Escape mode for console support

[valmoochie]

the support thread is closed so i cant show my support but here is my support for getting this mode on console id even be willing to pay for that mode as dlc

[ExtremisAntares]

Me too plus every other console player that just wants to have what PC has but they won't do it probably due to lack of peeps playing on console. Instead we will get crappy dlc just for console so they can justify console support and take our money.

[valmoochie]

preaty much it does suck.... two things would make this game the best ghost of dead prisoners and escape mode

[GhostTrick]

It's funny actually, I rented this game from gamefly and didn't even know what escape mode was until I read the description on the ps4 game sleeve that reads, "after having fun building your prison, test it with escape mode!" Paraphrasing.

I am not mad about it though, escape mode looks like an afterthought to the meat of the game. Like something the devs built in their off time. It is overhyped if I am honest. That Psych ward dlc is really fun though. I hope we get more stuff like that.

Personally, I think female prisoners, more management like seasons, heating, ghosts, is a more important aspect to the game that I would like to see on ps4.

All that aside, I feel like downloading other prisons is pointless without it. The fun lies in making your prison, running the prison after it's creation runs a little dull. Having an escape mode would let us test other prisons, that would be cool.

[barticle]

Escape Mode feels like a gimmick that was added so Introversion would have something new to show when they announced the launch of PC version 1.0 after 2.5 years of Early Access development.

Basically it's just a grind to attack people/objects to earn points for upgrading your character and recruiting/upgrading a crew until you're in a position to bust out.

Escape Mode is an example of something where personally I'm content to watch gameplay with entertaining commentary rather than play it for myself. (I recommend watching Sips)

[ExtremisAntares]

So says the guy who probably has the game on PC. It's a unique feature that many find interesting enough to want to buy this game and your statement is easy to say when you are in the position to chose to play (if u are on PC) it or not.

[barticle]

I'm sharing my opinion as a PS4 gamer who's also watched a ton of Prison Architect streams and gameplay videos from throughout the PC game's development cycle including several Escape Mode playthroughs.

[ExtremisAntares]

That's fair and your opinion is valid and noted. I'll admit I am unaware of the details pertaining to WHY this game is ported to console so terribly in terms of quality so I am sincerely asking as you seem very knowledgeable.

Why isn't this game up to PC standards, is it because of a different dev company?

Why would they port a game that seems so incomplete by comparison and charge the price that they set and then hint at future development and then not deliver?

What restrictions could they possibly come across that would negate the ability to port it properly? The game looks like Atari and despite all the moving pieces on screen appears perfectly capable for next Gen consoles to handle.

And finally a personal question.
How can you as a console player defend this garbage port of a game?
Please explain, am I wrong from a customers viewpoint to expect the game to match the PC version, or am I exaggerating the differences, because when I compare this port to PC version it truly imo seems like half of the game at most.
I am not being sarcastic I am just salty that we are not being given the opportunity to experience the game as it was originally created and paying just as much for it.

[barticle]

The PC game was made by Introversion. It first appeared back in September 2012 and was then made available via Steam's Early Access programme in March 2013. Introversion released updates approximately monthly, adding and balancing a host of new features, before finally releasing Version 1.0 (with Escape Mode) in October 2015.

The console ports were made by Double 11. They were based on the current build of the PC game when they began development which is around Alpha 35 - before Escape Mode was available. They include a lot of features that were added in the later updates such as shops and gangs (Alpha 34), cell quality and mail rooms (Alpha 33), chapels and libraries (Alpha 29) and execution (Alpha 31).

For a while Introversion maintained the frequency of their updates, adding a few new features to the PC game. However they admitted that they'd reached the stage of adding unnecessary "bloat", particularly with the whole temperature/heating system which had to be patched to make it optional.

Do you have issues with quality or just quantity? The console games are missing way less than half the PC content and they got one of the better new features - sniper towers from Update 3 on PC - as part of a free content update.

The full text change-logs for all the PC alpha builds and later updates are available via these links. If you have the time then check out some of the update videos too which are really insightful and entertaining. I think Chris - the guy who originally conceived Prison Architect - is hilarious.

Before Version 1.0: http://www.introversion.co.uk/prisonarchitect/builds-alpha.html

Version 1.0 and beyond: http://www.introversion.co.uk/prisonarchitect/builds.html

Double 11 successfully recreated the core gameplay and visuals of the PC game, completely rebuilt the user interface to make it work on console and made the game more accessible by better explaining the features (Introversion are content to let you learn by failure). They also added a few innovations of their own, at least a couple of which were copied back into the PC game.

I accept that there are a range of factors - logistical, economic and otherwise - that determine how much work a studio can put into the development of a game and its subsequent support. I don't know how big the console user-base is but I'm sure it's a lot smaller than the 2+ million PC owners.

[ExtremisAntares]

Wow that was very informative, thanks for responding. Maybe you should work for these guys
In terms of quality I meant how it holds up to the PC version overall, including content and performance. Did PC have the laundry glitch?
Disappointment and grievances about the console comparison to PC was inevitably going to occur with this game, and I believe that as consumers we can be partly to blame for not doing the research before a purchase but the differences should be made aware to the customer otherwise they will feel mislead.
How was marketing handled at launch because while it clearly states it is the "PS4 edition" it doesn't include any such differences from its original PC version. In fact I believe someone on this forum even noted that it had Escape Mode mentioned on the PS4 case.
When selling a replica of any item or substance it is proper business etiquette to make the customer aware of the disimilarities with its original.
Most players I am sure came upon this game on the store, maybe checked out some gameplay on youtube before purchasing and determined to get it based on the assumption that it will be the same, if not at the start then at some point.
And frankly imo of course, some wallpaper and sniper towers that we should be so grateful for them giving us console welps, doesn't count as an appropriate support update for the game.

[barticle]

I'm an informative kinda guy.

The PC version has had a whole range of bugs and imbalances during its very long and very public development, even in the most recent update. Did it have the bug where laundry wasn't delivered to comfy beds? No, the PC version doesn't have comfy beds!

I'll admit that the issue with Escape Mode is awkward and potentially confusing to consumers. I saw that post about the PS4 physical artwork but couldn't find the back cover image online to verify.

I'm personally happy to have PA on consoles with plenty of features. There's very little from the late PC development that interests me. I've already given my view on Escape Mode and I think female prisoners with babies, guard needs and temperature/heating are just annoyances - plus that free update on consoles already added hot showers without the need for extra plumbing; I can see that some players would appreciate the extra challenges though. All I would really want are the random events (mini disasters to deal with - also annoying!) and maybe dorms/bunks - that's it.

[ExtremisAntares]

Did it have the bug where laundry wasn't delivered to comfy beds? No, the PC version doesn't have comfy beds!

So they add something to console that isn't in the original PC version and all it did was give the game another annoyance? Wow maybe this team just doesn't have the skill/capability to port the game successfully, they certainly failed in the marketing department imo as well.
Well I will learn to face the fact that the game will never compare to its PC original and move on, but for potential future buyers of this game for console who may happen to visit this forum I say BUYER BEWARE - It's not the same as PC version and apparently it never will be for those that hope it may get updated. Time to plan a new prison design so I can get use out of what I paid for with Psych Ward

[D11_Nat]

Hi guys,

@barticle, thanks again for your balanced and informative posts. I'd say you're a really good cover support for when I'm not in the office but in reality your posts are better than mine full stop

In regards to the PS4 box- I've got one in my hand right now and can confirm that it doesn't mention Escape Mode anywhere on there!

Nat D11

[barticle]

Thanks for covering for me during the week.