The Artful Escape (PS5) Review
Updated: Oct 17, 2022
Developer: Beethoven & Dinosaurs
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Release Date: September 9, 2021
Platforms: PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Switch, PC
OVERVIEW: The Artful Escape is a euphoric showpiece that blends its stunning artistic visuals with absolutely sick cosmic guitar riffs. With that being said, no matter how mind-boggling the art and music direction might be, a game still has to offer something more for players to stay engaged and see the journey through.
Thankfully, there's a bit of meat on these extraterrestrial bones. It was a delightful experience and didn't overstay its welcome with my 4-hour runtime. Developed by Beethoven & Dinosaurs and published by Annapurna Interactive, we get one of the more heartwarming stories in recent years.
STORY: The game picks up with Francis Vendetti practicing his Folk music to get ready for his first show. Constantly living in the shadow of his acclaimed Folk-musician uncle, Johnson Vendetti, Francis must make sure to live up to that legendary legacy.
After a lot of nervousness and having epiphany after epiphany, Francis is "recruited" by traveling rock star aliens to be a supporting act on a universal tour. Under the guidance of Lightman, Francis goes on to discover who he truly is, and what he's not.
It's a very charming tale of re-invention in the wildest way imaginable. Throughout the story, you'll have choices that form the background for your imaginary persona and create a badass stage name! Be responsible with your stage name since you cannot change it for the rest of the playthrough.
The pacing is very consistent after the first few minutes and the story isn't hard to follow at all. It really resonated with me personally since it reminded me of the journey I had to take to reinvent parts of myself. That being said, Galaxy brains and performance de-hancers are not required to enjoy this psychedelic adventure.
GAMEPLAY: The Artful Escape is more about the pizzazz and spectacle of the show than it is about all the backstage work that goes into a platformer. Holding down the guitar button, players can rip a nonstop barrage of guitar riffs while running on a 2D plane. The platforming is extremely light and is just there to remind you every once in a while that you're still playing a game.
Outside of holding down the guitar button and occasionally jumping onto a slide with gaps that require slightly more jumping, there are "boss" battles. These performances have you matching the prompts given by your big bad audience member. It's not too hard, but can be a bit tricky at times if you aren't paying enough attention. I may have accidentally made some ears bleed with some of the tougher prompts in the game.
PRESENTATION: I don't know how, but the art direction in this game is surprisingly cohesive considering all the crazy designs this game throws at you. The music is also just as enigmatic. Each stage has its own unique background music, and players can decide to run peacefully along or whip out a banger guitar solo throughout the whole level and it just works.
The guitar button only enhances that feeling of rebellious rock 'n roll freedom as you play over all manner of different sci-fi opera-inspired theme. Or not. It's up to you how shred-tastic your persona is! The presentation is definitely pulling the most weight and it's to be expected from the game that received nominations for "Best Art Direction", "Best Score and Music", and "Best Debut Indie Game" at The Game Awards 2021. It's that freaking pretty.
FINAL VERDICT: 8/10
The Artful Escape is exactly that. An escape from all the pressures around you. It fully envelops you in spectacular visuals and music. The gameplay is so basic and easy, that it rarely keeps you from enjoying what's on-screen.
Even though I loved Francis Vendetti's journey to become his own person and the presentation really drives it home, the game doesn't feel very rewarding. There aren't any consequences to any of your dialogue choices or if you mess up during stage performances. It's a very bland game mechanically but tells a touching story using beautiful art and music.
*Watch 12 minutes of The Artful Escape gameplay below!
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