Prison City Reviews

Prison City is ranked in the 79th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
8.5 / 10.0
Mar 10, 2026

Prison City is a high-quality game in the NES mold, and its difficulty reflects that. But there are more than enough options, so most gamers will find some genuine enjoyment. And if you were an NES kid, you'll enjoy this Retroware release even more! Newly updated and now with a physical edition, don't overlook this game if you initially did. Whether you're a collector springing for a physical copy or someone looking for a good value digital game, Prison City is great fun for fans of challenging retro-style action platformers.

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7 / 10.0
Nov 24, 2023

Prison City is a very solid retro throwback action platformer. It lacks originality and the main character is boring because he barely says anything more complex than one-word sentences. The challenge is hearty and gamers will find the references endearing… if they can survive long enough to see them.

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8 / 10.0
Dec 9, 2023

Prison City is a fun game that nails the look and feel of 80's action platformers. For fans of that era, this is a no-brainer. Now, for the sequel, I'm hoping for an Echo the Dolphin parody featuring that cybernetic cetacean.

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80 / 100
Sep 10, 2023

Prison City might cop Snake Plissken’s style, but this side-scrolling adventure proves that there is room for a new grizzled hero. While it provides a hefty challenge, those looking to the futuristic year of 1997 will have a blast.

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Nov 21, 2023

If Prison City released for NES, I imagine that it would be on many gamers' top 10 lists for the console's library; it's retro done right.

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8 / 10.0
Feb 28, 2026

While this doesn’t have as long of a tail as Infernax and other great modern NES inspired games, Prison City is a damn fun time with a solid soundtrack, excellent graphics and some truly fun gameplay. Developers who show what’s possible to pull off with the designs of old have a special place in my heart, and I really had a blast as the game got more and more bananas. There’s a great time to be held whether you’re slowly trudging through or actively trying to speedrun, and anyone who grew up loving Commando and Heavy Barrel will have a blast.

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No Recommendation / Blank
Jan 10, 2024

Fans of '80s arcade brawlers will find enjoyment in its nostalgic charms between frustrating encounters

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7 / 10.0
Nov 27, 2023

Prison City fulfills its premise competently, featuring stunning visuals and a unique weapon as its main feature. The less linear structure of the levels, the references to pop culture and the engaging boss battles provide fun moments, despite their resistance; however, compared to several other productions that are inspired by retro works, the game lacks its own identity that sets it apart.

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7.9 / 10.0
Nov 16, 2023

A very ambitious retro-styled Metroidvania experience that works pretty well within the confines of classic expectations

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