Every chapter in the preview build had the same buildings and interiors. The only changes in each neighborhood were their placement in the city grid. Like a case of manic deja-vu, the first neighborhood in the introductory tutorial, is the same thing seen through the rest of the game. Even the people are the same in each building. Worse yet, is the game’s added revenue stream… in-game ads. The current ads shamefully detract from any artistic design the game has with its poor integration. 16 city blocks of grit and dirt, and plastered on every 4th building is a giant unblemished billboard advertising an array of products that have no place in Paradise City: Obsession cologne, Nokia electronics, and car giveaways? The mad grab for ad dollars is only getting worse as some publishers don’t seem to care if the gamer’s immersion is destroyed by Chevy Trucks.

Despite the reservations above, the preview build was enjoyable and fun. The game certainly has potential. What remains to be seen is if the initial artwork was stretched 4 times as far as it should have been. Escape from Paradise City should be available at the end if October.