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Prison City

Prison City

|Platform, Adventure

8.3 /10

Aww Great!

Niche

181 ratings
Trailers & screenshots
Why play it

As former cop Hal Bruzer, accept the Chief’s plea to raid Prison City’s security zones and end the Techno-Terrorists’ reign. Inspired by NES action titles, Prison City is a sidescrolling dystopian experience exploding with tight mechanics, intricate level design, and a satisfying narrative.

Game highlights
Rating momentum

Aww Great!: 8.3/10 across 181 ratings. Word of mouth is strong — if you like the genre, go for it.

Play style

Leans into Platform, Adventure, Indie — a quick read on whether that fantasy matches what you usually enjoy.

Reviews

9 media reviews

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Media

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Pure NintendoTrevor Gould · 10 Mar, 2026
8.5/10

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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WayTooManyGamesOliver Shellding · 28 Feb, 2026
8/10

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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Duuro MagazineKrist Duro · 10 Jan, 2024
7.5/10

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

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NintendoWorldReportZachary Miller · 9 Dec, 2023
8/10

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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GameBlastAlecsander Oliveira · 27 Nov, 2023
7/10

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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Niche GamerFingal Belmont · 24 Nov, 2023
7/10

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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Video ChumsA.J. Maciejewski · 21 Nov, 2023
8/10

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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Nindie SpotlightJustin Nation · 16 Nov, 2023
7.9/10

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

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Gamers HeroesCasey Scheld · 10 Sep, 2023
8/10

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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