Playing the Game
Even though the game involves many rooms and puzzles, playing White House Escape is very simple. Once the game starts, youi go through the introductory screens and end up at the Playing Screen (like the one below). Once you read the description of the room, you have the following choices:
- Examine/get any objects that are in the room. (The screen will identify any objectsif there are any currently in the room)
- Inventory which shows you any objects you have already in your possesion. There you will have the option of using those objects or dropping them.
- Open any closed object currently in the room
- Close any open objects currently in the room
- Go to another room or area by using a map and selecting the new location.
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Navigation
The Go button takes you to the navigation screen (below). The screen shows your current position (marked by a red "X") on a map. The map is then auto-positioned to center the current location, and the map can be scrolled with a finger to allow for exploration. The possible exit locations from your current position are automatically listed, and once you make your selection press Go. If you do not want to move at this time pressing the Back button will take you to the Playing screen
Examine/Get
The Examine/Get screen (shown below) allows you to see a picture of the object and gives a short description. Here you can make an attempt at getting the object by selecting the item and touching Get. An item that is successful with get is moved to your inventory and assumed to be carried with you. If you attempt to get an item but cannot, the game will alert you as to the reason why you cannot get it. (Usually it will be a logical reason, but sometimes there coud be more to the story. ) You can leave this screen and go back to the playing screen by touching Back.
Inventory/Use
The Inventory/Use screen displays an image and a description of all of the objects you have picked up (via Get) during the game. From this screen you can Drop the item, which removes it from Inventory and leaves it at your current location. You can also cancel any further option by touching Back. Finally, you can Use something you are carrying (in your Inventory) by selecting the item and touching Use. The game will then show the Use screen.
Use
The Use subscreen (below) allow you to use an object you are carrying with another object. For convenience, possible targets in your current location are automatically listed on the right side of the pick list. To use something, it is as simple as selecting the object on the left side and selecting the target on the right side, then touch Use. The game will then either use the object and alert you as to any actions that happened (you will also be returned to the playing screen). If for some reason the objects could not be used together the game will alert you and leave you on the Use screen for any additional actions you want to take. When you are finished (and did not use an object successfully), just touch Back to continue.
Conclusion
The very nature of an adventure game, which places an emphasis on exploration and figuring things out, limits spelling out too many details. However, we can give you a small hint to get you started. At the beginning of the game you should be in the Entrance Hall. Go (by touching the Go button) to the Chief Ushers room. Once there, touch Open and select the desk. A small key will be present, but it falls out of reach behind the desk. Now, your first challenge is to find something with which to get the key (Mechanically you will Use the item with the key). What is that item you need to use with the key? Ah, the adventure begins. Your goal is to escape and get to the Red Phone in the Oval Office.
Good Luck.