The Secret of Langton Manor: Shadows is the third episode in a series of print-and-play escape rooms from Bulgaria-based Bromelain Games.
Overview
I’ve been excited about playing The Secret of Langton Manor: Shadows since I completed Roots (episode 2). Few games manage to hit that sweet spot of affordability, quality and fun but this game series is one of them.
If you haven’t played the first two episodes of the series I would highly recommend that you start from the beginning. You can technically play this game as a standalone, but you will miss out on key elements of the story, along with two great games! If you are on the fence, you can find my combined review for the first two episodes (Legacy and Roots) here.
What you need: A pair of scissors, pencil and paper. An internet-connected device that can download and run the companion app.
Gameplay
Once you have printed out the game and downloaded the companion app, you are good to go! As with previous episodes, there is an instruction sheet explaining how the game works. The rest of the pages are placed face down and you turn them over one at a time, as instructed.
The story picks up directly where Roots (episode 2) left off. Each episode takes place on a different floor in the Manor. Having already explored the Principal and Basement floors in episodes one and two, it is time to venture up to the First Floor. As you further explore the manor you encounter new obstacles, mysterious objects and disturbing diary entries.
A hallmark of the Langton Manor games is the creepy imagery, which evokes a real feeling of unease. Paired with the historical setting, biblical references and a sense of otherworldliness, this game nails its ominous tone.
Shadows includes ten puzzles to solve as you explore the Manor and Bromelain Games have kept these fresh. You will be cutting and manipulating the game sheets, using your maths and observation skills, and brushing up on musical notation. A couple of the puzzles I particularly enjoyed involved a strange mirror, some stamps and sheet music. I won’t say more so as not to spoil them, but I’m itching to play Episode 4 at some point in the not-so-distant future.
Verdict
The Secret of Langton Manor: Episode 3 – Shadows
Summary
The Secret of Langton Manor: Shadows is a superb follow-up to the first two episodes: Legacy and Roots. Continuing to evolve and expand upon these previous instalments Shadows retains the same feeling of intrigue and unease. Well-executed puzzles and a compelling story make for rewarding gameplay and excellent value for money. If you haven’t played these games yet, you are missing out!
Whilst there is no official confirmation of Episode 4, I can’t imagine that The Secret of Langton Manor series is ending just yet…
About Bromelain Games
Bromelain Games was founded by Vladimir who is based in Bulgaria. The Secret of Langton Manor debuted in June 2023 and is his first official game series.
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