Info about Hard Time:

Official game description:
Create your own convict and attempt to survive in a prison where every sentence threatens to be a "death" sentence! Rub shoulders with up to 100 fellow inmates in a sprawling facility of 12 unique areas, each filled with fully interactive furniture and props. Plus a life beyond the gates populated by real civilians, with wardens enforcing dozens of different laws to keep you as far away from it as possible.  
Staying sane is just as important as staying alive, as you balance mental health with physical health to get through each day in real-time. Develop unique relationships with every other character - from friendships and romances to rivalries and gangs - and live long enough to see them change over time, with a constant turnover of new faces.  
This special desktop release is fully unlocked as standard, allowing you to save your changes to all characters to make the world your own. Extensive controller support even opens up multiplayer opportunities - where a fellow human can take control of someone else on the scene to help or hinder the star player!

Release date: Aug 16, 2017

Categories: Prison Management, Life Simulation, Sandbox, Survival, Character Customization, Open-World Exploration, Beat 'em up, Local Multiplayer

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 70; verdict: Broken - Severe Performance Issues; summary: Audit of Steam Deck experience reveals mixed feedback. The game has received official Steam Deck improvements and gamepad support, which is positive. However, user reports of severe performance issues (15 fps on any PC) and unresponsive controls suggest the game may be unplayable on Steam Deck. Visual discomfort is also noted. Overall friction is high due to performance and control problems.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 5.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 6.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The 5-dollar/5-hours-of-entertainment quote and the couple-hours-of-fun quote support a short main completion window, so gameCompletion is set to 5 hours. The translated Turkish review reporting 6 hours played in one day supports a long session length, so sessionLength is set to 6 hours. The warden quote confirms post-completion content exists after beating the game, but it gives no playtime duration, so endgame is null. No review provides a story completion duration, so storyCompletion is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game is often described as repetitive or boring until players start causing trouble or adopt roleplay and customization; enjoyment clicks after they create their own emergent scenarios, edit the prison population, and use local co-op. The evidence lacks a specific timing cue.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Starting to cause trouble or adopting roleplay
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Repetitive baseline play; Boring unless the player starts causing trouble; Awkward controls and interface create a learning curve for newcomers; Causing trouble extends the prison term; Expanded multiplayer is missing or rejected
  - Unlock drivers: Roleplaying with characters; Causing trouble; Customizing characters and editing the prison population; Local multiplayer or couch co-op; New prisoners replacing departing or dead inmates
  - Conditions: when the player adopts a roleplay approach; when the player starts causing trouble; when players customize characters and edit the prison population; when local multiplayer or couch co-op is used; when enough new prisoners arrive to keep the prison populated; when playing the updated Steam version with local co-op and gamepad support; if expanded multiplayer is added
- Player Archetypes:
  - Prison Sandbox Roleplayer (buy)
    - Motivation: To roleplay a prison character and create emergent stories with consequences.
    - Playstyle: Treats the game as a prison-life sandbox, making decisions, customizing characters, and manipulating inmates and guards.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Bully
  - Co-op Multiplayer Seeker (sale)
    - Motivation: To share the prison sandbox experience with friends in co-op or online multiplayer.
    - Playstyle: Plays with friends, explores all rooms together, and seeks social, unscripted multiplayer sessions.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Chaotic Sandbox Experimenter (buy)
    - Motivation: To cause chaos, exploit systems, and enjoy lighthearted power fantasies in the prison sandbox.
    - Playstyle: Experiments with violence, riots, and system-breaking actions for mindless fun with occasional strategy.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - MDickie Mobile Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: To revisit and support the familiar MDickie-style prison sandbox, often with nostalgia for mobile play.
    - Playstyle: Compares 2D and 3D versions, plays the mobile-style experience, and supports a solo developer's ongoing work.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: MDickie series


