FAQ

Wait. What? An outdoor escape room? How does this work?

That’s three questions. Calm down.

It’s very much like an escape room. Except, without the escape theme. And there’s no room. And there’s no time limit. So… ok, it’s only a little like an escape room. But here’s how it works:

You select your game, based on the type of experience you’re looking for (car, ebikes, hiking, etc.) You buy it, download the file to your phone, and follow the directions. Depending on which game you select, You will be given EITHER a starting location, where you can find your first puzzle, OR you will be given a starting puzzle, to be done wherever you happen to be standing. The solution to each puzzle gives you the location of the next puzzle, along with any other game objectives or challenges you may encounter. In this way, you will tour certain parts of the park; In some games, perhaps discovering locations you’ve never been to before. In others, you’ll visit old favorites in new ways.

Can you solve all your puzzles? Can you beat the game?

PLEASE NOTE: Each purchase is for up to 4 players. Please do not distribute the file to other players. This is an honor system. I have no way to enforce it. It’s just a DBAD rule. This is how I make my living now, and I’m really working hard at it. Please do not distribute the game files after you play. I deeply appreciate that you want to take new players out and play again, but please buy another copy so I can keep doing this. If you play often and want a discount- THANKS! Drop me a line and I’ll be happy to hook you up, as well as to hear what puzzles you like/hate. Drop me a line at puzzleponderer@gmail.com

And seriously- Thank you for playing. Your support makes this possible.

So, it’s like an escape room, then?

Kindof. Only, not really. But very similar, yes. Except when it’s not.

Perhaps the word “puzzlescape” is more apt, but nobody knew what that meant, so we called it an escape room, anyways, so you’d be able to find us.

Where do we leave from? Where will we go?

That’s for you to find out, by solving your puzzles! Each game has a unique route with unique puzzles. Each puzzle directs you to a new location, with yet MOAR puzzles! I can’t really tell you more without spoilers. What I can tell you is that:

Bike games take place on the Carriage roads, and while each game has a unique route, every bike game starts and ends in the same place, So you won’t get stuck somewhere at the end. You will begin and finish near the rental companies on Cottage Street, for your convenience.

Car games have different start points than end points. Where you will end up is a mystery. I don't even know anymore. You will be staying on Mount Desert Island, unless otherwise specified in the game description. (click on the picture associated with your game to see the full description.)

Hiking games start in various places, accessible by various means. You may be instructed to drive or ride a bus to a trailhead, or you may be given a puzzle to work out your starting location. Overall hiking distance and difficulty will be provided in each game’s description, prior to purchase. (click on the picture associated with your game to see the full description.)

How many players can play?

Each purchase is for up to 4 players. Please do not distribute the file to other players. This is an honor system. I have no way to enforce it. It’s just a DBAD rule. This is how I make my living now, and I’m really working hard at it. Please do not distribute the game files after you play. I deeply appreciate that you want to take new players out and play again, but please buy another copy so I can keep doing this. If you play often and want a discount- THANKS! Drop me a line and I’ll be happy to hook you up, as well as to hear what puzzles you like/hate. Drop me a line at puzzleponderer@gmail.com

And seriously- Thank you for playing. Your support makes this possible.

:-)

What should we pack?

Gameplay requires a cell phone, and your downloaded game file.

Beyond that, you should bring all the things you’d pack for a normal outing of whatever type of adventure you pick (A bike trip, a hiking trip, or a car trip.) You should bring drinking water and sunscreen, an extra layer or two, good outdoor shoes, a small med kit, snacks, etc. Games are designed to occupy your team for between several hours and a full day, depending on which game you select. Plan and pack accordingly.

(No, seriously, bring drinking water. You wouldn’t believe how often the rangers have to go rescue people simply because they didn’t bring water. Remember: A happy mountaineer pees clear.)

You can bring a pencil and paper if you like. It may be helpful, but is not required.

