Thursday, April 11, 2019

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:

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

11 comments:

  1. Hello, we can not do the level 0 ... What to do and find with the escape plan? How can we answer Mr. Collins' question to get out of class?
    Best regards,
    François

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry I didn't notice this sooner! In general, every game from ERTG has a full-fledge walkthrough available from their website:
      https://escaperoomthegame.com/en-us/jumanji/level-0-the-drumming-closet/walkthrough?preview=1

      Delete
  2. Hi. Not sure how you even do the walkthrough. How do figure out what character to use?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Once again, sorry for not noticing this comment.
      Assuming you have the right version of the (more on that below), you're supposed to look at the character selection screen found in there, and read the name of the character under the "1".

      Delete
  3. What is the code to complete level zero,the decoder didn't accept it

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Once again, assuming that you're playing the US version of the "Jumanji" box, level 0 cannot be validated using the Chrono-Decoder box (it's mentioned somewhere in the rulebook). You absolutely need to download & use the ERTG app.

      Delete
  4. Folks, here's something of note, which I'll definitely add in the main article eventually.
    There are now MULTIPLE VERSIONS of the game. The French version of the "Jumanji" edition replaces "Level 0" with a full-fledged 60-min game, using the Chrono-Decoder. And then there's the "Jungle Family" edition, which basically is the same game but with all the "Jumanji" references scrubbed out (guess they lost the license?). That edition also has 3 60-min games...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Heya, i got this game but I am missing the note with the code in level 0.
    Can anyone let me know where I can print it out from?
    I tried searching online, am getting no luck finding this, but from what I understand, its a note that folds into a paper plane.
    Thanks a lot in advance

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi we are on level 2 the keys are right but it's still giving us the buzz to say it's wrong we double checked on the walk through and it is definatly right is it summat to do with game coder not working correctly when u get to this part???

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi we are on level 2 the keys are right but it's still giving us the buzz to say it's wrong we double checked on the walk through and it is definatly right is it summat to do with game coder not working correctly when u get to this part???

    ReplyDelete
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    Get escape room info, covid news, curated reviews from major platforms, FAQs and more about Escape the Room in Atlanta, GA

    ReplyDelete