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The Escapists 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Escapists 2
Item: The Escapists 2
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2017

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Comedy, Open World, Simulation, Puzzle and Logic, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableAug 21, 2017

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

DeveloperMouldy Toof Studios

Overview

The Escapists 2 is the forthcoming sequel to the sandbox prison-escape game which will include, in a first for the series, drop in/drop out play for up to four players in both local and online play.

Elsewhere

6.7

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

A common theme among the critics is that The Escapists 2 lacks a traditional narrative structure, with the focus being on the gameplay mechanics rather than a deep storyline. Critics like COGconnected and Nintendo Life note that the game captures the essence of the struggle to escape from prison, drawing inspiration from classic prison break films. The concept of being placed in a prison with the sole goal of escape is intriguing, as highlighted by Nintendojo and ZTGD. The game's emphasis on planning, patience, and humor adds to its charm, with players having to strategize and think creatively to break free. On the flip side, critics like Switch Player and NintendoWorldReport point out that the game's story is not very prominent, with the tutorial serving as more of an introduction to the gameplay mechanics rather than a deep narrative experience. This lack of a traditional story structure may deter players who are looking for a more immersive storytelling experience. Additionally, some critics feel that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, as the primary objective remains consistent throughout the game. In conclusion, while The Escapists 2 may lack a complex narrative, it offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience that challenges players to think strategically. The focus on escaping from various prisons with different layouts and challenges provides a compelling and immersive experience for players. Critics note that the game captures the essence of prison break stories and offers a fun and engaging gameplay loop. Despite some criticisms regarding the lack of a deeper storyline, the game's mechanics and overall concept are praised by many critics, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

The Escapists 2 focuses on gameplay over story, immersing players in the challenge of breaking out of prison with strategic planning and humor. While some critics find the narrative lacking and gameplay repetitive, the game offers a unique and engaging experience inspired by classic prison break films, making it a hit for fans of the genre.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The Escapists 2's gameplay has received praise from several critics for its engaging mechanics and strategic depth. Areajugones highlights the improvements in combat and crafting systems, offering a clearer and more enjoyable experience. Game Informer and Vandal also appreciate the variety of activities such as planning escapes, completing daily routines, and crafting weapons. The game encourages creativity through crafting items, strategic planning, and problem-solving, as noted by PlaySense. Eurogamer Italy commends the game for requiring players to strategize and utilize their avatar's abilities and found objects to plan their escape, praising the depth and engagement of the gameplay. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out certain negatives in The Escapists 2's gameplay. Critical Hit describes the controls as frustrating and unintuitive, making it difficult for players to grasp. Cubed3 notes the lack of handholding and weak tutorials, which can make the experience hit-or-miss, leading to punishing mechanics and a lack of direction. Worth Playing mentions that while the core gameplay loop is engaging, it can feel tedious and punishing at times, with certain features needing further fleshing out. ZTGD highlights the repetitive scavenging and lack of quick save options, which can be frustrating for players trying to formulate and execute escape plans. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Escapists 2 offers a challenging and engaging gameplay experience that rewards strategic thinking, perseverance, and careful planning. The addition of multiplayer modes, improved combat and crafting systems, and the sandbox design with multiple escape opportunities have been well-received by reviewers such as GameGrin and Eurogamer Italy. However, issues such as unintuitive controls, lack of handholding in tutorials, and repetitive gameplay elements have been mentioned by critics like Critical Hit and Cubed3. Despite these drawbacks, the game's emphasis on creativity, experimentation, and the satisfaction of successfully executing escape plans have resonated positively with many reviewers, making The Escapists 2 a compelling choice for players seeking a challenging and immersive prison escape experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise The Escapists 2 for its engaging gameplay, strategic depth, and creative elements like crafting and planning escapes. However, some reviewers point out issues like frustrating controls and lack of handholding. Overall, the game offers a challenging and rewarding experience that emphasizes strategic thinking and careful planning, making it a compelling choice for players looking for an immersive prison escape adventure.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