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Highly Enjoyable and Fun (weight 0.86): Many reviewers describe the game as extremely fun, great, and worth playing. It provides a consistently enjoyable experience that keeps players engaged.
- Deep Simulation and Interactivity (weight 0.79): The prison is filled with interactive objects and systems like needs, jobs, and relationships. NPCs react dynamically, creating a living world.
- Chaotic and Humorous Gameplay (weight 0.71): The absurd, unhinged NPCs and random events create constant hilarity. Combat and interactions often lead to funny, chaotic scenarios.
- Prison Life and Activities (weight 0.61): The game simulates prison routines, jobs, and earning money through favors, fixing furniture, or sweeping. Players can also pursue relationships and upgrades.
- Emergent Storytelling and Freedom (weight 0.59): The game creates unique stories through emergent gameplay, allowing players to choose their own path in a dynamic prison world. Freedom to make decisions and face consequences drives replayability.
- Unique Charm and Nostalgia (weight 0.57): The game has a distinctive charm reminiscent of older MDickie titles, often evoking nostalgia. Its low-quality graphics are part of its appeal.
- Addictive and Time-Consuming (weight 0.54): Reviewers find the game ridiculously addictive and a great time killer. It keeps players coming back for more with its engaging loop.
- Wrestling-Inspired Combat System (weight 0.48): Combat features a large move set inspired by wrestling, including over-the-top moves and improvised weapons. The hit feel and variety are praised.
- Reputation and Social Systems (weight 0.43): Reputation is gained through fights, money, or lending, and affects how NPCs treat the player. Social standing is crucial for survival.
- Freedom and Player Choice (weight 0.43): Players can choose to escape, cause chaos, or behave and reduce their sentence. The game offers immense freedom in a sandbox environment.
- Steam Version Enhancements (weight 0.42): The Steam version includes improved resolutions, textures, gamepad support, and Steam Deck optimizations. Couch co-op and local multiplayer are added.
- Customization and Character Editing (weight 0.39): Players can customize their character and edit the prison population, enhancing replay value. The editor allows creating real or fictional characters.
- Replayability and Longevity (weight 0.32): The game offers immense replay value with countless deaths, revives, and random events. It remains enjoyable years after release.
- Value for Money (weight 0.27): Reviewers consider the game a steal for its price, especially since it's free or low-cost. It provides many hours of entertainment.
- Dynamic NPC Relationships (weight 0.26): NPCs can form friendships, rivalries, and hold grudges, reacting to player actions. This creates a living social environment.
- 2D Superior to 3D (weight 0.21): Several reviewers find the 2D version better than the 3D version, praising its simplicity and completeness.
- Simple but Effective Gameplay (weight 0.21): Despite its simplicity, the game works well and is easy to learn. Keyboard controls are straightforward.
- Janky AI and Random Encounters (weight 0.21): The janky AI leads to unpredictable fights and random encounters. This adds to the game's chaotic charm.
- Emotional and Impactful Moments (weight 0.2): Some reviewers find emotional resonance in tributes and harsh consequences. The game can evoke strong feelings.
- Original and Unusual Concept (weight 0.16): The prison simulator concept is original and stands out. It offers a unique experience not found in other games.

Common complaints:
- Terrible and clunky controls (weight 0.97): Many players report that the keyboard and controller controls are unresponsive, confusing, and poorly designed. Some keys do not respond, and movement is awkward for left-handed players.
- Poor performance and optimization (weight 0.79): The game suffers from low framerates, lag, freezes, and stuttering, often running at 15 fps or lower regardless of PC specs. Performance drops are common in crowded areas or when many items are present.
- Unpolished mobile port (weight 0.69): Reviewers criticize the PC version as a lazy mobile port with little to no enhancements, lacking feature parity and feeling suited for phones rather than PC. It has missing features from the 3D version and does not justify its price.
- Lack of story and objectives (weight 0.62): The game is criticized for having no clear story, objectives, or meaningful content beyond surviving prison. The outside world is empty and repetitive.
- Outdated and basic graphics (weight 0.48): Visuals are described as simple, blurry, and showing their age, with basic animations and unremarkable sound design. Some find the environment disgusting or headache-inducing.
- Unfair and frustrating mechanics (weight 0.35): Players report issues like serving extra days for fighting, losing reputation for unknown reasons, and AI that can block all hits while the player cannot. The game is brutally hard and annoying.
- Glitches and bugs (weight 0.31): Reviewers encounter various bugs, including minor glitches, freezing during announcements while NPCs attack, and other technical issues that detract from the experience.
- Limited content and customization (weight 0.31): There is not much content, with only about an hour and a half of fun, and customization options for graphics and performance are nonexistent. Key bindings cannot be changed.
- Stupid and inconsistent AI (weight 0.29): The AI NPCs are extremely stupid, annoying, and inconsistent, ranging from hilariously absurd to unexpectedly frustrating. They do not move between rooms and can block all player hits.
- Odd gameplay choices (weight 0.27): Reviewers note odd gameplay choices such as being able to beat the game by sleeping, dating initiated by NPCs, and other weird mechanics.
- Game is chaotic and poorly planned (weight 0.27): The game feels chaotic and poorly planned, with strange graphics, weird mechanics, and weirder characters that detract from the experience.
- Confusing and poorly explained systems (weight 0.26): The game is poorly explained, with unclear mechanics such as how to sleep to regain strength, attribute customization, and interactions. This creates a learning curve for newcomers.
- Hard Time 3D technical issues (weight 0.19): Hard Time 3D is unplayable when downloaded from the official website, stopped working, and is overdue for a refresh for modern hardware.
- Negative money and toilet issues (weight 0.17): Players report leaving prison with negative money, pooping in pants while isolated, and being unable to find a toilet in the free world.
- Not as good as original Hard Time (weight 0.17): This version is considered inferior to the original MDickie Hard Time, which is free, and falls short compared to the 3D version.
- No multiplayer option (weight 0.16): Players are disappointed that there is no multiplayer functionality despite a disabled option in settings. Some specifically wanted to play with friends.
- Presentation lacks polish (weight 0.14): The overall presentation, including sound design and visuals, is considered unpolished and less than stellar.
- Police and civilian classes useless (weight 0.14): The police class cannot arrest anyone, making it feel useless, and the civilian class also seems pointless. Being a cop is worse than in Hard Time III.
- Camera and vehicle issues (weight 0.07): The camera struggles to keep up with vehicle speed, and there are issues with vehicle handling.

