8Bit/Digi

Survive a Game With No Rules and No Escape

The Aksys Games Panel was among the many highlights of the Anime Expo 2022 weekend. Hosted on Day 2, the panel presented new trailers for upcoming titles along with announcements for new games. Among the titles that were announced was Inescapable, a visual novel that forces players to survive a twisted game. 

Developed by Dreamloop Games, Inescapable is a survival visual novel that follows in the footsteps of the Danganronpa series. After the announcement, members of the media were invited to try a pre-Alpha version of the game. This is my first-hand look at Inescapable along with my thoughts on the overall experience. 

An Introduction to Inescapable 

Inescapable is a thriller on par with Squid Games and Battle Royale. 11 people from around the world have been kidnapped and forced to participate in a reality TV show. There are no rules, anything goes and the last person standing will receive the cash prize. Players will take on the role of Harrison, one of the contestants who has been kidnapped. They must navigate the social structure of the group and work to survive. It will not be easy as anything goes and some players will do whatever it takes to win.

To have an idea of what to expect, check out the announcement trailer:  

My Playthrough of Inescapable 

I meet up with Steve Stewart, Co-Founder and Head of Communications at Dreamloop Games, after the panel to learn more about Inescapable. Taking me to a private room at their booth at the expo hall, I got the chance to play a sample of the game.

The demo is set sometime after everyone has arrived on the island. Paranoia and tension dominate the group as everyone suspects each other of murder. Despite the tension, Harrison is trying to bond more with Mia. Unfortunately, this is disrupted when two participants are found murdered. Players are tasked with looking for clues that could help solve who was responsible for the murders. 

The demo session highlighted the visual details and focused on the narrative direction along with the detective gameplay elements. Absent was the narrative direction and other gameplay elements that will be part of the overall experience. 

Final Thoughts on Inescapable 

Even though it was a limited demo, it did present a good idea of what to expect in the finished game. Visually it’s very appealing and stays true to its anime influence. The dialogue was well written and easy to follow, allowing players a good idea of what is happening. Searching for clues was also a challenge but one that makes you examine every corner of the level. Overall, this is an experience thriller fans are going to enjoy when it’s released.

Inescapable is set to launch sometime in 2023. It will be available for the PlayStation and Xbox consoles along with the Nintendo Switch plus the PC.  

Did you get a chance to check out the Aksys Games panel at Anime Expo 2022? If so then share your story in the comment section below.

Disclaimer: Anime Expo provided me with a pass for the weekend

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the video game community and industry of the San Francisco Bay Area.