Release Date: January 25, 2022 - PS4, PS5 | September 9, 2021 - PC, Xbox One and X/S
Developer: Beethoven and Dinosaur
Platform: PlayStation 5
Price: $19.99, Also included with PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium

Unlike most kids I wouldn’t say I grew up on Guitar Hero. Of course, I was aware it existed and played it at friend’s houses but I never had it myself - Rock Band either. I was more interested in DJ Hero which ironically most people didn’t like. Rhythm games became more associated with phones as time went on and “walking simulators” are a genre game that’s very accessible but not always the most stimulating. The Artful Escape combines both with a heavy focus on the former.

The Artful Escape originally released on Xbox and PC in September 2021 and was ported to PS4 and PS5 in January 2022. I was able to play it when it joined the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog in July 2022. I discovered the game via a recommended article and its premise and the few screenshots in the piece pulled me in right away. “Psychedelic” is a buzzword for many forms of art and it was used in pretty much every article I read about the game– and it is the perfect adjective for it. As I previously stated, it’s a linear walking simulator with specific moments where the rhythm gameplay aspect comes in. Between these are tried and true dialogue bubble segments, but in The Artful Escape the excellent voice cast and stylized tone and humor make these moments entertaining and even thought provoking. Sometimes the dialogue scenes offer a group of three responses and they do have an effect on what happens in the game but only on conversations throughout and it’s nothing directly impactful to the plot or sequence of events–no secret/alternate endings here.

Lightman has a thing for grandiose displays. Screenshot provided by author.

The story follows a character named Francis Vendetti, the nephew of a world renowned folk singer named Johnson Vendetti. His small town of Calypso expects him to carry on his uncle’s legacy but with the help of characters Violetta and Lightman and more, he learns his desires to grow beyond that are possible…he just has to escape. The game begins in his town and takes him to another universe where he meets aliens of various sizes, personalities and looks and visits corresponding planets that are just as colorful and astounding.

Francis realizes how big he has become. Image provided by author.

The rhythm gameplay aspects make use of PlayStation’s triangle, square and circle buttons as well as the L1 and R1 triggers. These sequences are like a game of memory and never are too difficult to copy especially since it repeats if you get it wrong or remain idle. There’s a color coded graphic that appears during these moments and when playing with the various creatures it appears as a natural part of their body/face which is a creative design choice. You can also play your guitar anytime you want while going through a level which will often have an environmental effect that enhances the already awe inspiring visuals. The downside is the riffs for these moments remain the same throughout the entire game. Traversing levels is quite easy with the X/cross button being used to jump and mantle various rocks and ledges. I wouldn’t quite call it a platformer because these elements are present throughout the whole game but they’re about a one on the difficulty scale. This makes just enjoying the environments and music in each level (which are often directly synced) easy to take in and appreciate at your own pace. A dedicated photo mode isn’t included–or needed– as due to the side scrolling angle and environmental design, screenshotting in the moment works out well.

Views that take up the entire screen a large part of the game’s experience. Image provided by author.

The Artful Escape is a single player experience that fans of music and storytelling will enjoy. Trophy hunters will appreciate the grand total of 13 available with seven being based on completion and the others being very easy tasks. Many have called it one the easiest platinum trophies ever and I would agree. It’s a fun game with excellent visuals that is perfect for relaxing after playing more demanding games.

PROS:

Short Playthrough (4 hours)
Accessibility
Unique experience

CONS

No replay value

The Artful Escape Review