Unlock!: Heroic Adventures

2018

Unlock! Heroic Adventures is a cooperative card game inspired by escape rooms. Embark on thrilling journeys, solve riddles, and escape from Sherlock Holmes, Wonderland, and virtual levels!

60
minutes

1 - 6
player(s)

10+

Medium

About the game

Unlock!: Heroic Adventures is an incredibly immersive board game that takes you on three unique journeys filled with puzzles and mysteries. This game is part of the larger Unlock! series, which is known for its escape room style games. However, Unlock!: Heroic Adventures introduces a new theme, a fresh setting, and a set of intriguing core mechanics that set it apart from its predecessors.

The theme of Unlock!: Heroic Adventures is centered around heroism and adventure, as suggested by the name itself. Players are thrust into a world where they have to play the role of heroes, overcoming challenges and puzzles to save the day. The three adventures in the game are diverse – one is set in a magical land full of fairy tales, another in the world of comic books, and the last one in a futuristic virtual reality. These settings add depth to the game and ensure that players are always on their toes.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

The ‘Unlock!: Heroic Adventures’ game includes several components, each contributing to the gameplay. Here’s a detailed description of each component:

1. Tutorial cards:

These are introductory cards designed to help players understand the mechanics of the game. They don’t necessarily contribute to the main storyline, but they provide a practical context to learn the game rules.

2. Adventure decks:

There are three decks of cards corresponding to three different adventures. Each deck has a unique theme and storyline. These cards form the primary game content and are used to progress in the game. They contain puzzles, items, challenges, and locations that players need to interact with.

3. Hint cards:

These cards provide help when players are stuck on a particular puzzle or challenge. They provide clues to the players without completely giving away the solution.

4. Game manual:

The game manual contains all the rules and instructions for playing the game. It also provides details about the different types of cards and how to interact with them.

5. Unlock! App:

While not a physical component, the Unlock! App is a crucial part of the game. It is used to enter codes, interact with puzzles, and keep track of time. It also provides atmospheric sounds to enrich the gaming experience.

Tutorial cards: The tutorial cards are the first cards players interact with. They are designed to guide players through the game mechanics, and once the players are comfortable with the rules, they can start with the main adventure decks.
Adventure decks: Players start by selecting an adventure deck and reading the first card aloud. This card usually provides the background of the adventure and the initial puzzle. Players then navigate through the deck by solving the puzzles and using the items found on various cards. The interactions between cards are managed by the rules defined in the game manual and the app.
Hint cards: When players are stuck, they can choose to use a hint card. The hint card provides a clue to the current challenge and helps players progress in the game. Players must enter the number of the hint card into the app to reveal the hint.
Game Manual: The game manual is referred to when players are unsure about the rules or how to interact with a particular type of card. It provides a reference and guide throughout the game.
Unlock! App: The app is a central part of the game. Players use it to enter codes found on cards to solve puzzles. It also serves as a timer and provides sound effects to enrich the gameplay. In certain scenarios, the app may also provide interactive puzzles that need to be solved.

Game setup Lay it out, line it up, let’s go

Unlock!: Heroic Adventures is a cooperative card game inspired by escape rooms. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up the game:

Step 1: Set Up the Game Components

First, open the game box and take out the deck of cards.
Shuffle the deck thoroughly to ensure randomness in the game.
Lay out the cards face-down on the table. The cards should not be looked at or shuffled during the game.

Step 2: Download the Unlock! App

The Unlock! game requires a free companion app that you need to download on your phone or tablet. The app manages the time, hints, and penalties, making the game more immersive.
Once the app is installed, select the ‘Unlock!: Heroic Adventures’ scenario from the list.

Step 3: Initial Resources

The game will start with only one card face-up on the table, which will be card number 1. This card usually provides a location or an object, which will guide the players on their adventure.
Players are allowed to explore the card for clues to find the number of other cards to be revealed from the deck.
Make sure the players have paper and a writing instrument handy, as they might be useful for solving puzzles in the game.

Step 4: Player Roles

In Unlock! there are no specific player roles. All players are equal participants in the cooperative effort to solve the puzzles.
Players should work together, sharing ideas and strategies. Communication is key in this game.

Step 5: Starting the Game

Once the initial setup is complete, start the game by pressing the ‘Start’ button on the app.
The app will start the countdown timer, and the players must begin solving the puzzles before time runs out.

Remember, each game of Unlock! is a unique adventure, and the game can’t be replayed once you’ve gone through it. So make the most of your game time and enjoy the adventure!

