Prison Architect 2

Prison Architect 2 is the second installment in a series of prison-themed economic strategy games originating from 2015. Unlike the first game, which was developed by Introversion Software, the sequel was developed by Double Eleven. It was once again developed by Paradox Interactive.

They gained experience by creating the Psych Ward, Island Bound and Going Green expansions for the first Prison Architect. They've also worked on console ports, such as Rust and Red Dead Redemption (on the PS4 and Nintendo Switch).

Mechanics

Prison Architect 2 has us managing a prison once again. The game expands upon the mechanics from its predecessor. We start off leading a small facility, which we must slowly grow into a megaprison.

We must set the prison life rules and create schedules for prisoners. We can freely expand the prison, adding new rooms, buildings, setting their purpose, appearance and equipment. At all times we're limited by our budget, so we must keep economics in mind when making choices.

The inmates' AI was vastly improved in Prison Architect 2 - the prisoners have goals, wants, needs and can establish relationships with each other. If we neglect them, only caring about locking them away rather than rehabilitate them, things can quickly get out of control.

Dissatisfied prisoners may try to escape or cause riots, which can put a massive dent in our reputation and finances.

Game modes

Prison Architect 2 is a singleplayer game focused on the career mode. The player must progress from the warden of a small facility to a rich man running an entire prison network.

Technical aspects

The biggest novelty of Prison Architect 2 are 3D graphics. The game, especially the character models, makes use of a slightly cartoonish artstyle.