Escape from Colditz
One guard, several prisoners, and a castle that someone has to get out of before the clock runs down.
Who it's for
You love World War II escape stories and have an evening to spare. Great for a group that enjoys planning, whispering and one person playing the villain.
Not for you if…
You want a short, light game or can't stand roll-and-move. It is long, and the guard player carries a heavy load.
Vibe's take
Tense, scheming and slow-burning, with the escapers whispering plans while the guard hunts for clues. It feels like a heist film with dice.
About this game
Escape from Colditz is a semi-cooperative game of prisoners of war plotting their way out of the famous castle. One player is the German Security Officer, the others are Escape Officers for different nationalities. The escapers gather the tools they need, such as rope or wire cutters, and sneak prisoners out. The guard player throws them into solitary and confiscates their kit. If the prisoners free enough of their men before time runs out, they win, otherwise the guards do. The designer was a British officer who actually got out of Colditz, so the escape ideas come from real life. Expect a long, tense evening of scheming.
Get it
Mechanics
Categories
By the numbers
Players
Duration
180 min
Ages 12+
Complexity
2.2 / 5 — LightBGG Rating
6.1/10
Rank #2,536
3.6k ratings
Published
1973
Language
Some text
Designed by
Brian Degas, Major P.R. Reid M.B.E., M.C., Bob Brechin
Published by
Devir, Parker Brothers, Osprey Games, Gibsons, Clipper and 3 more
/pic6857042.png)
/pic3046708.jpg)
/pic3989540.png)
/pic5004159.jpg)