Don't miss out on The Artful Escape

[Rumenapp]

The Artful Escape on Steam

A teenage guitar prodigy sets out on a psychedelic journey to inspire his stage persona and confront the legacy of a dead folk legend. Starring voice performances by Michael Johnston, Caroline Kinley, Lena Headey, Jason Schwartzman, Mark Strong, and Carl Weathers.

store.steampowered.com

Comprar The Artful Escape | Xbox

Na véspera de sua primeira apresentação, Francis Vendetti enfrenta o legado de uma falecida lenda do folk e as viagens cósmicas de sua própria imaginação. Francis, um prodígio adolescente da guitarra, parte em uma jornada psicodélica multidimensional para inspirar sua persona.

www.microsoft.com

 

[Fat4all]

huh, just searched, why isn't there an OT?

not enough interest?

 

[RatskyWatsky]

People are using the review thread as the ot

The Artful Escape (Xbox, PC, Xbox Game Pass) - Review Thread

REVIEW THREAD Metacritic & Opencritic: Metacritic (Xbox): 84 Metacritic (PC): 80 OpenCritic: 80 Video Reviews: Written Reviews: VideoGamer - 5 Shacknews - 6 wccftech - 7 IGN - 8 TrueAchievements - 8 XboxEra - 8 Gameskinny - 8 Attack of the Fanboy - 8 GamingBolt - 8...

www.resetera.com

 

[CannonFodder52]

I plan to play it after I finish No More Heroes 3.
It looks great though.

 

[Valet Jay]

.

 

[purseowner]

Need a new and capable PC, then I'm playing this ASAP.

 

[rafacamolez]

Game is beautiful, fun and tells a really cool story. Really recommend it. Gameplay is a bit shallow but it serves its purpose.

 

[Shpeshal Nick]

Incredible game and such a fantastic palate cleanser from all the same stuff being thrown at us constantly.

Might be the most beautiful game I've ever seen

 

[Kittenz]

Just transfixing. Played 45 minutes and was tired, so turned off until I can just run it at full attention. Beautiful game. And I'm not even a fan of kind of psychedelica or electric guitar solos.

 

[Clive]

It's a great experience and it feels like the basic endless runner-like gameplay really gives you a chance to take in the gorgeous visuals. It's also perfect for Game Pass with its short runtime but no filler.

 

[OnanieBomb]

It's up next once I finish Psychonauts 2

 

[Dizzy Ukulele]

Thread does its job. I meant to download this on Game Pass and forgot.

 

[AHA-Lambda]

Nah sorry but I dropped it after a couple hours.
It's very very pretty but there's nothing of substance to it

 

[Zomba13]

Played a very short amount but really liking it. It's very very pretty and the music is good.

 

[Rumenapp]

Finished the game and 1000gs. It's way shorter than i was expecting, 3h40 for everything.

It's an amazing experience though.

 

[flyinj]

The PC Gamepass version has way too much asset loading stutter.

Developers really need to fix this issue before shipping. This is the fourth "bigger" game to come out in a month with severe asset loading stutter on the PC version but not on the console version.

 

[pswii60]

The PC Gamepass version has way too much asset loading stutter.

Developers really need to fix this issue before shipping. This is the fourth "bigger" game to come out in a month with severe asset loading stutter on the PC version but not on the console version.

Click to shrink...

It's not asset loading, it's UE4 shader compilation stutter. You can fix the Steam version of TAE by adding the preload shaders console command to the engine.ini as it's running with DX11 (doesn't work with all games mind). But it doesn't work with the Game Pass version as it forces DX12.

At least it eventually got fixed with The Ascent. Still waiting for a fix for Psychonauts 2.

The issue is that UE4 is terrible at compiling shaders on the fly, it literally pauses the game while it does it, hence the stutter. Obviously once it has done it once it gets stored in cache so that same area shouldn't stutter again next time you play the game (unless you update your drivers). But there's a simple workaround for this, which is for the game to pre-compile the shaders on the title screen or during loading etc. UE4 games like Gears 5 and BL3 do exactly this. But baffling why most devs don't bother.

Edit: I would love Dictator to do an investigation in to this issue and raise it with Epic (UE4) and MS (DX12/GP) as the shader compilation stuttering is affecting the vast majority of UE4 games coming out at this point.

 

[Bitterman]

The PC Gamepass version has way too much asset loading stutter.

Developers really need to fix this issue before shipping. This is the fourth "bigger" game to come out in a month with severe asset loading stutter on the PC version but not on the console version.

Click to shrink...

Very disappointing.
I know of Ascent, Psy 2 and Artful...what's the fourth one ?

 

[Confused Cheeseburger]

Some people will love this game.
Like truly, herald it as one of the years best.
It depends how musically inclined you are.
I think it's one of a kind.

 

[hog]

I got about half way through it last night. It is gorgeous visually, and pretty enjoyable in its writing - though I wish they'd done just a bit more to make it an enjoyable platformer as well. Not asking for Celeste or anything but a tiny bit of challenge would go a long way.