Gameplay feedback:
- Prison simulator with open world (weight 0.36): The game is set in a strict prison where you are an inmate, featuring an open world and a consequence system. It is a survival sandbox where players navigate prison life and face consequences for their actions.
- Reputation system and money (weight 0.34): Inside prison, you have a reputation system generated by fights and money. You can lend money to gain reputation and track both.
- Wrestling moves included (weight 0.27): The game includes wrestling moves, likely due to being based on a wrestling game engine. Combat features many moves and equipment.
- NPC relationships and retaliation (weight 0.23): NPCs can form friendships and hold grudges based on player actions. They will retaliate on behalf of friends and can fight, talk, or become angry.
- Steal guns and shoot (weight 0.16): Players can steal guns, including machine guns from cops, and shoot people. This adds a violent element to the gameplay.
- Character customization options (weight 0.16): The game offers character customization with many options, allowing players to create unique characters.
- Dig to escape prison (weight 0.16): Players can pick up a shovel to dig, including in empty areas to escape outside. This is one of the escape methods.
- Bodily needs and theft (weight 0.16): Characters have bodily needs such as needing to urinate, and items like toilet paper can be stolen from the player. This adds survival elements.
- Sleep to pass time (weight 0.16): Sleeping can progress the game to completion or simply pass time. It is a core mechanic for advancing the game.
- Random encounters and chaos (weight 0.16): The game contains random, unexpected encounters and is chaotic with no objectives. This leads to emergent gameplay.
- Sandbox with player-driven stories (weight 0.09): The game is a sandbox with player-driven experiences and no scripted storytelling. Players create their own narratives through interactions.
- Balance relationships and routines (weight 0.09): Players must balance relationships and follow routines inside a correctional facility. This includes managing social dynamics and daily schedules.
- Larger world outside prison (weight 0.09): The game includes a larger world outside the prison with civilians and additional rules. This expands the gameplay beyond the prison walls.
- Sleep in house to finish (weight 0.09): Players can enter a small house and sleep until the sentence expires. This is an alternative way to complete the game.
- Straightforward combat mechanics (weight 0.09): Combat is intentionally straightforward, making it accessible. Players engage in fights using simple controls and various items.
- PC customization and modding (weight 0.09): The PC version allows customizing characters and editing the prison population. This provides more flexibility than the mobile version.
- Local multiplayer support (weight 0.09): Local multiplayer lets another player join the game. This adds a cooperative or competitive element.
- Escape after orientation (weight 0.09): Players can escape after being given orientation. This early escape option adds freedom.
- Urinating on guards consequences (weight 0.09): Pissing on a guard results in being subdued and arrested. This is an example of the game's absurd and comedic logic.
- 2D graphics style (weight 0.08): The game is presented in 2D graphics. This gives it a distinct visual style compared to 3D simulators.