Game flow Round and round we go

Unlock!: Heroic Adventures is an immersive card-based escape room game. The game comprises of three unique adventures, each having a distinctive setting and a series of puzzles to solve. The game does not have traditional rounds or phases; instead, it is a real-time game where time is of the essence. Here’s how the game works:

Starting the Game:

Each adventure begins with a deck of cards and a starting card that indicates a location. The location card provides initial hints and objects to aid in your adventure.
The back of each card reveals puzzles, objects, or other locations. To explore a location, you flip the number card corresponding to the location.

Exploring and Solving Puzzles:

Players explore the game by revealing and interacting with cards. Some cards might represent objects that can be combined to solve a puzzle. The numbers on the cards are added together, and if the sum matches another card in the deck, that card can be revealed.
Some cards have hidden objects or numbers, which are vital clues for solving the puzzles. The game encourages collective brainstorming and communication to spot these clues.

Using the App:

The game utilizes a free app that provides a timer and clues. The app also verifies if the solutions to puzzles or codes are correct.
If players are stuck on a particular puzzle, they can use the hint system provided by the app. However, using the hint system may add extra time to your overall score.

Ending the Game:

The game ends when players have solved the last puzzle and escaped from the location. The goal is to complete the game as quickly as possible. The app keeps track of the time and provides a final score based on the time and the number of hints used.
If players cannot solve all the puzzles within the 60-minute limit, the game also ends, but with a less satisfactory outcome.

Remember, each adventure in Unlock!: Heroic Adventures is unique and can only be played once as you will know all the puzzles and solutions after completing it.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

Unlock! Heroic Adventures is a cooperative card game inspired by escape rooms. Players are immersed in adventures where they need to work together to solve puzzles and make progress. Every decision can impact the game, so players must think carefully before acting. Here is a breakdown of what can happen during a player’s turn:

At the start of a player’s turn, they have a variety of actions available to them. These include:

Investigating a card: The player can choose to investigate any location card on the table. They do this by flipping the card over and examining the different elements on it. These elements can be clues, objects, or other locations.
Combining cards: The game features a unique mechanic where players can combine items. For example, if a player has a key card and a door card, they can combine these to unlock the door. The player must announce what they are trying to combine and then check the rulebook to see if the combination is valid.
Entering a code: Some puzzles require players to enter a code. The player must announce they are attempting to enter a code and then enter it using the game’s app. If the code is correct, the app will reveal new cards or actions. If the code is incorrect, the app will deduct time from the team’s overall timer.

These actions can lead to various strategic choices, including:

Choosing which puzzles to solve: Not all puzzles need to be solved to complete the game. Players must decide which puzzles to focus on and which ones to ignore. This decision can greatly affect the game’s outcome, as some puzzles may lead to dead ends or penalties.
Deciding when to use hints: The game’s app provides hints for puzzles. Players must decide when to use these hints. Using a hint too early may waste an opportunity that could be useful later in the game. However, not using a hint when stuck could lead to wasted time.
Determining the order of actions: The order in which players perform actions can also be crucial. For example, investigating a location before combining cards could reveal additional information or items that could help with the combination.

Overall, every action in Unlock! Heroic Adventures can affect the gameplay. Players need to work together, plan their actions carefully, and use their time wisely in order to succeed.

End of the game All good games must come to an end

Unlock!: Heroic Adventures is a cooperative card game inspired by escape rooms. The game ends when players have successfully solved all the puzzles within the scenario and found the exit, or when the time runs out.

Victory Conditions:

Successful Escape: The primary victory condition in Unlock!: Heroic Adventures is to successfully ‘escape’ from the adventure. This is achieved by solving a series of puzzles and riddles, unlocking and exploring new cards, and ultimately finding the ‘Exit’ card.
Time Remaining: The game is played with a companion app that counts down a 60-minute timer. If players can find the ‘Exit’ card and escape before the time runs out, they win. The remaining time can also impact the final scoring, with more time left resulting in a higher score.

Actions Before Final Scoring:

Before final scoring, players must ensure they have completed several actions:

End Game: Players must first ensure they have reached the end of the game by finding the ‘Exit’ card or running out of time. They should confirm that all puzzles and riddles have been solved and that all necessary cards have been discovered.
Record Time: Players should note the remaining time on the app when they find the ‘Exit’ card. This time is essential for calculating the final score.
Count Penalty Points: In Unlock!: Heroic Adventures, players receive penalty points for incorrect code entries and using the hint system. These penalty points are counted as negative points in the final scoring. So before the final scoring, players should count all their penalty points.

In conclusion, the game of ‘Unlock!: Heroic Adventures’ ends with either a thrilling escape or a tense race against time. Regardless of the outcome, players are sure to enjoy a rewarding challenge filled with creative puzzles and exciting discoveries.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

The scoring system in ‘Unlock!: Heroic Adventures’ is designed to reflect the efficiency and skill of the players in solving the game’s puzzles. Here is how the points are awarded:

Completion of the Game:

Upon successful completion of the game, the team is awarded a base of 10 points. This applies regardless of how long it took or how many hints the team used.

