The Escapists 2 (2017)

Here is a two-paragraph description for "The Escapists 2 (2017)": The Escapists 2 plunges players into the ultimate prison sandbox, challenging them to risk it all and breakout from some of the toughest lock-ups in the world. Players must navigate multi-storey prisons with roofs, vents, and underground tunnels, all while living by strict prison rules, attending roll calls, and completing jobs. Secretly, however, they'll be engineering their bid for freedom across diverse and imaginative settings, from the frosty Fort Tundra to a train hurtling through the desert, and even into the final frontier. This sequel expands on the acclaimed formula with robust multiplayer options, allowing up to three friends to unite online or via splitscreen to create the ultimate escape crew, or compete in versus mode. Players can craft their unique prisoner from over 300 customisations and employ a deep crafting system to combine everyday objects into essential tools and weapons for their escape. A brand new combat system adds depth to prison brawls, while the inclusion of a Prison Map Editor, shareable via Steam Workshop, offers endless replayability and creativity for constructing and playing custom lock-ups. *** **Why it belongs on the list "Best games by Mouldy Toof Studios":** The Escapists 2 rightfully stands as a crowning achievement for Mouldy Toof Studios, building significantly upon the foundations of their original breakout hit. It not only refined the core "prison sandbox" gameplay but crucially introduced highly requested features such as full co-operative and competitive multiplayer, allowing players to plan daring escapes with friends for the first time. The game's expanded scope, with multi-storey prisons, a brand new combat system, and a robust crafting mechanic, demonstrated a mature evolution of the franchise. Furthermore, the inclusion of a Prison Map Editor fostered a vibrant community, extending the game's longevity, a testament to its successful design and execution. The continued support with free updates like "Snow Way Out" and "Santa's Shakedown," even years after its initial release, and the direct connection to "The Survivalists" as a new game in the "Escapists Universe," solidifies The Escapists 2 as Mouldy Toof Studios' most ambitious, polished, and successful title, embodying the peak of their distinct game design philosophy.