Review: Breakin' the Code

RATING: 3 Keys RESULT: Win REMAINING: 20:27

Stranded on a dark, dead-end road, escape lies hidden inside the creepiest cabin in the woods—and inside the mind of a potential murderer.

Story

Out of all places to run out of gas, it had to be in front of Old Man McMurray’s place. He and his rundown cabin in the woods are the topic of all the scary stories the kids in town tell. His old pickup truck isn’t in the driveway and he doesn’t seem to be home. Can you find an extra gas can somewhere and get away before he returns?

The rumors surrounding this property hang heavy in the air, along with an overwhelming sense of dread and desire to get out of here as quickly as humanly possible. The statistics aren’t good – those who come here mysteriously disappear without a trace. There must be a way out of this terrifying place.

Surely no one living in this remote area would risk not having a spare tank on hand for fear of being stranded out here. The mission is simple – break into the house and “borrow” some fuel to get back home. Sounds easy enough, right? Right??

Scenic

This nightmare begins at the termination of a dead-end street. A weather-worn porch looms ahead looking less than welcoming. A single brown wooden rocking chair sits next to a cooler, while several empty beer bottles are stored in a carrier near the front door. There is a sinking feeling that this setup allows the recluse the opportunity to lie in wait as the next helpless traveler has the misfortune of making a wrong turn.

Crossing the threshold of the creepy house, trespassers are greeted by a modest living room with a number of out-of-state license plates hanging on the white walls like souvenirs. The head of a buck looks down at the small space as if to warn visitors of the inevitable hunt that is yet to come. The furnishings are sparse – a small sofa, a table topped with the remains of a Scrabble game, a couple of small chests, and a locked refrigerator are all that fill the room. In the corner, a door requiring a numeric code stands locked, concealing the possible lifeline that lies within.

A secret passageway reveals an inner sanctum containing a gruesome discovery. The contents of this room serve to prove the direness of the situation – anyone who finds themselves here may not get out in one piece. The dim lighting in this space contributes to the feeling of horror and a sense of urgency to get out now.

Still looking for the elusive gas can, unwelcome guests find themselves in a small bathroom of sorts containing a wash basin and a locked cabinet. It is starting to look like McMurray hides his extra fuel away in hopes of luring and trapping his visitors here. A gun is perched against the wall, a reminder that this place is extremely dangerous.

Puzzles

The puzzles in Dead End do require quite a bit of math that can be worked out on the provided boogie board. The game contains several standard combination and key locks, as well as one directional lock. There are a few more innovative tasks that involve placement of objects and decoding words to find hidden messages.

Stumbling upon his journal sheds light on McMurray’s damaged psyche. It seems the rumors may yet be grounded in truth. Several clues to escaping this treacherous cabin can be found within the worn pages, which offer a glimpse into his sick mind. Travelers must pay careful attention to detail to solve the various challenges set before them. Most tasks have a coherent flow, with one requiring outside assistance as it seemed a bit of a stretch.

Overall

Breakin’ the Code has delivered a frighteningly good time, proving that an escape game doesn’t have to be elaborate to be effective. The unsettling atmosphere, the sinister words scribbled in the psychotic man’s journal, the lighting, and the mysterious back story all work together to immerse travelers in this spine-chilling storyworld.

For those looking to brave Old Man McMurray’s woods, just remember to check the fuel gauge twice before heading down that dead-end street. After all, anyone visiting should just hope the local hospitality doesn’t involve becoming part of the permanent decor.