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Play OverviewPlay Overview

The Artful Escape (2021) is a narrative adventure with running and jumping sections that combine platform action with music-playing. You are Francis Vendetti as he traverses the universe, jamming on his guitar and harmonising with the various bizarre creatures he encounters on his journey. You use your guitar to aid your jumps and interact with different characters.

Francis is a musician on a quest to create his stage persona. He is the nephew of Johnson Vendetti, who is the equivalent of someone like our world's Bob Dylan and, in the opening chapters of the game, you begin to understand his legacy and the impossible expectations his fans place on him because of it.

You craft his persona, choosing his stage name and backstory and help him navigate bright and colourful worlds that react to his guitar playing, all while searching for a mysterious jazz club.

You explore the exotic and alien landscapes, guiding him up cliffs, down hills and across gorges. You can use his guitar to increase the distance of your jump, knee slide down hills and float in beams of light. Along the way you meet characters and creatures that you can talk to and interact with, choosing what Francis says to them from a selection of different responses.

The Artful Escape is a playful exploration of the love of music and rhythms. The musicality and beauty in nature and fulfilling your cosmic destiny. One for lovers of rock opera and air guitar flourishes.

Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked The Artful Escape 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 8 months ago.
Kids not old enough for this yet? There are lots of games similar to The Artful Escape. Here are some similar younger-rated games:

Play StylePlay Style

This is a Rhythm and Traversal game with Action, Adventure, Narrative and Platform elements. This is a single-player game.

DurationDuration

Play Time: This game will take between 4 hours and 6 hours to complete.

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

Rated PEGI 12 for use of bad language. This game contains use of bad language ('bloody', '*!@?*' and 'goddamn'). There are references to violence.

Rated for younger players in the US. Rated ESRB EVERYONE 10+ for Use of Tobacco, Alcohol Reference, Mild Suggestive Themes, Language. From a 2D side-scrolling perspective, players explore city streets, interact with characters, and traverse platform levels to advance the narrative. The game depicts some customizable outfits that are somewhat revealing (e.g., garter-belt lingerie, fishnets). Some characters are seen smoking cigarettes, and alcohol is referenced in the dialogue (e.g., “Think this place used to be a…possible hub of underage drinking”; "liquor license"; "champagne"). The word "*!@?*" appears in dialogue.

Skill Level

7+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it's important for parents and guardians to consider the maturity required to process the game content. You need a combination of timed jumping skill and using your musical skill to trigger elements of the road to enable progression. Understanding how and when to use music requires some interpretation and comprehension skill, as does the story that develops as you play.

CostsCosts

The Artful Escape usually costs £14.99 to £16.74.
 

The Artful Escape

XBox Store Xbox X|S £16.74
XBox Store Xbox One £16.74
PlayStation Store PS5 £15.99
PlayStation Store PS4 £15.99
Steam Store PC £15.99
Switch Store Switch £14.99
App Store iPhone, iPad Subscription Free

Apple Arcade

There are no additional in-game purchases, loot boxes, adverts or subscription costs.

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 09/09/2021

Out Now: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox X|S

Skill Rating: 7+ year-olds

Players: 1

Genres: Rhythm, Traversal (Action, Adventure, Narrative and Platform)

Accessibility: 19 features

Components: 2D Side-On and Hand-Made

Developer: A i (@A_i)


Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

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