Prison City is an action platformer that was released on the Nintendo Switch in late 2023. So why am I reviewing it in early 2026? Two main reasons. Firstly, the game just got a new update. Secondly, it got upgraded from an eShop-only digital release to a physical one. At the time of publication, preorders are open for two more weeks.

I’m glad Prison City got these shots in the arm, because I overlooked it when it was first released. Finding out it’s inspired by one of my favorite 8-bit NES games (and Nintendo Power cover feature), Power Blade, only made me more excited. It’s time to take out techno-terrorists, pre-millennium style.

The story takes place in mid-90s Detroit, which is one giant walled jail. Techno-terrorists have infiltrated the city via supply trains and supplied the prisoners with weapons, building an army. Only a retired police officer, Hal, can save the day. What he lacks in personality, he makes up for in his ability to throw a chakram (disc blade).

For a game that’s “a modern retro homage to classic NES titles”, it should come as little surprise that it also has a difficulty to match. I feel it’s important to note that from the outset. However, that shouldn’t necessarily discourage you, as multiple settings ensure that anyone can achieve some success, even those who missed the NES era. An included tutorial (while a bit dull) is appreciated and will help you get accustomed to the controls that go beyond simply moving, jumping, and shooting. Sliding and (hopefully) grabbing ledges with consistency are necessities and will take practice, although they’re fun to learn and master.

The game is non-linear, too. Is a level proving overly difficult? Select another and go back later (your map progress will be saved, so you won’t get lost). Even within the stages, there are plenty of paths, which is a deliberate design choice that I’ll elaborate on. It’s not enough to find the exits. You’ll first need to locate Hal’s contacts, who will give you the warden keycard allowing you to access the exit and the boss. Don’t expect these contacts to be close to the exits, either. Do expect to need platforming skills to reach them.

In many ways, Prison City looks like how I remember later-era NES games. It’s colorful and detailed, with subtle animations that really help immerse you. Rather than simply static backgrounds, you’ll see industrial exhaust fans spinning on the rooftops, or trees blowing through the wind and rain at the preserve. The diversity of zones helps. The music can’t quite match the visuals, but I’ve no real complaints. The tunes are appropriate to the genre, fitting for the action, and match the player’s mood. No need to mute this one.

If Prison City has an issue, besides an uncharismatic and taciturn lead in Hal and some finicky ledge-grabbing, it’s that prioritizing a higher old-school difficulty might limit its audience. I’ll illustrate this with the Cold Storage Zone. It’s not enough to have to deal with icicles dropping from above, platforms melting below your feet, and general slipperiness. You also have to deal with a central gimmick pit, which will inevitably lead to falling and backtracking. All while still dealing with enemy threats. Sometimes less is more, and balance can suffer when that’s not the case. Even with customizable difficulty, I wonder how many players will experiment and take full advantage of options that will make playing and replaying both fun and rewarding.

I certainly got into the game, though, beating it and adjusting on replay for aspects or situations that felt less fair. It’s super satisfying to beat a boss on a higher difficulty, especially since their health bars are comically huge next to your tiny ones. Will I ever beat the final zone and boss without tweaking at least one challenge aspect? The idea exhausts me as they overstay their welcome. But I’m open to trying. Prison City straddles the line between “one more time” and rage quitting, and manages to pull it off. For encouraging replay despite the high challenge, I give the developers kudos.

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.