Escape game boxes - any good?

[Chasingsquirrels]

Are the box ones that you get to play at home any good, and any specific recommendations?

6 adult for Christmas, 3 generations - my parents (late 70s), my partner & I (50s) and my 18 & 22 DSs.
None of us have ever been to an escape room.

We did one of those boxes you get in supermarkets last year. It was dull. There are almost certainly better out there, but a real escape room (if well-thought-out) is brilliant fun and I would book one if you can.

Thanks, I thought they probably wouldn't be great.

The young adult kids have always said no to going to one previously but I think would actively participate in the home (we all play cards together), and my DM is not currently physically able. My DDad is probably the least likely to participate.

The mystery agency ones are good, get one of those.

we got one and it was nigh on impossible. In fact it was boring.

Games that do well multi generationally:
Happy Salmon
P is for Pizza
5 Second Rule
Herd Mentality is the fave here

We love the EXIT Games boxes. We've done a few. They can be quite tricky and it's really fun watching how different people's perspectives and skills/knowledge can help to solve them.

We have started doing them every year with now adult DC and my Mum. I get them from Puzzlepost, they come very quickly in a cardboard envelope. The games take about an hour, and there are usually several different clues which you can divide up if you have a bigger group.
You might be a bit late for normal post but Amazon should be able to get it to you in time for Xmas.

Oh, we've got an Exit one we haven't done yet, might try it this holiday.

@AppleKatie, I've looked at the Mystery agency ones before - which is the best one?

I’ve done 2/3 of them and I’d say they are much the same in terms of fun/challenge so I’m not sure it matters.

Thanks, I think I'll get one 🙂.

We've bought one of these to do over Christmas, glad it's being recommended!

I've done a Mystery Agency one. It was pretty good, but the group I was with had all done a few escape rooms so we knew what the general format was and the standard sort of puzzles. I'm not sure whether you'd just get stuck and frustrated without any experience: though there is a hint system.
https://themysteryagency.com/our-mysteries/

Yes we have done a few of the EXIT ones - two parents and a sharp minded 9/10 yr old. We really enjoy them.
very different experience to the in person ones, but great entertainment at home and love seeing how people’s different strengths show - eg I’m great at words, my partner is great at numbers and ds is great at thinking creatively and spotting things we’d never have found

They usually take us 1-2 hours. Best enjoyed with a Christmas movie in the background and a table of snacks and wine

The box games can be very hit or miss. I think they are usually better for just 2 people so everyone can actually see the puzzles, but you could always get 2 copies. My husband and I do the Exit ones and I really liked Curse of the Dark and the Submarine version.
If anyone reading this wants something beautiful but really difficult (wouldn't recommend to OP) then the Post Curious Emerald Flame is my favourite, delicious over days of musing