Tuesday, May 01, 2012

A somewhat gay review of Escape Goat (XBLIG)


Game: Escape Goat
Genre: Platformer/Puzzler
Developer: Magical Time Bean
Publisher: Magical Time Bean
System: Xbox 360
Release date: 2011

I'm sure this will sound weird to some, but games like Escape Goat were chiefly responsible for me getting off my butt and picking up an Xbox 360 just over a year ago. I know Microsoft's second console has plenty of high-quality "packaged" games, but I didn't buy the system for those. (Deadly Premonition being the exception, of course.) Rather, I bought it so I could play the accessible, attractive and cheap titles that are par for the course on the system's XBLA and XBLIG services and that can called upon whenever I find myself longing for a little digital entertainment but don't have a ton of time to expend on it. Well, the focus of this particular review checks all of those boxes and then some. For starters, Escape Goat keeps things simple by providing players with a fairly small set of moves--the titular (purple) goat can run, jump, double jump, dash and air dash, while his beady-eyed friend (an orange mouse) can squeeze into otherwise inaccessible areas--which allows them to focus on the devilishly puzzling stages that are packed into this downloadable title. Actually, I shouldn't suggest all of Escape Goat's Rube Goldberg-esque single-screen stages, each of which takes place in a prison of sorts (you've been locked up for practicing witchcraft, apparently) and tasks players with making their way from a starting point to a (typically blocked or locked) door while pushing blocks, hitting switches and avoiding various obstacles and enemies, are devilish--in reality, a good number of the first ones are quite easy. Many later levels are sure to stump all but the brainiest of gamers, though. Thankfully, the sounds and views that can be heard and seen while playing Escape Goat are appealing enough to make even the most stressful and confounding moments enjoyable (or at least acceptable). The title's wonderfully rendered graphics, for instance, evoke the good ol' days of the Genesis--always a good thing in the opinion of this aging gamer. Also a good thing: The little touches that are strewn throughout this title's 50 levels, like the humorous animation that's triggered whenever Mr. Goat nears the edge of a ledge. The game's soundtrack is similarly noteworthy and is comprised of a number of suitably-epic tunes. With all of that said, the only negative comment I can make about Escape Goat is that it ends a little too quickly and that it likely won't be a game you'll return to after beating it. Considering it'll set you back just a buck (80 Microsoft Points), though, that's really not much of a problem, is it?


See also: Previous 'somewhat gay' reviews

11 comments:

Viewtiful_Justin said...

I'm glad I'm not the only one who would primarily buy an XBox for the XBLA games...the only other thing I'd feel the need to buy would be Fable.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Ah, I've been meaning to try the Fable games for ages, Justin. They aren't on PS3? I thought for sure they were...

You'd also want to get Deadly Premonition, of course :) I've also been considering, for some time, getting the Parodius-esque Otomedius Excellent (despite its terrible reviews) and the Dragon Quest-esque Blue Dragon.

warp said...

Fable games are made by Lionhead which is owned by Microsoft. Also Deadly Premonition is supposedly coming to PS3 soon.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Ah, yes, I guess I should have known that, warp :P As for Deadly Premonition on the PS3: Isn't this some sort of remake? Regardless, I'd suggest getting it, Justin. Just be warned that combat is more than a bit frustrating. It's worth putting up with, though, thanks to the completely bonkers story :)

warp said...

Looks like the PS3 version of DP is going to have Move support. I'm sure that will make the combat much better.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Oh, that's interesting to hear, warp! I doubt I'd buy a Move controller just for this game, but it's still nice that it's included.

Are you a fan of Deadly Premonition, by the way? I really have to get back to it myself...

warp said...

I've heard lots of great things about DP, but I've yet to play it, since I don't have a 360. Just got a PS3 today, so I'm definitely looking forward to it (and Ni No Kuni of course).

Bryan Ochalla said...

Well, that makes sense. I hope you like DP when you finally get a chance to play it. I'm also looking forward to hearing more about and hopefully experiencing Ni No Kuni myself, of course. Hopefully it's as compelling and interesting to play as it is to look at!

RetroKingSimon said...

Looks splendid! PC version please :)

Bryan Ochalla said...

Hey there, Simon! I wonder what the chances are of a PC release of this title? It certainly would help increase awareness about the game, wouldn't it?

If ever you do get a chance to play it, BTW, I'd highly recommend doing so, as I really think this is a game you would appreciate. It has the look and feel of an old Genesis/MegaDrive game, and the gameplay is pretty unique. In fact, I really can't think of a game that's at all similar to it...

Bryan Ochalla said...

Simon: Not sure you'll see this (I'll hit you up on Twitter later, just in case), but I *just* saw on another site that this game *will* be released on PC soon. So, keep an eye out for it!

Here's a link to the site that said it's coming to PC -- http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/05/03/bleat-this-xblia-hit-escape-goat-heading-pcwards/#more-106715