Whole Brain Escape - "A Haunting in Apex"

Photo above is property of Whole Brain Escape

Company: Whole Brain Escape

Game: A Haunting in Apex

Country: USA 🇺🇸

Language: English, Dutch

Type of Game: Tabletop Games 📬

Genre: Paranormal, Mystery

Date Played: October 23, 2022

Difficulty (based on 1 player): 5/10

Size of Team: 2-4 ppl

Time: Unlimited

Price: $40.00 (Available on Kickstarter - October 25, 2022)

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The Doleman Manor looms over Apex with its dark and eerie history despite its decline into decay over the decades. Ghostmortem Society have taken up the daunting task to explore this neglected home in search of an apparition Lady Agatha Dolmen claims to have seen, known only as the Fellmonger. Yet as they begin their night exploring to find this spectral figure they learn quite quickly that finding the spirit will not be as difficult as finding a way out of the haunted abode!

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Inside the box is a instruction page, a journal, a locked pill bottle, a locked zippered pouch, a series of photos, various game pieces (die, figurines), photos, a map of the an asylum, Ghostmortem Society pamphlet, an answer key booklet, a hint envelope and various other ephemera. The game begins by reading the instructions as they will guide you with what to do with all the game components you find falling into your lap. I liked the variety of paper components in this game as it never felt repetitive. I did feel like the game pieces were a little out of place as I ended up only using one component during my play-through.

Note: The version received is a prototype for the upcoming kickstarter so some elements will be upgraded and changed.

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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This game only requires access to one website to play and a phone will suffice. The goal of the game is to move through the house to unlock the mystery behind who or what is the Fellmonger spectre. Using the journal, you will be guided with a short story piece with clues and directions on what to focus on next for puzzling. There are also audio clips from another investigator that will be available for certain puzzles to guide you, accessible through a QR code in the puzzle journal. Each puzzle will provide you with a one word solution (with the exception of the chapter finale puzzles which create number solutions) that can be cross checked on the puzzle solution page. I really like how the verification was using a number system so examining the booklet would not spoil anything unless you are looking for something specifically. One thing to remember is that all sides of the ephemera are used for puzzling so only set aside pieces once you have used all parts of it.

Hints are currently contained within a small envelope and provide one clue for each puzzle, except the final puzzle which had no hint. I do hope they create more hints for players as there were a couple times I could have used an extra nudge.

This game isn’t so much a horror game but a paranormal mystery. It has a fascinating theme with ghosts and spooks but the goal isn’t to be scared - it is to uncover the truth and find the other members of the team!

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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The puzzles within the game are pretty well rounded and work players up in difficulty from ciphers, logic puzzles, observation, and pattern recognition. I will say more experienced players will find some of these puzzles a bit easy to work through initially but the chapter finales do up the challenge level so don’t be misled! I felt while the puzzles were smooth and made sense, I wish their solutions were more thematic towards the story. As it stands, they are just words to solve.

For an at-home escape game, there is an excellent use of paper puzzling that provides a wide variety for players that will fit to different players strengths. The extra difficulty in the final puzzles for each section works to encourage team collaboration after players divide and conquer the journal. I feel like groups who are used to escape rooms would find this puzzling style to really compliment their experiences. It is an excellent step into the tabletop puzzling world for escape room players.

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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"A Haunting in Apex '' is an excellent debut experience for Whole Brain Escape into the table top puzzling world. The puzzles are well done and the premise has a lot of promise in it. This is easily a good option for groups with escape room experience looking for a way to have a night in and what better way with a fun paranormal mystery to solve! I did play this on my own but I can easily see this as something a group of 3 or 4 people can divide up and explore while playing to their strengths while the end chapter puzzles will require all your brains together. Now…can you uncover the truth of the Fellmonger and save the team or will you also fall prey to their hauntings?

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*** This game is no longer available but check out their in-person escape rooms if you are in the area***

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Disclosure: We thank Whole Brain Escape 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.

#JillianRaymond #AtHomeGames #TabletopGames #PuzzlesByMail #Paranormal #Mystery #WholeBrainEscape #AHauntingInApex #USA