper materials. You might need to notice small differences on the artwork and sometimes it's quite difficult to spot but when you do find it, it feels like a great achievement.
One other thing we really enjoyed is the narrative and how they're able to break that into part I and II of the game play. Part I was the build up on the back story and part II was the reveal. It was satisfying to be able to unveil the mystery piece by piece. The only complain I have is the wait time for another game from Puzzling Pursuits. I hope this time is sooner than later!
(If you do decide to try this game, please remember to let them know that you heard it from"ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)
Disclosure: We thank Puzzling Pursuits 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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