 

[Ojli]

Play it for the audio/visual presentation; the gameplay is very mediocre. I loved it!

 

[flyinj]

It's not asset loading, it's UE4 shader compilation stutter. You can fix the Steam version of TAE by adding the preload shaders console command to the engine.ini as it's running with DX11 (doesn't work with all games mind). But it doesn't work with the Game Pass version as it forces DX12.

At least it eventually got fixed with The Ascent. Still waiting for a fix for Psychonauts 2.

The issue is that UE4 is terrible at compiling shaders on the fly, it literally pauses the game while it does it, hence the stutter. Obviously once it has done it once it gets stored in cache so that same area shouldn't stutter again next time you play the game (unless you update your drivers). But there's a simple workaround for this, which is for the game to pre-compile the shaders on the title screen or during loading etc. UE4 games like Gears 5 and BL3 do exactly this. But baffling why most devs don't bother.

Edit: I would love Dictator to do an investigation in to this issue and raise it with Epic (UE4) and MS (DX12/GP) as the shader compilation stuttering is affecting the vast majority of UE4 games coming out at this point.

Click to shrink...

Don't he Xbox series consoles run games in DX12? Is this just an issue with PC DX12 unreal games?

 

[pswii60]

Don't he Xbox series consoles run games in DX12? Is this just an issue with PC DX12 unreal games?

Click to shrink...

Shaders are already pre-compiled for all games on console, it's only an issue for PC. Games can't ship for PC with pre-compiled shaders as there are too many variables like which GPU you'll be using etc.

Also it does affect some DX11 UE4 games too. The Outer Worlds and Jedi Fallen Order for example.

 

[flyinj]

I got about half way through it last night. It is gorgeous visually, and pretty enjoyable in its writing - though I wish they'd done just a bit more to make it an enjoyable platformer as well. Not asking for Celeste or anything but a tiny bit of challenge would go a long way.

Click to shrink...

I really enjoy that it has no difficulty in the actual gameplay. It is all about playfulness and improvisation. And the constant flow.

Well except for the constant stuttering which kind of ruins that last aspect.

 

[flyinj]

Shaders are already pre-compiled for all games on console, it's only an issue for PC. Games can't ship for PC with pre-compiled shaders as there are too many variables like which GPU you'll be using etc.

Also it does affect some DX11 UE4 games too. The Outer Worlds and Jedi Fallen Order for example.

Click to shrink...

Ah! That is why, makes sense.

 

[Clive]

I think this is one of those games that actually benefits from a very easy difficulty and basic gameplay because it's designed to be an audiovisual experience and not having to focus much on the gameplay allows you to focus more on those other aspects of the game. My main issue was that the "hub world" exploration and dialogue wasn't always entertaining. The action stages were a delight though, in spite of their low challenge, or maybe in parts thanks to it.

 

[hog]

I really enjoy that it has no difficulty in the actual gameplay. It is all about playfulness and improvisation. And the constant flow.

Well except for the constant stuttering which kind of ruins that last aspect.

Click to shrink...

Yeah, I totally get the intentions there. It's not even necessarily difficulty I'm after I just want it to feel more fun to play. Like I don't really see much room to improvise as a player, you're just following a line and watching the beautiful backgrounds.

Still enjoy the game so I'm not trying to rip it to shreds - but I think there's definitely room for improvement there.

 

[flyinj]

Yeah, I totally get the intentions there. It's not even necessarily difficulty I'm after I just want it to feel more fun to play. Like I don't really see much room to improvise as a player, you're just following a line and watching the beautiful backgrounds.

Still enjoy the game so I'm not trying to rip it to shreds - but I think there's definitely room for improvement there.

Click to shrink...

The improvising is choosing when to "shred". I think you "shred" harder if you shred mid-air.

 

[thankyoumerzbow]

just finished it, absolutely amazing

 

[DeoGame]

Amazing game.

 

[Budi]

Yup Yup, it's been on my radar for some time! Will be getting it bit later on. Also happy to hear it's not at all challenging, might be a game my sister could play and enjoy on her Switch. It's been bit rough to find games she can handle.

 

[antispin]

Superb game. Play with one finger over the screenshot button and with volume on high. If you have a good TV and sound system/headphones, you're going to be in heaven. I'm jealous of you OLED folks.

 

[CloseTalker]

Played about 90 minutes this morning and loved it. The style really is one of a kind. One of my only gripes is it's one of the most screenshot-able games I've ever played, but so often there's a button prompt or text box in the way of a perfect shot haha. I wish they saw what they had and put in a photo mode, if only to remove the UI.

Only other real gripe is that the actual rhythm minigame mechanic isn't really fun at all, it never gives you that sensation of playing along to a specific beat, it's more just "match the button prompts". For a game so musically inclined, it feels like the one genuine misstep.

 

[Voodoopeople]

I loved it. Top 3 for GOTY so far. What a lovely experience and I was fist pumping by the end. Very few games elicit that response in me.

Try not to be put off by the fact there is limited "gameplay" as such. Everything else about it is amazing.

