Prison Architect is a management simulation game developed by Introversion Software and published by Paradox Interactive. It was first released in 2015 and has since received numerous updates and expansions. The game is set in a prison, where the player is tasked with building and managing a facility, ensuring the well-being of the inmates and staff, and dealing with various challenges and crises. Despite its promising premise and deep gameplay mechanics, after spending several hours playing the game, I cannot recommend it and would score it a 2 out of 10.

First, let’s discuss the positives. Prison Architect’s graphics are charming and functional, using a retro 2D art style that is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate. The game’s sound design is also well done, with sound effects and music that add to the game’s atmosphere and immersion. The game’s tutorial is comprehensive, explaining the game’s mechanics and systems in an accessible and easy-to-understand manner.

The game’s core gameplay loop is also intriguing, with the player tasked with building and managing a prison, ensuring the well-being of the inmates and staff, and dealing with various crises and events. The game’s systems are deep and complex, with numerous factors to consider when designing and managing a facility. The game’s attention to detail and realistic portrayal of prison life adds to its immersive and engaging gameplay.

However, Prison Architect’s strengths are overshadowed by its many flaws. One of the game’s biggest issues is its steep learning curve. The game’s mechanics are intricate and require a lot of trial and error to master. The game’s tutorial, while comprehensive, can be overwhelming and leave players feeling confused and frustrated. The game’s complex systems also make it inaccessible to many players, particularly those who are new to the genre.

Another issue with Prison Architect is its lack of player agency. While the game presents the illusion of choice, much of the gameplay is predetermined and leaves little room for player creativity. The game’s RNG-based mechanics mean that the player’s success is often determined by factors outside of their control, making the game feel unfair and frustrating. The game also lacks a sense of urgency or purpose, with no clear end goal or objective. This lack of direction can lead to the player feeling aimless and unfulfilled.

The game’s AI is also problematic, with prisoners and staff often behaving in unpredictable and unintelligent ways. This can lead to frustrating and confusing gameplay experiences, with events and crises often spiraling out of control due to the game’s AI failing to function as intended. The game’s pathfinding AI, in particular, is a major issue, with prisoners and staff often getting stuck or behaving in nonsensical ways.

Another issue with Prison Architect is its lack of accessibility. The game’s small text and intricate menus can be difficult to navigate for players with visual impairments, and the game’s reliance on mouse inputs can be a barrier for players with mobility issues. The game’s complex systems and steep learning curve also make it difficult for players who are not familiar with the genre or who are new to gaming in general.

The game’s community is also problematic, with a vocal minority of fans exhibiting toxic and exclusionary behavior. The game’s modding scene, while robust, is often filled with content that is sexist, racist, or otherwise offensive. This content can create a hostile environment for players who do not fit into the game’s narrow definition of who should enjoy the game.

In conclusion, while Prison Architect has its strengths, its many flaws and accessibility issues make it a difficult game to recommend. The game’s steep learning curve, lack of player agency, and unpredictable AI make it feel frustrating and unfulfilling. Therefore I would give it a score of 2 out of 10.