The Deadbolt Mystery Society - "Flashback"

Photo above is property of The Deadbolt Mystery Society

Company: The Deadbolt Mystery Society

Game: Flashback

Country: USA 🇺🇸

Language: English

Type of Game: Tabletop Game 📬

Genre: Murder Mystery, 90's

Date Played: June 12, 2023

Difficulty (based on 1 player): 5/10

Size of Team: Unlimited (Recommend 1-4 Players)

Time: Approximately 90-120 Minutes

Price: $26.99 USD

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You were one of the top actresses back in the 90's with your hit show, She-Wolf. Now, under the management of Jake Murray, you are sailing on a 90's themed cruise signing autographs and speaking at panels on flip phones, Y2K, and retro video games. Heading back to your murder! Can you figure out the 411 before it’s too late?

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Opening the retro themed box, you will find the standard beginning brief, collector’s card and sticker that comes in all Deadbolt Mystery Society (DBS) games. You will also find a variety of high-quality paper, themed with a retro 90s feel, that you will need to solve the first part of the game. Also, in the box are a few envelopes that you will open as you progress through the game.

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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At the start, you will find the beginning brief that will introduce to you to the story as well as some notes that you took. Looking at the items, you will try to eliminate some suspects from the group as you solve puzzles and progress from envelope to envelope. How DMS games work is there are typically QR codes on different cards that you will scan and input your answers. If you are correct, a document will open that will progress the story or give you a piece of information needed to solve something else.

The story was well written, detailed, and immersive. Though the game was about murder, there were some lighthearted jokes and dialogue that made me chuckle a bit. The game embraced the 90's theme with the design and dialogue, which reminded me of my teenage years. The dialogue from the different characters I encountered along the way felt genuine which added to how immersive the game was.

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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Overall, there were a variety of puzzles that kept me busy. There were a few times I did wish I played with someone else since some of the puzzles could have been done in tandem. There were some math and logic puzzles that seemed to drag out a little and if you are not into those types of puzzles, you might want to use the solution guide to help you out. One of the highlights was a 90's trivia puzzle that even though all the answers were peppered into the game, I was able to answer all the questions without any assistance.

How the hints for this game worked is there is a link on the DBS page that will open up a “hint” document and a “solution” document. The hints document will open a pdf with progressive hints for the puzzles. One comment is that the hints are all on the same page, one after another so if I was looking for one hint, I would need to be careful with my wandering eye to not look at any of the other hints.

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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The Deadbolt Mystery Society always has some great storytelling and this one was no different. The theming of the game had a nostalgic feel to it as well as references, that as a 90s child, really resonated with me. The flow of the game was seamless with the story and puzzles going hand in hand. Anyone who grew up in the 90's or fans of retro themes would have a great time with this game. I played on my own, but this easily could accommodate a few other people with some non-linear and linear elements. This game is absolutely “da bomb” and should be played (or whatever)!

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Disclosure: We thank The Deadbolt Mystery Society for providing us with samples of the game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.

#MatthewLui #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #PuzzleByMail #SubscriptionGames #Murder #90s #USA #TheDeadboltMysterySociety