53%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Escapists 2 are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praise the game for its improved graphics, with clearer and more appealing visuals compared to its predecessor. CGMagazine notes that the game uses a pixel art graphic style with more detail, while COGconnected describes the visuals as nostalgic yet substantially better, likening them to an NES game compared to a SNES game. Game Informer also highlights the larger environments, wall decorations, and properly shaded pixel-art figures that enhance the visual experience. Additionally, Trusted Reviews appreciates the cute and simple 8-bit art style that works well, with clean and easy-to-read visuals and nice animations. On the downside, some critics mention issues with the game's visuals. Cubed3 criticizes the clunky and outdated menus that are not optimized for consoles, leading to frustrations in navigation. Worth Playing points out that some areas could be smoothed out as the graphics can be too busy at times. These criticisms suggest that while the overall visual design of The Escapists 2 is praised, there are still some areas that could be improved to enhance the player experience further. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Escapists 2 has made significant improvements in its graphics and visual design, offering a charming and engaging aesthetic that complements the gameplay experience. Critics like GameGrin, God is a Geek, and Eurogamer Italy commend the game for its bright and colorful visuals, detailed character designs, and diverse prison settings. The transition from 8-bit to 16-bit graphics is well-received, with GameSpace comparing the art design to pop-up books and praising the vivid yet somber artistry. Despite some minor issues mentioned by a few critics, the majority agree that The Escapists 2 delivers an enjoyable visual experience that enhances the overall appeal of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics widely praise The Escapists 2 for its improved graphics and visual design, with clearer visuals and nostalgic charm. Some mention issues with clunky menus and busy graphics, but overall, critics agree that the game's charming aesthetic enhances the gameplay experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of The Escapists 2 have received a mix of positive feedback from critics. Reviewers like Critical Hit and Vandal have praised the enchanting and immersive soundtrack that enhances the overall gaming experience. TheSixthAxis also commended how the sound and music blend well with each environment, creating fitting melodies for the prison settings. Additionally, Eurogamer Italy highlighted the chiptune music and basic sound effects that contribute to a retro atmosphere, complementing the pixel-art graphics and adding to the nostalgic feel of the game. On the other hand, some critics expressed more neutral or slightly negative opinions regarding the sound design and music of The Escapists 2. Areajugones mentioned that the soundtrack is unobtrusive, indicating that it might not stand out as a standout feature of the game. TheXboxHub described the sound quality as neither terrible nor great, suggesting that it may not leave a lasting impression on players. While XboxAddict appreciated how the soundtrack and sound effects match the old school feel of the game, this familiarity could potentially be seen as lacking innovation or freshness by some players. Overall, the general consensus among the critics is that The Escapists 2 delivers a solid sound design and music experience that contributes positively to the gameplay. Windows Central and Meristation noted improvements in the soundtrack that enhance the tension and excitement of planning and executing prison escapes, as well as adapt to gameplay situations to create a more immersive experience. Despite some mixed opinions on the uniqueness and innovation of the sound design, the majority of critics acknowledge that the music and sound effects effectively complement the game's themes and environments, ultimately adding to the overall enjoyment of The Escapists 2.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on The Escapists 2's sound design and music. Some praise the enchanting soundtrack that enhances gameplay, while others find it unobtrusive or lacking innovation. Overall, the majority agree that the sound design adds to the immersive experience and complements the game's themes well.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

19%

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, The Escapists 2 received mixed reviews. On the PS4, Areajugones appreciated the solid technical aspects and full Spanish translation, while Eurogamer Italy and Meristation praised the smooth gameplay and seamless multiplayer experience on the Nintendo Switch. Additionally, ZTGD noted that the game maintained a consistent framerate on the Switch, enhancing the overall experience for players. However, there were notable technical issues reported by critics on various platforms. Cubed3 and Worth Playing highlighted overlong loading screens, weak performance, and awkward key bindings on the PS4, impacting the overall gameplay experience. Worth Playing also mentioned frustrating losses due to mistimed button presses, indicating potential issues with responsiveness on the PS4. On the Xbox One, Game Informer and Windows Central pointed out frequent loss of progress, crashes to the dashboard, and disconnects in multiplayer mode, which significantly affected the enjoyment of the game for players. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that The Escapists 2 faced technical challenges across different platforms. While some platforms like the Nintendo Switch received praise for smooth gameplay and cooperative multiplayer, others like the PS4 and Xbox One encountered issues such as performance hiccups, loss of progress, and crashes. The lack of manual saves and frustrating design choices were common complaints raised by critics like Cubed3 and Game Informer across multiple platforms, indicating a need for improvements in technical stability and optimization. Despite some positive aspects, the technical performance issues reported by critics on various platforms impacted the overall reception of The Escapists 2.

