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Review: Back to the Dawn (Early Access)

7.5/10

Summary

Back to the Dawn holds immense promise as a gripping prison break adventure, offering players a rich narrative, diverse gameplay, and the freedom to shape their experience. The decision to release the game in Early Access demonstrates the developers’ dedication to delivering a polished product, with ongoing community involvement ensuring that player feedback shapes the final release. Despite the minor flaws typical of Early Access titles, the potential for Back to the Dawn to evolve into a standout experience is evident, making it a title worth keeping an eye on as it progresses toward its full release.

Developer – Metal Head Games

Publisher – Spiral Up Games

Platforms –  PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Developer

NOTE:

The following game is being reviewed in an Early Access State, the game may change after the release of this review and this review reflects the game at the time of publishing.

Back to the Dawn is an ambitious prison break adventure that plunges players into the depths of a maximum-security prison, offering a rich narrative and expansive gameplay. Developed by a team committed to delivering a captivating experience, the game has entered Early Access, allowing players to immerse themselves in the compelling storyline of Thomas the Fox. While the game showcases numerous strengths, it is not without a few rough edges, reflecting the inherent challenges of Early Access game development.

The decision to release the game in Early Access stems from the developers’ dedication to providing players with a complete and polished experience. The initial plan to feature two protagonists, Thomas the Fox and Bob the Black Panther, faced a setback as Thomas’s storyline demanded more time for development than anticipated. Rather than delaying the entire release, the developers opted for Early Access, granting players the opportunity to explore Thomas’s story while they continue refining and expanding the game.

The Early Access phase is expected to last at least a year, during which the developers plan to incorporate player feedback and introduce the full storyline of the Black Panther. This iterative approach ensures that the final release will meet the high standards set by Thomas’s narrative, offering a comprehensive and satisfying experience for players who embark on this gripping prison break adventure.

The current state of the Early Access version centers around Thomas’s full storyline, boasting an impressive 300,000 words and providing a playtime of over 20 hours for the first completion, with a staggering 50 hours for those aiming for full achievement exploration. The game features diverse escape routes, multiple endings, and interactions with 48 distinct prison inmates, enhancing the depth and replayability of the experience. Over a hundred quests have been integrated to enrich the narrative, showcasing the developers’ commitment to delivering a captivating and immersive gameplay experience.

The game’s pricing strategy during and after Early Access aligns with the addition of the Black Panther content. The developers acknowledge the increased value with the inclusion of the second protagonist and plan to reflect this in the full version’s pricing. This transparent approach ensures that players investing in the Early Access version receive a fair deal, considering the anticipated enhancements and additions.

Community involvement is a key aspect of the development process, with the developers actively encouraging feedback through Steam community forums and other social media channels. This open line of communication allows players to contribute their suggestions and report any bugs encountered, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits both the players and the development team. The commitment to refining and optimizing the game based on community feedback showcases the developers’ dedication to delivering a polished and player-centric experience.

Now, let’s delve into the heart of Back to the Dawn – the captivating story and immersive gameplay that define this prison break adventure. As a framed journalist navigating the treacherous waters of a maximum-security prison, players are thrust into a dark conspiracy that threatens not only their life but the entire city. Collaborating with an attorney friend on the outside, the player’s objective is to collect evidence, survive, and orchestrate a daring escape.

The narrative unfolds in an enormous prison filled with intriguing characters, each with their own unique stories. The choice to befriend or antagonize fellow inmates adds a dynamic layer to the gameplay, allowing players to shape their experience based on their interactions. The option to join a gang or embrace the role of a cunning lone wolf further emphasizes the freedom of choice integral to the game.

One of the standout features of Back to the Dawn is the flexibility it offers in character development. Players can choose their preferred playstyle, whether it be a tough brawler, a stealthy thief, or a charismatic hacker. The ability to learn various skills and craft tools adds depth to the gameplay, allowing players to evolve from ‘new fish’ to ‘top dog’ in their quest for freedom.

The prison itself serves as a sprawling playground for players to explore, with every location offering a piece of the intricate jailbreak puzzle. From the laundry room to the infirmary, sewers, and even the parking lot, each area harbors secrets waiting to be uncovered and exploited for strategic advantage. The emphasis on player imagination as the most potent weapon in the bid for freedom adds a layer of creativity to the gameplay, encouraging players to think outside the box.

However, for all its strengths, Back to the Dawn is not without its flaws, and it’s essential to address them. One noticeable aspect is the occasional lack of polish in certain gameplay elements. While the overall experience is immersive, some interactions and animations could benefit from further refinement. This is expected in an Early Access release, and the developers’ commitment to feedback-driven refinement suggests that these rough edges will likely be smoothed out in subsequent updates.

Back to the Dawn holds immense promise as a gripping prison break adventure, offering players a rich narrative, diverse gameplay, and the freedom to shape their experience. The decision to release the game in Early Access demonstrates the developers’ dedication to delivering a polished product, with ongoing community involvement ensuring that player feedback shapes the final release. Despite the minor flaws typical of Early Access titles, the potential for Back to the Dawn to evolve into a standout experience is evident, making it a title worth keeping an eye on as it progresses toward its full release.

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