For this review, we are looking solely at the second chapter of the three-part series. The first two chapters are available for purchase, with the third chapter planned for release by the end of the year. There is also a second series currently in the works by Envelescape as well. You can read our previous review of the first chapter here.
Each chapter of an Envelescape experience comes with a pop-up location and its own standalone set of puzzles. The chapters can be played individually or as part of a larger narrative.
Gameplay will require access to an internet enabled device. The game uses a website for answer submission, story progression, and its hint system.
Thornbright Mansion is marketed as a beginner to intermediate challenge for 1-6 players, ages 10+. The game claims to take about 60 minutes, which is about how long it took us to complete the experience as a duo.
OUR THOUGHTS:
Puzzles: 3.5/5 Stars
Thornbright Mansion: Chapter 2 contains eight puzzles, which need answers submitted on their website. The puzzles lean towards the easier side, but the challenges as a whole will still take a bit of thought.
The pop-up features are well-crafted and well-integrated into the pop-up location. The puzzles make great use of the medium and make the diorama feel like a key part to the experience. It’s a fun set to explore and easy to use.
The eight puzzles are unique, which keeps them fresh. They are all clued well. Though we didn’t always know what to do on a puzzle, we never had an issue of deciding which elements were paired with it. Sometimes we did have to wait for game pieces to become unlocked, while we could tell something was important, we couldn’t do anything productive with it until later.
Despite the puzzling not being 100% linear, some need elements unlocked by others, there is a limit to how much can be shared and how much players can see with a larger crowd. Despite the game claiming to be good for up to six players, we would still recommend a smaller playing group.
We found the entire puzzling experiment smooth and enjoyable from the exploration of the mansion to the solving of puzzles to the entering of answers.
Narrative: 3/5 Stars
As the second chapter of the series, this experience continues a story, but still feels self-contained enough to stand alone. There is a quick recap of the first chapter for those who need it, however, the basic idea of exploring a laboratory is straightforward enough to follow even without the additional story.
The narrative here is shallow, yet it adds just enough intrigue to give the puzzles purpose and to try and hook players for the next chapter. We look forward to seeing how the story concludes in the final chapter.
Overall Fun: 4/5 Stars
Like with the first chapter of the series, Thornbright Mansion: Chapter 2 is a beautifully crafted piece of work. The pop-up is full of detail and color. The product is sturdy and simple to manipulate. All elements are also clear and easy to read. We also appreciated that they addressed the first chapter’s issue of not holding itself open. While their solution isn’t one hundred percent perfect, it’s good that they worked on the problem and made a large improvement based on reactions to the first chapter.
The entire experience is like working within a miniature escape room. Players should enjoy exploring the space, and they’ll be happy to progress as they unlock envelopes which further empower their ability to move forward. This is a great game for families, those who like escape rooms but still want to stay home, and people who enjoy pop-up art.
FINAL SCORES:
Puzzles: 3.5/5
Narrative: 3/5
Overall Fun: 4/5
OFFICIAL C&C FINAL SCORE: 3.5/5 Stars
The Product: Thornbright Mansion: Chapter 2 by Envelescape
Website Link: https://www.envelescape.ca
Price: $23
Disclaimer: we purchased the game with our own money, this review is not sponsored. All thoughts are our own.
Chaos & Confetti 
Leave a comment