Being a student at the magical academy is pretty exciting, and today is no different. As tricky little Polterbolds invade your classroom, you’ll need to use your magic skills to solve riddles and put a stop to them! What other exciting elements await you in these halls? Let’s find out!

*Warning: While I will do my best not to spoil much throughout the review, be advised that there is always some possibility for spoilers*

What Is It?

An escape room game where players work their way through various types of riddles and puzzles in order to save the magical academy. Players will have to work together to come up with their answers, but can employ help cards or solutions if they get stuck.

Who Is It For?

  • 1 to 4 Players – I usually like this style of game best at 2 or 3. It feels about right so that everyone can play a role in each puzzle
  • Ages 12 & Up – The puzzles can range in difficulty (the game says it is 2 out of 5 stars difficulty), but it always depends on who you play with and how you think about puzzles. I think it might be trickier for a group of only kids, but would be great for families or adults
  • Fans of escape rooms, puzzles, and cooperation
  • Players who don’t mind destroying components (one time play)

PROS

  • Cool theme
  • Easy start / no set-up
  • Tactile components – the “items” are really cool and fun to use in puzzles
  • Good variety of puzzles
  • No outside knowledge or research during the game necessary

CONS

  • Some of the puzzles definitely come off a bit vague, so it can be difficult at times to know exactly where to start or what to do
    • Because of this, you might need some help cards, but often, the 1st help card for a puzzle doesn’t provide enough information in my opinion, usually we have to use the second one as well
  • It’s always a little disappointing to destroy things. I know the game warns you of this, so I expect it, but I’d love to be able to pass these on to other players like I can with other games of this style

Final Thoughts

I really enjoy the theme and the overall flow of the game – solving puzzles is one of my favorite types of games to play. I also thought the little items you had to use in this one were a lot of fun, and felt pretty thematic.

I do always seem to get super stuck on one or two puzzles in Exit games, no matter the level, and it’s just a bit frustrating because it always seems like it’s because of vagueness in explanations or wording, but maybe that’s just me.

I also don’t love having to destroy components. There are so many escape room style board games on the market, and this is the only series I play where you have to do that, and I just think it seems unnecessary.

All of that said, if you’re a fan of escape rooms, and want to do them at home, I do think this was a lot of fun and that tactile nature of having various components (i.e. not just cards) really elevates the experience.

Additional Information:
My Final Rating – 6/10

Designer – Inka Brand, Markus Brand
Publisher – KOSMOS
MSRP – $17.95
Website

*I was provided a copy of this game to do this review*

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