Secret of the Lost Sect: Review and Test Report

This time our group of players can look forward to a game from the Mini-Escapes series from Pegasus Spiele Software. Our box includes Christian Giove's The Mystery of the Lost Sect, which itself consists of three interconnected puzzle adventures.

The small game box looks a bit clunky, especially since it's supposed to contain three escape games. The included envelopes also look a bit small and caused a slight frown when we were there. How could such a small thing fill an evening?

Little Escape – Small but mighty!

First: In order to play Mini Escapes, you need a device connected to the internet.

By following the link or QR code, a website will be opened that requires you to log in or register. Fortunately, players can also log in and play as a “guest.”

First, there's a short guide in a few sentences, with one section in particular that catches our attention: All puzzles must be logically structured and solvable from the character's point of view. So there are no “weird” solutions to be found. Of course, our playgroup immediately planned to check this statement out!

The game tour started with the first adventure in this set: Azure Temple. The setup was very simple: just open the corresponding envelope once! At the same time, the instructions also tell the story behind it, so you don't get bored with regular flights.

Mini only in shape

While the first few puzzles were relatively easy to solve for those with puzzle experience, things got more difficult later on. However, our group really enjoyed the immersion that Mini-Escapes: The Mystery of the Lost Cult provided them. Each solved puzzle completes the story and allows the tour to follow the protagonist further.

It was also very well received as the puzzles were presented in a narratively appropriate manner. The playgroup was almost always able to figure out what was relevant to each puzzle very quickly. But that doesn't mean the puzzle can be solved quickly!

Our gaming group also welcomed the fact that there are tips available for each puzzle. Because even these things are narratively integrated into the story and don't immediately reveal the solution. So our gaming group didn't mind getting help every now and then.

A small conclusion to a big match.

Mini-Escapes: Despite its small size, the secret of the lost cult does not need to hide behind other representatives of the escape genre. On the contrary, it has strengths that some other escape games lack.

What is definitely worth mentioning here is the immersive story that spans the three chapters. The story is simple, but enough to immerse you in the adventure.

What's also great is that other groups can also try this game without any problems. After all, with mini-escapes, it's not necessary to destroy the game material. Paper and pen are quite enough! It may be a little easier to solve one or two puzzles directly on the paper, but this is not necessary.

Mini-Escapes: The Mystery of the Lost Cult by Pegasus Spiele is definitely a good choice for gaming groups of three to four people. On larger rounds, be careful not to push anyone into sneaking around while the rest of the group happily continues the puzzle.