Unlock! Kids - Irish Folklore Trilogy, By Space Cow - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Escape room for kids  

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Kids and adults who enjoy puzzles and solving mysteries 

“Unlock! Kids - Irish Folklore Trilogy” from Space Cow is a magical game inspired by the enchanting world of escape rooms. Players embark on a journey through Irish tales, unlocking mysteries in a tabletop experience that feels like stepping into a realm of ancient secrets! Thank you VR Distribution for providing a copy.

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Escape Room For Young Kids With No Reading Required

There aren’t many escape room games designed for younger kids - this set feels like a breath of fresh air. It includes 212 beautifully illustrated cards, 58 cardboard tokens, and special components. It unfolds through a numbered card system, where players use their materials to uncover hidden clues and symbols. What makes it so special is that it’s completely language-independent – no reading required! All you need is a sharp eye to match symbols and follow the whimsical pictures. The artwork itself is a visual treasure hunt, making it easy for kids (and adults!) to dive right in without reading skills! 

(2) Unique Items & Special "Choice" Cards

I adore the unique items that are incorporated into the puzzles. You’ll sometimes discover translucent cards that, when layered on top of an art card, reveal new symbols to decipher. You may also come across special “choice” cards where you have to select between two items—choose wisely, or face a tricky trap! Another delightful feature is combining cards to create larger pictures, each revealing new symbols that unlock further mysteries.

(3) Mini Tutorial Set - Guiding Players Through Unlocking Process

Unlock! Kids has a mini tutorial set, introducing 11 cards and 2 items to gently guide players through the unlocking process. While designed for young kids, the puzzles aren’t a walk in the park! My 8-year-old was able to crack some of the more cryptic puzzles, relying on the hint cheat sheet for nudges along the way. The challenge intensifies as the game progresses, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults.

(4) Immerses Players In 3 Irish Tales

What truly sets this game apart is how it immerses players in 3 enchanting Irish tales, each inspired by the breathtaking animated films of Tomm Moore: The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, and Wolfwalkers. Players embark on adventures with a young monk, a mystical selkie, and a spirited wolf-girl, navigating through 6 games spread across the stories. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesworldsa.com.au/products/unlock-kids-irish-folklore-trilogy

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/unlock-kids-irish-mythology-trilogy-card-game

Enjoy the video! 

Mysterium Kids, By Libellud & Space Cow - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Board game for kids 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Kids who love detective games, especially one with cute Halloween-feel theme 

If you are looking for a not-too-spooky game for Halloween with an adorable concept, look no further! “Mysterium Kids - Captain Echo’s Treasure” by Libellud and Space Cow is an amazing choice for kids that would guarantee loads of laughter and overflowing of creativity. Thank you VR Distribution for another fantastic recommendation. 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Adorable "Treasure Hunt" Game With Cute Haunted Mansion Story  

This game is a HUGE success in our family. Both of my kids (7 and 4-year-old) LOVE it. I love the cute story that goes with the game. So legend has it that this mysterious old mansion is home to a fabulous treasure. Our young adventurers decided to spend a night at the haunted house for a “chilling” treasure hunt, guided by the ghost of Captain Echo who communicates with the “eerie” sound of a tambourine-lookalike instrument. And that, sets the backdrop of this fun detective game. Each player rotates the role as the silent “ghost”, giving clues to the Noise Card by producing sound using only the handheld drum. The story and concept is captivating and unlike anything that we had ever seen before.

(2) Unique Sound Clues Using Tambourine Instrument 

The most prominent twist of this game is, undoubtedly, the sound-based clue system using the drum. I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of creative ways that the kids can use to “replicate” the various sounds correspond to the 78 Noise Cards: Could it be a cat scratching the wall? Cornflakes pouring onto a bowl? The sound of teeth-brushing? Bubble popping? Or paper-ripping? It was hilarious to watch the kids scratch the drum’s surface, knock on it gently, bang on it loudly, tap on it repeatedly, and many more! 

(3) Double-Sided Board For Different Difficulty Levels 

The Manor Board is double-sided - “Calm Nights” for beginner level, and “Stormy Nights” for the more experienced young players. Sometimes, players have to make and guess 2 different noises in a turn. I love the easy-to-learn structure that makes the game accessible to younger players, and the subtle complexity that makes it appealing to older kids. I love that this is a cooperative game where all players work together as a team to decipher clues. 

(4) Great & Fun Components 

The components are great, and the artwork of this game is adorable and charming! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gameology.com.au/products/mysterium-kids-captain-echos-treasure (Australia) 

https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/mysterium-kids-captain-echos-treasure/ (Australia) 

Enjoy the video!