TL;DR

technical performance

The Escapists 2 received mixed reviews for technical performance across gaming platforms. While praised for solid gameplay on the Nintendo Switch, it faced issues like long loading screens and crashes on the PS4 and Xbox One. Critics highlighted performance hiccups, loss of progress, and frustrating design choices, calling for improvements in stability and optimization. Overall, technical challenges impacted the game's reception despite some positive aspects.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The Escapists 2 has received praise from several critics for its replay value. Areajugones highlights the game's diverse environments, new challenges, and cooperative mode as significant improvements that offer more content and freedom. CGMagazine, COGconnected, and Trusted Reviews all mention the multiplayer modes as adding to the replayability of the game, with COGconnected specifically noting the bigger and more diverse prisons to explore. GameGrin and XboxAddict also emphasize the value of the multiplayer co-op mode, providing hundreds of hours of additional gameplay and enhancing the overall experience. On the downside, some critics express concerns about the repetitive nature of the gameplay in The Escapists 2. Cubed3 mentions that gameplay can feel repetitive with little lasting appeal once methods are exhausted, while Worth Playing and ZTGD note that the repetitive gameplay can make the experience less enjoyable over time. PlaySense and God is a Geek also highlight drawbacks such as repetitive gameplay and confusion about item use, which may hinder the game's lasting appeal for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Escapists 2 offers a good amount of replay value, especially with the addition of multiplayer modes and diverse escape opportunities. Critics like Game Informer, Trusted Reviews, and Eurogamer Italy appreciate the variety in prisons, crafting options, and multiplayer modes that enhance the replayability of the game. Despite some concerns about repetitiveness, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics acknowledging the game's strengths in providing engaging and challenging gameplay experiences for players who enjoy strategic elements and cooperative play.

TL;DR

replay value

The Escapists 2 impresses critics with its replay value, diverse environments, and cooperative mode. Multiplayer modes and diverse prisons add to the game's replayability, offering hundreds of hours of gameplay. However, some critics find the gameplay repetitive, affecting the lasting appeal for some players. Overall, critics praise the game for its engaging and challenging experiences, especially for those who enjoy strategic elements and cooperative play.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Escapists 2 has garnered praise from several critics for its positive aspects. Critics like CGMagazine, COGconnected, and Trusted Reviews commend the game for being a worthy sequel that improves upon the original with enhanced visuals, better crafting systems, and multiplayer modes. They appreciate the game's challenging gameplay and addictive mechanics that keep players engaged. PlaySense and Vandal also highlight the game's creativity, engaging style, and refined gameplay, making it a must-play for fans of the series. The game's multiplayer potential, as mentioned by PlaySense, adds another layer of enjoyment for players looking for a cooperative experience. On the flip side, some critics point out the negatives of The Escapists 2. Cubed3, Game Informer, and Worth Playing raise concerns about the game's challenging learning curve, tedious mechanics, and occasional glitches that hinder the overall experience. Game Informer specifically mentions the frustration caused by the frequent loss of progress and lack of manual saves, which can be off-putting for some players. Additionally, GameSpace and Video Chums express their concerns about the game feeling monotonous and overwhelming at times, with long loading times and repetitive gameplay elements. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Escapists 2 is a solid sequel that caters well to fans of the series and those seeking a challenging gameplay experience. Critics like Areajugones, TheSixthAxis, and Nintendo Life appreciate the game's improvements over its predecessor and the variety of escape routes it offers. While some critics acknowledge the game's shortcomings in terms of gameplay mechanics and technical issues, the majority agree that The Escapists 2 delivers an engaging and enjoyable experience, especially for players who enjoy cooperative play and intricate escape plans. The game's mix of humor, challenging puzzles, and replay value make it a standout title in the prison break simulation genre, despite some minor flaws mentioned by critics.

TL;DR

Critics praise The Escapists 2 for its enhanced visuals, engaging gameplay, and multiplayer modes, making it a worthy sequel with addictive mechanics. However, some critics note concerns about its challenging learning curve, tedious mechanics, and occasional glitches that hinder the experience. Despite these flaws, the game is considered a solid sequel that caters well to fans of the series, offering a mix of humor, challenging puzzles, and replay value.

MONSTER

Reviews

109 reviews found

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Escapists 2 is a game that has improved upon its predecessor and offers a challenging experience. It is recommended for fans of the original game and those looking for a challenging game.

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GameGrin

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that The Escapists 2 adds a lot to the overall gameplay and is still the best prison escaping simulator available. It does not mention any major negatives.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the game as a bigger, better, and impressive sequel, with a score of 4.5/5.

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Vandal

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A must-play for fans of the original, offering refined gameplay with new combat elements and a more complete crafting system.

PlaySense

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Scores 8.5 out of 10 for its difficulty, creativity, engaging style, and multiplayer potential.

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Trusted Reviews

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Escapists 2 is praised for being everything the first game was and more, with addictive gameplay that hooks players in. The game offers a well put-together experience with extra content, making it a worthwhile sequel.

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XBLA Fans

Xbox One

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly recommends The Escapists 2, praising its expansion upon the original game and the introduction of multiplayer.

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Meristation

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A worthy sequel expanding on the original's concept and gameplay, must-play for fans of the series.

Metro GameCentral

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Escapists 2 is a great sequel that refines and improves the original prison break format with more variety, better graphics, and enjoyable multiplayer modes.

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Hooked Gamers

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Escapists 2 delivers on its promise of offering lots to do and many ways to escape, but playing alone can be less fun and more difficult.

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