Escape From Monster Manor Review

Escape From Monster Manor holds a significant place in gaming history as the first shooter developed for the 3DO gaming system. Released in 1993, it showcased the power of the platform and provided players with a unique gaming experience. The 3DO had high expectations and Escape was a title from a major developer, so the hype was high.

The game's most notable aspect is its innovative graphics, which took full advantage of the 3DO's capabilities. Escape From Monster Manor introduced detailed and atmospheric environments that immersed players in a terrifying world filled with monstrous creatures. The game's use of pre-rendered 3D graphics delivered a level of visual fidelity that was rarely seen before, enhancing the overall sense of immersion.

In addition to its graphics, Escape From Monster Manor utilized the CD sound format to deliver a haunting and atmospheric audio experience. The game's chilling soundtrack and well-crafted sound effects heightened the tension and added to the overall sense of dread as players navigated through the haunted manor.

Unfortunately, the story development was a bit forced and relied a bit too much on gimmicks of the time. That's more of a retrospective look. When I fired this up on my new 3DO thirty years ago, it was a sight to behold and the stain of FMV had not yet been revealed. We actually thought that stuff was kind of cool when used sparingly.

While Escape From Monster Manor achieved technical milestones with its graphics and sound, its gameplay had both strengths and weaknesses. The game featured a straightforward shooter experience, requiring players to navigate the manor's corridors and eliminate hordes of monsters. The controls were responsive, allowing for precise aiming, but the gameplay could become repetitive over extended play sessions. The limited variety of monsters also affected the overall variety and challenge of the game. It was the sort of game you showed off your 3DO with but did not devote extended play sessions to it.

Despite its shortcomings, Escape From Monster Manor remains an important title in gaming history, demonstrating the potential of the 3DO platform and pushing the boundaries of the shooter genre. It showcased the advancements made in graphics and sound during the early 3D gaming era and left a lasting impression on players who experienced its eerie atmosphere.

If you're interested in gaming history or looking to explore an early 3D shooter, Escape From Monster Manor is a title worth discovering. If you play it after looking at some 16-bit attempts at shooters, you will place yourself in the right framework to see its innovation. I doubt you'll get engrossed by the title, but it certainly isn't bad and it's an interesting piece of history.