EXIT: The Game
Age: 16+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 2-4 hours
Difficulty: 4.5/5
Having played a few of these now, we finally decided to take on one of EXIT's most difficult games, The Catacombs of Horror, a gigantic two-parter that can take up to 4 hours to finish.
If you like the EXIT games and know what you're in for, Catacombs of Horror likely won't disappoint. It is similar to the other ones we've played, but with a step up in difficulty and scale. Being in two parts means some of the puzzles are more elaborate and take more time to set up and solve, which can be more rewarding but also more frustrating.
The props included in the box are extra cool too, going beyond the usual cardboard objects to provide plastic pieces and even a puzzle that involves a real candle (which probably explains why it is recommended for age 16+). Personally, I do like the catacombs horror angle, so that's an additional positive.
As usual, we found some of the puzzles to be really clever and cool. The designers really make you think outside the box and utilise elements you wouldn't usually expect and won't notice unless you look closer. The mega final puzzle, in particular, was a real jaw-dropped that is commendable for its creativity and audacity.
Unfortunately, it also has some of the same drawbacks of EXIT's other games, in that the signposting can be a little vague/inconsistent, and some of the puzzles being somewhat finicky and awkward to put together/solve. That can tend to happen when you have to cut, bend, fold, and assemble pieces of paper and cardboard, and rely on specific viewpoints and angles to see certain clues and solutions. The problem, of course, is that the cooler and more elaborate the puzzle, the more likely it is to be plagued by these issues.
Having said all this, we did have a good time with Catacombs and found it to be one of EXIT's stronger games. Our experience with these games allowed us to not be too caught up in figuring everything out without any assistance — which often led to excessive frustration and tedium. Giving a puzzle a shot, and if we had no idea after a few minutes, consulting a help card or two, was a sound approach that balanced challenge and fun. As a result, we used more help cards this time than any other game (probably 5 or 6), and found that it didn't take much away from the overall experience.
At the end of the day, the EXIT games offer solid escape room-type experiences at good value for money. While they'll never replace the thrill of the real thing, they are always fun to do at home with friends and/or family.
Rating: 7.5/10
PROS and CONS of EXIT: The Game
+Clever puzzles that offer a strong challenge
+Ingenious design that requires you do use every part of the box
+Beautiful artwork
+Interactive - requires using pencils, rulers, scissors, and your hands
–Requires a lot of reading
–Game can only be played once (as you may have to destroy certain parts)
–Puzzles can be frustrating, especially for the inexperienced
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