Overview

Deckscape: Escape from Alcatraz is a cooperative card-based escape room game for 1-6 players, part of the Deckscape series. Players work together to solve a sequence of puzzles and riddles to escape from the infamous Alcatraz prison. The entire game is contained within a single deck of cards – there is no separate rulebook. Players read cards in order, solve puzzles, and check their answers by flipping cards. Errors are tracked and affect the final score. The game is designed for a single play-through.

Components

• 1 Deck of cards (numbered sequentially)
• Players provide: paper, pencil, and a clock/timer

Setup

1. Remove the deck from the box.
2. Do not shuffle the cards – they must remain in order.
3. Prepare paper, pencil, and a timer.
4. Start the timer and begin reading card #1.

Turn Structure

There are no individual turns. Players work cooperatively as a group:

1. Read the current card aloud.
2. Discuss and solve the puzzle or riddle.
3. When the group agrees on an answer, flip the card to check.
4. Proceed to the next card.

Actions

Solving Puzzles

• Each puzzle card presents a riddle, logic problem, visual puzzle, or challenge.
• The group discusses and agrees on an answer.
• Flip the card to reveal the correct answer on the back.

Checking Answers

• Correct: Continue to the next card.
• Incorrect: Mark an X on your scoresheet. The story continues regardless, but errors count against your final score.

Using Items

• Some cards are item cards. When found, set them aside.
• Items may be needed for later puzzles. The game will indicate when an item is required.

Making Choices

• Some cards present branching choices that affect which cards to read next.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

At the end of the game, your performance is rated based on:

• Time taken to complete all puzzles
• Number of errors (X marks)

The fewer errors and faster the completion, the better the score. The game provides a rating scale on the final card.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• One play-through: The game is designed to be played once. Knowing the puzzles ruins replay value.
• No shuffling: Cards must remain in their numbered order.
• Group consensus: All players should agree before flipping a puzzle card.
• No external resources: Do not use phones or the internet to solve puzzles.
• Difficulty: Some puzzles may require lateral thinking or careful observation of card artwork.
• Other Deckscape titles (Behind the Curtain, Dracula’s Castle, Crew vs Crew) use the same core system with different themes and puzzles.

Player Reference

Flow: Read card → Solve puzzle → Flip to check → Next card

Errors: Mark X for each wrong answer; errors reduce final score

Items: Set aside item cards; use when prompted

Score: Based on time + number of errors

Series Note: All Deckscape games share this core system