The Escapists - Duct Tapes are Forever is an action strategy indie simulation adventure game set in a spy-themed underground lair. Players take on the role of a tuxedo-clad super spy who must plan and execute an escape from a villain's hideout guarded by henchmen. The experience centers on daily routines, item crafting, and careful navigation of security systems in a maximum-security environment with 10 inmates and 15 guards.
Gameplay
Core gameplay revolves around managing time through a fixed daily schedule that includes roll calls, meals, work periods, exercise, and free time. Players start with basic jobs such as janitor duties and can progress to roles in the kitchen, woodshop, or metalshop to earn money and access resources. Crafting plays a central role, with new spy-inspired items required to bypass locks, create disguises, and assemble escape tools. These include combining memoir tapes with a tape player for voice recordings, using dirty glass and putty for fingerprints, and fashioning outfits like tuxedos or henchman uniforms to move undetected. Combat and evasion options feature themed weapons such as flamethrowers or garroting wire watches, while tools like cutting laser watches aid in breaching walls. Heat levels from guards influence movement, and players must avoid cameras and restricted zones while gathering contraband safely.
Game Modes
The title offers a single-player escape scenario focused on one primary lair map. Success depends on collecting and using three key items at a central rocket console to trigger the ending. Leaderboards track performance across attempts, encouraging repeated plays to improve escape times or strategies. Achievements provide additional goals tied to specific actions and item uses within the themed setting.
The Spy-Themed Setting
The underground lair features witty dialogue and artwork that draw on classic spy tropes, with inmates named after notable actors from the genre. The warden resembles a classic supervillain archetype, and environmental details like hidden compartments and restricted offices reinforce the atmosphere. New audio tracks match the espionage tone, while exclusive craftables such as bomb surprises and sticky tape expand the range of creative solutions. No tower guards patrol the exterior, allowing wall chipping at any time without immediate ranged threats.
Is It Worth Playing?
This DLC delivers a focused strategy simulation experience for players who enjoy methodical planning and item experimentation in escape scenarios. Steam user reviews rate it positively at 84 percent from 39 reviews, highlighting the fresh theme and new crafting challenges. It remains available as a standalone add-on for the base game on PC, with no further seasons or major updates since its 2015 release. Those interested in single-player adventure and simulation titles that reward observation and resource management will find the lair's mechanics engaging, particularly if they appreciate puzzle-like progression over action-heavy combat.
- Exclusive underground lair with henchmen patrols
- New craftable items and spy disguises
- Leaderboards and themed achievements
- Daily schedule and job system for progression
