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'Escape from' is Ayopa Games and Massive Joe Studios latest addition to the 'Age of Monsters'
franchise - a series that started off with a free Rock, Paper, Scissors game that introduced
us to the world. Gizzard has been chosen by gauntlets infused with power enough to destroy
the monsters rampaging around the city, but first he'll need to escape with children in-tow.
The first thing that stands out about Escape is its presentation - on the latest iOS devices
the game looks absolutely stunning with sharp, high-detail artwork that's paired carefully
with special effects to give the game a real Saturday-morning cartoon feel. Quips from
the character and amusing interludes between buildings keep the tone light despite the
monstrous and otherwise apocalyptic setting.
Unfortunately, much like the impressive Wizard of Oz, if you peek behind the curtain, things
are decidedly less spectacular.
In short, the game is an endless runner, with players being penalized for incorrectly tapping
their blue or red gauntlet in time with obstacles in the world that are similarly color-coded.
Bonuses such as points, cash and power-ups appear occasionally and must be swiped, making
themselves a sort of risk-for-reward as you relinquish control of a gauntlet, but it otherwise
ups the difficulty by mixing up the speed and type of obstacles on offer.
Missions provide an opportunity to increase your base score multiplier, while coins collected
in each run can be spent on various upgrades, but the most worthwhile one (a permanent increase
to your lives on each run) will take a significant amount of time to unlock - or you can drop
more cash via an IAP.
Ultimately 'Escape from Age of Monsters' is fun, but limited in its appeal. Without more
variety in each run, the game quickly becomes a blur of same-ish corridors, all in the effort
of unlocking yet another item. With any luck, updates will put more flesh on this monster's
bony frame.