Hard Time III
- September 9, 2024
- MDickie
- 14h median play time
Get on Steam"Hard Time III" is a prison simulation game where players can experience life on both sides of the prison fence as a prisoner or a cop. The game features a larger world to explore, various vehicles and animals, and a creative crafting system. With enhanced combat and gunplay, higher resolution visuals, and a variety of camera angles, players must fight to survive while dealing with the consequences of their actions.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers chaotic and unpredictable gameplay, leading to hilarious and memorable moments.
- It features a vast open world with new mechanics, including the ability to become a cop or a civilian, adding depth to the gameplay.
- The character customization and editor allow for creative and unique character builds, enhancing replayability.
- The camera controls are clunky and often obstructive, making navigation and combat frustrating.
- The wanted system is overly punishing, with players facing severe consequences for minor infractions, leading to frequent and frustrating arrests.
- The game lacks a clear structure or schedule, making it feel directionless and less engaging compared to previous titles.
- story27 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is polarizing; while some players appreciate the freedom to create their own narratives in a rich world, others criticize the lack of direction and the blandness of missions. Many find the quests repetitive and poorly designed, leading to frustration, while others enjoy the unique experiences that come with each new character. Overall, the game offers a mix of innovative storytelling potential and significant gameplay flaws.
“Most innovative game of the decade, make your own story, give birth as a man, and explore the story-rich world. This is by far the best game I have ever played, and trust me, I played Minecraft when I was 10, so this is about as valid as it can get.”
“Outstanding story-rich game award.”
“Basically, this game is always going to have a different result and story every time you start a new character.”
“If you like story-driven games, this isn't for you.”
“The quests are 90% of the time awful.”
“Nothing is explained, and most mechanics are hidden: hunger/thirst, if they even exist, have no meter; excess eating or drinking doesn't seem to have any sort of visible warning; quests are random and impossible to complete sometimes.”
- gameplay23 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this title is a mixed bag, with some players enjoying its quirky mechanics and modding options, while others criticize it for being tedious, unpolished, and lacking engaging content. Many find the hidden mechanics and absurdity entertaining, but others feel overwhelmed by broken controls and a lack of clear objectives, leading to a frustrating experience. Overall, the game seems to prioritize chaotic fun over structured gameplay, resulting in a divisive reception among players.
“If you don't take it seriously, it's a great game that prioritizes fun and wacky gameplay over everything else.”
“I really enjoy the option of modded gameplay and vanilla!”
“10/10 gameplay, would become a wanted insubordinist any day of the week.”
“Some mechanics (like the radiant quests) are a little tedious.”
“It pains me to see how in the past he seemed to genuinely want to improve each game by adding new mechanics, ideas, and features, but ever since the release of Old School, the games just feel very lazily made with only a couple new items, weapons, and features combined with all the annoying changes that make the game unplayable.”
“The controls are broken (pressing the right stick is not use, it's pause), the camerawork is sloppy, you have full customization over your character's looks and if you choose to use this you'll be constantly accosted for breaking the rules of the prison (impersonation) and get into a fight every time you try to go change, and gameplay is constantly interrupted by other characters walking up to you and threatening you, apologizing to you, selling you things, or asking you for favors.”
- humor20 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as chaotic and unpredictable, often delivering laugh-out-loud moments through absurd scenarios and crude jokes typical of mdickie titles. While many players find the comedic elements entertaining and timeless, some criticize the game's mechanics and NPC interactions for detracting from the overall experience, suggesting that the humor can sometimes feel overshadowed by gameplay frustrations. Overall, the game is recognized for its ability to generate humor consistently, making it a fun, albeit flawed, experience.
“It's pure, unadulterated madness in the most hilarious form.”
“A truly hilarious game.”
“Game where something new and funny is guaranteed to happen every 5 minutes.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics have received mixed reviews, with some users describing them as outdated and lacking quality, while others note a photo-realistic style. Overall, many find the visuals underwhelming and not a significant concern given the game's other aspects.
“The graphics are photo-realistic.”
“The sound effects, graphics, and a majority of the programming follow from the mobile game.”
“Graphics are trash, but you can figure that out from the screenshots and it's not even a big deal.”
“Outdated graphics.”
- music3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highlighted as beautiful and captivating, particularly in the south block where a giant inmate plays it. However, some users note that the music can be repetitive at times.
“In the south block, I heard the most beautiful music played by a giant inmate.”
“With the lovely tones of music.”
“The music is incredibly repetitive.”
“I found the soundtrack to be quite monotonous.”
“The background music lacks variety and quickly becomes tiresome.”
- stability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is mixed; while some users report it runs smoothly on the Steam Deck, others experience significant bugs that detract from the overall experience. Overall, it is not considered broken, but the presence of bugs is notable.
“This game isn't buggy or broken; it just throws everything into a pot and lets you see what happens.”
“Runs great on the Steam Deck, both handheld and docked.”
“It's also way too buggy.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable.”
“I experienced constant lag and glitches that ruined the experience.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly with mechanics like radiant quests, suggesting that it can be time-consuming and may require significant effort to progress.
“Some mechanics, like the radiant quests, are a little tedious.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy is criticized as a blatant cash grab, merging nostalgic elements with a lack of originality, which detracts from the overall experience.
“A carbon copy cash grab that combines old-school mechanics with modern monetization tactics.”
“The game feels more like a money-making scheme than a genuine experience.”
“In-game purchases are so aggressive that it ruins the overall enjoyment of the game.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While the sequel is generally enjoyable, users feel it could benefit from additional features to enhance its replayability.
“This game offers a wealth of choices that make each playthrough feel unique and engaging.”
“The variety of character builds and story paths ensures that I can come back for more every time.”
“With multiple endings and side quests, I find myself discovering something new with each replay.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Original Hard Times" is highly praised, with users noting that it effectively captures a compelling and immersive experience.
“The atmosphere in the game captures the essence of hard times beautifully.”
“The immersive environment truly enhances the overall experience.”
“The game's atmosphere is hauntingly captivating, drawing you into its world.”
