Games that involve simulation and building have been huge over the past few years, thanks in part to games the likes of “Super Mario Maker†and “Minecraft,†but “Prison Architect†takes the action to an entirely different level. Fueled by deep gameplay mechanics and stories that get you involved in the inner workings of the prison, it’s the type of civilization game that’ll take you back to the classics like “Act Raiser,†but with plenty of twists.
The types of twists you’d expect in an after-hours Cinemax original movie. Taut, dark and sometimes disturbing, there aren’t many games like “Prison Architect,†not only on the PlayStation 4, but any console.
Simply put, the stories told in “Prison Architect†are wild. With visuals that feel pulled out of comics the likes of “The Watchmen,†“Prison Architect†makes up for its child-like visuals with grisly comic book story segments that’ll make you feel more than pretty much any game on the PlayStation 4. It’s crazy that a game that looks so arcane can get you so connected, but that’s exactly the case with “Prison Architect.†Because of this, you’ll spend hours with it.
It also helps that the gameplay mechanics are deep. Take the first level as an example. Building an execution chamber sounds simple enough, but when you have full customization powers and you have to do everything from power it with the rest of the prison and pick the perfect location, things get intricate, intense and focused quickly. If you’re an older “Minecraft†fan, you’ll fit right in here as over tie, you’ll actually come to look at your prison with love.
A scary thought.
With deep gameplay, various modes of play and excellent music and writing, the environment in “Prison Architect†far exceeds what you’d expect when you first start playing. With such an almost magical ambiance, it’s a game you can quickly get lost in.
The Good:
Hours of Gameplay: There’s almost too much to do and every mode offers something different.
Wild Comic Book Story Art: If the gameplay moves a bit too slow for you, seeing the videos that set up different parts of each level will force you to continue.
The Bad:
Mediocre In-Game Visuals: Away from the comic book art, the actual in-game visuals resembles something you’d expect to see from Fisher Price toys. Although it works great and gives the game its own unique style, some may scoff at them.
May Be Too Intricate For Casual Gamers: This game requires an investment of time. If you’re looking for something more casual, you may be disappointed.
Final Thoughts:
Few games on the PlayStation 4 can steal as many hours of your life as “Prison Architect.†It’s challenging, thoughtful and incredibly mature- a wonderful game to play once the kids are asleep.
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