CluePuzzle: Pyramid of the Sun (iDventure) // Review

CluePuzzle: Pyramid of the Sun is the first of an innovative new collection of hybrid puzzle boxes from iDventure. Part ClueBox, part jigsaw puzzle, this colourful Aztec pyramid will test you in new ways. Assemble over 200 puzzle pieces, find the hidden clues and unlock the secrets inside. Do you have what it takes?

Players: 1-4 // Age: 10+ // Playtime: 90 – 120 minutes

What you need: An internet-connected device is required to access hints.

First impressions

This is the third iDventure box I have played, having previously completed Schrödinger’s Cat and Captain Nemo’s Nautilus. They are considered more ‘traditional’ puzzle boxes where you solve a series of logic puzzles and riddles to gradually unlock a wooden box. The ultimate aim is to gain entry to the central compartment, which normally contains a secret or a prize. Generally, these types of boxes are made from the same types of wood and share a similar visual aesthetic.

CluePuzzle: Pyramid of the Sun includes these traditional elements but adds a new dimension to the gameplay by incorporating jigsaw puzzles. I have to say that this idea is genius! It is the combination of puzzle mechanics that I didn’t know I needed and now I’ve played one I definitely want more!

Story

“Paris, 1804. The German scientist Alexander von Humboldt returns from a five-year expedition, which is considered the second great discovery of America. He publishes numerous significant scientific papers about the American continent’s culture and nature. However, he refrains from publishing detailed studies on the Pyramid of the Sun, despite spending considerable time in Teotihuacan, one of America’s oldest and largest cities.

55 years later, shortly before his death, Humboldt manages to recreate an ancient pyramid-shaped artifact which presumably was used to select those worthy of access to the Pyramid of the Sun. As a researcher, you are presented with the opportunity to restore the artifact and unravel the enigma from ancient times!”

Presentation

The colourful pyramid-shaped packaging is vibrant and eye-catching. It features Indigenous artwork by the talented Maryna Rudko who has captured the Aztec theme perfectly. She designed all of the jigsaw puzzles for the game, including the expansion sets. The way the box unfurls is also very satisfying, along with that lovely smell of wood that hits you as you open it. Even without the colourful jigsaw pieces in place, the puzzle box itself looks impressive. I have to say, this is my favourite design yet.

The base of the pyramid cleverly functions as a container for the puzzle pieces, keeping everything tidy. The quality of the puzzle pieces themselves impressed me, having only ever pieced together traditional card-based jigsaws. The wooden pieces feature a high-quality colour print and feel very tactile. Once assembled, the puzzles are beautiful and would look great displayed on a shelf!

Gameplay

An instruction booklet can be found underneath the pyramid and contains a story summary, along with some dos and don’ts for gameplay. Handy reference images for the completed jigsaws are also provided. Each of these can technically be assembled in any order, but I would recommend following the intended flow of the game. It is also essential to complete a jigsaw puzzle for a particular side before trying to solve it.

At first, I was worried that the individual jigsaws would only take a few minutes to solve. I quickly found that variations in how each of these is assembled increased the difficulty as I progressed. There was even a puzzle within a puzzle on one side of the box. If you are particularly adept at puzzling, I’m sure you’ll whizz through them – but I don’t do nearly enough jigsaws so it took me a little while.

I love that the design of this box allows two or more players to simultaneously work on a different jigsaw. I personally didn’t share the experience on this occasion, but it would have been easy for my partner to sit across the table and work on a different side of the pyramid. There wasn’t too much to do in terms of ‘thinky’ puzzle solving after the jigsaws were assembled, which felt a little anticlimactic. It is the first box of its kind, however, and after feeding this back I have been told there will be improvements in this area for future boxes. Overall I did still have a lot of fun with it!

The box is fully resettable to ‘like-new’ condition once you’ve completed it. The clear instructions provided make resetting the game a breeze. You then just have to choose whether to keep it, gift it or sell it.

Hints & Difficulty

I found Pyramid of the Sun to be pretty easy, with some slight challenges with a couple of the jigsaw puzzles. I’d say I was satisfied with the jigsaw element and left craving more challenge when it came to the ‘thinky’ puzzles. That being said, the game was designed to be an easier, more accessible game for players aged 10+. The lack of difficulty didn’t take away the fun for me, but I wanted to signpost that those looking for a tougher mental challenge may be left wanting.

No hints were used during my playthrough, but they are available should you need them.

Bonus content

Once you reach the central compartment, you’ll gain access to a final puzzle. One exciting aspect of these puzzle boxes is that you can replace the standard ‘prize’ with one of your own and regift it. This might be a personalised note, a chocolate bar or even an engagement ring. You could even make this the start of a puzzle hunt of your own. The options are endless!

If you particularly enjoy jigsaw puzzles, then you’ll be pleased to hear that additional content is available. Two expansion sets, Aztec Realms and Day of the Dead, were released alongside the pyramid. These jigsaw packs are purely cosmetic and don’t add any additional puzzle content to the game. They do, however, allow you to piece together up to eight new jigsaw puzzles on the sides of the pyramid. These feature more wonderful artwork from Maryna Rudko and I particularly love the look of the Day of the Dead set.

iDventure has confirmed that their next CluePuzzle box game, CluePuzzle:The Wonderbox of Alice, will launch on Kickstarter in April. I’ve been told it will have a higher difficulty rating, which will be welcome news for those seeking more of a challenge.

Verdict

About iDventure

Disclaimer: iDventure kindly sent me a copy of this game in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences the content of my review.