These all work well within the context of the game, but don’t go looking for any sense of realism as the Escapists 2 has its tongue planted firmly in cheek, and it works.Īlthough there are a large range of items that can be crafted, the crafting system is a relatively simple one, with each item detailing a handy little recipe that explains what you need in order to create it when accessed from the inventory screen. Some of these are obvious ones like a grappling hook or a poster that can be used to cover a hole in the wall (think Shawshank Redemption), while border on the downright silly, such as crafting a fake carrot to lure a horse as you make your escape from a moving train. Many have favours that you can complete in return for coins that can be used to buy contraband or other items, which in turn can then be used to craft more intricate tools to aid your escape. Should you get stuck there is often some hint or tip lying around the prison that can point you in the right direction should you need it, indicated on the mini-map by a large letter ‘I’.Įxploring the prison is a good way to get to know your fellow inmates too. So far I have never got as sophisticated as plotting guard patrols and knowing where they will be and when, but the game assures me that this is possible if I wanted to do it. Plotting and planning in advance is the key in The Escapists, from working out the exits and entrances, the weak spots in the layout or maybe even gaps in security. Guards too can be appeased by giving gifts, or if they catch you up to no good then their opinion of you will swing the other way and perhaps hinder your upcoming escape.

Starting out I found that following the little yellow arrow that directed me to each task was a good place to begin as I got to grips with the layout of each prison, and it was good testing how far I could push the boundaries during the initial few prisons that I found myself in – how long could I push it before the guards became suspicious? If I just pop in the canteen for a second then get back to the illicit activity I was previously occupied with would the guards immediately track me down? After a few in-game days I quickly felt like a hardened criminal, knowing the routine and what I could get away with, with a good idea of what I could get away with.Ĭlicking on each little character as they each go about their own routine allowed me to interact with them and find out various stats, such as time served and their opinion of me, which could be swayed with gifts or favours indicated by a green exclamation mark bopping over their heads. Meal times, roll call and a daily exercise requirement all make up part of your day-to-day routine, with the prison going into alert if you miss any of these allotted activities. Each of the 11 prisons have their own look and feel, from the layout of the prison down to the day-to-day routine you must follow in order not to raise suspicion as you carry out your tinkering and plotting your escape. If, like me, you missed it the first time round the basic premise is a simple one – you are incarcerated and it is up to you how you go about escaping. Returning for another stint in the slammer, The Escapists 2 is the sequel to the popular prison escape sim bringing co-op and moving prisons to the table this time around – but is that enough to entice players new and old?Īfter hearing good things about the first game I was excited to sit down and play The Escapists 2, and for the most part the game lived up to my expectations.

The escapists 2 grappling hook