The (Somewhat) Biased Prison Architect Review

Physical Qualities 8/10

Now, I'll start off with the visuals such as graphic design, interface, etc.

    The graphics are a simple 2D/paper-cutout design, with character models being randomly generated 2D visuals that are both varied and nice to look at. Also surprisingly simple, in the single-tone colour fashion similar to cartoons with the occasionals black lines and dots representing buttons and zippers, with thinner lines separating different colours on a single model. I doubt that you'll see the same character twice on any one prison. The background visuals on the other hand are much more detailed, with the black lines usually bering restricted to corners and other details that would logically require them. The backgrounds are much more vibrantly coloured, and feature shading and fade-outs where multiple different colours mux together (grass to sand, blood on grass/concrete, as common examples that you'll see in-game) along with shadows that can be cast by the inmates, employees, and standing structures. In short, the graphic design of the models and enviroments is wonderfully simple, straight to the point, and visually appealing.

    Onto the HUD which is, like the game's model and enviroment design, simple (mostly). The interface is basically composed of simplistic tabs and windows, with the only differences being some are expanding tabs while other open into rather large windows. The only exceptions are the Bureaucracy screen and the general management window, which is a stylised clipboard. Easily the weakest aspect of this game is its interface, which is cramped, contains no hotkeys, and is somewhat clunky since just about everything must be clicked in order to use it.

    Now, onto the game's soundwork.

    This game has good, high quality sound effects, using a variety of background noises for each room type (showers, canteen, etc) in order to make the designed prisons feel more lived in and active. The game also has a wonderfully composed soundtrack, with pieces tailored to bring atmosphere to the situations that require it (jailbreak, execution, etc). The only drawback that I noticed with the game's soundwork is that it is extremely limited. The background noises get repetitive, are much louder than just about everything else, and the game's soundtrack suffers from its pieces being dreadfully short, with the longest one barely lasting 3 minutes. This also one of the weaker aspects of the game when it comes to variety and replayability.

    In short, the only reason this quality of the game scores as high as it does is because I absolutely adore its graphics style, and if you don't then the game will end up being VERY bland for you, even if you enjoy the building aspect of it.

Gameplay 8/10

    Alright, now onto gameplay, the area where this game really shines. I will be describing the bare basics of its gameplay, such the actual construction and management aspects of a player-built prison.

    Construction is fairly simple. You select the material that you want the structure's wall to be, and then you click-and-drag, which will create a structure of your desired size. Then you select a wall material from a different tab, which will allow you to subdivide that structure as you wish, and then a door must be placed before the structure is considered complete. Now this is simple, easy, and also mind-numbingly dull. The only good things is that constructions can be easily and quickly set up, the only challenge being in-game budget and the wish to design an efficient prison for your inmates.

    The real core of the game's gameplay comes from the management aspect. You manage how many employees you have, how many you need, especially since they get paid, turning them into permanent-until-dismissed moneysinks if they're just standing around with their thumb up their ass. After that comes the management of the prison's regime and the inmates' daily lives. The warden (you, basically) decide how the inmates live their day-today lives, how well they eat, how much they get to sleep, what amenities they get, and what actions are considered punishable (ie. stealing stuff gets them shot if caught in the act). Of course, prisoners can and will rebel if they are treated unfairly enough for a long enough time, or if they're just crazy like some of them are. If the prison is ruled with an iron fist, expect frequent assaults from the more violent and unstable inmates. Of course, the inmates are there for a reason, and ranked based on how cooperative and dangerous they are. Supermax (most violent, unstable) reap in the most cash for successful containment while the less dangerous ones - predictably - bring in less.

Replayability 8/10

    The replayability of this game is very much based on what YOU enjoy. If you like building and managing, then you'll be able to play this game for a very, very long time. If you aren't, and are just in to experience the game, then you'll find yourself out of luck and very bored after a relatively short time. There really isn't anything much to say about this. You either enjoy the game's system and come back, or experience it and go "meh" then move on.

Hack Power 1/10

    There are no hacks. Get on it hackers, chop chop.

Overall Rating 8/10

    This game gets a shining 8/10. It's a game for those that enjoy building/managing structures with the occasional action moments if they are also particularly incompetent at building/managing. You either enjoy it or you don't, especially since this review is very opinion based, as seen in the title. The graphics are good, not great. The soundwork is good, not great. The gameplay is good, not great. This game is expectation meeting, it does not exceed them. Unless your bar is set particularly low, of course.