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Escape Plan (2019) Board Game

ByMichail

Escape Plan is a board game released in 2019, designed by Vital Lacerda and published by Eagle-Gryphon Games. The game is set in a heist-themed world where players take on the roles of thieves trying to escape the city with the most money before the police catch them.

Game Components of Escape Plan

  • Modular Board:** Comprising large, thick cardboard map tiles
  • Player Boards:** Double-layered boards for each player
  • Contact Cards:** Used to aid in escape and hinder other players
  • Market Items:** Various items to help players avoid police
  • Safe Houses:** Provide keys and one-time “Fixers” for aid
  • Lockers:** Contain bags of cash for end-game scoring
  • Notoriety Tokens:** Reflect players’ notoriety levels
  • Wound Tokens:** Penalties for encounters with police
  • Metal Keys:** Used for accessing lockers
  • Cop Meeples:** Representing police presence on the board
  • Private Goal Cards (Escape Plan cards):** Individual goals for each player

    How To Setup Escape Plan

    Setup involves creating a modular board by placing map tiles, each representing different locations around the city. Players receive their personal player boards, contact cards, and private goal cards. The game is divided into three days, with each day consisting of multiple turns. The exit tile, which determines the final escape route, is randomly selected and revealed only at the beginning of the third day. The game requires a significant amount of time for rules explanation, especially for new players, with a front-loaded teach of 30 minutes or more.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:** Players aim to collect as much money as possible from their stashes around the city and escape before the end of the third day.
  • Gameplay:**
    – Move from one location to another on the modular board.
    – Avoid police presence using contact cards, market items, and safe houses.
    – Visit safe houses to hire “Fixers” and access lockers with additional cash.
    – Manage notoriety and wound tokens to avoid penalties.
    – Use private goal cards to achieve individual objectives.
    – Escape the city through the randomly determined exit tile, avoiding cops on the final turn.

    Player Experience

    Escape Plan offers a dynamic and tense experience, particularly with 3-5 players. The game is praised for its immersive theme and fast-paced gameplay, although it can be overwhelming due to the complexity of rules and the numerous actions available at each location. Players must balance money and actions tightly, as resources are limited and the income track deteriorates over the game. The game’s climax on the third day is especially intense, with players racing to escape with the most cash.

    Pros

  • Immersive Theme:** The game’s heist theme is well-received, with quotes from heist movies and thematic artwork.
  • Dynamic Gameplay:** The modular board and variable player powers create a unique puzzle to navigate each game.
  • High Tension:** The final day’s escape mechanism and the risk of being arrested add significant tension.
  • Component Quality:** Excellent production with double-layered player boards, metal keys, and beautiful art.
  • Player Interaction:** Significant interaction through contact cards and notoriety mechanics.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules:** The game has a steep learning curve, with many rules to remember.
  • Front-Loaded Teach:** The initial rules explanation is lengthy and can be daunting for new players.
  • Resource Management:** Money and actions are tight, which can lead to frustration if not managed well.
  • Setup Time:** Setup is extensive, especially for 2-player games which require an AI player.
  • Price Tag:** The game is expensive, and some players may find it not worth the cost due to its complexity and occasional feelings of being too simple despite many rules.

    Personal Thoughts on Escape Plan

    Escape Plan is ideal for fans of Vital Lacerda’s games and those who enjoy complex Euros with a strong thematic presence. It is a great introduction to heavier games for newer gamers due to its simpler core mechanics, although the rules can be overwhelming. The game shines with 4-5 players, where the density of cops and the timing of actions create a challenging and engaging experience. However, it is advisable to try the game before buying due to its polarizing opinions and high price tag.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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