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CRITIK

The Artful Escape

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Artful Escape
Item: The Artful Escape
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Platformer, Old-School Style, Side View Perspective, Music and Dance, Single Player

AvailableSep 9, 2021

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5

DeveloperBeethoven & Dinosaur

Overview

On the eve of his first performance, Francis Vendetti battles with the legacy of a dead folk legend and the cosmic wanderings of his own imagination. In this 2D adventure platformer, Francis, a teenage guitar prodigy, sets out on a psychedelic, multidimensional journey to inspire his stage persona.

Elsewhere

7.7

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of the critics praised the story of The Artful Escape, with many highlighting its engaging narrative, impressive writing, and universal themes of self-discovery. Critics such as KeenGamer and The Indie Game Website commended the game for its natural flow and stellar cast of performers, which helped to bring the story to life. The Guardian and GameSkinny appreciated the game's touching tale of breaking free from creative expectations, while Pure Xbox described it as a beautifully told narrative that resonates with players on an emotional level. These positive opinions indicate that the story successfully captivated players and delivered a meaningful message. Despite the overall positive reception, a few critics mentioned some negatives about the story. Shacknews noted that the story and themes of The Artful Escape were well-trodden material, suggesting that it lacked originality. TheXboxHub also mentioned that the game handles complex lore but did not delve deeper into the emotional aspects. While these criticisms highlight areas where the story could have been improved, they do not diminish the overall positive sentiment expressed by the majority of the critics. In conclusion, the story of The Artful Escape received high praise from the majority of the critics. Its engaging narrative, impressive writing, and universal themes of self-discovery resonated with reviewers, who commended the game for its natural flow and stellar cast of performers. While a few critics mentioned some negatives, such as lack of originality and depth in emotional exploration, these criticisms did not overshadow the overall positive consensus. The Artful Escape's story successfully captivated players and delivered a meaningful message, making it a highly regarded aspect of the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praised The Artful Escape for its engaging narrative, impressive writing, and universal themes of self-discovery, with standout performances bringing the story to life. While some critics noted lack of originality and depth in emotional exploration, the majority agreed that the game's captivating story and meaningful message make it a standout experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

