How to Play

Overview

Balance of Power is an interactive audio mystery game based on Cold War themes. You will use 12 unique cards to scan, listen, and solve the story. Each card has:

• An image to help visualize the clue
• A QR code for scanning and playing the audio clue
• A 4-digit code used to solve chapters and the full story

Game Structure

The game consists of three main chapter cards: Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3. Each chapter leads you to discover 3 specific clue fragment cards. Solve the correct chapter with the correct clues in the right order to unlock the full audio experience for that chapter.

Cards Breakdown

• 3 Chapter Cards: Act 1, Act 2, Act 3
• 9 Fragment Cards: 3 for each chapter
• Act 3 cannot be solved until Acts 1 and 2 are successfully completed.

Home Page Buttons Explained

• Scan Card: Scan the QR code on any card to hear its audio clue.
• Solve Chapter: Enter a chapter code and its 3 fragment codes to solve a chapter.
• Solve Story: Once all chapters are solved, enter their codes to unlock the full Cold War storyline.
• Instructions: You're here!
• Cover Story: Listen to the prologue to immerse yourself before starting.

How to Solve a Chapter

1. Go to the SOLVE CHAPTER page.
2. Enter the 4-digit chapter code.
3. If the code doesn’t exist, an error message will appear.
4. If you try to solve Act 3 without solving Act 1 and 2 first, you will be blocked.
5. Enter the 4-digit fragment card codes you think belong to that chapter.
6. If:
   • A code doesn’t exist error: "Invalid code".
   • All cards are correct but not in order error: "Incorrect order".
   • Some or all don’t belong to the chapter error: "Card(s) not valid for this chapter".
   • All are correct and in order; success: chapter solved and audio unlocked.

How to Solve the Story

1. Navigate to the SOLVE STORY page.
2. The input field will be disabled until all three chapters are solved.
3. Once unlocked, enter the chapter codes for Acts 1, 2, and 3 in order.
4. If any code is invalid or incorrect, error messages will display.
5. When all codes are valid and in correct order, the full story will be revealed in audio format.

Ready to Begin?

Start by downloading the cards, listening to the cover story, and then return to the Home page to begin playing.