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The Escapists

Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, iOS, Mac, PlayStation 4, Android • 2015

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Quick resume

The Escapists provides players the opportunity of experiencing a light-hearted insight into everyday prison life with the main objective being that of escaping!

Global score

90/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Simulator, Strategy, Tactical, Role-playing (RPG), Puzzle

Pros

  • Deep crafting system
  • Multiple escape methods
  • Challenging and strategic gameplay
  • High replayability with many prisons
  • Immersive prison routine and atmosphere

Cons

  • Steep learning curve
  • Some repetitive grinding
  • Lack of multiplayer
  • Randomness in item availability
  • Price considered high by some

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to plan their own escape strategies, choose how to craft items, and decide how to interact with other inmates."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game requires skillful planning, crafting, and timing to successfully escape, with feedback from guards and consequences for mistakes."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on personal progress and escape planning rather than competing against others; leaderboards exist but are not central."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Players report long play sessions and high replayability due to multiple prisons and escape methods."

  • Cooperation
    1

    "Some interaction with other inmates through favors and trading, but no multiplayer; mostly single-player experience."

  • Creativity
    5

    "Extensive crafting system and multiple ways to escape encourage creative problem solving and item combination."

  • Domination
    -2

    "Interactions with other inmates are mostly balanced; some fighting occurs but no strong emphasis on dominance or trash talk."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a distraction and immersive experience in prison life and escape planning."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment, not obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Players try different escape routes, crafting recipes, and strategies to find what works."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players explore different prisons and discover multiple escape methods and secrets."

  • Expression
    2

    "Players can customize character names and skins, but limited visual customization."

  • Fantasy
    -3

    "Game simulates realistic prison scenarios and routines rather than fantasy or improbable events."

  • Fellowship
    0

    "Some social interaction with NPC inmates but no multiplayer or strong community feeling in-game."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills like strength, speed, and intelligence, and learn crafting and escape techniques."

  • Health
    -4

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity; players train stats by repetitive key presses."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention to follow schedules and avoid detection; not suitable for casual or idle play."

  • Intimacy
    -3

    "Interactions with other inmates are superficial and task-oriented, not emotionally close."

  • Leadership
    1

    "Players can recruit inmates to help in fights or distractions, but no formal leadership mechanics."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong progression through skill training, item collection, crafting, and unlocking new prisons."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "Game balances tension of escape attempts with calm routine periods; some players find it relaxing, others stressful."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Pixel art and soundtrack provide moderate sensory stimulation; adrenaline during escapes adds excitement."

  • Status
    -2

    "Limited social recognition; leaderboards exist but social status is not a major focus."

  • Story
    2

    "Light narrative through prison setting and inmate interactions; no deep overarching plot."

  • Strategy
    5

    "High strategic depth requiring planning, resource management, timing, and problem solving."

  • Thrill
    4

    "Escape attempts create suspense and adrenaline; risk of detection adds thrill."

  • Value
    3

    "Players find good value in gameplay hours and replayability, though some mention price is high."

  • Violence
    2

    "Combat with guards and inmates is present but not the main focus; some players enjoy fighting."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must avoid detection and manage resources to survive and escape."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026