Photo above is property of LockMe
Company: LockMe
Game: Side Quest: 7th Sea
Country: Poland 🇵🇱
Language: English, Polish
Type of Game: Tabletop Game 📬
Genre: Adventure
Date Played: June 1, 2024
Difficulty (based on 1 player): 5/10
Size of Team: 1-4 ppl (Ages 14+)
Time: Unlimited (Approx. 90-120 Mins.)
Price: 16,00 €
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Set in the titular world of 7th Sea, “Side Quest: 7th Sea” follows the thrilling story of a pirate wannabe navigating a world brimming with swashbuckling adventures, magical realms, and mythical creatures. Your journey begins as you uncover information about a specific location within this rich and fantastical world. This location has also captured the interest of the Inquisition, one of the major power players in the 7th Sea universe. Your mission is clear: reach the village before the Inquisition does, grab whatever treasures you can find, and escape before they catch wind of your presence.
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The artwork in "Side Quest: 7th Sea" is absolutely stunning. Each card vividly draws you into the world, making you feel like a part of the swashbuckling adventure. The illustrations are expertly done, and there were very few moments where I had to squint to see details or read the cards.
In terms of components, the game includes several physical puzzles where you need to move items back and forth, adding a tactile element to the experience. The most standout feature, however, is the use of the game box itself as part of the gameplay. This clever integration not only provides a wonderful centerpiece to the experience but also further immerses players into the world, enhancing the overall adventure.
Photo above is property of LockMe
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As with many escape room games packaged in small boxes, "7th Sea: Side Quest" uses a deck of cards to unfold its story, supplemented by some additional physical components. Interestingly, there is no rule book included; instead, the cards guide you step by step on how to progress through the game. In this version, you're tasked with finding symbols, colors, or numbers to create a four-digit code. When the game instructs you to grab a card, it provides further directions on what to do next, leading you through the story until completion.
Solving each puzzle is ingeniously designed to produce an answer sheet. In front of you, there are ten wooden planks and a large matrix filled with a variety of symbols. When you think you've found the correct code, you physically place the planks on the grid to complete the symbols. If the symbols on either side of the planks match and you arrive at a finishing number for a card, you have successfully completed the puzzle. This intuitive game system is quite refreshing, offering a unique design and ease of use that makes the experience enjoyable and engaging.
Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers
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There was a large variety of puzzles in this game, ensuring that it kept our group constantly engaged and entertained. The puzzles ranged from classic placement puzzles, where you had to fit pieces into the correct spots, to more intricate challenges involving specific rules that you had to follow. Additionally, there were riddles and conundrums that required careful thought and problem-solving skills.
For the standard puzzler, most of these puzzles should not pose any significant barriers, allowing the game to flow smoothly without any frustrating stoppages. Each puzzle was thoughtfully designed to be enjoyable and logical, making the process of solving them satisfying and rewarding. The diversity in puzzle types kept the gameplay fresh and exciting, ensuring that there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Photos above are property of LockMe
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"Side Quest: 7th Sea" is a unique series that is just starting out, based on the rich world of board games and tabletop RPGs. While the world of 7th Sea is not new, it remains one of the more niche tabletop RPGs. For those interested in exploring this system, "Side Quest: 7th Sea" provides a fantastic segue into what players can experience during a typical scenario, all while maintaining a low barrier to entry. You don't need to be familiar with the 7th Sea system to enjoy this game.
This game also includes a few extra puzzles towards the end to test your wits. These puzzles are completely optional but offer a different ending if you choose to follow them. The inclusion of multiple endings that make sense within the story world is a nice touch, adding replay-ability and depth to the game.
Overall, I can highly recommend "Side Quest: 7th Sea." It is a well-produced game with well-built physical components and interesting puzzles. It's a fun time that can be repeated or shared with friends, as none of the components are destroyed during play. Whether you're a fan of the 7th Sea universe or just looking for a new escape room-style challenge, this game offers a delightful and immersive experience.
(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)
Disclosure: We thank LockMe for providing us with samples of the game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.
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