Introduction
Duke has been taken captive and imprisoned by the aliens, now his only goal is to escape from his cell and find a way out the prison complex. Simple enough. Maybe blast a few aliens along the way for good measure! JAILBIRD is a classic oldie and was Page’s first release, which later received a small update on June 22nd 1997 under the title JAILBIRD2 making minor tweaks but is essentially the same level.
Review
Troopers serving jail time here with you will riot once they realise Duke is their cellmate nor will any of the Pigcop guards stand to tolerate his presence here without a good beating. Luckily you won’t be serving much time in this prison as JAILBIRD is a short and simple romp, a linear motion from the moment you break out of your cell up until smashing that nukebutton. There are keys and locks blocking your way, but barely much of an actual hunt to speak of as you’ll probably discover an access card before seeing the panel itself. While making way toward that grand escape a full prison complex tour will be in order which manages to contain all the bells and whistles a place like this would need to function; cell block, canteen, showers, security room, etc. Texturing can be rough but there’s a solid aesthetic all round, including some strong lighting as bright spots pour into darker zones for some nice contrast. I quite liked how those bulky generators looked at the basement area and addition of interactive phone booths inside a visiting area. Even subtle sloping on the shower room floor for draining water was a nice touch. Combat involves some consistent action that serves as something easy to shoot at, but there isn’t much of a threat to worry about during these fights as you’ll be armed to the teeth right before the earliest Commanders show their faces. Getting out of the prison won’t break much of a sweat, though I was surprised that you continue on for little longer once outside, ending it on a rudimentary Battlelord fight while knee high in brown water.
Conclusion
Simple and to the point, The prison aesthetic feels complete and your focus is kept toward escape with nothing more to distract from that. JAILBIRD is a relaxing level for being on the easier side but offers solid ten minute romp that wouldn’t feel out of place as an opening to a longer campaign.