Another version of Cluedo – this time the classic story is in an escape room format for you and all your family and friends to enjoy. It follows the usual Cluedo storyline with a familiar aim: to find out who killed Dr Black, where the murder took place and what weapon was used.

“You and five other guests have been invited to join Dr Black for an evening of fine dining and a chance to discuss some personal business. After dinner, he announces he intends to blackmail you all. Shortly after, the power goes off and you find Dr Black dead! Armed with only your wits, you must escape and determine who killed Dr Black, where they did it and with what weapon.”

Tabletop escape games are getting more and more popular, so I was keen to get stuck in. I will always get sucked into a Cluedo spin-off too, and I am pleased to say I was not disappointed!

This is a co-operative puzzle solving escape game which can be played with up to six people (but you can play solo if the moment takes you). You choose a character, one of the six famously colourful characters, however I am sad to say vintage Mrs White is nowhere to be seen and has been replaced by classy Dr Orchid (unbelievable!), and Rev Green has become more youthful and hunky (not sure he is a man of the cloth anymore!). Together, as a team, you take it in turns to track down clues by collecting evidence in an attempt to solve Dr Black’s murder, whilst at the same time you need to move through the mansion in an effort to find a way out and escape before potentially getting murdered yourself. Yikes!

The game requests that ‘your most dramatic player’ takes the lead and goes first (but don’t panic if you are not theatrical!). You all begin in Tudor Mansion’s pitch-black hallway where you complete the tutorial and get to grips with the game dynamics.

Once you have worked together to get the lights back on in the hallway, players then take it in turns to choose a number within the room and read the corresponding card – these cards may tell you a bit about the room or you may come across an item or part of a puzzle. Further exploration will then allow you to find the other puzzle pieces or items, which you then combine and (hopefully) complete the mini challenge correctly.

Challenges range from codes, mazes and pattern spotting, and a success will then lead you to a further helpful item, a secret button or lever, or perhaps even a vital clue, which may then help you to solve the deadly mystery. One item, which I won’t spoil for you, came in a secret envelope and got everyone gasping with glee as it was revealed! Have I whet your appetite?

Some of the clues are of course red herrings, so you need to pay attention to all of the information on the cards and what the characters say, to work out who, what and where! Don’t jump to conclusions and pay attention to all of the small bits of information to be in with a chance of winning. It is also worth noting that there is a hint booklet for anyone who is struggling with what to do with a card (puzzle or item) – we didn’t need this but it was a relief to know it was available (getting stumped within a collaborative game and coming to a halt is enough to potentially put a dampner on any party).

Some of the numbers in a room will reveal a doorway or secret passage, which will then lead into another room in the mansion – you then lay down this room tile and continue on your journey around the mansion – the game board is, as Hasbro describes it, dynamic, building and changing as you move through the mansion. This board was my favourite element of the game and the attention to detail was a definite feast for the eyes. Any Cluedo fans will appreciate the Cluedo Easter eggs littered around the rooms including the historic secret passage and the classic weapons. As tiles were laid, it was always a surprise as to which room was to appear next and the art work for each room was beautifully detailed with lots of hidden nooks and crannies to explore!

The game is fast-paced and flows well, with no-one hogging the narrative (as you take it in turns and each person picks up a new card when it is their go), and it is a very easy game to pick up and play at a party (not requiring anyone to spend an age reading and explaining the rules to others). It has a difficulty level of 2/5, which I agree with – it’s simple but enjoyable. Whilst the game recommends an age range of 10+, I do think younger children would be able to play this, particularly if playing as a family. One thing to note, which would be fun with younger players too – sometimes when you pick up a card you are faced with a possible situation – e.g. one of the characters got electricuted and they were then instructed to shake their hands until the start of their next turn. Whilst we chose to ignore these silly elements, I think children would love them!

A word of warning – lasting around 90 minutes, this is a one-time-only game. Once you have played it, you can not replay. It can be reset and given to another mystery-seeking team, however, who I am sure will get as much enjoyment out of it as the original players. Even with this caveat in mind, I would highly recommend this game and am looking forward to any other future releases by Hasbro. Laying the board as you play is a lovely touch which I have not experienced with other tabletop escape games, and the throwback to vintage Cluedo gameplay, one of my childhood loves, is enough to get my vote!

Check out Cluedo – Treachery at Tudor Mansion here – a fun-packed game for under £15! I would say this is a bargain for a fun evening of escapism!