Prison Life is a popular Steam game that simulates life in a maximum-security prison. The game features a variety of mechanics such as crafting, building, and fighting, all set within the confines of a prison environment. However, like any game, there are areas where the balance could be improved to enhance the overall gameplay experience.

In this Steam guide, we will discuss some suggested balance changes that could help make the game more enjoyable for players. From tweaking both Prisoners and Guards, to adjusting the map and tutorial system, we'll cover several areas where small tweaks could go a long way towards making Prison Life even better. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, these suggested balance changes would dramatically improve your experience in this entertaining prison simulation game.

Role: Guard Changes

Timer System replacing purchasing searches

Guards must pay to search prisoners, losing a search if the prisoner doesn't have contraband. I suggest removing the cost for searches entirely, instead replacing it with a timer system, possibly gaining a search every minute or so, with each successful search reducing the search timer by 10 or so seconds. This will encourage the use of searches and prevent gatekeeping them and waiting for people to return to their cells, as well as encourage the purchase and use of other shop items. I would also suggest a maximum of 2.5 searches (2 searches, and half of the progress bar to the next search complete), as this would prevent stockpiling searches and encourage the use of them.

If a guard uses all of their searches and doesn't have money to buy more, as well as no tasks to earn extra money, they have a very limited ability to continue to play for the rest of that day, as their only ability to do something is to catch someone running through a metal detector and arresting them. Our suggestion is either the previous one of a timer based search system or adding extra tasks for a guard to do during a day.

Daily money bonus for guards with disconnected teammates

In a standard Prison Life game, there is never any more than three guards in a game, and prisoners often outnumber guards massively. This is especially true if even a single guard leaves the game. Prisoners can leave the game freely without any impact on their team, but if a guard leaves, their team is suddenly massively disadvantaged. We suggest a daily money bonus (if not a larger lump sum payment) for each guard (depending on the total number of guards) if a player leaves, to help them cope with the major loss of a teammate, and even more prisoners to watch themselves.

Role: Prisoner Changes

Cooldown for Prisoners

Put a cooldown on entering and exiting tunnels and vents. Very often prisoners that get caught with contraband by metal detectors run and hide in tunnels and vents to avoid capture. Adding a small cooldown of 2-3 seconds would prevent prisoners quickly entering and exiting these locations to dodge arrests, or to check to see if a guard is in a cell and whether or not it is safe to come out.

• Allow for the pickup and movement of guard items (Mics, cameras, traps).
  
• Add a quiet but clear sound cue when a prisoner exits a tunnel or vent, so if a hiding prisoner exits these locations, a guard will know to turn back and catch them as they can't hide again straight away (due to the cooldown).
  
• Put a cooldown on guard searches (only a few seconds) to prevent spamming the search button on a running away prisoner and wasting searches if they don't have contraband.
  
• Make a greater reason to open solitary doors with grey key, as this has rarely ever been opened. Maybe even remove the grey keys ability to unlock solitary, and make a "Jailbreak" item for prisoners that opens the solitary door from anywhere on the map.

Escape Locations:

Escape methods and locations should be visible on the map, or in some form of map tutorial. This tutorial should show where all escapes are on the map, the resources required to escape, how to find specific materials, and what each location can be used for. For example, left and right yards can be used for items, as a method of escape, as well as a location for package drops when prisoners escape.

Before:
After:

Achievements

Adding features such as achievements and special incentives such as quests to get more item drops into the game would be appreciated. Achievements could provide reward through special one of a kind items, giving an incentive to complete achievements, and a way to show off progress in game.

Duplicate Items (Trade ups)

The addition of a way to deal with duplicate items, possibly trading 2-3 duplicates for another item or another item box with a guaranteed chance of a new item, would also be great. This would prevent players stacking up on the same common items, allowing for greater customisation.

Mobile Port

A mobile port with cross-play/compatibility for PC/mobile would be massive. This would dramatically increase who can play the game as almost everyone has a smartphone and an internet connection


Population Boost

More players would make a massive difference to the enjoyment of everyone on Prison Life. With more players and more open lobbies, choosing between games and maps would be a lot easier.

Dynamic loading screens

Dynamic loading screens would be nice too, instead of just the Space screen. Changing to Bricksfield or even Lost island would be nice as launching the game for the first time and seeing outer space is a little confusing for new players. Using Prison Life 2's assets will make this a lot easier, as you could use a screenshot of the already created 3D maps

Loading Screens examples:

Price

Pricing the game at $7.50 AUD is reasonable, but it may not be enough to attract more players. Offering frequent sales or even making the game free to play may help increase the player base and attract more potential customers

Mobile Port

A mobile port of the game would be beneficial as it would allow players to enjoy the game on-the-go. Nearly everyone has access to a smartphone, giving a greater range of potential players. Cross-play between Steam and Mobile would also dramatically boost player counts as well, which is a major benefit.

Steam Workshop Implementation

Lastly, the idea of a prison editor with steam workshop implementation for downloading maps from the steam workshop is a great addition to the game. This would easily allow people to test and play new maps, and allow people to host their own lobbies on their maps they personally created

In conclusion, Prison Life has the potential to be a great game with some improvements. While the gameplay and mechanics are solid, there are areas where the game could be improved. For example, the addition of dynamic loading screens and more map options would enhance the player experience, as well as balance changes to both Guard and Prisoner could help improve overall enjoyment and increase the player base.

However, despite the game's current shortcomings, there are also many positives to be found in Prison Life . The game's graphics and art style are well-done, and the prison editor in Prison Life 2 is a unique feature that sets the game apart from other titles in the genre. With continued development and improvements, Prison Life as well as Prison Life 2 could become a popular and successful game.

Overall, Prison Life has a solid foundation, but there are areas where it could be improved. With more players and continued development, this game has the potential to be a standout title in the prison simulator genre.