1. Setting
     Hard Time (2007)    Hard Time (2013)  

2. Gameplay
     Hard Time (2007)    Hard Time (2013)  

3. Reception
     Hard Time (2007)    Hard Time (2013)  

4. References

Setting

Hard Time (2007)

The primary premise of the videogame is being a "prison simulator", where the player is confined in the dependencies of a correctional facility in the fictional city of Southtown. The main goal is to survive until the end of the character's sentence.^[4]

In the 2D version, the player has the possibility to explore a small fictional town outside of the penitentiary.^[2]

Hard Time (2013)

Released as "Hard Time (Prison Sim)", the premise remains untouched in Hard Time 2013, but with minor and major changes. Apart from the obvious different graphics, the game offers different possibilities in the character customization and a small fictional town outside of the penitentiary, which the player can explore after serving their sentence or escaping. The game also introduces female characters.^[2]

Gameplay

Hard Time (2007)

The camera perspective of the 3D game is third person. The player can explore the "Southtown Correctional Facility" freely outside of the lockdown hours, when the player must stay in their respective cell of their respective block from 22:00PM to 7:00AM. The cells are divided by North, South, East and West blocks with 20 cells each. There are other rooms where different activities, such as a main hall (reception area with varied activities), an exercise yard (where the player can increase stats related to their physical build), a library (where the player can increase their "Intellect" stat), an infirmary (where the player can recover their health), a toilet room (where the player can use a collective shower for cleaning eventual bloodstains), a cafeteria (where the player can have meals at lunch time) and a workshop (where the player can build weapons and tools for money). The game also offers a fighting system based on upper, lower and big attacks, stomps and grappling moves.^[4]

The game has a "Reputation" system, which determines the likelihood of other inmates attacking the character and of being acquitted if the character was arrested by a guard. There is also a currency system, and the currency can be used for purchasing goods or services from other characters.

It is also possible to join gangs in the game, which grants the player protection from fellow gang members.

Hard Time (2013)

The gameplay system, gangs, reputation system, block division and room functions are identical in Hard Time 2013, but the game now offers the possibility to customize one's character fighting moves in the customization screen, selecting different punches, stomps, locks and grappling moves. Currency now has more uses and there are more means to earn it. The player can use money to bribe guards when being arrested, and have the option to give money upon being intimidated by another inmate. As of the 1.34 update of November 2016, the player can buy food from vending machines.^[5]

Vehicles were introduced in this version, which consists of a motorcycle that can be used to travel faster.

Reception

Hard Time (2007)

The game had mostly average bellow-average scores, with many complaints on the mechanics, graphics and overall logic.^[1] However, many reviewers and players seem to enjoy the game and the experience despite all. The game's flaws and bad quality has been a constant source of ridicule and jokes.^[6][7]

Hard Time (2013)

Hard Time 2013, on the other hand, had better reception compared to the previous title. Complaints about the mechanics and invasive advertisement banners have raised,^[8][9] but the rating scores are usually above average,^[5][10] and some reviewers stated that the game can be enjoyable because of its humorous nature.^[8]

References

• Merrett–Murray Medal
• Merriam
• Merriam, Kansas
• Merriam, KS
• Merriam-Webster
• Merriam-webster
• Merriam Webster
• Merriam-Webster Dictionary
• Merriam Woods, Missouri
• Merriam Woods, MO
• Merrick
• Merrick and Rosso
• Merrick Baliton
• Merrick Biotech
• Merrick (book)
• Merrick Boulevard
• Merrick County
• Merrick County, NE
• Merrick County, Nebraska
• Merrick (Galloway)
• Merrick Garland
• Merrick Mountains
• Merrick, New York
• Merrick (novel)
• Merrick Road