The use of physics in games is fast becoming the norm when it comes to mobile games, and there’s no trouble in seeing why – just look at the success enjoyed by the Angry Birds series. It’s perhaps not surprising that they’ve become this popular, after all physics elements can make a small game feel big and bring a new dimension to things. Dummy Escape is a game that heavily relies on physics and is built around the excellent Unity engine. Read on to see if this is the latest game to use Physics to great effect.
Description: Dummy Escape is sort of what would happen if a crash test dummy was let loose in Portal. You’ve got to guide the dummy through 100 levels – 22 in the Lite version – in an experimental bunker. You’ll have to roll the dummy mid-flight to gain higher lifts and power-ups and get the dummy to the portals by bouncing over obstacles, flipping switches and more. Take a look at the video below to see more.
How it Works: To get started with Dummy Escape, you’ll have to go and install the game from the Play Store, after that you’re ready to start playing.
Getting through the first few levels is a little vague but, the game does offer you a little help. Basically, you can hold left and right to roll in mid-air, you need to land at an angle, to carry on in that direction:
Essentially what you have to is make sure the Dummy lands on the floor with his feet face down, in order for him to jump back up. The bar at the top gives you an idea of how many “auto jumps” you have left. On either side of the display there are buttons which will roll the Dummy in the air, hold down the button to keep him rolling and let go for him to stop. Rolling and then landing will help to boost the height of his jumps and earn power-ups.
The aim of the game is to get to the end of the level and have the Dummy escape through the portal, it sounds easy, but it quickly gets quite challenging as you progress through the levels:
You’ve often got to do something before you can get into the portal, and the game takes you through this in the first few levels:
It takes some time to get used to the game but once you do, you could find yourself coming for more. It’s certainly a unique game and if you’re fed up of flinging birds and running through historical ruins, this is a game to try.
Opinion: There’s pretty much no other game like Dummy Escape in the Play Store right now and depending on your outlook that could be a good thing or a bad thing. Physics are of course something that are here to stay and if they’re implemented in the right way, they can make a game brilliant. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that Dummy Escape is a little weird but, that helps to keep you playing and once the mechanics become clear to you, there’s little to stop you from continuing to play.
Ratings
- Speed (4/5) – Using the Unity engine, everything runs smoothly with no issues on a number of devices.
- Features (3/5) – It takes a while to get used to the bizarre controls and the overall concept but once you do, the mechanics of the game can become addictive.
- Theme (4/5) – With a look that’s reminiscent of Portal, there’s a lot to like about the villages and it’s a good 2.5D option on Android.
- Overall (4/5) – Dummy Escape is a strange game but, once you get used to it, it could well become addictive and hard to put down.
Pros
- Truly unique game concept is certainly a breath of fresh air.
- Gameplay can quickly become addictive.
- 2.5D side-scrolling brings really good-looking graphics.
- There’s a feeling of accomplishment as you progress through the challenges.
Cons
- While the level design is good, menus and controls could do with added polish.
- Concept is hard to grasp and the How To levels aren’t too much help.
Conclusion: More than anything else out there, Dummy Escape is a great option for those looking for something fresh and different. The use of physics here is unique and should have you coming back for more, time and time again. It’s a shame that the tutorial is fairly non-existent but, it’s not that difficult to grasp and the mechanics are certainly interesting. Built on the brilliant Unity engine, the graphics are good and animations are fluid throughout. It’s definitely a game worth checking out and one to suggest to friends.