Escape Simulator: Wild West Review (KATY PERRY)
The current "Mixed" rating is totally unwarranted and undeserved. From most of what I see, it is a Mixed due to difficulty. But it's not that hard.
This was my favorite DLC by a wide margin and I highly, highly recommend this 5-room DLC if you are looking for a slightly more difficult set of rooms. Personally, I felt it was much closer to a real Escape Room experience and about the right temperature. In comparison to the Victorian Manor, Egypt, Space, and Corporation puzzles this catalog felt like a positive leap forward. What did it do better?
Graphically it is exceptional.
This is better than the core-game. Some developers push DLC feels like a step-back from the core game, rushed, and lower-quality. Some developers have a 'print more and milk it' model. Thus far, Pine pushes out higher quality in even free DLC than the main game. This $5 pack is no exception.
The puzzle designs are much better.
The developers relied a bit more on incorporating 2D text-based puzzles, which is a positive design change. These tend to allow for greater complexity and problem solving. Meanwhile, the core games' puzzles seem primarily revolve around interesting gizmos & visual clues. While, the gizmos are still there and are still great, they finally nailed more complex puzzles.
The world-building is a bit better
You're in the Wild West and it feels like it. You're no longer in almost exclusively square rooms with puzzles, but larger rooms that are less cramped. There is a bit more assets dedicated to lore. I love it, as square rooms feel a bit more boring
The story telling is still a bit 'bland' in comparison to the best IRL rooms I've played, but it's light-hearted and fun.
I think this is my only 'complaint' about the developers' style, but it is minor. I've seem this element in IRL some rooms and some were absent, so I'm not too concerned. But I personally, for instance, wanted to know more about the Victorian manor. Who is the family? What year is it? Why did they have a plant machine in their basement? Why am I in the manor? Who is the spirit? So far, the rooms feel to mostly just be 'themed' with assets. Same goes for the Wild West. Maybe this is more of a 'me' thing.
The main complaint from users seems to be centered around the difficultly of the puzzle, which I totally agree - they are harder and it does show. But we that's why we loved it. The core puzzle sets felt like a complete breeze. We personally did not feel it was too hard and did need to use a guide on any puzzles - but did both end up stumped usually once per level. Despite having infinite time, I personally think that is closer to a real Escape Room experience.
Overall, if you felt the core-game was 'too easy' and wanted more - this is the best set of buyable DLC rooms for those who like a bit more complexity. Remember to check the free rooms out, too (like the 70's room, Cats in Space, Portal, etc.,). Pine only keeps getting better.