KickTraq

We review the adorable prison inmate simulation game, The Escapists (Read More)

The Escapists did quite well for itself when being funded on Kickstarter. In the end they received about double the asking price and have been hard at work on the game ever since. The Escapists is still a ways from completion, currently eyeing Steam Greenlight, but already the game is ridiculously engaging. Here’s some thoughts on The Escapists as it currently stands. (Read More)

Welcome new backers, thanks for pledging! The funding timer has now magically switched to hours instead of days- we're getting close to the end. Todays update will cover the basics of the combat system Combat in The EscapistsInmates, guards, prison... (Read More)

We're down to the final three days now. Because of you guys we're 181% funded at time of writing, thank you! With a little more effort we might even hit that multiplayer mode stretch goal. For this update I'm briefly going to cover the job system.... (Read More)

Hey! A few have been asking about the music, so let me tell you the plan. My last game Spud's Quest was my first attempt at game composition. I was aiming for a Zelda/retro vibe, and I think I did a somewhat passable job for someone with little... (Read More)

Welcome to all the new backers who've found the game, thanks for your support! This update I'll talk a little about the reputation system. As always, suggestions and feedback in the comments below are welcome. ReputationSo as you know, you'll have a... (Read More)

There are currently 3 main statistics that you and other inmates can train while you're locked up- these are strength, agility, and intellect. Strength - This is trained by using weights in the gym or yard. As highlighted in the screenshot above,... (Read More)

Welcome to our new backers, thanks for showing your support! I've uploaded a small gameplay vid showing a little unrest during morning rollcall. Doesn't quite escalate into a riot this time though. As always, remember this is early footage. Stretch... (Read More)

Good news backers, thanks to you The Escapists has passed it's funding goal! I have another gameplay snippet for you to check out. First though, a little background info: The prison canteen puts players in grabbing range with certain cutlery that... (Read More)

To keep players somewhat amused, the inmates in the prison engage in general banter during their daily routines. Here's a little video example: (excuse the video lag) Thanks for the support of the continued pledges!  (Read More)

We're just about to hit the 300 backers mark, and nearly 80% funded- thank you all for your support!  Around the prisons in the game you'll come across all kinds of items. Many of them can be combined with other items in the crafting menu to form... (Read More)

As usual I'll start by thanking the new backers who've joined us since the last update. Thank you! Please strong-arm your friends and social media followers to join you :) For this update I'll talk a bit about digging and tunneling. There are several... (Read More)

Apologies for this being the 2nd update in a day, but I have some exciting news to share. The Escapists was Greenlit today! After under 5 days on the service it got accepted through, which is quite.. remarkable. I actually thought the email I'd... (Read More)

We've now passed the 40% mark of funding- thank you all for your support and pledges! A few have been asking for more info on how it plays and the replay value of it, so I'll address that a little here. Not all of this is set in stone yet, this is... (Read More)

Where do you go once you’ve successful Kickstarted a Dizzy-like 16-bit era platformer? Well, if you re the creator of Spud’s Quest, you create a top-down prison break game called The Escapists, and you Kickstart that, too. The developer explains that he believes the prison-break theme hasn’t been sufficiently explored by videogames: “Surely a game that encapsulates the tension and thrills of meticulously planning and executing a perfect prison escape would be fun, no? Well I think so, that’s why I’m asking for your help to make The Escapists.” (Read More)

Let's forget that there was an official Prison Break game for a second and get excited about The Escapists - the hugely promising title from Spud's Quest creator Chris Davis. It's a top-down prison break sim asking you to meticulously plan and execute your own escape; it's the opposite side of the coin to Introversion's Prison Architect, and something I've wanted to see explored in greater detail since Chronicles of Riddick's cruelly teasing opening few hours. (Read More)

Thank you muchly for your support of this project so far. We're at 25% after a couple of days, I'd define that as a great start! Whatever amount you were able to pledge, it means a lot to me that you all share the vision I have and see the potential... (Read More)

This new Kickstarter seeks a modest £3,000 for development of The Escapists, a prison break game that will allow players to get in touch with their inner Andy Dufresne, asking the musical question, "Surely a game that encapsulates the tension and thrills of meticulously planning and executing a perfect prison escape would be fun, no?" This is being developed by Chris Davis, the indie developer behind the recently released Spud's Quest. Here's a trailer with early gameplay footage, and The Escapists website is online with more on the project. (Read More)