Performance notes:
- Severe framerate issues (weight 0.24): The game consistently runs at very low framerates, with reports of always 15 fps on any PC and FPS frequently under 12fps. The framerate is also locked, preventing users from improving performance.
- Mobile-like performance and visuals (weight 0.23): The frame rate and visuals feel like a mobile game, and reviewers note it sometimes feels even less responsive than the mobile version. Visuals are also described as blurry.
- FPS drops with many entities (weight 0.17): Performance degrades sharply when many items are on the ground or more than three characters are in the same room. FPS can drop to as low as 9 fps in these situations.
- No graphics/performance customization (weight 0.1): There is no way to customize graphics or performance settings. This lack of options prevents players from adjusting the game to run better on their hardware.
- Rigid and unresponsive controls (weight 0.1): Controls are described as rigid, and the game sometimes feels less responsive than on mobile. This contributes to a poor overall gameplay experience.
- Game pauses during long sessions (weight 0.09): The game sometimes pauses after about an hour of play, mostly occurring in courts. This interruption affects longer play sessions.
- High resolution causes problems (weight 0.09): One reviewer experienced issues with high resolution, but switching to windowed resolution resolved it. This suggests a display mode compatibility problem.
- Unplayable when downloaded externally (weight 0.08): Hard Time 3D is reported as unplayable when downloaded from MD's website. This indicates a distribution or installation issue outside of official platforms.

Recommendations:
- General recommendation to try (weight 0.54): Many reviewers simply recommend the game to everyone or suggest giving it a try, especially if you have played it on mobile before. It is described as a must-try experience.
- Mobile version outperforms PC port (weight 0.36): Multiple reviews consistently state that the mobile version of Hard Time offers better controls and a superior overall experience compared to the PC port. Players specifically recommend using a tablet for the best gameplay.
- Deep freedom and dynamic storytelling (weight 0.36): Players who value freedom, player choice, and dynamic storytelling will find a surprisingly deep and entertaining game. The open-ended nature allows for emergent gameplay and roleplaying.
- Recommended for humor and chaos (weight 0.29): The game is recommended for players who enjoy a memey and wild time, and for those who love police, comedy, The Sims, and GTA-style driving. It provides hours of laughter and satisfaction.
- Rough edges discourage polish seekers (weight 0.28): The game is described as having rough edges and lacking polish, which may discourage players who prioritize high production values. It is not recommended for those expecting a serious or highly refined jail simulator.
- Support MDickie and indie effort (weight 0.24): Fans of MDickie's games and those who want to support a solo developer highly recommend purchasing this game. The fact that it was made by one person is seen as impressive.
- Good value on sale (weight 0.23): Several reviewers suggest buying the game only if it goes on sale or for a low price, such as under $3. It is not recommended at full price.
- Enjoyable for sandbox fans (weight 0.23): Players who enjoy open-ended sandbox experiences and can overlook technical shortcomings will find the game enjoyable. It is recommended for those who don't prioritize graphics and physics.
- Hard Time III preferred (weight 0.16): Some reviewers recommend Hard Time III over this game, especially for the cop experience because you can actually arrest people in that version. It is suggested as a better alternative for certain gameplay aspects.
- Language barrier for some (weight 0.15): One reviewer does not recommend the game because it lacks German language support, while another recommends it for people who understand English well. This highlights a localization limitation.
- Nostalgia drives recommendation (weight 0.08): Some reviewers state the game is not worth buying unless it brings nostalgia from playing it in 2013. The nostalgic connection is a key factor for enjoyment.

