Star-Crossed Puzzles - "Romeo & Juliet"

Updated: Apr 29

Photo above is property of Star-Crossed Puzzles

Company: Star-Crossed Puzzles

Games: Romeo & Juliet

Country: United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Language: English

Type of Game: Digital Escape Game 💻

Genre: Mystery, Shakespeare

Date Played: December 5, 2021

Difficulty (based on 3 players): 5/10

Size of Team: 1-6 Players

Time: Unlimited

Price: £9.99

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Romeo Montague has been banished to Mantua after killing his beloved Juliet’s kin, Tybalt Capulet. While in exile he received a strange communication warning him that his enemies, the Capulets are searching for him. Concerned for his bride, Juliet Capulet, Romeo begins the journey back to Verona to find his wife…will he find her and stop this tragedy?

Photos above are property of Star-Crossed Puzzles

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Romeo and Juliet is a web-based puzzle game that follows along the infamous love story of Romeo and Juliet. When you purchase the game, you’ll receive an email with an activation code you need access the website to begin the game. The game is divided into chapter-based websites that provide a light narrative and puzzles you will need to solve to move forward. No outside research is required for the puzzles. Once you have solved them, click the green square button at the bottom of the page that says “SOLVE” and input your answer into the new password protected site. All passwords are capitalized and spaces matter. One thing to take note is that it might be easier to open new tabs when you want to try for answers as if you answer too many incorrect tries, you'll have to press the "back button" multiple times.

This game can be played in groups. If you are playing online together, one member can easily screen-share the experience. There is a hint system which provides three clues and a solution’s guide for when you become stuck.

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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The puzzles for this game were a mix of observation, pattern identification, and logic puzzles. Puzzles within their web pages built off each other and there was one time where a puzzle clue from the previous page became relevant in the next one. I found for the most part the puzzling is quite light and would definitely work for the 13-16 age market this game is targeting towards. There was one puzzle were felt was a little overwhelming with colours and designs, but we used the hints to help ourselves and it made sense with a little more sign posting. Some of the puzzles also might be more engaging if the developer was able to make it interactive rather than still photos.

I enjoyed the puzzles that were multi-layered in this experience as each solve revealed another clue that when put together revealed an answer. I also found this game enabled collaborative puzzling quite easily and it was fun to work with friends through the puzzles. I recommend taking the time to read the story as you progress to truly get the experience. At the core of this game is being able to experience the climax of the play, Romeo and Juliet. There is a twist offered in this game that was neat and as an English teacher I have some great ideas on how to use this in my teachings of Shakespeare. Essentially, the puzzles are more directed for younger players but players who enjoy story would also benefit.

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"Romeo and Juliet" is an interactive puzzle experience that places players in the heart of one of the world’s greatest (and most tragic) love stories. The puzzling is quite light but focus on building tension towards the story’s climax was well done. I wish the hint system had a bit more cluing to it but for more experienced players this is not and issues. I would say this game is perfect players who enjoy Shakespeare, storytelling, and are looking to engage more with the play. I think this is also an excellent game to use in the education system for classes teaching Romeo and Juliet. Star-Crossed Puzzles appears to be planning to expand more with other plays and I would be definitely interested in seeing what more they will do.

*** We regret to inform this company has closed its doors ***

Disclosure: We thank Star-Crossed Puzzles for comping our tickets for this game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.