The Cryptologist Room
Genres: Puzzle, Mystery, Adventure
Play modes: singleplayer
Release Date: 9-4-2021
Developer: Yorick Postema
Our verdict
5/10
- Difficulty: Hard
- Players: 1
- Playtime: 1–3 h
The Cryptologist Room from Yorick Postema is a first-person cipher puzzler: you are a cryptologist stuck in a building, and each door key is hidden behind a code-breaking puzzle. The store promises very hard puzzles, no hand-holding, and leans on outside knowledge, especially Lord of the Rings lore. It suits only stubborn cipher fans who do not mind searching the web mid-game.
The few players who reviewed it mostly regret it: only 2 of 6 Steam reviews are positive. Several got stuck on the very first puzzle because it does not say what question is being asked, and describe needing obscure Tolkien details and brute force rather than deduction. Others mention clunky controls and spelling mistakes in clues where every letter matters. The two positive reviewers liked the look and atmosphere and enjoyed being challenged.
It costs under a dollar, so the money is not the issue; the time is. If you love cryptograms and know your Middle-earth, it is a cheap gamble. Everyone else should skip it for a puzzle game that explains its own rules.
Pros
- Cipher-focused puzzles for players who want a real challenge
- Atmospheric look praised by its few fans
- Costs under a dollar
Cons
- First puzzle gives no clear question, players stall early
- Relies on obscure Lord of the Rings knowledge
- Clunky movement and typos in clue text
About
You're a cryptologist bound in this building trying to escape it. To open the doors that block your way you must uncover the keys that belong to them! But sadly for you the keys are hidden behind puzzle bound objects. To uncover the keys and earn your freedom you must solve the puzzles! These puzzles are very challenging and will test you to the limit!Features
- Single Player Escape Room/Puzzle game
- Average duration: 2 hours
