VGSources / Games / Ocean Software
action-adventure game
The Great Escape
By Ocean Software, released 1 Jan 1986
- Microsoft Windows
- ZX Spectrum
- Commodore 64
- DOS
- Amstrad CPC
What it is
The Great Escape is an action-adventure game by Ocean Software, released in 1986. It puts the player in the role of a prisoner held at the fictional Heldentod camp during the Second World War, with the goal of escaping to rejoin the Allied armies. Getting out means planning around camp routines: prisoners must attend roll calls, meals, and exercise, and be in bed at night. Missing scheduled events raises the alarm. The prisoner moves automatically toward important events when the controls are left alone, giving players a chance to look for openings in the timetable. Escape routes include back doors, damaged fences, and tunnels, while guards and other prisoners can complicate or assist plans. The game uses isometric graphics and offers multiple paths and solutions. Its listed platforms include Windows, ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, DOS, and Amstrad CPC. The Steam release is for Windows and includes single-player and Family Sharing.
What players like, and what they don't
- Multiple escape paths and solutions
- Camp routines create openings to plan around
- Isometric graphics
- Listed for several platforms beyond Windows
- Steam version lists Windows only
- Single-player is the only listed mode
Who it suits
It suits players who enjoy planning an escape around routines and restrictions rather than simply rushing through a camp. Its listed single-player mode is for solo play.
The Great Escape makes the camp schedule and the risk of detection central to its escape planning. Players looking for a solo, isometric action-adventure can consider it, with platform availability varying by listing.
