A Great Concept, But Poor Execution

I’ve owned this game for a long time, and every now and then, I come back to it, hoping I’ll finally enjoy it. The concept is incredibly appealing, I want to like it. But every time I try, I just can’t. Here’s why.

Frustrating Durability System:
Item durability is absurdly low. Imagine buying a screwdriver from a hardware store, only for it to break after unscrewing just four screws. That manufacturer would go out of business instantly! Even if it were a makeshift tool (which it isn’t), real-life improvised screwdrivers aren’t this flimsy.

Instead of focusing on planning and escaping, you’re stuck in an endless cycle of grinding for the same easily-breakable items over and over. That’s not engaging, it’s tedious.

Guards & Watchtowers Feel Unfair:
Guards wake up way too quickly, and from what I can tell, you can’t even hide their bodies. You can’t permanently take them out, and if you loot them, they instantly report you. Combine that with watchtowers that snipe you with near-aimbot precision instantly from across the map, sometimes seemingly out of nowhere, and it creates an experience that feels more frustrating than strategic.

Never Made It Past the First Level:
I don’t even remember how much I paid for this game whether it was full price or on sale but regardless, I never got past the first level. Technically, I might have gotten my "money's worth" in terms of playtime, but I never enjoyed that time.

And before anyone says it’s a skill issue I’ve beaten plenty of strategy and stealth games on their hardest difficulties. This game just doesn’t click.

Holding Out Hope for The Escapists 2
That said, I love the idea behind this game, which is why I picked up The Escapists 2 on a deep discount. If it fixes these issues and maybe even includes the first game’s levels it could finally be the experience I was hoping for. Maybe prison architect's escape mode is better aswell, I own that game aswell but never gave it a proper try.

Fingers crossed!

Fun

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