Wild Optimists - "Escape Room In A Box: Flashback" (Manufactured by Mattel)

Krista Jones

Aug 7, 20214 min read

Updated: Apr 30, 2024

Photo above is property of Mattel

Company: Wild Optimists

Game: Escape Room In A Box: Flashback (Manufactured by Mattel)

Country: USA 🇺🇸

Language: English

Type of Game: Puzzles By Mail 📬

Genre: Sci-Fi, Supernatural

Date Played: August 8, 2021

Difficulty (based on 2 players): 4/10

Size of Team: 2-8 (Ages 13+)

Time: 90 mins (Suggested 60-90 mins)

Price: $22.99

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Flashback is a sequel to The Werewolf Experiment, the first game in the Escape Room in a Box series, and is made by the same creators - the Wild Optimists. In that one, which you do not need to have played, you are first introduced to Doc Gnaw - the werewolf! In this game, Doc Gnaw is back and coming after YOU to keep her secret safe. Her best friend has found a way to de-werewolfify the Doc by creating a special amulet, but she needs YOUR help to do it...not to mention it is the only way to save your own skin! Otherwise, the werewolf will be snacking on your remains when she arrives in 90 minutes.

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The box has a very similar look to the first game in the series. You will find a series of colorful papers, special items, and plastic lockboxes. The papers are attractive and fun, though there are no real art images (of which there were a few in the first game). On the one hand, you can tell that the materials are mass produced and not the most durable, with largely plastic and paper components. It feels a bit more like a game for kids, in fitting with the Mattel brand. Our game was purchased second-hand, and some of the writing on the lock dials had been largely wiped away, making one in particular very hard to read. However, the fact that you get so many cool tangible items and FOUR lockboxes still seems like great value for the price.

Some Photos above are taken from Mattel

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The game starts with an introduction to the story and some basic rules and instructions. Your 90 minute timer begins once you lift the underlying cover out of the box. Unlike the first game, Flashback has three distinct, color-coded “tracks,” which can be solved by the same folks sequentially (as we did) or by separate teams/individuals in parallel. Each track features both paper and physical items and ultimately leads you to one item and one piece of the final puzzle. So, you must solve all three plus the final group of puzzles before you can finish the game. If you can create the amulet within 90 minutes, with no more than three hints, you (and Doc Gnaw) will be saved!

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Flashback was a smooth and fast-paced puzzling experience. There are a wide variety of puzzles, including word, logic, spatial, and grille ciphers. There are no codes to decrypt or riddle-based answers. We decided to tackle each of the three tracks (word-, science-, and kid-themed) as a team, but certainly experienced puzzlers could have tackled them solo. With larger groups, you could easily split them up and solve separately, though that would also shorten overall game time. There were one or two puzzles where we liked the concept but struggled a bit with the implementation. Overall, however, we really enjoyed the mix of puzzles, and the tactile nature (and fun objects) incorporated into many of them. They tell you up front that some items may be used more than once, and we definitely appreciated the use of certain items in multiple, unexpected ways!

A hint booklet is included, and you are allowed to take up to three hints (plus any “bonuses” you might find along the way). There is a table of contents to point you to the correct page, which has tiered hints for each puzzle. However, each hint is one after another on the same page, so it would be easy to see more than you intended. (Experienced puzzlers are unlikely to need the hint booklet.)

Photo above is properties of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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We definitely enjoyed the first game in this series, but overall Flashback felt like a smoother experience (even if we did miss a bit of that cool art). The storyline is super-fun and very well-written and entertaining. The instructions were very clear, and the flow worked well with each of the tracks and the final integration. The puzzles are on the easier side, but we enjoyed them and the fast pace keeps you moving. It took us 51 minutes to finish the game, with each track taking about equal amounts of time. We think almost anyone could enjoy this game, so long as you do not require luxury components or a super dark or intense theme. It is definitely approachable and family-friendly. Those under 13 might require adult assistance but could certainly play. However, we felt there was enough fresh content and fun to keep enthusiasts entertained as well. The time certainly flew by for us, and we can’t wait to see what the Wild Optimists come out with next!

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