Other player notes:
- Mobile port lacks PC polish (weight 0.56): Many reviewers note the PC version is a direct port from mobile, with some finding it worse due to poor porting. This often leads to complaints about key bindings and optimization issues.
- Developed by MDickie (weight 0.41): The game is developed and published by MDickie, part of his extensive catalog. Reviewers frequently acknowledge his solo work and compare it to other titles in his series.
- Free mobile version available (weight 0.29): A free version with ads exists on mobile, serving as a demo before purchase. This contrasts with the paid PC version, leading to pricing complaints.
- Compared to 3D version (weight 0.29): Reviewers often compare this 2D version to the 3D counterpart, noting similarities and differences. Some prefer the 2D version for its distinct feel.
- No European localization (weight 0.17): The game lacks German or other European language support, being entirely in English. This limits accessibility for non-English speakers.
- No microtransactions (weight 0.17): The game has no microtransactions or battle passes, as confirmed by reviewers. It is entirely free to get on some platforms.
- Short content length (weight 0.16): The game's content lasts about an hour and a half at most. However, replayability is noted as high by some.
- Similar to Bully and Sims (weight 0.16): The game is compared to Rockstar's Bully and The Sims, with persistent NPCs and favor requests. This similarity appeals to fans of those games.
- High replayability and infinite playtime (weight 0.16): Some reviewers report infinite playtime and high replayability. The game keeps players engaged for hours.
- Original no longer works (weight 0.16): The original version no longer works on Windows 10, prompting hopes for updates. This issue affects some players.
- Distinctive prison simulation (weight 0.1): It is considered one of the most distinctive prison simulations available. Its unique take on the genre sets it apart from other games.
- Better on mobile (weight 0.09): Some reviewers think the game is better suited for mobile devices. The touch interface and portability are cited as advantages.
- Improvement over Hard Time 2006 (weight 0.09): Compared to Hard Time 2006, this game is seen as a massive improvement. It builds on the original's foundation with enhanced features.
- School Days PC port coming (weight 0.09): School Days is planned to release on PC soon. This indicates continued support for MDickie games on the platform.
- Better than phone touchscreen (weight 0.09): Playing on PC is better than experiencing the game on a cramped phone touchscreen. Improved controls and visuals are cited.
- Supporting MDickie for nostalgia (weight 0.09): Some players buy the game to support MDickie for old times' sake. They appreciate his work and want to see more.
- Available on tablets (weight 0.09): The mobile version is playable on tablets such as Kindle Fire. This expands its accessibility beyond phones.

Emotions:
- Amusement (weight 0.17): Players find amusement in the game's dumb and unhinged NPCs, inconsistent AI, and chaotic emergent gameplay, such as absurd court outcomes and random events. The campy nature, ridiculous combat, and silly scenarios like being jailed for talking too much or building a death star contribute to the humor. These elements create a consistently hilarious and unpredictable experience.
- Frustration (weight 0.17): Frustration stems from nonsensical controls, poor AI behavior, and technical issues like lag and freezes. Keyboard controls are difficult for left-handed players, and the game is unplayable for those with limited English. Other annoyances include brutal difficulty, inability to change key bindings, and AI that can block all hits while the player cannot.
- Disappointment (weight 0.17): Disappointment arises from the lack of content, poor performance, and unfulfilled expectations. The game is short, feels like a bad mobile port, and lacks multiplayer and new features. Graphics are blurry, frame rates are low, and controls are limited, especially on PC.
- Love (weight 0.07): Players love the game for its unique blend of police, comedy, Sims, and GTA elements, creating a chaotic and unpredictable experience. The relationship system and characters' reactions add depth. It is considered one of the best games, with insanely enjoyable gameplay.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.04): Enjoyment comes from the freedom to make decisions with consequences, the consistent world, and the ability to toy with it. Fun gameplay, variety, and constant activity keep players engaged. Chaotic sequences like shooting, court, and killing are particularly enjoyable.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.04): Satisfaction is derived from the game's complexity and value for money, as well as unique mechanics and fighting moves. Being released from prison after serving time provides a sense of accomplishment. The port is enjoyable once workarounds are applied.
- Excitement (weight 0.03): Excitement stems from understanding the depth of prison systems and the ability to interact with most items to create wild stories. The freedom to cause mayhem with many weapons adds to the thrill.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.03): Nostalgia is triggered by memories of playing the game on mobile devices years ago, such as on a tablet in 2013 or from 2016 to 2019. Buying the game again brings back those past experiences.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasm is driven by the opportunity to send prisoners to hell and the game's high replayability. It is considered Matt's best 2D game.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Appreciation comes from features like making friends in jail and the game being made with love and immersive despite lacking in graphics. The immense possibilities are valued over story and visuals.
- Liking (weight 0.02): Liking is based on the game being enjoyable overall and the out-of-context wrestling moments.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration is expressed for the game being great and better than the 3D version.
- Hope (weight 0.02): Hope is held that MDickie might update the game to add more features and fix the High Resolution problem.
- Hatred (weight 0.01): Hatred is directed at the judge character always being a jerk.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement is maintained by the simulation systems that keep players invested with unexpected situations.
- Impressed (weight 0.01): Players are impressed by the chain of emergent events, such as starting from needing to urinate and ending in arrest.
- Praise (weight 0.01): Praise is given for the game being absurdly fun and chaotic.
- Fondness (weight 0.01): Fondness is linked to playing the game on mobile in 2020.
- Contentment (weight 0.01): Contentment comes from the endless gameplay fun derived from people dying and reviving.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom occurs when not causing trouble, as the game can be boring otherwise.}