by Fast Familiar (website)
Up to 6 players
£20.00
60-90 mins
Gather your family or friends and go on a holly jolly journey that will have you laughing all the way! National Elf Service is a puzzle game for anyone who feels low low low on the ‘ho ho ho’.
A Christmas like no other. Festive spirit is at an all time low. The toy factory has ground to a halt, the sleigh’s gathering dust in the garage, and everyone’s looking glum. Can you help Holly and the other elves save the day?
Escape reality to a winter wonderland which needs your puzzle-solving, code-cracking skills. Join the Elite Elf Force -Merry, Berry and Sherry- on a mission to make this the most wonderful time of the year.
Overall rating
based on ratings from 4 users
combined with 5 pro reviews
Your review
Player reviews
This is a sweet, Christmas family game - a story told through a series of narrated comic art panels, interspersed with occasional puzzles.
The general presentation, and especially the delivery and quality of audio is excellent - which is good because, compared to some other at-home games, it's relatively light on interaction - you'll find yourself sitting back and watching (and listening to) significant portions of the story unfold withouth much involvement. I'd consider the experience to be somewhat more like watching a Christmas pantomime or play rather than a highly-involved puzzle game.... and, when you do come across a puzzle, there's nothing that will ever cause you to break out much of a mental sweat.
We played with our youngest kids (both aged under 9), and they engaged with the puzzles and the story, but I think an adults-only group might find it a little simplistic.
Also, the creators deserve recognition for the game's positive representation of minority groups and characters with disabilities, which is excellent.
Reviews by escape room review sites
My favorite parts of this game wasn't really focused on the puzzles. I was more attracted to the graphics, funny puns and the clever ending. I actually got to fulfill my karaoke urge during the game and sang with our entire team. This game bought out a lot of laughter out of us and I think that was the goal of the game and Fast Familiar did a great job achieving it!
National Elf Service is a self-described cross between a puzzle game, an online escape room and an interactive audio book. In short, it’s got something for everyone whether you’re new to the genre or if this is your 100th play at home game. In particular, National Elf Service really nails it as a light hearted tale and makes it an absolute stand out game in the whole play at home genre!
Read the full, detailed review at EscapeMattster.com ⬊