Escape First
Genres: Puzzle, Horror, Adventure
Play modes: multiplayer, singleplayer, VR
Release Date: 10-5-2018
Rating: 3/5
Developer: OnSkull Games
Our verdict
6/10
- Difficulty: Medium
- Players: 1–6
- Playtime: 1–2 h
Escape First is OnSkull Games' early multiplayer escape room pack, playable in VR or on desktop. It contains three separate rooms: a clown's dressing room at a circus, a room with a bloodied knife and a red button you are told not to press, and a time-travel lab gone wrong. Up to six people can work together, or each player can be locked in alone in a Versus race.
Reception is mixed, with about 62 percent of 211 Steam reviews positive. The few written reviews split the same way: one player found the puzzles well designed but the controls awkward, while another liked the first room and felt the next two made little sense. Players tag it as casual, co-op and hidden object, with some horror flavour.
Most players finish all three rooms in around two hours. The competitive mode is the most unusual part, and it works best with friends who own the game too. Buy it cheaply on sale for a group session; solo players looking for tight puzzle logic will find better options in the developer's later games.
Pros
- Three distinct rooms: circus, red button mystery, time lab
- Co-op or Versus mode for up to six players
- Works in VR or with mouse, keyboard or gamepad
Cons
- Players report awkward controls
- Later rooms called less logical than the first
- Short, around two hours for all three rooms
About
Escape First is the first installment in the Escape First series (I realise how weird that sentence sounds!). It contains three different escape rooms that you can play either alone or with friends, and is also available in VR.
Psycho Circus
After attending a spectacular performance at the circus "De la Luna", you find yourself trapped inside the clown's quarters. In a few minutes his show will end. Will you be able to find his spare key and escape before he returns? Everyone knows that clowns don't like other people touching their stuff!
The Red Button
One room, one door, one bloodied knife. What's going on? What happened last night? You need to know. Are you sure you want to know? You need to leave. Be careful though! No matter what happens, do NOT press the red button!
Lost In Time
You have agreed to take part in an experiment relating to space time. One mistake has left you trapped in chaos. Past, present and future have merged! Time is your worst enemy! Will you be able to beat it and return to your reality before it is lost forever?Features
- Single Player, Multi Player & VR Escape Room/Puzzle game
- Virtual Reality supported
- Average duration: 1.5 hours
Our Review
If you're looking for a game to play while you're online with your mates, this is a great one to pick up. Solving puzzles together can be quite the chaos and this game perfectly captures that experience. Nevertheless it's still an interesting game, whether played solo or even in VR. The rooms have some challenging aspects and are definitely enjoyable.
