Prison Architect 2

It's been nearly ten years since the original game's release, but the long-awaited Prison Architect 2 has finally arrived. Everyone's favorite prison sim returns, with the most noticeable change being the title now adopts 3D graphics to make running your penal colony even more immersive. But surely we'll see some more additions, improvements, and experiences?

Prison Architect 2 has some big boots to fill, considering that the original title is still enjoyed today. Many argue that there's not much you could do to improve the mechanics and immersion factor of the game. Still, the release of a 3D version would undoubtedly pique the interest of long-time fans. Let's see what the fantastic prison sim franchise offers in its second edition a decade later.

Enter My 3D Prison

The biggest challenge of Prison Architect 2 is appeasing those who have been playing the original for many years. That is not an easy feat, as developers try to amend and improve a title players have loved for so long. Getting the simulation experience in 3D opens many doors to creating more immersive prison-building experiences, but that still requires some remarkably sly execution.

And that's where we start to wonder if Prison Architect 2 is a dedicated improvement on the original. While the game looks pretty, and the prison-building experience certainly comes to life, some design decisions would question dedication to the existing fanbase. But let's look at the good first, where the game fundamentally translates all the best mechanics from the original, adding more meticulous options to keep your prison under control.

The inmates are more intelligent and develop distinct personalities. There are more challenges to keeping your prison safe. And, of course, the choice system is more advanced, meaning even trivial decisions can have a monumental impact on the penal colony. However, where there are a few improvements and additions, the title feels like a remaster from the original, not adding new dynamics to the gameplay.

The most frustrating part of Prison Architect 2 is that it's been developed around the idea of adding DLC, where the best parts of the title will be available later. This is not an excellent approach for those who have enjoyed the original as a complete game for years. The second edition feels basic, and there's a lingering idea that it will evolve into a cash grab for new franchise players.

Architect of Their Downfall

There isn't much question that Prison Architect 2 is a good simulation that brings prison management to life. However, it's hard to see any improvement over the original, a fundamental transition from 2D to 3D. In contrast, the more annoying part is the setup to add DLC for later. It has that Far Cry 6 vibe, where endless purchasable content was added to build on the game, much to the players' frustrations.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• The 3D graphics bring the prison-building sim to life
• The inmates' personalities make the experience entertaining
• The original mechanics still stand out well

Cons:

• It feels more like a fundamental transition from the original
• Setup for DLC to introduce different dynamics
• Built for new players, not appeasing old ones

Prison Architect 2 is a simulator for building and managing a real prison. Become an architect for the future prison. Create your own institution, from which it will be impossible to escape. Take into account the characters and ingenuity of the prisoners, think through all the ways of escape in advance and prevent them. When your new "Alcatraz" is ready and the prisoners have already settled into their cells, it's time to manage the prison. Set up training sessions, meetings with spiritual leaders, and other ways to re-socialize the inmates.

Pros of the game:

• Make plans and build your own correctional facility
• Manage inmates' recreational activities and correctional events