As more developers/publishers join the growing gaming industry to get their piece of the pie, it gets harder for gamers to sort through the ever-growing list of random titles to find that perfect gem.  That’s not to say that 99.9% of all games don’t deserve the cardboard that hold them, but most of the time you end up with a mediocre piece of software that can be entertaining yet have restraining factors that limit it’s potential.  REBELS: Prison Escape, unfortunately, doesn’t break away from its peers.

In an unstable world, a megalomaniac dictator, Friedrich, rises to power and uses the situation to his advantage.  Under his rule, civil liberties and individual freedom are non existent.  Now, researching a mind-controlling neurological weapon that would guarantee his unmatched tyrannical power, only a few stand in his way.  The ARM (Alliance of the Rebel Movements) is the final force that must coordinate their efforts to overthrow Friedrich and his attempts for world domination.  Sending out his Elite Guards to suppress the rebels, he captures the ARM leaders and sends them to separate jails throughout the country.  Now, only you can reorganize the team in thwarting Friedrich’s plans and time is running out.  You have only one goal:  to escape no matter what.  Will you succeed?

There are 6 different multi-story levels, allowing you to take control of 5 uniquely different characters with their own skills: Blake the Veteran, Jonah the Voodoo Master, Jeffrey the Mechanic, Alicia the Seductress and Alexandro the Illusionist.

REBELS: Prison Escape is a real-time tactical 3D game.  Many gamers will find a pleasing combination of game play, a hybrid of infiltration, escape, and sabotage.  Though sneaking around may not sound entertaining, running through the darkness with guards constantly on the watch raises a few hairs.

I recommend purchasing or finding a strategy guide online when you purchase this game.  The game instructions are not always clear on what you are supposed to do.  I’m not talking about where you need to go and what you have to do to get there.  I honestly had no idea how to get going on the first level (which alone has dropped my social standing from a game-pro to a n00bie.  How degrading is that?)

The interface is nice, but the controlling that came with it wasn’t very impressive.  When you are playing a computer game that requires you to use stealth in escaping a prison, it is very important to get the handling capabilities needed to do it.  Most of the time if I tried to make my move, there was a guard that stopped me in my tracks.  It seemed as if I was getting more “GAME OVER” time than playtime.

This brings me to AI.  As your character attempts to flee, it is very important to watch your back.  Not just from the guards who pace through the prison halls, but even the prisoners.  Some are informers who find joy in denouncing you to the guards.  There are three way to handle these kinds of situations: the Good Samaritan Approach (no violent action, but a lot of hiding), the Judo Chop (knocking your foe unconscious), or going out in a blaze of gunfire (you wont get very far, though it is a lot of fun).  The developers did a great job in the game’s enemy A.I.  They react to sound and movement depending on their audibility and line-of-sight, adding an extra degree of tension when you leave the comforts of your cell.

The graphics are in a league of their own.  I was impressed by the general character models, though the rebirth of “the claw” (made infamous in GTA3) caused me to cringe.  In character conversations, after a small load-time, you get a better impression of the details.  Alone, the graphics don’t quite compliment the overall game experience; but taking into account the innovative design for 360 degree viewing, zoom functions, realistic animation, and a beautiful weather system, it makes for a nice package.  I couldn’t have asked for a better sound factor from REBEL: Prison Escape.  The character dialogue was believable yet creative, the sound effects were entertaining, and the movie-like music put the icing on the cake.

For $19.99, REBEL:  Prison Escape may be worth picking up.  However, the mediocrity of the game play wont make this title a game to remember.  Buy it if you’re a fan of tactical 3D games and play it on a rainy day.  It will beat the alternative, spending time with the family.

Gameplay: 6.8
There is really nothing new here, but the game play is still solid enough to keep things interesting.  Real-time tactical 3D games have found their niche in the gaming community.

Graphics: 7.8
There are creative character models, 360 degree viewing, zooming, fluid animation, and the sorrowful ambiance one would expect from a prison.  Just beware of the CLAW!

Sound: 8.3
Where can I get the soundtrack guys?

Difficulty: Medium/Hard
Even if you know what you are doing, its still challenging to accomplish your goals.  Find a walkthrough if you have any problems.

Concept: 6.8
Hide from the guards, take out your enemies, escape prison and reorganize your alliance to overthrow an evil dictator...its all down hill from there.

Overall: 7
If you have 20 bucks, a whole in your pocket, and a little free time, you are bound to have fun with REBEL: Prison Escape.