# Unlock!: Escape Adventures – The Formula

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2017
- **BGG Rating**: 7.0
- **BGG Rank**: #1797
- **Players**: 1-6 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 45-75 min
- **Weight**: 2.28 / 5
- **Designers**: Cyril Demaegd
- **Artists**: Pierre Santamaria
- **Publishers**: Space Cowboys
- **Categories**: Card Game, Puzzle
- **Mechanics**: Cooperative Game, Elapsed Real Time Ending, Storytelling

## Verdict
If you love group escape‑room challenges, this game gives you the ticking‑clock tension with easy‑to‑learn cards.Smooth cooperationQuick learning systemEngaging themeApp dependencyLimited language supportRECOMMENDED

## Description
Unlock! : Escape Adventures – The Formula brings the escape‑room experience to the tabletop without locking any doors. Up to six players cooperate, using a deck of cards that represent scenes, objects and clues, while a free companion app handles the timer, checks codes and offers hints when the team gets stuck. The plot? The Department has lost contact with chemist Dr. Hoffman, who was developing a truth serum. Players must navigate the dark tunnels of New York’s subway, locate his hidden lab, find the doctor and recover the formula before time runs out. The game system is straightforward: search the cards, combine items and solve riddles using logic or digital hints. A ten‑card tutorial lets you learn by playing, no rulebook needed. With a light weight (2.3/5) and a playtime of 45‑75 minutes, it fits casual get‑togethers or family game nights. While the mechanics are simple, the real‑time countdown adds enough tension to make every choice feel important. The only caveat is the app dependency – you must download it beforehand and have a charged device, though an internet connection isn’t required once the game starts. Overall, it’s a well‑produced thematic puzzle with good replay value thanks to the various Unlock! adventures.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
1 to 6 players, suitable for solo or group play.

### What is the playing time?
Typically 45–75 minutes, depending on player experience.

### Do I need an internet connection during the game?
No. The app works offline once it’s installed.

### Is English required to play?
The cards are in Portuguese, but the app is English‑only, so basic English helps.

### What components are included?
A deck of cards, a quick‑start guide, reference tokens, and instructions to download the free app.

### Is the game kid‑friendly?
The rules are light, but handling the app may be tricky for very young children.

### Can I play without the app?
No. The app manages the timer and code verification, making it essential.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 20.79 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=4917257&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/20191/unlock-the-formula?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com