 

[Voodoopeople]

Superb game. Play with one finger over the screenshot button and with volume on high. If you have a good TV and sound system/headphones, you're going to be in heaven. I'm jealous of you OLED folks.

Click to shrink...

I have never taken so many screen shots in a game.

 

[ohitsluca]

What happened to the iOS / Apple Arcade version?

I was going to play it at work on my phone lol but I'm not seeing it anywhere

 

[Rumenapp]

What happened to the iOS / Apple Arcade version?

I was going to play it at work on my phone lol but I'm not seeing it anywhere

Click to shrink...

No word for now for the iOS version, only pc and Xbox.

 

[Snefer]

It's not asset loading, it's UE4 shader compilation stutter. You can fix the Steam version of TAE by adding the preload shaders console command to the engine.ini as it's running with DX11 (doesn't work with all games mind). But it doesn't work with the Game Pass version as it forces DX12.

At least it eventually got fixed with The Ascent. Still waiting for a fix for Psychonauts 2.

The issue is that UE4 is terrible at compiling shaders on the fly, it literally pauses the game while it does it, hence the stutter. Obviously once it has done it once it gets stored in cache so that same area shouldn't stutter again next time you play the game (unless you update your drivers). But there's a simple workaround for this, which is for the game to pre-compile the shaders on the title screen or during loading etc. UE4 games like Gears 5 and BL3 do exactly this. But baffling why most devs don't bother.

Edit: I would love Dictator to do an investigation in to this issue and raise it with Epic (UE4) and MS (DX12/GP) as the shader compilation stuttering is affecting the vast majority of UE4 games coming out at this point.

Click to shrink...

Most devs don't "bother" because it's not an easy issue to both notice in development, and because that requires some pretty savvy tech skills on the engine side, which most developers just don't have. I guess there is a reason why this issue is there in the engine to begin with. A developer like us has zero engine programmers, which does leave you very vulnerable and dependent on others really.

 

[pswii60]

Most devs don't "bother" because it's not an easy issue to both notice in development, and because that requires some pretty savvy tech skills on the engine side, which most developers just don't have. I guess there is a reason why this issue is there in the engine to begin with. A developer like us has zero engine programmers, which does leave you very vulnerable and dependent on others really.

Click to shrink...

Fair points. Kudos to your team for fixing it in The Ascent though, great work.

 

[RedSonja]

I don't really play that many games anymore, but I absolutely adore this game! Such a delight!

 

[Tommi813]

I found it boring… I was'nt interested in the Adventure sections. The Jump & Run parts are too easy and boring… the jam session Parts are nice.

Great Music and artstyle. 875/1000 GS

 

[MazeHaze]

Played thru this yesterday. Cool little experience, some sequences felt a bit repetitive and drawn out though, but I guess it's probably tough when people are already going to criticize the game for barely having gameplay

 

[Phellps]

I do wish there was more to it than just running and some Simon Says segments in between, but the visual presentation, the audio and soundtrack, and the story are great. Overall, it's an awesome experience. Worth a shot, specially if you have Game Pass.

 

[The Traveller]

I just finished this yesterday, and I thought the game deserved more of a spotlight on it.

It's the perfect 3 hour experience, short and sweet. The game is art in motion, the characters are well written, it's got a great soundtrack and while there isn't much gameplay, the game has a good flow to it.

Highly recommend the game, I wish more games were as focused and told a great story.

 

[Soj]

One of the most stunning games I've ever played in terms of audio visual presentation. Every screen is a work of art. I can put the controller down at almost any point and just sit back and appreciate it. I only wish there was more to the gameplay. Like, if you could go crazy with the notes more often or something.

Unexpected GOTY contender for me.

 

[Mr.Deadshot]

Charming game, but the stutter on PC is annoying. My wife enjoyed it a lot on Xbox One, but said it was a stutter fest at times - I hope I can avoid this on a modern PC. But she still highly recommended it to me for the experience and music alone.

 

[DarthWalden]

It's one of the most absolute memorable games I think I've ever played.

It's Less of a game and more like a physchadelic musical amusement park ride but I enjoyed almost every minute of it.

It is so absolutely wonderful and I highly recommend playing it under the influence

 

[NickatNite]

Glad this thread pop up. Have let to finish it, got somewhat bored with it 3/4 of the way into it.

It is very stunning though, and the writing and acting are great.

 

[Dash Kappei]

Does the game have FIGS localization, even if subtitles? I'd love to play this with my s.o. but if there's no Italian or Brazilian Portuguese subs we won't be able to

 

[Wouwie]

I'm currently playing this and presentation wise (music, art style, visuals, design, sound, voices, …) it's incredible most of the time. It's vibrant, creative, imaginative and original. A lot of work must have gone into making this.

That being said, i feel there are some missed opportunities when it comes to gameplay. I think more could have been done with music interactivity instead of just holding a button and watching the environment change. Maybe some platforming timed to playing notes or something? As a game, it's quite shallow. As such, it's more of a (memorable and fantastic) gaming experience than a game but i also have the impression this was the developers intention.

While playing, i thought it would be cool to see a proper platformer or adventure game with this kind of presentation.