You will be in and around a national park. Be mindful of all pertinent laws.

Lastly, Be aware that you will be romping around outside for several hours, and anything can happen. Feel free to bring whatever makes you feel more prepared. Spare helicopter blades, dinosaur repellant spray, ancient tomes of eldritch arcana, possibly a pingpong paddle or spare scuba regulator, maybe some night vision goggles, etc. Y’know- whatever you normally bring for this kind of thing.

And seriously- Thank you for playing. Your support makes this possible.

:-)

How long does it take?

Game duration varies widely between games, and players. A rough expectation of playtime can be found in the description of each game prior to purchase. (click on the picture associated with your game to see the full description.) Note that bike games are intended to be played with either a half-day or full-day Ebike rental. Please plan accordingly.

What happens if we get stuck on a puzzle?

Each game file contains both hints and full solutions for each puzzle. You will always be able to proceed, even if you find yourself unable to complete a particular puzzle.

Please report problems, alternate solutions, complaints, ideas, or broken puzzles to the professor at puzzleponderer@gmail.com.

The advertisements say you have all kinds of games, but I can only see one listed. What’s up with that?

Ok, ok. Busted. I tried hard to have multiple games ready for you this summer, but I failed. There were fistfights with the play testers, a barroom brawl or two or with the puzzle designers, multiple psychotic breaks, and several peaceful, 3-day meditation sessions with the whole team. Between the hospitalizations, the police investigations, and tracking down staff who’d wandered off on voyages of criminal enterprise- I only have one game ready for you so far. A second is getting very close, and more games are coming soon. I promise.

What about special accommodations and ADA accessibility?

I have not forgotten about you. I am working on several more broadly accessible games, but I haven’t finished them yet. Please forgive me. If you have suggestions or specific needs you’d like me to accommodate in future, please drop me a line at puzzleponderer@gmail.com

Can we bring a dogs?

OMG I LOVE DOGS. I’m not gonna stop you. But don’t forget that they need to be leashed in the park. Also, be aware that you need to read all the puzzles to them in that silly voice you use when you talk to dogs.

If you bring a dog, you should send a picture of them playing the game, and I’ll send you a coupon for money off your next adventure. Send your dog pics to puzzleponderer@gmail.com

Can we bring kids?

Some games may not be suitable for all ages. Please consult the description of each individual game prior to purchase. (click on the picture associated with your game to see the full description.) I am currently working on a family/kids version, but it’s not quite finished yet. Check back soon!

Is it true that Professor Puzzles was Time Magazine’s “man of the year” in 2006?

Yes, but it was an award shared with my entire team, many of whom deserved it more than I. For other media appearances or interview requests, please contact my agent at puzzleponderer@gmail.com

How do we contact you?

You can reach me at puzzleponderer@gmail.com

I used to give out a phone number, but one of you cretins wrote it in every truckstop bathroom from here to Key West, so no more of that.

How difficult are your games?

Difficulty varies between games. Please consult the individual game descriptions. (click on the picture associated with your game to see the full description.) I strive for a difficulty level that presents a fun challenge while also being solvable. My goal has been to provide the funnest games possible, not the most difficult. Let me know how your game went! If you found the puzzles too easy or too hard, let me know! I will definitely take that into account when designing future games and puzzles. Please submit your feedback to: Puzzleponderer@gmail.com

What if I have a large group or a special event?

I’d be delighted to work out a special rate for your party. Corporate events, large family gatherings, or Invading hordes seeking some R&R after storming a castle, I’d be happy to accommodate you. Please send me an email at puzzleponderer@gmail.com

How often will you post new games?

As quickly as I am able. Believe it or not, it usually takes 6-8 months to design a game like this. I’m hopeful I’ll be able to speed that up a bit in the future, but that remains to be seen. Also, I have several that I’m working on concurrently at the moment, and I’m hoping to have them posted before the end of summer. Check back soon!

We bought the game file- Can we give it to our friends to play?