How 2 Escape
Our verdict
6/10
- Difficulty: Medium
- Players: 2
- Playtime: 2–3 h
How 2 Escape is a two-player asymmetric escape game. One player, on PC, is Emy, trapped on a speeding train full of traps; the other is her brother Johann, who uses a free companion app on a phone or tablet to read the information she needs. Each carriage is timed, and the goal is to reach the brake lever. It is built for pairs who like talking each other through puzzles, in the vein of Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes.
Reception is mixed: about 70% of 161 Steam reviews are positive. Players tag it heavily for co-op, local multiplayer, logic and team play, and the puzzles depend on description, listening and communication between the two roles.
The one written review found it engaging but was worn down by harsh screen effects and very loud audio. The timer and the effects that blur the view as time runs down will not suit everyone, and it cannot be played alone. Get it if you have a regular puzzle partner and enjoy pressure; skip it if you play solo or dislike timers.
Pros
- Asymmetric roles: one on PC, one on a free companion app
- Timed train carriages force real communication
- Works locally or across platforms
Cons
- Needs exactly two players, no solo mode
- Reviewers found the screen effects and audio harsh
- Mixed reception overall
About
How 2 Escape is an escape-simulation game where two players will need to cooperate on asymmetrical gameplay and devices.
2 players, 2 ways to play.
First player on PC embodies the character trapped in the train, exploring and playing with the environment.
Second player will use the dedicated free companion app* to get various information and try to understand how to help the first player and be able to escape from this unfortunate travel…
*Read more on our website or get the free How 2 Escape Companion App on iOs and Android.
Each wagon is timed in different ways that you’ll discover. Running out of time means defeat.
The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to see clearly...
Both players will need to interact with each other and focus on their sense. Puzzles will require logic, coordination, observation and listening but most of all: communication!
No time to chitchat. Get out of the trapped train. Every second is counted.
Emy wakes up, trapped in a speeding train filled with traps and enigmatic puzzles. Her only way out? Reach the brake lever of the locomotive to stop the train. Her brother, Johann, on the other end of the phone, is the sole possessor of information that will aid Emy in navigating through the various carriages and escaping from this train. Will you be able to save Emy in time?
