We love all sorts of games. Sometimes it is hard to cover a game in our traditional review style that’s why we have tidbit-style reviews. These shorter reviews cover games that deserve attention too but simply don’t fit our good, mixed, and bad template. In addition, they get a monthly summary article to give them even more reader attention!
Escape from Terror City | 62%
Publisher: Eastasiasoft Limited
Developer: Renegade Sector Games, Eastasiasoft Limited
Fight your way through a series of mechanised enemies as you look for their jamming base; it must be destroyed if you stand any chance of sending a distress signal and surviving. Escape from Terror City is a run-and-gun shooter with dual-analogue controls, played in the third person, and consists of five levels to complete by actively running through and destroying anything that stands in your way. The co-developers Renegade Sector Games and Eastasiasoft, also the publisher, have used retro low-poly graphics and engaging gameplay to bring the basics of video games into the modern day.
Now, first impressions. I wasn’t expecting a great deal and this was purely down to the retro graphics and simple gameplay at the beginning of the game. However, I was quickly swayed in the opposite direction by the gameplay element, not so much the graphics. The gameplay does become more challenging as you progress, with the need to not only defeat the mechanical enemies blocking your path but to successfully dodge their attacks or you run the risk of death. Although you don’t have lives, you do have to be mindful of your health bar. Thankfully though, there are multiple checkpoints you will be returned to if you meet that dreadful fate. As for controls, they’re incredibly straightforward. Aiming is controlled by one analogue stick while movement is controlled by the other, jumping is bound to A/LT, and shooting is bound to X/RT. There is a simple story behind the game that is explained from the beginning and I loved this for such a small/short game – Yes, it doesn’t take long to complete. Additionally, there is the option of increasing the difficulty if you would like; also needed for the full completion.
Then we have the audio and visuals. I personally did not like the low-quality visuals but did appreciate their bold impact in the level design and combat as it truly made the game stand out in the modern-day retro genre. The details were far from world-class, being the style they were, but delightedly the use of bright colouring and shaded textures brought the environments to life. Animations consisted of the bare minimum but were smooth all things considered. As for the audio, I would probably rate this lower quality than the visuals in places. It tries to be fun and energetic with the music but seems far too casual and relaxed considering we’re trying to “Escape from Terror City” and there is gunfire around every corner. Without a doubt, it’s in tune with the retro theme but I don’t believe it’s appropriate to the genre in question. The sound effects, however, are brilliant and perfectly suited. The level designs are a little infuriating at times as you will find yourself turning a corner into the following area only to be greeted with a hole in the map, killing you instantly so it pays off to be a little cautious.
All in all, Escape from Terror City is an enjoyable game and I think will be especially for those who prefer some nostalgia with the retro design – great if you have an hour or so to spare. That being said, the visuals weren’t quite up my street and I don’t think the soundtrack is necessarily compatible.
Hello, I’m Victoria. I’m from the UK and have been playing video games for as long as I can remember; back on DreamCast. I’ve pretty much fallen for Xbox since I was around eight years old and remember BioShock being my first game on the Xbox360. Although I find it thoroughly enjoyable to not only experience gameplay, I also find comfort in getting lost and engrossed in the online worlds that sometimes differ greatly from what we know. Another side of my Xbox passion would be achievement hunting and gamerscore. I thrive when I hear the little sound of one popping up on the screen and I’m always finding ways to work on my backlog when possible. Horror is my favourite genre so if you have any recommendations, don’t be afraid to send them my way!
