EXIT: Dead Man on the Orient Express

This is the second game in the series that we have played. Having worked out the basic game mechanics in the first one (The Abandoned Cabin) we are now old hands at solving the clues and running the games smoothly. First time players should take their time with the game set up at the start though so as to avoid the head scratching and "what are we supposed to do now?" questions.

The rules are simple enough and the basic game mechanic is to look a picture or pictures portraying the in game location, and then resolve the presented clues or riddles to open up an in game container, which leads to another clue or riddle. The answer to most riddles comes in the form of a three number code, which when entered into the provided code wheel (think of it as an old telephone dial but with three discs of numbers from 0-9) gives you the number of the answer card which should (hopefully) confirm your correct answer and open up the next clue. Some of the clues are very clever and hidden in parts of the game that you wouldn't expect (no spoilers here) and some are frustrating; however, you get a series of hint cards, the last of which is the full solution, for each riddle so ultimately, not knowing the answer will not prevent you from completing the game.

This particular mystery is basically Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express". The artwork and presentation is great and helps create a period atmosphere. You have to navigate numerous carriages on the train in order to determine who is guilty and innocent, who has a truthful alibi and who doesn't in your search for the perpetrator of the crime. We completed the game with 4 players in a leisurely 3 hours. We weren't interested in setting speed records for completion, but more for ensuring that everyone was involved in the riddles and solutions so that we could enjoy the collective experience. I'd suggest that 4 is the maximum number of players, given the size of the printed material; you don't want to have loads of people looking over your shoulder all of the time. The game probably works very well when played solo too. Whilst the game is designed as a "one play" item, due to the need to cut/fold/write on certain cards, with some care and preferably a scanner/photocopier, it can be played more than once. This means that once you have discovered who did the foul deed and escaped the room, you can pass it onto your mates! Even as a one off, you'd struggle to find a more enjoyable evening’s entertainment for 4 people for the price.