WBG Score: 9
Player Count: 1-6
Published by: The Mystery Agency Ltd.
Designed by: Henry Lewis
This is a review copy. See our review policy here
SPOILER FREE REVIEW
There is very little I can say in this review without spoiling things. Don't worry though, we won't spoil a thing. But I also don't think spoilers are necessary. If you like escape room style games, you will love this. It's phenomenal. If that's not enough and you want more, well sure, red on, and I will tell you a little more about how it plays. But let's face it. You are just delaying the inevitable.
How To Set Up The Vanishing Gambler
Unlock the main box and retrieve the padlocked envelope and loose newspaper page contained within. Inside the box, you'll find basic instructions prompting you to scan a QR code. After scanning, you'll be presented with a selection of games to log into. Opt for "The Vanishing Gambler" and input the password displayed on the box. From there, you can decide whether to play with a timer or without. The choice is yours. Once selected, your first clue will become accessible, marking the beginning of your adventure.
How To Play The Vanishing Gambler
In this game, you'll confront a series of puzzles, navigating a path that may not immediately reveal itself. Your initial task is to decipher the sparse clues provided to unlock the padlocked envelope. Once opened, the contents of the folder will equip you to tackle the challenges ahead, but where to begin?
The array of possibilities may seem overwhelming initially, but maintain your vigilance, and you'll discern your next target. Each accomplishment will unveil your next step, propelling you forward until you reach the mission's conclusion.
Should you encounter an impasse, rest assured that each puzzle offers two hints and a final solution accessible through the associated website. Utilising these resources may prolong your game time if you're playing with a timer, but otherwise, they won't hinder your progress. Even if you're not the most adept at these games, like myself, the hints are there as a safety net. I personally found I only needed to resort to them twice, and with a bit more patience and confidence, I believe I could've solved the puzzles independently. Nonetheless, remember that the primary goal is to enjoy the experience. Use them if you need to.
Progress through each puzzle until you reach the ultimate objective. This game is about success or failure, but I am certain you'll eventually get there. Best of luck on your journey! And remember to have fun, and look for everything... everywhere!
Is It Fun? The Vanishing Gambler Escape Room Board Game Review
This is hands down the best experience I have ever had with a game in this genre. It was so smooth, satisfying, and rewarding to play through, while navigating the tricky balance of being challenging but achievable. As you would expect with all products from this publisher, the components are seriously impressive and add a real premium sense of quality and class as you play, elevating the experience to one you may otherwise expect from visiting a physical escape room.
The story and puzzles are genuinely engaging, and there were some real "WOW!" moments for us as we played. Actual gasps of exclamation as we saw things for the first time, discovered hidden clues, and accessed new parts of the story. It all felt a little more believable than some of the other storylines in this series. It felt more plausible, which, if it suits you, may add to your experience too. Although, if you prefer more sci-fi storylines, I would encourage you to check out The Man From Sector Six, which is also fantastic.
The game can only be played once; after that, you will know everything, and the challenge and excitement are gone. However, like all products in this series, when you complete this, you will be offered simple and clear guidelines to reset the game to look 100% good-as-new, for you to pass on to a friend or family member for them to enjoy. There is a difficult balance for publishers of these games in this regard. Do you build something disposable, cheap, and small that people don't mind throwing away when done, or something more luxurious like this that offers an objectively better experience, but that comes at a real cost? I like that we as consumers have the choice. But personally, I prefer these experiences. Sure, they cost more. But they are unquestionably better. And as mentioned, easily resettable. Nothing is damaged or destroyed. And I am excited to give this to someone else and discuss their experiences with it when they are done.
If this sounds like fun to you, I would encourage you to get into a little group with some local friends, buy all the games this publisher has, and share them amongst yourselves. They are all truly amazing experiences.