The Morrison Game Factory: More Than a Board Game

I love innovative board games just as much as I love crafting cool escape room-style puzzle books. Shameless plug: check out Puzzling Escapes!

So when my husband came home from Games and Stuff with a tote full of new games, I immediately knew The Morrison Game Factory, a board game mystery which required an internet connection, was right up my alley. We decided to tackle it first since it was the shortest game in the bunch.

The components are surprisingly simple: a game board, a handful of pieces and dice, a box of cards, a board game catalog, an instruction sheet, and a mysterious locked pouch. While all of those supplies are integral to the experience, most of the game is actually played on a computer connected to the internet.

The Morrison Game Factory isn’t exactly an escape room, but it does have that same cooperative style. Everyone works together to solve puzzles and unravel the game’s mystery. Most of the gameplay happens on a website, with the physical components helping players work through the clues. Each solution is entered online, and as you solve more puzzles, more of the story is revealed.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical about a board game that relied so heavily on a computer. Board games are typically a great screen-free activity. But in this case, the website and game pieces worked beautifully together. We played using a laptop, but I think a smaller tablet or even a smartphone would be fine.

On top of the thoughtful gameplay, I really appreciated the retro-style artwork and cheeky descriptions in the catalog. The whole thing has a wonderfully playful, nostalgic feel. And since the game is only playable once, I also appreciated that any components meant to be written on can be reprinted from the game’s website. That means you can reset the game and pass it along for someone else to enjoy.

I’d put the puzzles at about medium difficulty. They were challenging enough that solving them felt satisfying, but approachable enough that my husband and I didn’t need any hints. That said, hints are readily available on the website if you do get stuck.

Overall, The Morrison Game Factory was a great time and so much fun! I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys logic puzzles, solving mysteries, or retro board games with a twist.