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Description
Escape: The Curse of the Temple is a cooperative game in which players must escape (yes...) from a temple (yes...) which is cursed (yes...) before the temple collapses and kills one or more explorers, thereby causing everyone to lose.
The initial game board consists of a row of three square tiles, each showing a combination of two symbols, say, two green adventurers or one green adventurer and one blue key in one corner of the tile. All of the explorers start in the center tile – the safe room – and each player starts with a hand of five dice. Escape is played in real-time, with all players rolling dice and taking actions simultaneously. You must roll the right symbols to enter a room, and if you're at an open doorway, you can roll to reveal the next tile in the stack and add it to that doorway. Some rooms contain combinations of red and blue symbols, and if you (possibly working with other players in the same room) roll enough red or blue symbols, you "discover" magic gems, moving them from a separate gem depot onto that tile. The real-time aspect is enforced by a soundtrack to be played during the game. At certain points, a countdown starts, and if players aren't back in the safe room when time is up, they lose one of their dice.
Once the exit tile is revealed, players can attempt to escape the temple by moving to that tile, then rolling a number of blue dice equal to the magic gems that haven't been removed from the gem depot. Thus, the more gems you find, the easier it is to escape the temple. When a player escapes, he gives one die to a player of his choice. If all players escape before the third countdown, everyone wins; if not, everyone loses, no matter how many players did escape.
Escape: The Curse of the Temple includes two expansion modules that can be used individually or together. With the "Treasures" module, some rooms contain treasure, and when you reveal such a room, you place a face-down treasure chest on the tile. Roll the symbols on that chest tile, and you claim the treasure for use later: a key lets you teleport anywhere, a path lets you connect two rooms that otherwise have no door between them, and a medic kit heals all players instantly (putting black dice back into play). With the "Curses" module, some tiles "curse" players by forcing them to place one hand on their head, keep mute during play, or otherwise do what you wouldn't want to do while escaping a temple!
Year Published
2012
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Review
Magic Maze Board Game Review
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 9
This page: 9
Sentiment:
pos 6 ·
mix 2 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 1
Showing 1–9 of 9
Video iGTYzqnKgmU
Ryan and Bethany Board Game Reviews top_10_list at 3:26 sentiment: positive
video_pk 62332 · mention_pk 154837
Click to watch at 3:26 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Integrated real-time tension with cooperative goals
- Works well with two players
Cons
- Real-time mechanics can be stressful for some players
- Difficult to scale with larger groups
Thematic elements
- Array
- Temple exploration adventure
- Real-time cooperative dungeon-crawl feel
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative exploration — Players work together to place gems and avoid curses as they move through the temple.
- real-time — Players roll and manage dice to advance through temple goals in real time.
- real-time play — Players roll and manage dice to advance through temple goals in real time.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- i actually prefer it two players
- two players it's almost too easy
- it's an escape room style game
- you don't know what your partner is programming
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video PpZ-c1D1uDY
Unknown Channel top_50_list at 7:25 sentiment: positive
video_pk 33651 · mention_pk 148214
Click to watch at 7:25 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- high energy, quick rounds
- expansion options add variability
Cons
- chaotic teaching for new players
Thematic elements
- real-time cooperative dice-rolling
- temple in peril
- panic-fueled escape
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Cooperative Game — teams work together to roll dice and move toward a common goal before time runs out
- Dice rolling — rapid dice rolls create tension and momentum
- dice-rolling pressure — rapid dice rolls create tension and momentum
- Real-time cooperative play — teams work together to roll dice and move toward a common goal before time runs out
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is where it's at
- Scout has this really interesting aspect of you can only play cards that are next to each other in your hand to try to beat things
- it's a great escalation
- such an amazing feeling of like oh my gosh we're gonna go another round
- you either lose because you miscommunicate with your own team twice or you win because you intercept the other team's code
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 6x9_Mm0Po4c
Unknown Channel game_review at 0:18 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 11650 · mention_pk 110924
Click to watch at 0:18 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Frenetic pacing and heart-racing tension unique to real-time play
- Huge replayability through many expansions and variants
- Strong soundtrack that amplifies tension and immersion
- Short setup and a compact 10-minute play window
Cons
- Not every player enjoys the panic and fast pace
- Expansions and promos are hard to source; big-box versions scarce
- High randomness can frustrate and obscure what has actually rolled
- Lack of distinct character identity for adventurers
- Health concerns for overly intense sessions may deter players
Thematic elements
- Adventure, treasure, frantic escape
- Ancient temple exploration and escape under a ticking time constraint
- pulsing, high-energy dungeon crawl with competitive but shared risk
Comparison games
- Break the Safe
- Project Elite
- Magic Maze
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Dice rolling — Players roll multiple dice rapidly to generate icons that enable actions.
