UPDATE — How’s the Console Version?
As you’re probably aware, the console versions of Prison City arrived today. And we’re happy to report that it fares just as well as it did on the PC front!
In fact, the game feels right at home on the Switch, since Nintendo’s pretty much the home of Shatterhand, after all. The visuals still look great; the chiptunes are fun to listen to; and the gameplay hasn’t lost a step.
Don’t miss out on this sleeper hit. Do not pass go, go directly to Prison City!
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I’m convinced that the developers at Programancer and the publishers at Retroware grew up as 80s kids.
That’s the only way a game like Prison City makes sense. This game channels the kind of vibes you’d find from the likes of Mega Man and Contra, with a little bit of Shatterhand on top for good measure. As a cop doing whatever it takes to save the world, you’ll conquer a number of 8-bit challenges, using your weapon of choice – laser boomerangs, of course.
While the game is short but sweet (and tough as nails), Prison City is a lovely reminder of an era gone by, and for a very reasonable price. Plus it plays beautifully and resembles something from the NES days – something we could all use right now. So, sure, let’s head to Prison!
Enter Hal Bruzer
The story follows a former cop named Hal Bruzer who is called upon to rescue the city from a cybernetic presence that’s slowly taking over. But this is no mere cakewalk – these guys mean business and will do whatever it takes to wipe out humanity. Move over, Skynet.
So Hal ventures out, using his laser boomerangs to wipe out anyone that gets in his way. Surprise, that means bosses, and they mount an incredible challenge. Fortunately, if you grew up with NES classics (like the Mega Man games), you’ll know exactly what you’re in for.
The gameplay in Prison City is sharp, with precision controls that work relatively well, including multi-directional disc throwing. You can also hold down a shoulder button to throw at a particular angle, which comes in handy for enemies that are just outside your normal reach.
As noted above, the game is definitely tough, particularly with those aforementioned boss battles. But it’s a great deal of fun. And though it is short, you can unlock other goodies, including a Boss Rush that will keep you on the edge of your toes.
And the fact you get all this for less than $20 is nothing to scoff at.
Channeling the Best Kind of 8-Bit
Again, the developers at Programancer (alongside Retroware) have done a remarkable job with getting this 8-bit presentation of Prison City just right.
The game looks like something out of the NES programming school, complete with sprite jumps, neat little animations and other small touches. Not to mention the ode to a number of old-school action films, and even a little bit of Metal Gear Solid for good measure. Not bad at all, and it works really well on the Steam Deck to boot.
On top of that, the music is pure 8-bit bliss. The team did a good job putting together themes that reminded us of some of the better soundtracks from the NES era, including good ol’ Shadow of the Ninja. The sound effects are great too, taken straight from the catalog of classic titles. These guys really know what they’re doing.
Prison City Is a Great Place To Be (Don’t Tell Mom)
The only real downside is that Prison City is PC exclusive at the moment, and not on consoles. Luckily, it will be on Nintendo Switch soon enough; and hopefully other platforms will follow.
That’s because Retroware has a true gem on its hands here. Prison City feels fantastic, and looks and sounds great as well. It’s short, sure, but it has extras to keep you coming back for more, like the NES favorites that came before it.
It kind of makes us hope that we haven’t seen the last of Hal – and, for that matter, Programancer. We can’t wait to see what they cook up next. In the meantime, don’t let this fun retro adventure pass you by!
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 1/2 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
(Thanks to Retroware for the review code! You can get the game here.)
