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Escape Plan (video game)

Topic: Software

 From HandWiki - Reading time: 8 min

Escape Plan
Game Logo
Developer(s)Fun Bits Interactive
Santa Monica Studio[1]
Wholesale Algorithms (PS4)
Publisher(s)Sony Computer Entertainment
EngineUnity3D
Platform(s)PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4
ReleasePlayStation Vita
  • NA: February 14, 2012
  • PAL: February 22, 2012
  • JP: March 1, 2012[2]
PlayStation 4
  • PAL: November 29, 2013
  • NA: December 3, 2013
  • JP: February 22, 2014[3]
Genre(s)Puzzle
Mode(s)Single-player

Escape Plan is a puzzle video game released for the PlayStation Vita in 2012, as a launch title. Escape Plan is the first title from new developer Fun Bits Interactive and is produced by Chris Millar, known for his previous work on Fat Princess.[4] In previews of the game it was noted for its sharp, black-and-white visuals, gruesome yet humorous tone[5] and its intuitive use of the PlayStation Vita's inputs including touch and gyroscopic control.[6]

Gameplay

Players control two characters, Lil and Laarg (centre). One of Bakuki's minions can also be seen in this image (top left).

In Escape Plan, the player controls two characters, Lil and Laarg, through a series of booby-trapped rooms using the PlayStation Vita's front and rear multitouch panels and motion controls. The gesture-based control system requires players to trace paths for the characters and tap obstacles to move them out of the way and clear a path for them.[citation needed] Traps range from a single brick lying on the floor to enormous rotating fan blades. Failure to guide Lil and Laarg to safety usually results in a gruesome death.[6]

The characters can traverse the game world in numerous ways. In some levels they are inflated with helium, requiring the player to tilt the console to guide them as they float around the room.[7] Lil and Laarg usually move relatively slowly and in order to avoid fast-moving traps the player must grab the characters and pull them quickly to safety by pinching the Vita, touching both the front and rear panels at once.[4]

Bakuki's Lair

Chris Millar, Fun Bits Interactive team lead, announced on PlayStation Blog that Escape Plan owners would receive Bakuki's Lair, a downloadable content (DLC) pack for Escape Plan, on April 10, 2012. It adds 19 prequel puzzle rooms to the adventures of Lil and Laarg. Together with the DLC, the update brings new tweaks and improvements based on player feedback, allowing for more pin-point accuracy on tap blocks, as well as an adjustment to the game's Star Rating system. The patch also lays the foundation for future updates.[8]

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
PS VitaPS4
Destructoid4.5/10[12]N/A
Eurogamer6/10[13]N/A
Game Informer7.75/10[14]N/A
GameRevolution6/10[15]N/A
GameSpot6/10[16]N/A
GameTrailers8.4/10[17]7.2/10[18]
Giant BombStarStarStar[19]N/A
IGN8/10[20]8/10[21]
JoystiqStarStarStarHalf star[22]N/A
Pocket GamerStarStarStarStarHalf star[23]N/A
PSM7/10[24]N/A
Push Square7/10[25]N/A
The GuardianStarStarStar[26]N/A
The Digital Fix7/10[27]N/A
Digital SpyStarStarStarStar[28]N/A
Aggregate score
Metacritic71/100[9]73/100[10]

At a preview event in October 2011, IGN editors ranked Escape Plan as their favourite PlayStation Vita game so far, commenting specifically on the game's "stunning", black and white chiaroscuro visuals, "great" classical soundtrack and gameplay which makes good use of many of the Vita's control features.[5] In a December 2011 preview of the game, Destructoid's Samit Sarkar described it as "perhaps the best showcase of the Vita's unique capabilities".[6]

Upon release, the game received "average" reviews on both platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[9][10]

Digital Spy gave the Vita version four stars out of five and called it "one of the most unique and charming looking games you'll ever play, and the pick-up-and-play value makes it perfect for a handheld. Minor control issues prevent it from achieving perfection, but it's still perhaps the most effective showcase of the Vita hardware to date."[28] The A.V. Club gave it a B and said that its "macabre humor and beautiful black-and-white chiaroscuro look make it a welcome respite from the noise and flash of the other Vita launch titles. Sony has a knack for finding and funding indie developers with a refined sense of style."[11] The Digital Fix gave it seven out of ten and said, "In all, we can't help but think that Escape Plan represents a missed opportunity. The wonderfully stunning visuals, the understated sound track [sic] and intuitive control system so very nearly elevate the game into a posterboy for the new hardware. However, the short, unchallenging nature of the game moves us away from this territory and instead positions Escape Plan as more of an experience than an outright game, with the nods to cinematic practices of the past aiding its artistic endeavours."[27] Edge gave it a score of seven out of ten, saying, "It's not perfect, and even skilled players will struggle with some of the more demanding multitasking required for certain scenarios (the level-skip is an acknowledgement of the inconsistent difficulty), but it's clever, cunning and entertaining."[29]

As of April 2012, Escape Plan was the number one selling PlayStation Network game on the PlayStation Vita. [8]

