Escape Simulator 2 (2025)

I beat all twelve levels plus a few of the extra puzzles in 8 hours over only two sittings. Good escape rooms are basically excuses to jam a bunch of puzzles into a room and to make it atmospheric. Escape Simulator excels in having satisfying UI and mechanics as well as great puzzle design. The puzzles in this one felt better than in the first one. Each room had multiple really inventive and well-designed puzzle types, with no one puzzle type being repeated. They also blend into the environments and atmosphere really well.

When I loaded up the game I was given the option to turn off the timer in each room. The timer was my only real complaint from the first game because it made me rush and panic. One of the developers informed me in my Steam review that you could turn off the timer in the settings. I appreciate that they made that option more clear in this one.

EDIT: I learned that I was mistaken, and much of the content in ES1 was actually DLC. I still think it is extremely short, but I reworded the review to be more fair.

I am in extremely impressed with this sequel but a little let down. While yes, pretty much every single aspect of the original is improved... the game only has 12 rooms (within 3 biomes)? Maybe if the game was early access that would be fine, but its basically setting players up for a battle pass scenario with the DLC...

But setting that aside, the game is a blast. Every single room is unique, with very impressive and eye catching art design and layout. The three worlds included are: Vampire Castle, Space Ship, and Pirate's Island. All 3 are equally well done (except for the last two of the sci-fi, those were pretty bad.) The puzzles are also outstanding, unique, challenging, and a blast to figure out.

Definitely one of the best escape room games I've played, but I don't know, it just feels very short. So, maybe wait for it all to come out and get it on sale, or just pick them up as they come on a sale. It just feels like you are paying for 1/2 of a game at full price.