Breakout Reviews
Author: Grimm Sharlack
Date: 2004
ADRIFT 3.9

Reviewed by A. Ninny

Finally, a game that has a series of puzzles that make sense. You must solve in order to proceed with the game, and they aren’t easy, either. Some of the actions leading to the solutions aren’t obvious, nor are they 100% bug-free, but in the end result, they ultimately work and you can get through the game.

“Breakout” is also stronger than most in having very good writing, a compelling story, rich game environment, well-described main character, and a plot that, while it revolves around a PC endeavoring to have sex with an NPC, carries us further than just the achievement of that goal. It also carries us further back in the game’s history, providing a long introduction and then several newspaper articles that help reinforce the game’s setting. The cleaning robot, while maybe maybe borrowed from the Vogon ship in “A Hitchhiker’s Guide” is a funny touch – it could have had more different actions to it, though.

Where it loses points in my judgment is that the sex is not thrilling enough, especially
considering that the NPC is of an alien race known to be the best lovemakers in the galaxy, or at least, “born to fuck.” Given that, I would have hoped for more than run-of-the-mill sex. What could an alien woman have to offer besides a longer-than-usual tongue? I don’t know, but the possibilities are endless and don’t have to be too off-the-wall, either. I would have also hoped to have seen more of the alien taking charge of the sex, considering who she was.

All in all, this author has a lot of imagination, can really write well, and I hope to see more of his work soon.

Concept: 8. this game has a backstory that develops and fits nicely while you play. Also, the
writing is smart and mature.
Characters: 7. The PC is fairly well rendered but I still have my doubts about the NPC - and she's
a prostitute.
Technical: 7. Objects in the game are described well and have good atmosphere. There are a few
weird bugs with a few objects, but I chalk them up to ADRIFT’s parser weirdness.
Playability: 7.5. Only a few very minor problems with objects, and one small bug, but one that
can get you stuck in an unwinnable situation.
Hotness: 5. I think that some additional time spent on the sex writing would have paid off
greatly.
Enjoyment: 7.5. Good story, writing, tough puzzles, environment & atmosphere. Only the sex
drags it down.

Breakout is scored 4th overall out of 12.

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