Escape Goat

Not based on GOG version; review written with main course completed. Escape Goat is one of those little games that do one thing, but do it extremely well. So while little, it's an awesome game. I finished Prison Of Angus in a bit less than 3h30m, with 347 deaths, and all rooms cleared. That is my only 'but' for this game, it's quite short. Thankfully there's a pack of extra levels unlocked after completion of the main course, as well as being able to add more user-made levels, and a sequel of course. Briefly, EG is a nice blend of platformer and puzzle, where you must reach the exit of each room. I instantly made the connection with Solomon's Key, although in EG the platform side is way stronger. Besides jumping, ramming and pressing buttons, you have a small mouse as your companion, which will climb walls and trigger stuff for you too. You can't attack enemies, but you can use traps to indirectly kill them. It seems like there's a lack of elements, but trust me, there are enough, and the levels are cleverly designed to exploit them - against you. The pixelated, oldschool graphics are nice, and together with the synthy soundtrack, they give an overall retro ambience and feeling. The movements are fast and while you might not like that your goat has a little bit of inertia, it adds to the whole experience. And already mentioned, the levels are well done, offering challenge for both reflexes and brain. As conclusion, exactly what I said in the beginning: simple, but awesome game. Pros: awesome platforming puzzler, room based; deceptively simple, but enticing gameplay; few elements but lots of combinations, including your rodent companion; superb mix of both thought and skill. Decent: synth music, pixel graphics (both are cool but not that great anyway). Cons: quite short. Recommended if: you like or want to try platform puzzlers; you have a gamepad (not needed but it's nicer); you miss Solomon's Key. Not recommended if: you don't like platform puzzlers.

I really couldn't put this game away until it was finished.

I loved playing Escape Goat! The game has a lot of variety, lovely music and graphics to put you in the right mood. The puzzles are well-designed and keep you focused without creating frustration and the controls are smooth and precise so that you really feel in control. And God knows you will need control if you want to see Escape Goat through to the end!

At first I saw this one on xbla's indie section and decided to give it a go. All I gotta say (I truly admit) is that I've spent hours showing it to relatives and friends. I was amazed on how awesome this game was and it kept my attention for days. For me, this is one of the best indie games from the past years. And there's already a "visually upgraded" (for me, at least) sequel coming... damn! The atmosphere is awesome and sound effects are immaculate, very impressive. Escape Goat is way more than you can expect from your everyday 16-bit puzzle platformer. Give it a go. Plug your x360 controller and don't mind if it's short or if the learning curve is steep. Just play it!

Simple but compelling and addictive gameplay, inventive level design, great lo-fi music and visuals. Puzzles are enjoyable - and not as fiendishly difficult as they look at first sight. It's really fun to figure out mechanics of each level. Finished the main campaign in one sitting - took me about 3 hours. Time well spent!