Time Taken:

The faster the team finishes the game, the more points they earn. The maximum points available for this category is 10 points. If the team completes the game in less than an hour, they get the full 10 points. For every additional 10 minutes beyond the 60-minute mark, a point is deducted from this category. If the team takes longer than 100 minutes to finish, they do not earn any points for time.

Hint Cards:

Using hint cards can help the team progress through the game, but at the cost of points. Each hint card used results in a deduction of 1 point from the team’s score. There is no limit to how many hint cards can be used, but the team could end up with a negative score if they use more than their total from completion and time.

Tie-Breaking Rules:

In the event of a tie, the tie-breaker is the time taken to complete the game. The team that finished fastest is considered the winner. If there is still a tie, then the team that used fewer hint cards is the winner. If there is still a tie after considering both time and hints, then the game is considered a draw.

Please note that the scoring system is designed to add an element of competition to the game, but the main goal of ‘Unlock!: Heroic Adventures’ is cooperative problem-solving and fun. The best way to enjoy the game is to focus on the puzzles and the narrative, rather than the score.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

Unlock! Heroic Adventures is a cooperative card game inspired by escape rooms. Despite being straightforward, the game has a few rare or special rules and exceptions that might need some clarification.

1. The Timer:

One unique aspect of Unlock! Heroic Adventures is the app-based timer. The game doesn’t use a physical timer, but an app which also provides hints and manages the game’s “hidden objects”. The game cannot be played without the app.
In some scenarios, the timer might stop or add more time, depending on the cards or the app instructions. These are exceptions to the usual flow of the game.

2. The Hidden Object Rules:

Not all cards are visible from the start. Some are hidden and can only be revealed by the app, after solving specific puzzles. These cards are not part of the initial deck and cannot be accessed without the app.
Similarly, some cards have hidden numbers or letters that can only be seen using the app. These cards follow a different rule set compared to regular cards.

3. The Penalty System:

In Unlock! Heroic Adventures, players are penalized for incorrect code entries in the app. Each wrong entry adds a penalty time to the timer.
However, the penalty system might be different or not present at all in some scenarios, depending on the instructions provided by the app. This is another exception to the common rules.

4. The Red and Blue Cards:

Typically, red and blue cards can be combined to solve puzzles or advance in the game. However, not all red and blue cards can be combined. The sum of the numbers on the red and blue cards should match the number on another card in the deck.
There are exceptions where red and blue cards can be combined in ways not following the usual rule. This is indicated in the game scenario or through the app.

These special rules and exceptions add a unique flavor to ‘Unlock! Heroic Adventures’, making it a thrilling and unpredictable experience.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Unlock!: Heroic Adventures is an escape room-style board game where players work together to solve puzzles and advance through different scenarios. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there are ways to optimize your gameplay and improve your chances of winning. Here are some tips, strategies, and common mistakes to avoid:

Advanced Strategies:

Teamwork is Key: Unlock! is a cooperative game. Make sure everyone is communicating and working together. Discuss your ideas and solutions with the team.
Use the Hint System: If you’re really stuck, don’t forget about the game’s hint system. It can provide you with valuable clues that can help you move forward in the scenario.
Think Outside the Box: Some of the puzzles in Unlock! require you to think creatively and in non-traditional ways. Don’t be afraid to try unconventional solutions.

Beginner Tips:

Start by spreading out the cards and making sure that everyone can see them. This way, everyone has a chance to spot potential connections and contribute to solving the puzzles.
Keep track of the cards that you have used and the ones that you haven’t. It’s easy to forget about a card that might become important later.
Don’t be afraid to use the hint system. It’s there to help you, especially if you’re new to the game.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Overlooking Details: Every detail in the game could be important. Pay close attention to the images on the cards, as they often contain clues to the puzzles.
Not Using the Hint System: Many players avoid using hints because they feel like it’s cheating. However, the hints are there to help you and can be crucial to your success, especially in the more difficult scenarios.
Working in Isolation: Remember, Unlock! is a cooperative game. If you try to solve everything on your own, you’re likely to miss out on important insights from your teammates.

Optimizing Gameplay:

Assign roles based on your team’s strengths. For instance, if someone has a good eye for detail, they can focus on finding hidden clues in the card images.
Always communicate your ideas and thoughts. What might seem like an insignificant observation could be the key to solving a puzzle.
Stay organized. Keep track of the cards you’ve used and the ones you haven’t. This can save you a lot of time and confusion.