Prepare for an adventure
where history comes alive, and the thrill of discovery awaits.
This set contains all 6 envelopes, the full story, start to finish.
Each envelope contains a perfect variety of thoughtfully-designed puzzles suitable for the whole family (ages 12+). With an intuitive balance of paper and digital puzzles, each episode should take your party 1-2 hours to solve.
5 EASY STEPS
to enjoy this game
STEP 1
preperation
Gather Friends: Although this game can be played solo, puzzle games are better in teams for a variety of perspectives.
Get Pencil & Paper: Take notes!
Get a Connected Device: Although internet access is not required to solve the puzzles it is required to get hints, soundtrack and videos.
step 2
Exploration
Game Overview: All the info needed to get started is inside each episode's envelope.
Optional Flow Card: Choose your difficulty level by using the Flow Card or not.
A video from Cousin JJ: Sets the stage for this leg of the adventure.
step 3
Investigation
Journal Pages: Whether you choose to skip to the puzzle pages or soak up the full narrative, we recommend starting with the Journal Pages.
Other Contents: Find clues on any maps, schematics, illustrations, and artifacts necessary.
Companion App: Check answers and access tiered hints for every step along the way through the companion app.
step 4
resolution
FInd Solution Words: There are 5-7 core puzzles in each episode which all yield a single word.
Solve the Meta Puzzle: Use all 5-7 solution words to complete the episode's meta puzzle, which yields a coherent phrase to conclude that leg of the adventure.
Keep Your Solutions: At the end of Episode 6, you'll use all 6 phrases from throughout the series to complete a bonus finale puzzle.
step 5
continuation
Refill Kit: There are 1-3 items in each episode that require you to mark up during the solving process. Replace the used components so you can pass the game on to a friend to enjoy.
Continue the Adventure: Play episodes 2-6 to discover how Shackleton and his crew survived!
YOU DON’T NEED TO GO OUT TO HAVE AN EXPERIENCE.
TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE SHACKLETON SERIES...
There are a few differences between Shackleton and Family Secrets.
Shackleton is a 6 episode true story. Family Secrets is a 12 episode fictional story.
In Shackleton, digital usage is optional and sparse whereas in Family Secrets an internet connected device is required and used frequently.
Shackleton is our later work, which means overall presentation is more robust. Players say we "levelled up" as creatives haha! Moreover, there is a consistent structure and difficulty level across the episodes.
You can play Escape Mail almost anywhere as an exciting, unexpected and engaging activity for families, friends or couples. The Shackleton Series in particular appeals to those wanting a challenging puzzle to solve set in the context of a true story. Think: family games night or date night for puzzle solvers and history lovers.
Escape Mail is always a family friendly adventure (all content is PG). The difficulty of this series of Escape Mail is suitable for anyone 12 years or older, but playing with an adult is recommended for anyone under the age of 14. As long as you're a strong reader, you can play!
We've included a Flow Card in Episode 1 (and all episodes). Unless you have solved many escape room games before, or you're eager for an intense challenge, we recommend starting with the Flow Card.
You can always access multiple hints on the web app (and/or the solution) with every puzzle along the way.
Everything you need to solve the entire series is included in your envelope, with the exception of a pencil and scrap paper (with optional use of an internet-connected device for hints, answer checker, etc.). Unlike the Family Secrets Series, there is no tape or scissors required.
Escape Mail games are just different. There's no doubt about it. Just ask Nicholas L who said, "I’m not someone who normally would have chosen an escape room style game; but it has been so much fun trying something new with my wife."
What do people love about Escape Mail?
The Running Storyline: You can lose yourself in this true-story adventure as each episode connects to the one before it, including plots twists, clever connections, and a meta puzzle for every episode!
Variety of Puzzles: When you play Escape Mail you realize no two episodes are alike. Every theme is different and every puzzle we approach from a new angle to keep it fresh for you.
Quality Elements: Our games are immersive, tactile & durable. This series in particular we increased the production value both to wow you, as well as to ensure it is replayable by others after you.
Challenging & Satisfying: By the end of an Escape Mail episode, you have a real sense of achievement and accomplishment. The episode concludes with a phrase that makes sense of the voyage up to that point in time. The entire series also culminates in a final puzzle as well, which we call the Epilogue. It is essentially a Meta-Meta puzzle!
★★★★★"There is so much in here! Everything is so well done and high-quality, it is gorgeous."
JAMIE
@TABLETOPTIKTALK
★★★★★"We had so much fun playing this game. It was perfect for a small group because we could all be working on different things at the same time. I am itching to play Episode 2."
CHARLENE
@CHARLENEKNUDSEN
★★★★★"Please check it out! This is my favourite company that does Escape Room type games."
BAIRNT
@MEETMEATTHETABLE
★★★★★"Wow. They do an amazing job of getting so much in these envelopes! This has been the best thing I've seen from Escape Mail so far."
BEARDIC INSPIRATION
@BEARDIC_INSPIRATION
★★★★★"I have some experience with Escape Mail and let me tell you I love this new series... not only do you get to learn a little bit along the way but your IN IT. You're in the story."
TERESA
@PLAYIN_A_ROUND
