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A Spooky Addition
EXIT Nightfall Manor is KOSMOS’ latest addition to the EXIT series of at-home escape room games, which hit the shelves in 2022. EXIT Nightfall Manor, belongs to the expanded set of games, which include the familiar gameplay from the EXIT series, but also four puzzles, which feature at the heart of the game and replace the traditional set of riddle cards.
EXIT Nightfall Manor is themed around a spooky castle, Nightfall Manor, which has a history of gruesome stories. Player’s objective is to, work-together to solve all the riddles, primarily linked to the four puzzles, to uncover the secret of Nightfall Manor and save the local resident Gaston. Gaston being the only individual to take the gruesome stories of Nightfall Manor seriously…
A Familiar Feel
The third instalment of EXIT’s expanded puzzle series of games means those having played one of the previous offerings; “The Deserted Lighthouse” or “The Sacred Temple”, will be able to pick up and play Nightfall Manor, as the gameplay is identical to those games which have come before. Players new to this expanded series of EXIT games, will need to familiarise themselves with the seven relatively small pages of rules, contained within the provided Rulebook.
As with all EXIT games, the game is suitable for 1 – 4 players, recommended for ages 10 + and is estimated to last up to 3 hours, depending on the experience and problem-solving skills of the players involved. A handy companion app can also be downloaded from mobile app stores, containing a game tutorial, atmospheric soundtrack, and digital timer.
Downloading and using the companion app, helps to add a spooky atmosphere to the gameplay. A feature newly introduced in Nightfall Manor, not present in previous games, is at each stage of the game, each puzzle is given its own soundtrack, relating to the current puzzle, and adding greater depth to the gameplay experience.
Puzzled Choice?
The gameplay within EXIT Nightfall Manor begins with players asked to construct the first of four puzzles and solve the riddles contained within. Throughout the game’s narrative, players will gain “Strange Items”, which will be required to solve the riddles which players encounter.
EXIT Nightfall Manor’s gameplay introduces a choice for players to make, asking them at certain points in the game’s narrative, to make a choice between two items to take with them on their journey to, and through, Nightfall Manor. The choices players make will then alter how the narrative develops towards the conclusion of the game. There are no right or wrong selections, however players may wish to second guess how the narrative may end and chose the items most likely to be of use later in the game.
The game consists of 10 sequential riddles, all of which must be solved to progress and conclude the narrative of the game. As with all EXIT games, EVERYTHING and EVERY PART of the box will be useful in helping players to decipher and solve each of the riddles they face.
You Are Not Alone
On EXIT’s scale of difficulty EXIT Nightfall Manor is rated 2 out of 5, therefore is towards the easier end of their games, but players should not worry if they get “puzzled” along the way…
Towards the back of the Rulebook a “Solutions” section is present, which can be used by players to receive a 1st Clue, 2nd Clue or Solution to each of the riddles players encounter in their gameplay. These should be used sparingly though, as they will effect the rating players receive at the conclusion of the game.
Players familiar with EXIT games, will be accustomed to a 10-star rating which can be obtained when completing the game, taking into consideration the number of clues used throughout the game and length of time taken to complete the game. Without giving too much away though and including any spoilers in this review, it might be possible to score more than 10 stars!
Final Thoughts
Having tracked the EXIT series of games, it has been very interesting to watch how these games have adapted, since their launch several years ago and how KOSMOS are beginning to link the storyline of several of their games together. This latest addition takes the expanded puzzle series one step further, by adding varied soundtracks and player item choices into the gameplay.
Due to the very nature of EXIT games, they do not offer any replayability and this can put players off the series, given the EXIT puzzle games cost slightly more than traditional EXIT games, but players do get a longer gameplay experience for the extra cost.
EXIT Nightfall Manor is a great addition to the series, offering EXIT familiarly, but introducing new expanded concepts. EXIT – Nightfall Manor could easily be enjoyed by both hardcore EXIT fans and players looking to try out the EXIT series for the first time. EXIT games, including Nightfall Manor are perfect for those rainy days in, or cold winter weekends!
