Scientists seem to love locking up tiny animals and experimenting on them. At least in video game fiction. The fortunate thing about this is that it makes for plenty of opportunities to create a game based around escaping the evil scientific facility. In this particular instance it’s the driving factor behind Chillingo and Kiz Studios’ new maze chase iOS title, Critter Escape!.

As is to be expected, players will have to guide a “so ugly it’s cute” critter through level after level of increasingly perplexing mazes full of enemies, obstacles, power-ups, and challenges. Simply completing a stage should be simple enough no matter the player’s gaming prowess, but getting the coveted three star rating will require some fairly significant skills. Especially in the latter half of the game’s 120 levels. This requires not only making it to the exit, but also grabbing the crystal hidden somewhere in the maze, as well as completing a specific challenge such as finishing without being seen or under a certain time limit.

Critter Escape! isn’t just “another” maze chase game, however. While it defaults to a line-drawing control scheme (other options are available, including a virtual stick), it’s a very smart line-drawing controls scheme that automatically finds its way around obstacles. It also features a wealth of customization options that can be cosmetic (i.e. a funny hat) or both cosmetic and game-changing (i.e. a ninja suit that makes it easier to avoid guards). There’s also plenty of hidden content (bonus levels, etc) to encourage repeat play.

Keep an eye out for on-the-lamb potato monsters at the end of the summer, when Critter Escape! will be available to the masses for $0.99.

Okay, I’m obviously kidding but the inclusion of Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum wouldn’t be all that out of place in Escape to Earth. Someone’s been captured by aliens, then somehow miraculously manages to escape their captors and hijack a ship. The only problem is they have to get out of the mothership before they can taste real freedom. Or smoke those cigars. Last Independence Day reference, I promise.

So players will find themselves in control of yet another space-faring vessel, however things aren’t as derivative as they might initially seem. It’s true that they’ll have to blast away at many an aggressive extra-terrestrial along the way, but Escape to Earth is about more than just blowing stuff up. In addition to the other-worldly armaments (i.e. a laser and missiles), players also have access to a tractor beam and “repulser” which are needed to solve a number of physics-based environmental puzzles. So if they ever want to see Earth again, they’ll have to use both their brain and their trigger fingers.

Those interested in fighting (and puzzling) their way through this interstellar labyrinth can do so right now. Escape to Earth is already on the App Store, and it can be had for the low/standard price of one dollar.

$0.99

Escape to Earth

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2011-10-27 :: Category: Games

I can’t help but wonder; once mankind has branched out into space and begun to colonize new worlds and so on, would they really call them “Space Pirates?” I mean, they’re already in space. Space is kind of where everyone goes now. Why not just call them “Pirates?” But I’m getting (way) off-subject here. I’m not supposed to be discussing possible semantics for situations I’ll never encounter in the far future, I’m supposed to be talking about e3D: SpaceShip, a new “Escape” game from Bored.com.

After getting boarded and captured by these pirates who frequent space, players have to escape (duh) and take the ship back. The game follows the expected formula of finding objects, occasionally combining these objects and using them to solve all manner of puzzles. In space. Additionally, extra collectibles can be found and completion times are posted to Game Center. And who doesn’t love a good speed run or collectible hunt?

Anyone with even an ounce of interest in puzzle-solving or Escape-themed games can download e3D: SpaceShip right this very moment. It’s even free!

FREE!

e3D: SpaceShip

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2011-10-07 :: Category: Games

I’ve never really been “into” Escape games, but I have dabbled. It’s not that I dislike them, it’s just that I generally prefer my adventure/puzzle games to involve more character interaction and humor (i.e. of the LucasArts variety). The desolate environments for these kinds of games are somewhat of a downer for me, so I have to really be in a particular mood to want to play one.

Ellie – Help me out… please has put a Japanese horror spin on the fairly universal formula, adding an unsettling atmosphere to the isolation and loneliness that keeps the tension high throughout. It’s a bit graphic, a little disturbing and bound to get the heart beating faster. This is not a game I’d suggest playing before bedtime, no sir.

But creepy atmosphere and personal doubts about the innocence of the trapped girl aside, what makes Ellie stand out is its interesting use of in-app purchases. An “extra room” can be purchased for players who want to keep enjoying the disturbing story and world, naturally. However, unlike many “free” games it’s not ad supported nor does it lock users out until they pay for the full version. Instead, it allows users to unlock hints with real money at $1 apiece. It’s an interesting idea that might not work out all that well once people start posting said hints online, but it’s nice to see companies trying out new ideas when it comes to freemium pay structures.

Some may scoff at the idea of paying for answers to a couple of puzzles, but in all honesty some of these puzzles are very, very hard. That one with the drawers, especially. Sure it’s possible to jump online and try to look up the answers, but I expect a good many players might be too involved in their game to interrupt it like that. I think it might be easier for some to just bite the bullet and spend the buck so they can move on. And I think the folks at Ateam Inc are thinking that, too.

Only time will tell us if their idea works, but if it does it may well open up new possibilities for freemium games. I’m quite curious to see how this all works out.

FREE!

Ellie - Help me out...please - HD

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2011-08-02 :: Category: Games