It's not every day you get to control a goat who is trying to bust out of a prison. Unless you work in a highly specialized farm prison, in which case you might want to rethink your career choices. Escape Goat 2 gives you the opportunity to guide an adorable little goat through a series of increasingly frustrating puzzles while dealing with some truly mystical hats. No, I did not just lose my mind; this is actually the plot.
In Escape Goat 2, players control a goat (no surprises here) that hops, jumps, and has a magic ability to create little clones of itself because apparently, it got dynastic ambitions. The gameplay is comprised of navigating through various rooms riddled with traps, enemies, and an unhealthy dose of obstacles. The ultimate mission? Break free, obviously, because nobody dreams of being the goat that got stuck in a prison forever. If you're thinking this is just your average 2D platformer, think again. There are puzzles galore, including levers, switches, and that oh-so-wonderful goat magic that allows you to summon a virtual you to pull a lever and distract the guards. Clever? Yes. Practical? It really depends on how good your goat-handling skills are. If these puzzles sound mind-bending, it's because they are. Each new room comes with its own set of mysteries, and you never know whether the next challenge is a brilliant work of art or a cruel joke meant to test your sanity. Yet, in the midst of all this, you get to experience the sheer joy of watching your goat make some questionable decisions; picture a goat standing on a robust lever as the floor drops beneath it. Comedy gold right there. The game also introduces those charming, mystical hats that grant our little friend various unique powers. Want to jump higher? There's probably a hat for that. It’s basically like a fashion show but with life-risking scenarios.
Visually, Escape Goat 2 is charming and whimsical. The art style is both seductive and minimalistic, drawing you into a world filled with color and quirky characters that make each room a joyful experience. Environments are meticulously crafted, reminiscent of a beloved cartoon from your childhood—complete with that old-school pixel aesthetic that elicits feelings of nostalgia. Despite dealing with a goat that has questionable decision-making skills, the visuals manage to convince you that this is a world worth exploring. It’s like a cross between a goat's dreams and the kind of escape room your friends keep suggesting, but unlike those, no one is getting therapy bills after playing.
In conclusion, Escape Goat 2 is neither a run-of-the-mill puzzle platformer nor just a silly game about a goat. It's an enchanting romp through puzzles that demand both creativity and a fair amount of banter. For 8 bucks on the PS4, it's decent entertainment, especially if you're trying to avoid scrolling through social media for the umpteenth time today. Grab your controller and prepare to help a goat escape from prison—because honestly, the world needs more goats living free. Just don’t forget to wear your metaphorical thinking cap. Or, in this case, a magical goat hat. 8/10—because if you’re going to play a goat, it might as well be a magical one.