'Space Prison' Review: A Hybrid of Roguelike and Survival Mechanics

'Space Prison' introduces players to a one-of-a-kind experience that blends roguelike gameplay with survival elements and relationship dynamics in a sci-fi setting. Developed by the indie studio Wooden Alien and published by Firesquid, the game marks a fresh debut for its creators. Although it encounters some issues with repetition and could benefit from more depth in certain areas, 'Space Prison' offers a captivating exploration of its unique subgenre, featuring engaging combat and a visually distinctive world.

In 'Space Prison,' players' consciousness is transferred between bodies via a collar when their current vessel dies. This roguelike mechanic is creatively explained within the game’s narrative: the prison’s layout shifts daily to prevent escapes, adding an intriguing layer of depth. Players start by choosing a character build that includes a race and a crime—essentially their class—each with its advantages and drawbacks.

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For instance, humans and diverse alien races like the Nex, who can hover, offer different gameplay experiences. Crimes, such as theft, provide benefits like double loot but also result in increased distrust from others.

Upon death, players can transfer their consciousness into one of three randomly selected builds, introducing an element of chance, though more flexibility in exploring race and class combinations would be a welcome addition. Managing three primary stats—health, hunger, and hope—adds a survival challenge. Health depletes easily and is difficult to restore, hunger must be managed through food acquisition, and hope can be scarce, requiring players to seek out special resources or positive interactions.

Combat occurs on a grid system with each race starting with a distinct move set. Actions are turn-based and require a set number of Action Points, with moves often involving multiple steps. Players can upgrade their arsenal with various weapons and items, which impacts their combat strategies. The grid can be cluttered with obstacles and hazards, but it also contains valuable loot and allies. Rats and other prisoners can be recruited to fight alongside the player, adding strategic elements to battles.

The game’s roguelike design includes randomly generated maps with branching paths and varying difficulty ratings for combat encounters. While players can automatically return to their cellblock, they still face challenges in managing their health and resources. Key areas like bathrooms and medical bays remain constant, while others like gang hideouts become accessible as players progress. Daily modifiers, such as altered gravity, add to the game's unpredictability.

Building relationships with fellow prisoners and joining one of the two gangs is crucial for survival and the potential for escape. Players can advance within the gang hierarchy by completing tasks, which opens up opportunities for gathering intel and acquiring items. Despite the frequent loss of most possessions upon death, some progress is retained, including relationships and hidden stashes.

'Space Prison' stands out with its innovative blend of gameplay elements, offering a distinctive experience despite its flaws. The combination of roguelike mechanics, survival challenges, and social interactions creates a memorable, if imperfect, adventure.