Can you escape from this bite-size puzzler?
Access Denied: Escape is a puzzle game where you have to hack data vaults and interact with various devices to escape.
Access Denied: Escape is a first person puzzler where you get to move around a lab, grab tools from safes with the right combinations and work on hacking boxes, each of which is different in their design and the solutions are never simple.
There is a hint system to help you, but sometimes these too aren’t that helpful so you’ll either keep going till you get it or you can look it up quickly online, something I luckily avoided having to do. You will need to meet all the criteria to unlock each vault and you’ll need to make sure each side is well examined for clues, inputting the solutions or using a tool to reveal more.
The puzzles can vary from inputting the right numbers, tuning the right frequency or even trying to escort a pixel character towards objects using a d-pad with limited moves, as well as some other surprises. The story has you interact with a scientist via the computer who will update you with what the deal is, though can he be trusted? A few messages here and there would suggest otherwise…
The game itself isn’t that long, but I felt it was the right length. It doesn’t outstay its welcome and while some puzzles are real head-scratchers, you will feel pretty great when you solve them. The controls are smooth and I didn’t come across any glitches. The visuals are simple, but get the job done. The framerate is solid throughout. So all in all, impressive.
The Verdict
Access Denied: Escape will test the old grey matter with its devious vaults, the hints aren’t always helpful but the solution is probably staring you in the face. It’s a decent puzzler with an interesting story behind it, I really hope we see a sequel of some kind as I really enjoyed what was on offer here.