As someone who has a penchant for retro and indie adventures, it comes as no surprise that I have been keeping a close eye on Prison City for quite some time now, thanks to the ever-mysterious workings of the Twitter algorithm. Regrettably, I couldn't manage to try out the game when it initially launched, but I recently carved out a little pocket of time to immerse myself in this virtual world. I must say, Prison City ticks off several boxes on my list of video game preferences.
It successfully blends modern elements with a nostalgic charm, delivering a visually appealing experience accompanied by an infectious soundtrack. Additionally, the diverse range of bosses encountered throughout the game adds excitement and variety. However, I must admit that Prison City fell slightly short of my expectations in terms of polish and refinement. Nonetheless, overall, it still provides an enjoyable and entertaining experience.
Prison City is an exhilarating and action-packed video game that sets the stage in a dystopian future. The game revolves around a highly fortified prison complex located in the heart of Detroit, which is unexpectedly seized by a group of merciless Techno-Terrorists. Drawing inspiration from iconic NES games, Prison City immerses players in a thrilling adventure set in 1997. With intriguing elements reminiscent of cult classics like RoboCop and Judge Dredd, the game envelops players in a twisted world filled with robots, mutants, and other captivating sci-fi wonders.
As Hal Bruzer, a former cop, players must answer the call of duty and embark on a dangerous mission to infiltrate Prison City. Equipped with only a trusty Chakram, an eyepatch, and an unwavering determination, players must navigate through the various Wards of the prison and vanquish the Techno-Terrorists to restore peace and save the day.
The levels in Prison City offer a predominantly linear gameplay experience, providing a clear direction for players to follow. However, there are numerous opportunities to explore distant corners and uncover hidden areas that add an element of excitement and discovery. The ultimate objective in each level is to locate the Warden Key, a vital item that unlocks the boss door. This key is cleverly safeguarded by various allies strategically positioned throughout the game.
Among these allies, the most remarkable is a bionic dolphin endowed with the ability to communicate flawlessly in English. This unexpected and intriguing character adds an element of surprise and wonder to the game, making the journey through Prison City all the more captivating.
Stage Selection Marvels
The game further solidifies its NES style by incorporating a stage select option that would fit perfectly in a Mega Man game. One aspect that stood out to me was the diverse range of stages, each offering a unique setting and challenge. From vibrant, mutated forests to fiery factories and even a sports stadium, there was always something new and exciting to explore. However, one aspect that left me slightly frustrated was the ease at which I could veer off track and become locked out of the main route.
In particular, the Power Plant level presented a situation where I had obtained the Warden Key, only to discover that the way forward was completely obstructed. I had to carefully navigate through moving platforms and endure a few electric shocks in order to find the correct path towards the boss door. Fortunately, the game does provide a few checkpoints throughout each area that serve as respawn points when you inevitably meet your demise. Additionally, once you reach the boss room, respawning occurs directly there, alleviating some of the frustration.
In terms of combat, Hal relies heavily on a Chakram as his primary weapon. This unique weapon possesses the ability to be thrown in various directions and swiftly return to its wielder. It is worth noting that the Chakram's return path can be utilized to inflict damage on enemies, but only if the player possesses the necessary skill. To enhance its effectiveness, three upgrades can be collected, enabling the Chakram to pass through walls and deal increased damage.
However, a significant drawback exists as sustaining damage three times weakens the weapon, reverting it back to its default strength. I personally found this aspect unnecessarily harsh and limiting for players. On numerous occasions, I would obtain the powered-up Chakram, only to lose it while cautiously navigating towards the boss door. Nonetheless, there are additional items to aid players in combat, such as temporary invincibility shields, screen-clearing grenades (excluding bosses), and even hot dogs that replenish health.
Epic Musical Moments in Prison City
While the concept of the combat in this game is appealing, I found it to be overly complicated due to a couple of issues. Firstly, the upgrade system, as mentioned earlier, created confusion and made it difficult to fully understand the mechanics. Additionally, the level design was quite unforgiving. Despite Hal's ability to slide through narrow openings and hang onto ledges, it was far too easy to accidentally fall into pits of fire or get zapped while clinging to a grate.
Furthermore, enemies seemed to take advantage of vulnerable positions, such as when the player character was prone, making it challenging to progress without taking damage. One particular enemy that I found frustrating was the one that hid in the background and summoned a swarm of drones that relentlessly homed in on the player. Although it was possible to deflect these drones with a Chakram, the constant barrage from all directions often resulted in unavoidable damage, leading to a frustrating and chaotic gameplay experience.
