My son and I played through entirely with split-screen co-op and it is incredible how well the game replicates the experience of a real escape room with inventive challenges. Co-op is truly superb. The way you can solve puzzles at the same time or separately, and share items, really allows you to work through each scenario in bite-sized chunks just like you would be doing in real life. I imagine the game would be more challenging and not quite as fun solo. The time limit is plenty generous and in a few more difficult rooms did have the intended effect of "speeding us up" so that we had to deal with pressure. The story is simple and silly and features some eclectic characters. They aren't really fleshed out and that's just fine. For a puzzle game, it was enough to keep us entertained as we went from one to the next. Honestly, this is one of the best games of the year. A total hidden gem! We've already purchased the DLC and are excited to go through it all.