90%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of The Artful Escape are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. Some critics, such as Gamepressure and The Indie Game Website, appreciate the simplicity of the gameplay, describing it as easy and empowering. They enjoy the combination of platforming and musical mechanics, with The Indie Game Website even finding the experience cohesive and satisfying. The ability to play guitar solos at any moment, as mentioned by Guardian, adds to the free exploration and immersion in the game. However, there are several critics who express disappointment with the gameplay. Digital Chumps and Shacknews criticize the gameplay for consisting mainly of branching narrative choices and Simon Says mechanics, which they find unengaging and repetitive. Dexerto and Pure Xbox also mention the lack of variety and interactivity in the gameplay, with Dexerto specifically noting the monotony of the guitar battles. Game Informer, on the other hand, appreciates the simplistic nature of the gameplay, but others like GameGrin and GameSkinny find it lacking in challenge and depth. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some appreciate the simplicity and empowering nature of the gameplay, others find it unengaging and lacking in variety. The combination of platforming and musical mechanics receives praise, but the repetitive nature of certain gameplay elements, such as the Simon Says-like mini-games, is criticized. The lack of traditional gameplay is compensated by the game's style, humor, and immersive storytelling, as mentioned by GameSkinny. It is clear that the gameplay of The Artful Escape is a subjective aspect, with some critics enjoying it for its unique approach, while others find it lacking in engagement and challenge.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on The Artful Escape's gameplay. Some praise its simplicity and empowering feel, enjoying the platforming and musical mechanics. Others criticize it for being unengaging and repetitive, with limited variety and challenge. The game's unique style and storytelling compensate for its gameplay shortcomings, making it a subjective experience for players.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Artful Escape are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game's unique and mesmerizing visuals, with fluorescent colors, lights, and special effects that create a visually stunning experience. Digital Chumps, Gamepressure, and PC Gamer all highlight the visually stunning and colorful world of the game, with Game Informer specifically mentioning the reactive visuals that burst with color and movement. The game's visuals are often described as imaginative, jaw-dropping, and among the best of 2021, as mentioned by GameSkinny and GameGrin. The psychedelic art style, reminiscent of 1960s Peter Max posters, the Beatles' Yellow Submarine, David Bowie, and Stanley Kubrick, is also highly praised by COGconnected and Dexerto. The game's environments, characterized by stunning landscapes, unique alien designs, and vibrant colors, further contribute to its visual appeal, as noted by Noisy Pixel, Shacknews, and Guardian. While the majority of critics had positive opinions about the Graphics and Visual Design of The Artful Escape, there were a few minor criticisms. KeenGamer mentioned instances of slowdown during an escape sequence in the City of Glimmer, and New Game Network pointed out occasional framerate dips. However, these issues do not seem to significantly impact the overall perception of the game's visuals. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Artful Escape delivers a visually stunning and unique experience. The game's visuals are often described as breathtaking, visually audacious, and visually striking. The blend of vibrant colors, imaginative environments, and abstract character designs creates a dream-like and captivating atmosphere. The majority of critics praised the game's graphics and visual design, with many considering it one of the prettiest games they have played. The positive opinions of critics such as Game Informer, Pure Xbox, and PlayStation Universe further support the overall consensus of the game's exceptional Graphics and Visual Design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about The Artful Escape's Graphics and Visual Design, praising its mesmerizing visuals, vibrant colors, and imaginative art style reminiscent of iconic artists like Peter Max and David Bowie. Despite minor issues like slowdowns and framerate dips, the game's stunning landscapes and unique alien designs contribute to a visually striking experience. Overall, critics agree that The Artful Escape delivers a breathtaking and visually audacious journey, making it one of the prettiest games of 2021.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of The Artful Escape received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the game's soundtrack, describing it as fantastic, epic, and incredible. The range of tracks and the integration of music and gameplay were highlighted as major strengths, with critics mentioning the power of music as a medium and the immersive experience it created. KeenGamer specifically mentioned feeling like being in a non-stop rock opera from a different dimension, while PC Gamer referred to it as a heartfelt love letter to music. The audio trimmings were also praised for being epic and well-related to the story by Digital Chumps. The symphonic score, guitar solos, and voice acting were mentioned as standout elements that enhanced the overall experience by critics such as Press Start Australia and PlayStation Universe. While the majority of critics had positive opinions about the sound design and music, there were a few criticisms raised. Noisy Pixel mentioned that the musical sequences, although visually impressive, lacked challenge and felt repetitive. New Game Network found the freestyle guitar sections to be awkward and out of tune. However, these negative aspects were outweighed by the overall positive sentiment expressed by the critics. In conclusion, the sound design and music of The Artful Escape were highly praised by the critics. The game's soundtrack was described as fantastic, epic, and incredible, with a range of tracks that contributed to the immersive experience. The integration of music and gameplay, along with the symphonic score, guitar solos, and voice acting, were highlighted as major strengths. While there were a few criticisms regarding the lack of challenge in the musical sequences and the awkwardness of the freestyle guitar sections, the overwhelming consensus among the critics was that the sound design and music of The Artful Escape were very good. Critics such as KeenGamer, PC Gamer, Press Start Australia, and PlayStation Universe specifically mentioned the exceptional quality of the soundtrack and its positive impact on the overall experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics raved about The Artful Escape's exceptional sound design and music, praising the fantastic soundtrack, immersive experience, and integration of music with gameplay. Critics highlighted the symphonic score, guitar solos, and voice acting as standout features. While some noted issues with challenge and freestyle guitar sections, overall sentiment was overwhelmingly positive. KeenGamer, PC Gamer, Press Start Australia, and PlayStation Universe lauded the game as a heartfelt love letter to music, creating a non-stop rock opera from a different dimension.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in The Artful Escape received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics. Many praised the performances of the star-studded cast, including Jason Schwartzman, Lena Headey, Mark Strong, and Carl Weathers. Gamepressure commends the "expertly executed lines" with a "subdued humorous tone," while KeenGamer describes the voice acting as "phenomenal" and "consistently kept the reviewer hooked." Noisy Pixel also highlights the stellar performances of the all-star cast, mentioning that they blend into their roles with finesse. The Indie Game Website adds that the voice acting adds depth to the characters, enhancing the overall experience. These positive opinions emphasize the skill and talent of the voice actors, as well as their ability to bring the characters to life. While the majority of critics praised the voice acting in The Artful Escape, there were no specific negative comments or criticisms mentioned by the reviewers. This suggests that there were no major issues or flaws with the voice acting performances. The absence of negative feedback indicates that the voice actors delivered their lines effectively and convincingly, maintaining a high standard throughout the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in The Artful Escape is exceptional. The performances of the cast, including Jason Schwartzman, Carl Weathers, Lena Headey, and Mark Strong, are consistently praised for their skill and ability to bring the characters to life. The voice acting is described as "stellar," "phenomenal," and "absurdly good." The positive reception of the voice acting suggests that it greatly contributes to the immersive and enjoyable experience of the game. With no negative comments or criticisms mentioned by the reviewers, it can be concluded that the voice acting in The Artful Escape is a standout aspect of the game, effectively enhancing the overall quality of the narrative and characters.