References

  1. ↑ "Santa Monica Studios (SMS) Escape Plan Game". n.d.. http://sms.dev.realpie.com/escape-plan/. Retrieved February 15, 2012. 
  2. ↑ "Escape Plan（エスケープ プラン） （PS Store ダウンロード版） [Vita"] (in Japanese). Famitsu (Enterbrain). https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=23954&redirect=no. Retrieved 2019-05-02. 
  3. ↑ "Escape Plan（エスケープ プラン） （PS Store ダウンロード版） [PS4"] (in Japanese). Famitsu (Enterbrain). https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=30293&redirect=no. Retrieved 2019-05-02. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Cocker, Guy (2011-08-16). "Escape Plan Hands-On Preview". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/escape-plan-hands-on-preview/1100-6329210/. Retrieved 2019-05-02. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 IGN PlayStation Team (2011-10-21). "The Best Vita Games We Just Saw, Take Two". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/21/the-best-vita-games-we-just-saw-take-two. Retrieved 2019-05-02. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Sarkar, Samit (2011-12-13). "Preview: Escape Plan". Gamurs. https://www.destructoid.com/preview-escape-plan/. Retrieved 2023-01-20. 
  7. ↑ Keast, Matthew (2011-10-25). "Escape Plan hands-on preview". Future plc. https://www.gamesradar.com/escape-plan-hands-preview/. Retrieved 2012-01-29. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Millar, Chris (2012-04-02). "#1 PSN Vita Game, Escape Plan Adds Free Prequel DLC To Patch 1.01". Sony Interactive Entertainment. https://blog.playstation.com/archive/2012/04/02/1-psn-vita-game-escape-plan-adds-free-prequel-dlc-to-patch-1-01/. Retrieved 2023-01-20. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Escape Plan for PlayStation Vita Reviews". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/escape-plan-2012/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-vita. Retrieved 2019-05-02. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Escape Plan for PlayStation 4 Reviews". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/escape-plan-2012/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4. Retrieved 2019-05-02. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Teti, John (2012-02-20). "PlayStation Vita Launch Games". G/O Media. https://www.avclub.com/playstation-vita-launch-games-1798230498. Retrieved 2023-01-20. 
  12. ↑ Sterling, James Stephanie (2012-02-16). "Review: Escape Plan (Vita)". Gamurs. https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-escape-plan/. Retrieved 2023-01-20. 
  13. ↑ Donlan, Christian (2012-04-04). "Escape Plan Review (PlayStation Vita)". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/escape-plan-review. Retrieved 2019-01-20. 
  14. ↑ Hilliard, Kyle (2012-02-22). "Escape Plan (Vita): Leather, Puzzles, Shy Guys, And Fart Sounds". Game Informer (GameStop). https://www.gameinformer.com/games/escape_plan/b/playstation_vita/archive/2012/02/22/escape-plan-review-leather-puzzles-shy-guys-and-fart-sounds.aspx. Retrieved 2019-05-03. 
  15. ↑ Bischoff, Daniel R. (2012-02-24). "Escape Plan Review (Vita)". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/54528-escape-plan-review. Retrieved 2019-05-03. 
  16. ↑ Venter, Jason (2012-02-29). "Escape Plan Review (Vita)". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/escape-plan-review/1900-6361085/. Retrieved 2019-05-02. 
  17. ↑ "Escape Plan (Vita)". Viacom. 2012-02-22. Archived from the original on 2014-03-27. https://web.archive.org/web/20140327004309/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/zolqqa/escape-plan-review. Retrieved 2019-05-03. 
  18. ↑ Huber, Michael (2014-01-08). "Escape Plan - Review (PS4)". Viacom. Archived from the original on 2014-03-16. https://web.archive.org/web/20140316143720/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/i1m4wx/escape-plan--ps4--review. Retrieved 2019-05-03. 
  19. ↑ Navarro, Alex (2012-02-17). "Escape Plan Review (PSNV)". Fandom. https://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/escape-plan-review/1900-470/. Retrieved 2019-05-03. 
  20. ↑ Moriarty, Colin (2012-02-17). "Escape Plan Review (Vita)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/02/18/escape-plan-review. Retrieved 2019-05-02. 
  21. ↑ Moriarty, Colin (2013-12-04). "Escape Plan PS4 Review". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/12/05/escape-plan-ps4-review. Retrieved 2019-05-02. 
  22. ↑ Fletcher, JC (2012-02-22). "Escape Plan review: Shades of grey (Vita)". Yahoo. https://www.engadget.com/2012-02-22-escape-plan-review.html. Retrieved 2023-01-20. 
  23. ↑ Willington, Peter (2012-02-20). "Escape Plan". Steel Media Ltd. https://www.pocketgamer.com/escape-plan/escape-plan/. 
  24. ↑ "Review: Escape Plan (Vita)". PlayStation: The Official Magazine (Future plc) (58): 85. May 2012. 
  25. ↑ Mason, Mike (2012-03-05). "Escape Plan Review (PS Vita)". Gamer Network. https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/psnvita/escape_plan. 
  26. ↑ Cowen, Nick (2012-02-17). "PS Vita launch titles – reviews (Escape Plan)". The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2012/feb/17/ps-vita-launch-game-reviews. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Brown, Lewis (2012-03-28). "Escape Plan Review (PS Vita)". Poisonous Monkey. Archived from the original on 2014-03-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20140324215651/http://gaming.thedigitalfix.com/content/id/714/escape-plan.html. Retrieved 2023-01-20. 
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Langshaw, Mark (2012-02-27). "'Escape Plan' review (Vita)". Hearst Communications. https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a367995/escape-plan-review-vita/. Retrieved 2019-05-03. 
  29. ↑ Edge staff (2012-03-05). "Escape Plan review (Vita)". Edge (Future plc). Archived from the original on 2012-03-07. https://web.archive.org/web/20120307023512/http://www.edge-online.com/reviews/escape-plan-review. Retrieved 2019-05-03. 

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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