Escape Plan, one of the PS Vita’s launch titles, is a touch based puzzle adventure in which you help Lil and Laarg (L&L) escape the clutches of the evil warden Bakuki. The game is more of a representation of the front and rear touchscreen controls which are your only means of controlling your characters with slight tilt operations. It focuses less on story and more on thoughtful puzzles that you need to pass in order to progress to the exit.
Puzzles in Escape Plan are pretty much getting L&L from point A to point B. The main question however is what devious devices will the developers throw at you in order to accomplish your goal. You will run into hazards such as poison smog in which you’ll have to navigate in unique ways. You’ll even encounter razors that will require you to be steady with the tilt controls for the balloon which is activated by taking in hot air. Other touches are presented with objects in the world such as coffee that allows you to dash if you pinch the character. You can also use Laarg to smash through some objects as well. Unfortunately, you have to come up with creative ways to kill enemies as there are no offensive skills.
Overall, Escape Plan is a game that presents you thought provoking puzzles although moving at a slower pace than most would be used to. The game builds you up to the tougher puzzles so nothing should be extremely to difficult once you get used to it. This should be basic for any puzzle game honestly and it does well to ease players into the experience.
The Final Verdict
There is some value to be had here as there are plenty of stages to test your skills. Should you give this game a buy? For $15, its on the lower end of the entry Vita titles, however its available digital only. For those that are serious about puzzle games looking for something to grab with your new device, this is a decent buy.
Associate Editor. Player of games, winner of some. Enjoys long walks on the beach, strawberry daiquiris, and running for his life when a horse approaches with a lance.