TL;DR

voice acting

The voice acting in The Artful Escape is a standout aspect of the game, praised for its exceptional performances by a star-studded cast including Jason Schwartzman and Lena Headey. Critics laud the expertly executed lines and convincing delivery that bring the characters to life. With no negative feedback, the voice acting is described as stellar, phenomenal, and absurdly good, enhancing the immersive experience of the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

90%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the Technical Performance on PC, KeenGamer mentions experiencing instances of slowdown during an escape sequence in the City of Glimmer, which detracted from the overall experience. However, no other critics specifically mention technical issues on the PC platform, suggesting that the game generally performs well on this platform. Moving on to the Xbox Series X platform, there are mixed opinions regarding the Technical Performance. Press Start Australia praises the game for being well-optimized and holding frames very well, with only one minor bug encountered. This positive feedback indicates that the game runs smoothly on the Xbox Series X. On the other hand, several critics mention occasional framerate dips, including GameGrin, New Game Network, TheSixthAxis, and TheXboxHub. Additionally, GameSkinny highlights occasional missing audio during conversations, which can be jarring. Pure Xbox also notes substantial performance issues with frame rate drops and occasional unvoiced dialogue on the screen. These negative aspects suggest that the game's Technical Performance on the Xbox Series X platform is not consistently smooth and may impact the overall experience. Taking into account the opinions of the critics, the overall consensus regarding the Technical Performance of The Artful Escape is somewhat mixed. While the PC platform seems to offer a relatively smooth experience with only one critic mentioning slowdown issues, the Xbox Series X platform receives more varied feedback. Some critics, like Press Start Australia, appreciate the well-optimized performance and minimal bugs. However, several others, such as GameGrin, New Game Network, and Pure Xbox, highlight framerate drops and audio glitches as significant drawbacks. TheXboxHub also mentions performance issues, including inconsistent framerate and loading problems, but does not consider them dealbreakers. It is worth noting that GameSkinny mentions the audio issue being expected across all platforms, suggesting that it may not be platform-specific. Overall, while the game's Technical Performance seems to be more consistent on PC, there are some noticeable technical shortcomings on the Xbox Series X platform that may impact the overall enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

The Artful Escape runs smoothly on PC with minor slowdown in one instance, while Xbox Series X experiences mixed feedback with some praising optimization and others noting framerate dips and audio glitches. Overall, PC offers a more consistent performance, while Xbox Series X may have technical issues affecting gameplay experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

