Escape Academy is Free on Epic

Monday, the sun saw fit to rise, I was still trying to make sense of a 6-0 win, and I had to polish off the turd that is January’s Prime Gaming offers, which aren’t terrible just not great. Also, there is open registration for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players to do a network test of Elden Ring Nightreign. Tuesday, Architect Life is doing more for fans of The Sims in the anniversary year of The Sims (1) than EA, and Luck Be A Landlord has a console release date. Wednesday, Afterlove EP has a release date, finally.

Moving on to the Epic Games Store and it is another one of those January offerings, something not for everyone, but most people are probably going to pick up Escape Academy, if they haven’t already. Available for a single day last January, Escape Academy is one of those escape-room simulators that we keep seeing pop up, offering Jonathan Blow-level puzzles, and often trying to be as broad appeal as possible. Coin Crew Games’ 2022 release isn’t much different, with a big-bold art style and a decent amount of color.

That said, it also does that other thing I think is utterly detestable: it suggests I play games with others. Being co-op focused, it is another one of those “it’s better with friends” experiences. This is a sentiment I’ve never understood because of course things are better with people, any time I’m around others I’m trying to make them laugh or feel happy to keep away the bitter, dark demons that try to eat me like a Stargate Atlantis Wraith. TMI? Games with other people are always going to be more fun because you inherently have a good time with that person/people, hopefully.

All this week, you can pick up Escape Academy on the Epic Games Store until the morning of the 23rd of January. Moving on to the next offering, it isn’t much better but at least I’m not being asked to force another person to suffer my existence. Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery is another puzzle game. Though this one is done a more artsy-fartsy way that has a beautiful art direction that is breathtaking. Yes, sometimes I wonder why I’m not paid for this level of PR either.