Product review

At-home escape experience: This kit transforms a living room into a puzzle-driven crime investigation using printed materials and physical props designed around a Chicago cold case.
What’s in the box: A compact game box containing sets of printed clue sheets, a city map, character/ suspect cards, envelopes with sealed reveals, and several small physical clues and tokens that participants handle during play. Some pieces are intended to be altered or revealed as you progress.
Materials and feel: Most components are high-quality printed paper and cardstock, with a few tactile props. The box is lightweight and compact—roughly the size of a thick paperback or small board game—and the inserts are paper-based so they can be bent or changed during play.
Gameplay and mechanics: Players decode ciphers, solve riddles, cross-reference clues and identify suspects on a character sheet. The experience blends narrative exploration of Chicago landmarks with puzzle-solving. It supports cooperative teamwork and encourages discussion and idea-sharing.
Players and time: Designed for solo investigators up to groups of 8 or more, it’s ideal for couples, family game nights, or small gatherings. Recommended for ages 14 and up, typical playtime is about one to two hours depending on the group’s pace.
Replayability and storage: Because several items are single-use or require physical alteration to reveal answers, the game is mainly intended for one full playthrough. Keep the box and unaltered pieces in a dry place to preserve any sensory elements or fragile components.

Pros

Immersive Chicago-themed narrative and landmarks
Cooperative play for solo or groups up to 8+
Engaging mix of ciphers, riddles and clue work

Cons

Several components are single-use, limiting replay
Thin box and delicate paper parts prone to damage
Some sensory items may lose effect over time

VerdictA well-themed, cooperative mystery that turns your living room into a Chicago cold-case investigation. The puzzles lean toward ciphering and clue-matching and typically take about 1–2 hours for small groups. Artwork and components are appealing, and the game is versatile for date night or family play. Note the kit includes single-use elements and comes in a relatively thin box, so expect limited r

Reviews

OliveLeaf 4/5

Entertaining but lower-end components

We had a fun evening; puzzles suited our tweens and teens. The box is thin and arrived slightly damaged. It’s a bit pricey for many single-use pieces, so unlike other games we’ve kept or regifted, this one can’t be passed on intact.
M 4/5

Great family night, finished in under two hours

We tackled it as four adults and wrapped up in about an hour and a half. It required a couple of hints but encouraged teamwork without being too frustrating. Fun props were included, though the box arrived dinged. One scent-based clue had lost its smell after long storage, which stalled us briefly. Single-play only, so plan accordingly.
Nicole B. 3/5

Interesting concept but quality control uneven

Creative idea and some clever clues, but a few puzzle reveals felt iffy. We didn’t love scraping items to see answers—would prefer a cleaner reveal mechanism for replayability. A lot of paper components felt fragile and could be improved.
Megan 5/5

Matches the series’ style, but one-play nature

We enjoy this game series and this entry fits the usual tone and difficulty—moderate for two adults. Components and art are pleasing, but several pieces must be altered, so you can’t really regift it after playing.
Pez 4/5

Still fun, though less variety than others

This was our third title from the series. It focused more on cipher-style puzzles and felt a bit less diverse and easier than past entries. Even so, we enjoyed the theme and revisiting Chicago landmarks—my partner learned a few new facts about his hometown.
Amazin' Grandpa 5/5

Engaging for mixed-age family groups

I played with daughters and their partners; everyone found it interesting and not overly complex. A few clue gaps made parts harder for me, though that may be personal background. The printed materials are sturdy enough to keep for later family sessions.
danimal 5/5

Light challenge with attractive presentation

We play lots of mystery games and found this one easier than the box’s rating—more like moderate difficulty. The artwork and materials look great and the puzzles have decent variety. Low reading load made it accessible and we completed it in roughly an hour.