Prison City Review

Release date: August 28, 2023

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S

Genres: Platform game, Shooter game, Indie game, Adventure

Developers: Programancer, Retroware

Publishers: Retroware, Screenwave Media Inc.

Engine: GameMaker

"Review Copy Provided By Retroware"

"Prison City" immediately caught my eye as a die-hard retro gaming aficionado. Its promise of a vintage yet fresh gaming adventure had me hooked, though I couldn't jump on it at its launch. Fortunately, I got my hands on it later thanks to some nifty review copies from RetroWare for both Switch and PC. Right off the bat, the game's blend of old-school charm and modern flair, with its kickin' soundtrack and an array of eclectic bosses, struck a chord with me. However, it's not all roses and sunshine; the game could've used a bit more spit and polish. Still, it's a heck of a ride.

Set in a gritty, dystopian Detroit, "Prison City" throws you into a militarized prison now a playground for some seriously bad Techno-Terrorists. It gives off strong 90s NES vibes, think "RoboCop" meets "Judge Dredd," with a side of robotic chaos and mutant madness. You're in the shoes of Hal Bruzer, a tough-as-nails ex-cop with a Chakram and an eyepatch, tasked with kicking terrorist butt across the prison's sectors. The game lays out its levels in a straightforward manner, sprinkled with hidden gems and secret spots. Your primary goal? Hunt down the Warden Key in each level to face off against the big bad bosses. And let me tell you, one of these key-guarding allies is a chatterbox bionic dolphin - talk about quirky!

The stage selection screams "Mega Man" homage, offering a smorgasbord of environments, from lush, mutated jungles to blazing factories. But here's the kicker: even with a mini-map, getting lost is a piece of cake. I found myself hitting dead ends more often than not, especially in the Power Plant level. The struggle to navigate through moving platforms and avoid electrocution added an extra layer of challenge, though thankfully, there are a few lifelines in the form of checkpoints. Combat-wise, Hal's Chakram is your bread and butter. It's a boomerang-like weapon that can be upgraded to tear through walls and cause more damage. But get this - take a few hits, and it's back to square one with your weapon. This, my friends, is a pain in the neck. I can't tell you how many times I powered up my Chakram, only to lose it en route to the boss. The game throws in some temporary shields and screen-clearing grenades for good measure, and if you're feeling peckish, grab a hot dog for some health.

While the combat concept is cool, the execution is a mixed bag. The upgrade system feels punishing, and the level design doesn't do you any favors. You've got Hal slipping through gaps and clinging onto ledges, but one wrong move, and you're toast. And the enemies? Some are downright annoying, especially the background lurker that sends a swarm of drones your way. The Chakram, while a nifty weapon, sometimes feels like bringing a knife to a gunfight. Take the Fury Rhoads boss battle, for instance. It's a Mad Max-inspired showdown where you're dodging minions and a massive truck. Balancing attack range and self-preservation? Easier said than done.

And don't get me started on the mechanical spider boss. Dodging missiles and avoiding its colossal legs while trying to land a hit? It's like juggling while riding a unicycle. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. The boss battles are the game's crowning glory. They're wild, unpredictable, and once you crack their patterns, mostly manageable, save for a couple that nearly had me rage quitting.

I played this on the Nintendo Switch, my gaming desktop, gaming laptop, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go and the performance was stellar across the board with no technical hiccups at all.

"Prison City" is a rollercoaster of fun and frustration. It nails the retro revolution vibe and is visually and sonically a feast. However, the gameplay can be a beast due to control issues and its unforgiving nature. Hardcore retro enthusiasts might dig it, but if you're sitting on the fence, maybe hold off until it goes on sale.

Prison City is a fun, albeit mixed experience. While I applaud the modern retro revolution that’s taking place and love the style of the game, the gameplay itself is hindered by the often unforgiving challenge of the game. Sure, you can turn down the difficulty, but I feel the default should be well-tuned enough so that the game is a balanced challenge. If you didn't grow up in the NES era then this may be way too hard unless you gitgud. Despite that, if you’re a fan of retro-styled games and want to try something new, you might very well enjoy it.