Hard Time

About

In "Hard Time," players create their own convict and navigate a dangerous prison environment filled with up to 100 other inmates. Realistic day-to-day survival and mental health management are crucial, as are building relationships and avoiding enemy gangs. This desktop release includes full character customization, extensive controller support, and the potential for multiplayer opportunities.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Co-Op Team up with friends to complete levels or missions together
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
PvP Player versus Player - Fight against other players in real-time, often in arena-style combat
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 412 reviews

gameplay10 positive mentions

optimization6 negative mentions

The game is a fun and chaotic prison simulator that offers a lot of absurd humor and entertainment.
Players enjoy the nostalgia and creativity involved in character customization and storytelling within the game.
Despite its flaws, many find the game addictive and appreciate the unique charm of MDickie's work.

The game suffers from rigid controls, poor optimization, and feels like a mobile port rather than a polished PC experience.
There are significant performance issues, including low framerates and minor bugs that can detract from gameplay.
The lack of new features and updates compared to the original mobile version leaves some players disappointed.

gameplay
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
50%
5%
The gameplay is characterized by its enjoyable and engaging mechanics, with a unique charm that keeps players invested for hours. While some users express a desire for more content, the combination of quirky graphics and distinctive fighting moves contributes to a fun and memorable experience. Overall, it is praised for its addictive nature and entertaining gameplay.
- “The gameplay is enjoyable enough to keep you playing.”
- “Good gameplay, spent many hours playing this 10/10.”
- “Mdickie games have a certain charm to them that no other games on the market have; they have strange graphics, weird mechanics, and even weirder characters in them, but you can never put the games down.”
- “Mdickie games have a certain charm to them that no other games on the market have, they have strange graphics, weird mechanics, and even weirder characters in them but you can never put the games down.”
story
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
65%
15%
The game's story is minimal, primarily revolving around the concept of escaping from prison, but it offers players the freedom to create their own narratives within a humorous and open world. Customization options enhance the storytelling experience, allowing players to engage with the game in a personal and imaginative way. Overall, while some find the story lacking, others appreciate the opportunity to craft their own adventures.
- “This is just a simple, useful, funny, and wide open world of prison sim with many possibilities to create your own story as whatever you want, so great for me.”
- “You can customize your own character to your liking and pretty much have an imagination of your own as far as storytelling goes.”
- “Great physics, great story, and the AI makes you feel like you're part of a real family.”
- “There is no story.”
- “The story is basically just escaping.”
- “It's like playing 'Candy Crush' for the story.”
graphics
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
67%
17%
The graphics of the game are described as basic and campy, contributing to its unique charm, though they come with limitations such as rigid controls and a lack of customization options. While some players appreciate the artistry and immersive quality, others find the graphics and mechanics frustrating, highlighting a blend of love and quirkiness in the game's design. Overall, the visuals evoke a nostalgic and distinctive appeal, despite their imperfections.
- “The artistry and amazing graphics amaze me to this day, and I'm so happy I was able to experience something so incredible in my lifetime.”
- “Basically, this is what a real, immersive, and great game should be. It is not only about graphics; this game has been made with love, and I really appreciate it.”
- “Graphics make this game unique, in my opinion.”
- “The graphics are basic and camp, the controls are occasionally frustrating (I wanted to pick up what was on the table, not the table itself, and how do I lay down on the bed to sleep and regain my strength?!), and the AI is messed up (some guy in the toilets started to beat me up, another guy was milling around, and during the fight I knocked him down as well, and my attacker thanked me for sorting him out, yet carried on beating me up), but let's be fair, this isn't a game to be taken seriously.”
- “But that unfortunately also means rigid controls, nonexistent customization (for graphics/performance), and framerate locks.”
- “Mdickie games have a certain charm to them that no other games on the market have; they have strange graphics, weird mechanics, and even weirder characters in them, but you can never put the games down.”
humor
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely praised for its randomness and self-awareness, often resulting in laugh-out-loud moments and unintentional comedy. Players appreciate the game's ability to create funny scenarios, making it enjoyable despite its flaws. Overall, the humor is described as a significant highlight, contributing to a fun and entertaining experience.
- “Due to the game's design, there are many scenarios that just come across as funny as hell.”
- “I've spent hours laughing at it with my friends, and the self-aware dialogue helps to patch up the ill feelings I have toward the general lack of polish and the terribly incoherent artificial intelligence.”
- “This game is bad, but in a 'so bad, it's good' kind of way and has lots of unintentional humor in it.”
optimization
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
The game's optimization has been widely criticized, with users reporting poor performance, frequent lag, and low framerates consistently below 20fps. Additionally, there is a lack of customization options for graphics and performance, leading to rigid controls and an overall disappointing experience compared to other versions.
- “But it is very laggy at times and it can be delayed at times and the fps is always under 12fps and you would be lucky to get over 19fps, the game isn't optimized well!”
- “I can definitely see why this version is much less popular than the 3D one... just an awful mobile port with poor performance.”
- “My only complaints are the performance and lack of new features, it's basically the same as the free mobile version but with enhanced resolutions/textures.”
grinding
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
Players consistently express that the grinding required in the game is excessively time-consuming, suggesting that it feels like one would need a second life to complete it.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
music
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
50%
25%
The music in the game has received high praise, with users expressing that it is exceptional and deserving of a place on platforms like Spotify and SoundCloud. The overall sentiment highlights its quality and appeal.
- “Music: everything will be alright.”
- “This music should be on Spotify and SoundCloud; it's so fire.”
monetization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
25%
50%
The game offers a free mobile version supported by ads, allowing players to try it before committing. Additionally, it features microtransactions that are framed as contributing to a good cause.
- “Microtransactions for a good cause.”
- “If you want some kind of demo before trying, there's a free version on mobile that has ads.”
- “Microtransactions for a good cause 😈”