The Escapists (2015)

Developer: Mouldy Toof Studios
Publisher: Team17
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genres: Action, Adventure, Indie, Simulation, Strategy
Rating: 4.5 of 5, 16,182 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 8.5 hours
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A tense but darkly funny sandbox where careful planning and constant risk of failure drive every makeshift tool and tunnel.

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What players say

Players describe it as an addictive and satisfying puzzle game about planning and executing a prison escape, though the crafting system's memory demands and some difficulty spikes frustrate some. Many note it feels dated compared to its more polished sequel.

Screenshots

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This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.