38%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of The Artful Escape are varied. Some critics, such as The Indie Game Website and Press Start Australia, mention positive aspects of the game that contribute to its replayability. The Indie Game Website highlights the branching dialogue trees and interactive options to customize appearance, which provide players with different choices and outcomes, enhancing the replay value. Press Start Australia also mentions returning to certain moments, specifically the big dueling solos, as they were grand and memorable. These positive elements suggest that there are some aspects of the game that can entice players to replay it. However, there are also critics who express negative opinions about the replay value of The Artful Escape. Shacknews criticizes the game for suffering from the same drawbacks as most adventure games, with boring game mechanics. New Game Network states that the game's short runtime of 3-4 hours and lack of reasons to replay may disappoint players seeking good value. NintendoWorldReport also mentions the short runtime of about three hours and the lack of replay value. These negative opinions suggest that the game may not offer enough content or incentives for repeated playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the game having limited replay value. While there are positive aspects mentioned by some critics, such as the branching dialogue and customization options, the negative opinions regarding the short runtime and lack of reasons to replay outweigh the positive aspects. Critics like GameSkinny and Stevivor acknowledge the game's charm and wit, but also highlight its relatively short duration. The overall sentiment suggests that while The Artful Escape may offer some replay value through its dialogue choices and customization, it falls short in terms of content and longevity, making it less appealing for players seeking extensive replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on The Artful Escape's replay value. Some praise features like branching dialogue and customization for enhancing replayability, while others criticize the game for short runtime and lack of incentives to replay. Overall, the consensus is that the game offers limited replay value, with positive elements overshadowed by negative aspects like game mechanics and duration. Critics appreciate the game's charm but note its shortcomings in content and longevity, making it less appealing for players seeking extensive replayability.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Artful Escape has received a wide range of opinions from critics, with many praising its visual and audio aspects. Critics such as Gamepressure, PC Gamer, and God is a Geek highlight the game's stunning visuals and impressive audio design, with references to its "showstopping visuals," "laser-powered light show," and "killer soundtrack." The game's dream-like graphics, fantastic soundtrack, and phenomenal voice acting are also commended by KeenGamer and Noisy Pixel. These positive aspects contribute to creating a visually stunning and immersive experience for players. However, the gameplay mechanics of The Artful Escape have received mixed reviews. Digital Chumps, Noisy Pixel, and Shacknews mention that the gameplay mechanics don't live up to the rest of the game, with Noisy Pixel specifically noting that the gameplay feels shallow and lacks challenge. GameGrin and Pure Xbox also mention the lack of interactivity and occasional technical issues as drawbacks. These criticisms suggest that while the game excels in its visual and audio aspects, it falls short in terms of gameplay mechanics and technical performance. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Artful Escape is a visually stunning and unique adventure. Critics such as KeenGamer, The Indie Game Website, and Washington Post praise the game's engaging story, impressive writing, stellar cast, and enjoyable gameplay. The game's distinct and visually stunning experience, captivating story, and engaging narrative are also mentioned positively by critics like Slant Magazine and Game Informer. However, there is a general acknowledgment that the game lacks depth of interactivity and meaningful choices, as mentioned by Slant Magazine and GameCritics. Despite these criticisms, the game is still regarded as a worthwhile and enjoyable experience by many critics, with COGconnected describing it as "emotionally rich and resonant" and Dexerto calling it an "abstract and unique experience." In conclusion, The Artful Escape is a visually and sonically impressive game that offers a unique and engaging adventure. The game's stunning visuals, impressive audio design, and captivating story are praised by multiple critics. However, there are concerns about the shallow gameplay mechanics, lack of interactivity, and occasional technical issues. Despite these drawbacks, the overall consensus among critics is that The Artful Escape is a worthwhile experience that leaves players satisfied but wanting more, with its unique style, humor, and emotional resonance making it a standout title in the indie game scene.

TL;DR

The Artful Escape wows with stunning visuals and killer soundtrack, but falls short in gameplay mechanics. Critics praise its unique adventure and captivating story, despite lacking depth and interactivity. A visually and sonically impressive experience worth exploring for its style and emotional resonance.

CRITIK

Reviews

103 reviews found

100

Gaming Age

Nintendo Switch

Jun 30, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Artful Escape is described as an amazing creation and one of the best games of the year when all its individual pieces are mixed together.

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100

Stevivor

Xbox Series X

Sep 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A heartwarming experience with stellar character building and narrative, highly recommended for Xbox Game Pass subscribers

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God is a Geek

Xbox Series X

Sep 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Artful Escape is a bold and beautiful trip through the cosmos, featuring a killer soundtrack and a thrilling space adventure.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Jan 25, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Artful Escape is an indie game that handles its subject matter well on both a technical and allegorical level. Despite some minor issues, it is highly recommended and worthy of players' time.

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GameCritics

Xbox Series X

Sep 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer enjoyed playing The Artful Escape and considers it a worthwhile and unique experience. They appreciate the game's vision and hope it inspires more music video-like games.

The Indie Game Website

Oct 4, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Artful Escape is a game without a genre, blending familiar elements in an unfamiliar way. It leaves the audience satisfied but wanting more.

Gamepressure

Sep 10, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A stimulating story of discovery with expert cast, beautiful worlds, and clever writing

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TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Sep 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Artful Escape is an exciting, well-acted feast for the senses. It is imaginative and enthralling, with a few technical issues that don't detract from the overall experience.

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COGconnected

Xbox One

Sep 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Artful Escape is an emotionally rich and resonant game that explores the power of collaboration, the struggle for identity, and the mind-blowing sound of the galactic symphony. It missteps in some areas, but overall it is surprising and joyous.

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KeenGamer

Sep 17, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Artful Escape is the strongest release from the publisher this year and a truly unique adventure. The engaging story, impressive writing, stellar cast, enjoyable gameplay, dream-like graphics, fantastic soundtrack, and phenomenal voice acting make it a highly recommended experience.

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