- Resource management — Gems placed near the gem depot provide resources that influence endgame escape chances.
- resource management (gems) — Gems placed near the gem depot provide resources that influence endgame escape chances.
- Semi-cooperative — Players may assist or be affected by others as some dice can be lost and returned under certain events.
- semi-cooperative play with risk of loss — Players may assist or be affected by others as some dice can be lost and returned under certain events.
- tile/dungeon construction — Modular tiles are laid out to form the temple layout, with an exit tile positioned ahead of time.
- time pressure via soundtrack — Gong-based soundtrack cues create phase changes and urgency.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's essentially a heart attack in a box
- the game lasts 10 minutes
- this is an excellent real-time game that really did change the nature of real-time games
- drag you through a hedge backwards
- not for everyone
- an extremely frenetic, pulse-pounding experience
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video T7hYH9Kg2VY
Rolls in the Family top_10_list at 58:59 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10486 · mention_pk 94893
Click to watch at 58:59 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- high-tension, exciting but accessible
- great for families and groups with kids
- lots of adaptability with expansions
Cons
- some setups can feel lengthy; box size is larger for a 10-minute concept
Thematic elements
- real-time dungeon crawl
- tense, cooperative race
Comparison games
- Real-time co-ops
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- real-time — Players must work together to move their adventurers and escape the temple within a time limit.
- Real-time dice resolution — Players must work together to move their adventurers and escape the temple within a time limit.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's just it is that quick card drafting. You know, the simultaneous play keeps everyone engaged.
- scouting, which is taking one of the outermost cards on the set that's currently out and taking it into your hand and slotting it anywhere.
- you can't communicate what each of you have outside of in between rounds.
- it's all around, you know, you're rolling these dice behind your little map and then using, you know, dice placement out on kind of a shared board to ultimately try to fly the plane successfully.
- Tumbling Dice had a way of getting to his heart.
- Sausage Sizzle is just absolutely knocked it out of the park in that regard.
- This is the definitive filler game.
- Escape the temple for 10 minutes of excitement and fun.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video T7hYH9Kg2VY
Rolls in the Family top_10_list at 59:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10486 · mention_pk 94897
Click to watch at 59:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- intense, quick moments of teamwork
- great for kids and adults together
- strong play variability with expansions
Cons
- can feel frantic; setup impacts pace
Thematic elements
- real-time dungeon escape
- tense, cooperative play
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- real-time — Group works together to escape a temple through timed rounds.
- Real-time cooperative dice resolution — Group works together to escape a temple through timed rounds.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's just it is that quick card drafting. You know, the simultaneous play keeps everyone engaged.
- scouting, which is taking one of the outermost cards on the set that's currently out and taking it into your hand and slotting it anywhere.
- you can't communicate what each of you have outside of in between rounds.
- it's all around, you know, you're rolling these dice behind your little map and then using, you know, dice placement out on kind of a shared board to ultimately try to fly the plane successfully.
- Tumbling Dice had a way of getting to his heart.
- Sausage Sizzle is just absolutely knocked it out of the park in that regard.
- This is the definitive filler game.
- Escape the temple for 10 minutes of excitement and fun.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video DOco8HZocdo
Shelf Help general_discussion at 2:24 sentiment: negative
video_pk 9650 · mention_pk 128029
Click to watch at 2:24 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
negative
Pros
- Exciting pace when the table cooperates
Cons
- Fragile components
- High admin/setup effort
Thematic elements
- Escape room flavor with fast-paced chaos
- Ancient temple exploration in real time
- Cumulative puzzle solving under pressure
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Cooperative Game — Teamwork to unlock the temple's dangers.
- cooperative puzzle solving — Teamwork to unlock the temple's dangers.
- real-time — Players race to complete tasks before time runs out.
