Editor's Review

The Escapists: Prison Escape is a unique indie game developed by Team17 that combines strategy, simulation, and stealth elements in a captivating prison break scenario. Released in 2014, this game invites players to navigate the daily routines of prison life while planning their escape. With its pixel art style and engaging mechanics, The Escapists has carved a niche in the gaming world. However, it also has its strengths and weaknesses that are worth exploring.

One of the standout features of The Escapists is its clever gameplay mechanics. Players must manage their time effectively, balancing participation in daily prison activities, such as roll calls and job assignments, with the planning and execution of their escape. This time management aspect adds a layer of strategy, as players need to gather resources, craft tools, and build relationships with other inmates to facilitate their plan. The game encourages creativity, as there are multiple ways to escape, allowing players to experiment with different strategies and approaches.

The pixel art graphics in The Escapists are charming and well-executed, giving the game a unique visual identity. The environments are detailed, with each prison offering distinct layouts and challenges. The character animations are also entertaining, adding to the overall humor and lightheartedness of the game despite its serious theme. This art style, combined with a catchy soundtrack, creates an engaging atmosphere that complements the gameplay.

Another significant strength of The Escapists is its replayability. With multiple prisons to escape from, each with its own set of rules and layouts, players can enjoy numerous playthroughs without feeling repetitive. The game also features various difficulty levels, which can change the dynamics of gameplay and challenge players to improve their strategies. Additionally, the inclusion of DLCs and updates has expanded the content, providing new scenarios and challenges for players to tackle.

However, The Escapists is not without its drawbacks. One major concern is the steep learning curve for new players. The game’s mechanics can be overwhelming at first, and players might find it challenging to understand the various systems and interactions. The lack of a comprehensive tutorial can lead to confusion, especially for those unfamiliar with similar games. A more guided introduction could significantly enhance the onboarding experience for newcomers.

Another issue is the potential for frustration stemming from the game's trial-and-error nature. Players may find themselves repeatedly failing to escape due to unforeseen circumstances, such as guards discovering their plans or running out of time. While this can lead to satisfying moments of triumph, it can also result in discouragement, particularly if players feel that certain mechanics are unfair or overly punishing. Striking a better balance between challenge and accessibility could improve player satisfaction.

The AI behavior of guards and inmates can sometimes feel inconsistent. While the unpredictability adds to the challenge, it can also lead to moments where players feel their actions are unfairly punished. For example, guards may react erratically to certain actions, making it difficult to develop reliable strategies. Tweaking the AI behavior to create a more balanced experience could enhance gameplay and reduce frustration.

In terms of overall experience, The Escapists: Prison Escape successfully delivers an engaging and entertaining simulation of prison life and escape planning. Its strengths lie in its clever gameplay mechanics, charming visuals, and high replayability. However, the steep learning curve, potential for frustration, and inconsistent AI behavior may detract from the enjoyment for some players. Despite these drawbacks, The Escapists remains a compelling choice for those seeking a unique and strategic gaming experience.

In conclusion, The Escapists: Prison Escape is a fun and challenging indie game that offers a fresh take on the prison escape genre. While it has its flaws, particularly regarding accessibility and AI behavior, the overall experience is rewarding and engaging. Players who appreciate strategic planning and creative problem-solving will find much to enjoy in The Escapists, solidifying its place as a noteworthy title in the indie gaming landscape.

About Game

Immerse yourself in the intriguing world of The Escapists: Prison Escape, a unique prison escape sandbox game where life behind bars is a thrilling reality. You've been a life-long criminal, but now you're trapped within the steel walls of a maximum-security prison. In this game, it's all about survival and cunning strategies while forging a path of escape in a world populated by fellow prisoners and dictated by routine.

From roll call to lights out, your every move is monitored. But as the saying goes, 'Where there's a will, there's a way'. With exhilarating gameplay, you are thrust into a literal game of life and death, where only your wit and skill can help you break out. Remember, there’s no get out of jail free card in this game, so the question is - will you rise to the challenge, or will you succumb to the monotony of prison life?

How to play

• In The Escapists: Prison Escape, you'll need to adapt to the daily grind of prison life, while discreetly swiping useful items from right under the noses of the ever-watchful guards. From seemingly harmless items, you'll craft useful tools and weapons, vital to your daring escape plans. Master the art of cunning, strategy and timely execution, while constantly staying one step ahead of the guards. Whether it's digging a tunnel, blending in with your captors, inciting unrest or gathering a powerful gang, your approach to escape is entirely up to you.
• Build alliances with fellow prisoners, trade contraband items and ascend through the prison ranks. Watch out for contraband detectors - getting caught can lead to severe consequences. Engage in various prison jobs, maintain a tight schedule and avoid any suspicious behaviour to save yourself from the wrath of the guards. Remember, escaping is no easy task, and requires immense patience, strategy, and a keen sense of observation.

Features

• Experience an addictive prison life simulation with high stakes and intense gameplay.
• Navigate through over six uniquely themed prisons, going as far as fearsome places like Alcatraz.
• Discover, steal and trade numerous items to develop a myriad of crafty combinations to aid your daring escape.
• Utilise the prison yard as a training ground, honing your strength and speed vital for your escape attempts.
• Avoid raising suspicion by cleverly dodging contraband detectors and maintaining a low profile amongst the guards.