Escape From The Past DLC: A Solution to the Disappointing Finale
The Escape Academy DLC, Escape From The Past, addresses the issue of a disappointing finale that plagued both the base game and the first DLC. By introducing a clever twist, Coin Crew Games has transformed what was once a frustrating and rushed ending into a seamless and immersive three-act story. While Escape From The Past is not without its flaws - some puzzles may fall short - it successfully elevates the base game by providing a satisfying and captivating conclusion that surpasses any other escape room game on the market.
Escape Academy: A Narrative-Focused Escape Room Game
Escape Academy is hailed as one of the top narrative-focused escape room games, standing out in a genre often plagued by formulaic experiences. It achieves this distinction through its memorable puzzles and humorous storytelling. My only criticism of the base game and the first Escape Academy DLC, Trapped in Time, is the rushed and unsatisfying ending in the final act. Players are presented with a difficult puzzle that deviates from the game's overall flow and frequently leads to failure.
Despite this disappointing conclusion, Escape From The Past DLC rectifies the issue by delivering a strong ending that surpasses any other escape room game. This solidifies Escape Academy's position as one of the best escape room games available, thanks to its combination of narrative depth and entertaining gameplay.
A Murder Mystery in the Past
Set in the past, Escape From The Past DLC presents a murder mystery theme, tasking players with uncovering the identity of an assassin targeting Headmaster Horatio Windsor. As players explore the Manor, they become separated from their fellow students, leading them on a journey to find their peers and expose the culprit.
This expansion boasts five cleverly designed puzzles, utilizing a unique framing device that transports players back to when the protagonists were students at the Academy. Each puzzle has its own story, while the second half of the level remains consistent, culminating in the revelation of the killer's identity.
With each suspect having their own story and evidence, multiple playthroughs offer different courtroom sequences each time. The second half of the level remains unchanged, with suspects recounting stories that contradict each other. In the final phase, players must accuse the suspects, listen to their stories, and gather evidence to solve the case.
Despite the time pressure, the final buzzer-beater moment is much less frustrating compared to previous versions. Players have a couple of minutes to dismantle a murder weapon by solving logic puzzles, matching patterns, and decoding symbols. The conclusion feels natural, adding just enough tension without relying on quick math or word games.
Escape Academy's latest DLC is a must-play for genre enthusiasts. The expansion's clever twists and memorable puzzles exemplify the studio's commitment to delivering high-quality escape room experiences. While the first half of the level may not reach the same heights as the rest of the game, Escape From The Past solidifies Escape Academy's reputation as one of the best escape room games available, setting a new standard for approachable and entertaining escape room experiences.
