Review for The Escapist 2. Game for PlayStation Network, PC, Steam, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux and Nintendo Switch, the video game was released on 22/08/2017 The version for Nintendo Switch came out on 11/01/2018
You return to prison with The Escapist 2, sequel that expands the features of the first chapter thanks to an online mode both VS and cooperative. New version but same goal: escape from prison as effectively as possible. After a short tutorial in a mini prison designed for this purpose, we can start the real game and already from the initial screen it is clear the greater number of modes to choose from compared to the past.
The checkered sun
The graphic style of The Escapist 2 does not differ much from its first version, a colorful world in pixel art in which guards, civilians and inmates will have to live together. The dreary atmosphere of a prison gives way to a much lighter environment where inmates can smuggle, fight, train and so on. Each inmate has a character sheet with various characteristics such as strength, intelligence and a value that indicates how good the is with the player.
Prison life is monotonous and this is accomplished through the routine system. Each prison has a predefined set of routines such as meals, working hours or gymnastics, showers; in short, compulsory steps during the day as a prisoner. Missing one of these appointments will raise the security level in the prison as well as increase the risk of punishment.
During our free time we can get mini quests from the other inmates who for example will ask us to recover objects, beat someone or distract the guards. There are really many possible requests but often they are repeated in their execution. In fact, the quests are for making money and the money we will use to buy goods of all kinds useful for crafting.
Based on our level of intelligence, we can produce increasingly useful and complex objects such as a weapon consisting of a bar of soap in a sock, up to a taser made "in the cell" to stun with electricity.
If we are not smart or strong enough, we can spend the time studying in the library or training with weights. This happens with simple mini games where we have to press the buttons indicated on the screen in time or quickly. Training costs effort and sooner or later we have to think about rest or having an energy drink that can restore our strength.
Eyes open
To make our escape, it is good to study the prison. It is important to know where the guards move, where they lead the ventilation ducts and where the perimeter is weakest. Once you've come up with a strategy, it's time to try. The simplest methods of escape are the classic tunnel or escape through the appropriately cut perimeter nets, but The Escapist 2 provides many imaginative alternative routes. There are ten different prisons with carefully designed environments and escape possibilities. The game is therefore very long-lived, especially if we add the possibility of competing online.
In fact, thanks to the multiplayer mode, we can play a VS game, which essentially rewards the first one who manages to escape. A last option combines several players in the same prison, who decide whether to fight or team up in order to escape together. With the use of emotes we try to make our intentions understood, but the game certainly makes it better in chat to organize the escape plan with our friends.
The Escapist 2 has a section dedicated to the customization of our avatars to decide our pixelated appearance. Not only that, even all inmates and guards can be customized or randomly generated, so as to always create a different environment.
A good step forward in this sequel, many careless aspects of the first chapter have been improved, others removed and the interesting online can start hilarious evenings with friends. Sometimes the game is repetitive, especially when we have to take actions to raise the resources necessary to escape. However, this factor is well balanced with the fun challenge of planning the perfect plan. We just have to wish you good luck and carpe diem!
► The Escapist 2 is an indie-Simulation game - developed and published by Team 17 for PlayStation Network, PC, Steam, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux and Nintendo Switch, the video game was released on 22/08/2017 The version for Nintendo Switch came out on 11/01/2018
