Ill put something in context first before I start.

I used to run for Pathfinder Society some years ago ( I dont anymore and havnt for some time). Someway into the game, they decided to introduce the Chase mechanic which was essentially a Giant size snakes and ladders type graphic full of required optional choice roles. I didnt like it for its very nature and it felt like it didnt fit.

Lo and behold , Core 1-1 has its own form of a 'chase' or obstacle course as it puts it. After a pretty interesting 3/4 of the scenario with the party (bar one character) screwing up a major objective, the introduction of this chase just seemed to fall flat. It felt something that perhaps should of been given more time to be fleshed out in a Higher Tier scenario.. one that could of incorporated it more. .. esp as a scenario optimised for 5 .. level 1 characters. Mostly I liked this scenario. It fleshed out Melvaunt to an extent in using locations inside and whilst I havnt read the scenarios ongoing from this, I just feel like in a way they are sacrificing the location to push the interplanarness of the creatures being used (If so this could be done in any city /location in the realms).

The secondary issue I had was when an npc is introduced and they end up having a 'sub-battle' within a pc combat. Zellani the Priestess of Loviatar summons up her own forces to fight the creatures of Chaos. THis is interesting but surely all of us occasionally get 1 or 2 players who will leave the pc combat to go help the npc in this other combat, because its the right thing to do or perhaps the monsters over there just seem more interesting. There have been a few of these types of sub battles in Adventurers League and I dont think any of them have worked particuarly well.

I give this 3/5 because of the Chase and Zellani issues. THe Puzzles are a welcome addition.