Boardgame - Escape Room The Game: Jumanji - Spin Master

Easier to escape than the real thing

Publisher:

Spin Master (US/Canada)

Designers:

Unknown (boo!)

Artist:

Unknown (boo!)

Languages:

English

# of Players:

3-5 on the box (2-4 on the website?!)

Age:

10+

Duration:

60 min

BoardGameGeek References:

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/266802/escape-room-game-jumanji

Game Design & Mechanics

Game Components

• Let's cut to the chase here: this game is basically a stand-alone expansion that works exactly like the original. You can pretty much read my review of the original box, and you'll know how the game works.
• One notable change is that there are only 2 hour-long scenarios in that box. And instead of being referred to as Part 1/2/3, the two scenarios are presented as Levels 1 through 6, suggesting they're all part of a single storyline. That doesn't change the game per se - you still play Levels 1/2/3 on a single 60-min timer, then the last on another.
• There's also a "Level 0" in there. It's a 15-min introductory game that requires using the ERTG app (available on iOS and Android) instead of the real-life Chrono-Decoder.

Pros

• The things I generaly enjoy about this game are still there.
• You can see a definite willingness from the makers in trying to find new ways for players to interact with the components.
• Having an extra Chrono-Decoder around could be seen as a bonus (especially if you keep sharing your games with others).

Cons

• Some of those "original interactions" can be rather frustrating. In one case, even after reading the walkthrough, we haven't been able to get the result described. 😠
• The game seems to be selling for the same price as the original box, while having over 40% less gameplay.
• Paying for that extra Chrono-Decoder is annoying if don't care for it.
• It's not explicitly mentioned anywhere, but the game is heavily based on the new "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" movie. People who have only watched the original movie will likely be confused (and possibly disappointed).

Scenario Results

The Drumming Closet (Level 0)

Official difficulty: 2 / 5

Played with: 3 players

Made it? YES

The Search for Jesse (Levels 1-2-3)

Official difficulty: 3 / 5

Played with: 3 players

Made it? YES

Break the Curse (Levels 4-5-6)

Official difficulty: 3 / 5

Played with: 3 players

Made it? NO