The escape room genre is certainly a popular one in the world of VR, and the I Expect You To Die franchise ranks among the best examples. Today we step into the world of espionage once again with “I Expect You To Die 3: Cog in the Machine,” the latest installment from developer Schell Games that’s set to captivate long-time fans and newcomers alike. Building upon the established foundation of its predecessors in terms of gameplay and formula, the Quest 2 we played keeps the allure of spy-fi adventures and intricate puzzles alive with gusto.
I Expect You To Die 3 casts players in another adrenaline-fueled ride, starring as Agent Phoenix, who as the game’s protagonist takes on Dr. Roxana Prism, a new and formidable adversary. This rogue former Agency inventor has a sinister agenda – crafting the ultimate robotic agent, endangering global security. While the story isn’t the focal point and serves more as a setting for the puzzle rooms, it successfully infuses the game with suspense and mystery, driving players to engage in their quest to thwart Prism’s dangerous ambitions.
I Expect You To Die 3 shines brightest through its masterfully designed puzzles, which as you’d expect demand cunning and ingenuity. Schell Games has once again meticulously crafted a puzzle ecosystem that combines clever problem-solving with a touch of trial-and-error. More puzzles possess a depth that encourages players to explore various angles of approach, resulting in a satisfying sense of accomplishment when solutions are uncovered after a few instances of failure – though you’ll blaze through a little too fast on subsequent playthroughs. Narratively speaking, the game keeps players consistently engaged and on their toes by injecting inventive twists into classic spy-movie (and spy-movie spoof) tropes.
The diverse range of locations, from snow-covered mountains to underwater lairs, brings a degree of globe-trotting richness to the story campaign, ensuring that each mission presents a distinctive atmosphere and an array of finely crafted puzzles. However, in a minor drawback, some missions may evoke a sense of familiarity due to some similarities with past entries – though this might be less of an issue if you haven’t played part 1 or 2 recently.
In terms of controls, navigating the game’s puzzle challenges is a breeze, thanks to the game’s intuitive and responsive Touch mechanics. The telekinetic powers bestowed upon Agent Phoenix add an immersive layer, enabling seamless manipulation of objects within the virtual world. Furthermore, the game’s inclusive accessibility options cater to different comfort levels, ensuring an engaging experience for a broad range of players.
Visually, Cog in the Machine captures the essence of its spy-thriller inspiration, invoking the nostalgic 1960s aesthetic reminiscent of classic James Bond films starring Sean Connery. The meticulous attention to detail and love for the source material in every location enriches the immersive experience, while the exceptional opening credits sequence and theme song stand as great examples of how visual aesthetics and audio can be combined to enhance storytelling.
Beyond that Bond-esque title track, the audio landscape of I Expect You To Die 3 creates an auditory tapestry that skillfully blends style with substance through exceptional voice acting that immerses players into the heart of the espionage narrative. Though sometimes tongue-in-cheek, the game effectively sets the tone for a couple of daring spy missions, and this audiovisual fusion stands as a true highlight of the game and the series in general.
Although this is a genre usually signified by a limited amount of replayability, bonus objectives, hidden collectibles, and time-based challenges offer reasons to jump back into this one. These components extend the game’s lifespan, encouraging players to refine their spy skills if they want to do more than just relive the same adventure once again.
I Expect You To Die 3: Cog in the Machine solidifies Schell’s place as a frontrunner within the VR escape room genre. Seamlessly balancing intricate puzzles, immersive aesthetics, and an engaging narrative, the game offers gamers yet another enthralling spy-themed experience. While some players might observe traces of repetition and the occasional predictability in traps, these nuances do not overshadow the overall quality of the game. Cog in the Machine succeeds in delivering an experience that keeps players entertained and captivated from start to finish, and is a must-play for series enthusiasts as well as an inviting entry point for those new to the world of spy-fi escape rooms.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 