- Real-time dexterity / timing — Players race to complete tasks before time runs out.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Don't keep games around unnecessarily because soon 5 years turn to 10 years turns to 20 years.
- The space on the shelves has been replaced by something new and exciting.
- Think of all the hundreds you've saved in insulation.
- Just focus on 100, 200 that you think are amazing rather than like being overwhelmed with indecision.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video CS7dwOppBPk
Rolls in the Family top_10_list at 7:34 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4836 · mention_pk 129921
Click to watch at 7:34 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- short, accessible sessions
- great for casual or family gaming without deep preplanning
- engaging cooperative play under pressure
Cons
- luck and chaos can dominate given real-time dice
- repeat play can feel repetitive without variants
Thematic elements
- Cooperative exploration under a ticking clock
- Temple ruins with a time-pressured, real-time escape
- Fast-paced, arcade-like team effort in short rounds
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative_stress — teams coordinate under time pressure to exit the temple before curses or traps overwhelm them
- Dice rolling — all players roll dice simultaneously to determine actions and room traversal
- real-time_dice_rolling — all players roll dice simultaneously to determine actions and room traversal
- tile_exploration — explore rooms by matching dice to tiles and advancing through the temple
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the theme is just so strong with this game, the story elements pair with the campaign progression to create an intense mood
- it's a campaign game, and failing forward actually feels satisfying as it changes the path and keeps the story interesting
- this game is on my mind, it's on my heart and my pocket or my wallet is open and ready to spend
- Gideon has to be the best character in Imperial Assault, upgraded he is insane
- the flow of that card row through the game and all these cards, the different orders, creates a satisfying puzzle
- it's a toss-up who knows who's going to win it down the stretch; the campaign stays tight and engaging
- Through the Ages, oh I was so lost, but the depth is incredibly rewarding
- it's a long, long game but the progression feels earned and satisfying as you grow your civilization
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video pDJmuDW8pTM
Adam Porter top_10_list at 6:53 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 2610 · mention_pk 92588
Click to watch at 6:53 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- high energy and cooperation
Cons
- rules can be baffling; crowd-driven chaos without clear explanations
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Magic Maze
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- real-time — players must act quickly to solve temple challenges; pressure and chaos common.
- real-time / cooperative dexterity — players must act quickly to solve temple challenges; pressure and chaos common.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- positional drafting is one really clever way of reducing the number of available choices
- you've got limited choices which is great because it means you're not going to sit there for ages thinking about all these options
- catch-up mechanism is essential in any game really
- i really enjoy real-time mechanism when it works and when it's simple when i understand what's going on
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 6Y_7wf48ZLo
Unknown Channel game_review at 2:50 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1771 · mention_pk 84338
Click to watch at 2:50 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- High-energy, high-triction cooperative experience
- Intense pacing with clashing personalities adding to re-playability
- Soundtrack and atmosphere amplify the sense of urgency
Cons
- Higher stress level may be off-putting for some players
- Dice-driven randomness can lead to unpredictable outcomes
- Loud and noisy sessions may not suit all gaming environments
Thematic elements
- High-tension, dice-driven real-time exploration with soundtrack cues
- Temple crawl with dungeon-crawl vibes and treasure-seeking elements
- Tense, action-packed, and loud, contrasting Magic Maze's silent, focused mode
Comparison games
- Magic Maze
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Action Timer — A visible countdown keeps players on edge as they race to complete objectives.
- Auditory and sonic tension — Background soundtrack and ambient noise heighten stress and momentum during play.
- Constant timer pressure — A visible countdown keeps players on edge as they race to complete objectives.
- real-time — Players roll dice to determine actions and progress through a temple setting under a countdown.
- Real-time dice-driven exploration — Players roll dice to determine actions and progress through a temple setting under a countdown.
- Shared goals with high friction — Teamwork is essential, but the tension can spike due to simultaneous needs and limited actions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- magic maze is a real-time Cooperative
- it's a clever concept that has everyone working together at all times
- the timer your problem it runs for 3 minutes
- when you flip the timer you all SWAP actions you now have a new direction that you control
- you can see the end coming you can see the timer and you know how long it will take you to finish
- Magic maze doesn't have that fun frustration in a game with five or more players
- if you've always hated Escape for its stress levels then this could be the solution for you
- it reminds me of Escape Curse of the Temple
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
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Showing 1–9 of 9