I would not recommend this game to anyone who doesn't already own it.

Ever since paradox became the publisher this game has gone down into the gutter. A very long time ago this was mostly a project spearheaded by two devs, whose devlogs you can still find on youtube to this day.

Unless you're playing the base game, this isn't worth it. and i am extremely unhopeful for prison architect 2. i will continue to play this game until likely a better one comes out; as there truly isn't anything like prison architect.

This is, honestly, an amazing game, at least the base game. So much care, effort and polish put into making a sturdy foundation that was ruined by EA Style DLC.

Many years ago this was my introduction to Tycoon Games. I love how grungy everything is, it oozes a kind of honesty you don't see anymore. Everything has a sound associated with it, and despite the very simplistic art-style, it all fits together so well that it gives off an unmistakable vibe. (again, exceptions for certain DLC packs)

The core game is simple, yet filled with so many complexities you need to learn to actually create a functional prison. I love it to bits, and it hurts to see that ill never really get new content i'll like.

If you can stand the crap, i guess it's worth it. But i don't feel right encouraging this publisher to keep buying out Indie games and shoving them full of garbage. it's a pretty horrible tactic, and it's starting to show it's faults.
Maybe i'll be proven wrong and the up and coming sequel will be this amazing thing;
but it comes across like they don't have any understanding on what made prison architect actually fun in the first place. The trailers look terrible.

Doesn't say it on the side bar but it installs Paradox Launcher. Up to you if thats a problem but kind of obnoxious it comes with bloatware.

Haven't played much to give it an in-depth review.
few hours

Best Bits..
Options (so many now).
Building the prison.
Watching the wee builders on full speed (should be allowed to search staff maybe a drug test now and again).
Watching the prisoners kill each other.
Watching the guards kill the prisoners.
Figuring out how to make them not die as often and make a profit by tasers and better security planning!
Discovering servos!!!!!
That day i found out if i put the protected custody in permanent lock-down as punishment they wont starve to death instead of a full lock-down regime!!!
Deployment planning for patrols.
MODS!!!!
Finding a tiny K-9 crap.
Watching my first death-row get executed.
Gang warfare.

Bits i just tried to cope with...
The times my favourite prisoners got parole.
Gang warfare.
Locking-down for my first death-row execution.
Few bugs-maybe, (could be the mods).
No surprise sex, (no mod).
Can't get a prison ♥♥♥♥♥ (no mod).
Never once did anyone drop soap in the shower room and again (no mod).
Can't give the guards the big-D and blackmail them for contraband (no mod).
Not one black prisoner in a wheelchair with dreads. (no mod).
Not enough K-9 choice.
too many MODS.
Late for work. (Was too busy waiting on the second Prison-Architect release, which i'm sure will be in a few hours also)

Overall after the couple of hours i played. I would recommend this to any sim builder, lazy gamer and even power hungry maniacs that just want to know what prisoner is gonna be first brutalised to death in the new prison because the save files getting named after them.

Would happily give my few hours a balanced score of 10/5