The Chakram, while undoubtedly a cool and versatile weapon, does have its limitations when it comes to reach. This became painfully evident during a boss battle that seemed to draw inspiration from the Mad Max franchise. The formidable opponent, known as Fury Rhoads, was a mutated creature with an immense physique. He relentlessly pursued the player, accompanied by his henchmen riding in a massive truck.
The challenge lied in maintaining a safe distance from the truck to avoid taking damage, while also getting close enough to effectively strike it with the Chakram. Unfortunately, my initial attempts at defeating this boss ended in quick and brutal defeat, trapped in the intense crossfire between Rhoads and his loyal followers.
One of the challenging encounters in the game is the mechanical spider boss that relentlessly crawls along the bottom of the screen, unleashing a barrage of homing missiles while occasionally leaping towards you. The key to defeating this formidable enemy is to outsmart its own weaponry. Your objective is to manipulate the spider's missiles into hitting it instead, momentarily stunning it and giving you a chance to strike. However, it's easier said than done, as avoiding the missiles is a formidable task in itself.
One wrong move or mistimed jump, and you'll be sent flying by the boss's colossal mechanical legs. Close-quarter combat becomes even more treacherous as you try to get close enough to strike the spider with your Chakram. Even if you manage to reach the boss with your powered-up version of the weapon, it's a fleeting moment, as the battle quickly strips you of your advantage. Surviving and defeating this mechanical spider boss requires unwavering focus, quick reflexes, and a dash of luck.
Formidable Boss Encounters
Despite some complaints, the standout feature of Prison City was undeniably the boss battles. These encounters were filled with unexpected surprises, ranging from battling robotic drones to narrowly avoiding helicopters that threatened to whisk me away from the rooftop. The variety was impressive, with encounters against mutant plants and more. Once I grasped the patterns of these formidable adversaries, most of the bosses became manageable challenges. However, it must be noted that two particular bosses caused me a great deal of frustration and grief.
In addition to its already impressive features, the game also incorporates bonus stages that add an extra layer of excitement. One of these stages resembles the car-breaking mechanics found in Street Fighter, where players must use their skills to demolish the vehicle to smithereens. Another stage takes players on a thrilling journey through a treacherous underwater labyrinth, reminiscent of the bomb-disarming missions in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. While these bonus stages are undeniably cool, I personally found them to be extremely challenging, and despite my best efforts, I was never able to conquer either variation.
Visual Brilliance and Musical Mastery
Prison City is an absolute visual delight, thanks to Programancer's expertise in using Game Maker Studio and Aseprite. Every aspect of the game is filled with lovingly crafted details, and there is never a dull moment when it comes to the visuals. Each area and foe is thoughtfully designed, making it a pleasure to explore and encounter different challenges. However, the real standout in Prison City is its incredible music. The bombastic tunes are not only catchy but also serve to motivate players to take on the inmates with enthusiasm. The combination of the stunning visual style and the fantastic music makes Prison City an immersive and captivating gaming experience.
One aspect of the PC version of Prison City that I find frustrating is the lack of adequate gamepad support. As an avid gamer on Steam, I've encountered occasional disconnections with my Bluetooth gamepad. However, what sets Prison City apart is that when my gamepad disconnects, I lose all control of the game.
This forces me to resort to using my mouse and keyboard to exit the game and try again. This issue occurs multiple times per level, if not more, which greatly hampers the overall gaming experience. Despite the game's enjoyable gameplay when it functions properly, I believe the optimal way to fully enjoy Prison City would be to wait for its release on consoles in mid-November.
Verdict
Prison City offers a unique and enjoyable experience, blending modern retro graphics with an old-school gaming vibe. The game's style is commendable, capturing the essence of the retro revolution. However, the gameplay leaves much to be desired due to control issues and an overly challenging difficulty level. While it is possible to adjust the difficulty settings, it would be more satisfying if the default setting provided a balanced challenge.
Nevertheless, if you are a fan of retro-styled games and are looking for something fresh and exciting, Prison City may be worth a try. However, if you are undecided, it may be best to wait until the game is released on consoles next month, as this could potentially address some of the game's drawbacks.
Giveaway
As a token of appreciation for our dedicated gaming community, we're thrilled to announce a Prison City Steam code giveaway! Dive into the gripping world of Prison City, experience the adrenaline-pumping action, and face the challenges that await. To participate, simply follow us on social media for updates on how to enter and increase your chances of winning. Don't miss this opportunity to embark on an exhilarating journey through a dystopian future! Join the giveaway now and get ready to unlock the gates of Prison City on your gaming platform. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
