Sultans of Solve - "The Clock Winder"

Photo above is property of Sultans of Solve

Company: Sultans of Solve

Game: The Clock Winder

Country: USA 🇺🇸

Language: English

Type of Game: Puzzles By Mail 📬

Genre: Detective, Crime

Date Played: July 31, 2021

Difficulty (based on 2 players): 5/10

Size of Team: Unlimited

Time: Unlimited

Price: $39.00 (Refill pack $3.50)

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Recently, you've received another tough case at the Knights of Veracity Agency. This time Detective Dexter Banks of Oaks Hollow Police Department said that the serial killer has requested your name in particular. If you can't catch him after the 7th murder, he'll run free again. This might be your last chance to put him behind bars!

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The Clock Winder came in a cardboard box with a cool hand drawn art that kind of looks like the killer is mocking us. Inside you'll find a intro letter, backstory letter, letter from the killer, a business card and 9 sealed envelopes.

Photos above are properties of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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This game really reminded us of rules we would use in an escape room. Think of each sealed envelope as a locked up room. The "toolbox" envelope contains common items that you might have to combine and use with other items in the sealed envelopes. You will only need to use an item once so being organized really helps in this game.

Each puzzle solution will essentially give you a potential location where the killer buried the victim's body. If you think you got the right answer, scan the QR code on the envelope, enter your solution on the website to check if you are allowed to investigate further. Each location also came with a backstory. We actually took very good notes of the victims' names, cause of death and additional crime scene info. Although there was no meta puzzle embedded, it still made us feel like true detectives.

Photos above are properties of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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Each envelope contains a different type of puzzle. They are not too difficult for pro puzzlers but they are super fun. You'll encounter ciphers, word play, Math, directions and some simple search and finds. The creator's thought process was very clear and straight forward. We had a very easy time following through with the puzzles.

Because the storyline is time sensitive and the narrative really bought out the fact that perhaps the killer will leave more evidence for you at the next location, it really kept us wanting to keep going from one envelope to the next. This was a very clever idea of having the narrative push the urgency of time and not having the players take out a stop watch to time themselves as that sometimes takes away some of the immersion.

A lot of the puzzles will need you to write on them or cut out materials so if you are thinking of regifting this game, definitely buy the refill pack.

Photos above are properties of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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Hello Detective, want to play a game? Right away, this game gave us a "Saw" type of feel. You would think because it's a serial killer game, it might be quite gory but the bloody handprint is probably the most grotesque thing you'll see in the game. This serial killer is clearly taunting the officials and think that he/she will never be caught. By outsmarting the killer's riddles, we got closer and closer to the finish line. Are we really at the finish line though? Just like any good movie, you'll have to wait for the sequel!

Check out our interview with the creators to understand more on the development side of the game:

Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)

Disclosure: We thank Sultans of Solve 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.

#CiciCao #AtHomeGames #PuzzleByMail #Mystery #MurderMystery #USA #SultansofSolve #OneOffs #BehindTheMasterMinds