the escapists 2
⚖️
6.5/10
TLDR: The Escapists 2 delivers a thrilling and strategic co-op experience with endless scenarios and high-stakes teamwork, but its tiny UI, lack of in-game guidance, and clunky controls can make it challenging for casual players.
Reviewed by: 🐯 Alokin (Advanced Gamer) & 🐺 Oceanwolv (Casual Gamer)
OVERVIEW
Price: $20
Our playtime: 20+ hours
Coop style: Couch, Local
Where to buy: Playstation Network
About: Strategy role-playing game where you and your partner plan ways to escape prison together while having to upkeep the day to day routines without any suspicion.
✅ pros
ALOKIN
‘Open’ world play style
Lots of items and crafting
Split-screen actually works
OCEANWOLV
Constant suspense and thrill
Intense strategy under pressure
Mundane routine is fun and simple
❌ cons
ALOKIN
Poor accessibility options
UI text is almost unreadable
Controls a little clunky
OCEANWOLV
Graphics remain un-remastered
No instructions or escape options
Difficulty level is very high
🤼🏽 co-op ability: 9/10
(how well the game supports teamwork and collaboration between players)
ALOKIN’S RATING: 8/10
Each player can play the game in their own specific way that is fun for them while coordinating items and crafting materials together to be efficient. Communicating is crucial and planning is really fun. Sometimes we had to sacrifice each other to go into solitary or infirmary so the other could get the space to get the item needed to escape. Endless scenarios can be created in this game together.
OCEANWOLV’S RATING: 10/10
This game is meant for the co-op experience because strategies hinge on all players to complete their individual roles and tasks. Example scenarios: player 1 makes tools while player 2 finishes their mundane tasks as cover; player 1 secretly scavenges inmate rooms to collect useful items while player 2 keeps watch for prison guards nearby.
🎨 production quality: 5/10
(the design, artwork, components, and overall craft of the game's materials)
ALOKIN’S RATING: 6/10
The art style is very specific to pixel gaming and it works for the genre. But my big hope is we get an Escapists 3 with the same style built like an Overcooked where the characters a little larger, the environment feels more interactive, and the visuals are enhanced. This would make this series an instant classic. The 2D style felt a little limiting once we played for enough hours.
OCEANWOLV’S RATING: 4/10
While I think the overall production quality of Escapists 2 is fair enough, I believe the game needs a major upgrade in order to be accessible for all gamers (age or skill level). The design and pixelated artwork is adorable, but it needs to be remastered for quality assurance. The biggest fault in the game is the extremely small, unchangeable font.
🎮 gameplay mechanics: 3.5/10
(the game's rules, flow, balance, and how engaging and intuitive the gameplay feels)
ALOKIN’S RATING: 3/10
I wish the game UI was more accessible. It is so incredibly tiny and very hard to read if you’re not directly in-front of your screen. When crafting materials it got a little cumbersome to return to the menu over and over again. This made the game very clunky sometimes and often ruined the pacing of a very enjoyable game.
OCEANWOLV’S RATING: 4/10
As a casual gamer, Escapists 2 is very fun but difficult to navigate without strategies or instructions. I am always relying on my teammate for guidance and direction. But even with an advanced partner, we constantly refer online for escape options and crafting tips. This game desperately needs built-in visual instructions, hints, and map strategies.
🤩 overall fun: 8.5/10
(how enjoyable and entertaining the game is for immediate play and long-term re-playability)
ALOKIN’S RATING: 8/10
We enjoyed so many hours on this game and laughed so hard in multiple situations. These scenarios only exist because the way the game is created allows for unique moments where tension is high getting chased by guards or having to craft and hide an item last second. Highly recommend this game to pair up with your duo on separate screens. It’s an entertaining game filled with lots of laughs.
OCEANWOLV’S RATING: 9/10
I freaking love this game! It’s one of the few that gives us countless LOL memories. With different maps and escape options, I’d easily replay it, but I can’t because its difficulty is beyond me. I highly recommend it to intermediate and advanced gamers, who likely won’t face the same blocks as me. Casual gamers will love this game too, but not solo!
TIPS TO START
(helpful insights as you begin the game)
ALOKIN’S
Read some online tutorials before you start so you can get an understanding of ‘how-to’ escape. Because there are no directions, you may even burn a few hours doing nothing that impacts the escape portion of the game.
Communicate timing on the alarms and tasks. Sometimes one person might get too deep into a task to remember timing. Assign callouts and let your teammate know when you’re going deep into a task.
There is no ‘real’ punishment for getting in trouble too much other than goin into solitary confinement and losing a few days. It’s okay to explore and get hurt, go to the infirmary and see how far you can go without completing tasks! Someone has to be the ‘bad’ one.
OCEANWOLV’S
Play on the TV! You will need a huge screen to read.
Definitely search online to view escape options and crafting tips.