# The Prison Boys — user reviews > 73 indexed App Store user reviews of The Prison Boys by SEEC Inc., rated 4.83/5 from 311 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-prison-boys/id1236052705/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-prison-boys/id1236052705.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 283 · 4★ 13 · 3★ 10 · 2★ 1 · 1★ 4 ## What do users think of The Prison Boys? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 📖 Compelling and emotionally engaging storyline - 🎨 Beautiful art style and character design - 🎵 High-quality music and sound effects - 🧩 Well-designed puzzles and mystery mechanics - 😊 Memorable and likable characters - 📚 Multiple endings and routes to discover - 🎭 Excellent plot twists and pacing - 🆓 Free-to-play with optional purchases - 🇯🇵 Interesting historical setting and context - 🎮 Smooth gameplay mechanics and interactions - 💔 Emotionally impactful and touching ending **Cons** - 🎫 Limited daily tickets restrict gameplay progression - ✍️ Translation errors and typos throughout - 💳 Requires payment for special stories - 🔄 Ticket refresh system unreliable for some users - 🎯 Some puzzles require specific knowledge or are obtuse - 📱 Screen display issues on certain devices - 🔐 No data transfer option between devices - ⏱️ Slow progression due to ticket system - 🐛 Occasional app crashes and technical issues - 🎮 Some gameplay mechanics feel tedious **Commonly reported bugs** - Daily tickets not refreshing or resetting - Login rewards not being received - App crashes on startup for some users - Screen cutoff issues preventing item interaction - Double charging on in-app purchases - Data not transferring to new devices - Music continuing to play after menu exit - Kyouji story progression issues **Most requested features** - CG gallery for viewing collected images - Indefinite ticket campaign instead of 10-day limit - Anime adaptation of the game - More investigation and exploration segments - Romantic elements in the story - Additional games in similar style - Sequel or alternate endings - Short story unlocks through gameplay completion ## Newest reviews (17 of 73) ### 5/5 — Really intriguing for a story game! *2020-12-07, version 1.0.8* I don’t usually play otome games or anything similar to them cause my attention span can’t take anything that isn’t immediately exciting, but this game pulled me in with the first couple of short intriguing chapters. I haven’t played games that aren’t full of stories focused on romance so this was interesting and new. I really recommend this to you if solving mysteries and murders are your thing! ### 5/5 — Fantastic historical story with a lot of payoff *2020-10-31, version 1.0.8* I just finished the true ending, and I feel really satisfied with the game. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all the puzzles, it has interesting and likable characters, and overall, the translation is good. I’ve downloaded some other SEEC games, and I’d always be happy to find more as interesting as this. ### 5/5 — Amazing story! You should totally get this app *2020-10-26, version 1.0.8* This game is so amazing! Highly recommend you to get it. Everything from the characters, the music, plot, and mysteries were breathtaking! If you are a person who loves solving mysteries, interrogating people, interactive stories, or are just looking for a good game, then this game is for you! ### 5/5 — Super fun puzzle adventure game *2020-06-20* It’s so cute and the storyline is so good and I just love it so much. The puzzles aren’t too challenging and there’s a bit of translation issues but it’s doesnt take away from the game ### 5/5 — Honestly Just Amazing *2020-06-10, version 1.0.5* I have watched, read, and played lots of murder mystery related things, but this game was definitely a lot better than some others. The animation, storyline, and the pleasure of picking the pieces is just amazing and I looked forward to the next day where I left off. ### 5/5 — Great game with exhilarating story *2020-06-01, version 1.0.5* I actually downloaded this game on accident but I stayed for the ride. I haven’t finished it yet but it is GREAT. If you like games with detective mechanics like Ace Attorney you’ll love this game. I never leave reviews but I had to for this game. One small problem for it is the translation has minor mistakes but it doesn’t take away from the gameplay or story. ### 5/5 — Absolutely Mindblowing *2020-05-12, version 1.0.5* Aside from translation errors, this game was absolutely amazing. The story was incredibly interesting, the mystery was not too simple and challenging enough for me to enjoy, and the art and music was so beautiful. 100% I will definitely recommend people to play. You don’t need to buy anything to play, but I ended up doing so anyway because the story was so good. There is a bug where in Kyouji’s story if you fail to get the Yokozukarai letter before hand and return to the main menu, Kyouji’s music keeps playing but it goes away if I restart the app and then chapter select. ### 5/5 — Really good *2020-04-28, version 1.0.5* It’s good, I wish there were other games like this one. I really have no problem with anything. The storyline is amazing and draws you in, and the art is fantastic, too. To be able to interact with character and search your surroundings makes the game automatically an A+ in my book. It’s really good, and I would totally recommend if you’re into mysteries and stuff. ### 4/5 — Fantastic *2020-04-27* Everything is great. Personally, I would prefer a bit romantic elements in this game, so I hope they may do so🤗 ### 5/5 — BEST GAME I HAVE EVER PLAYED *2020-04-27, version 1.0.5* I remember playing this game a long time ago and it was my favorite! I love this game to much, I literally have one of the characters as my password, and no im not joking. In summary, I love this game and it will forever be the best game I have ever played. Promise. ### 5/5 — A great story *2020-04-04* Phenomenal, engaging story! Once the mysteries start unraveling, it becomes so hard to stop. The puzzles were fun and I was stumped at least once. And I love the way the hints to get all the endings are written. Once you figure things out, you really feel the gravity of the choices you made. Thank you for translating this game for an English audience! I loved the other games you all released too! ### 4/5 — Story was the selling point *2020-03-31, version 1.0.5* My initial intrigue came from what the story seemed to be, and while I wasn’t sold immediately, one of the strongest points of the game is that you can view the entire first chapter without the use of tickets. This allows you to get a real grasp of the adventure that’s to come and I sincerely admire that. However there onwards is where problems start to arise. While the story itself is the strongest aspect and is very good on top of it, the actual gameplay has many faults. There’s particularly difficult puzzles that seem like you need to know actual Japanese to progress with them. Some items are supposed to be obtained so you can truly progress, but the game allows you to move on so many times which means you’ll notice it too late, such as when you use the watch in Chapter 5 to get a piece of paper you had no way of knowing was concealed there. And my biggest issue is with how you must play the game in order to even reach the final chapter. Without spoiling it, you had to make particular choices throughout the entire game that show trust towards a certain person. If you don’t do it because you the player simply don’t trust them, which I think is very valid, you can be screwed from as early as the Chapter 2. This requires you to play through the entire game again without jumping stages if you want to reach the climatic conclusion, which is in all honesty, really worth your time. Despite the flaws laid out, the story is what I was in for, and I wasn’t disappointed in it. I came out loving a great handful of the characters (especially the Saeki brothers) and the true ending is heartwarming and satisfying. The mystery takes a really sudden turn and just when you think you’ve got a conclusion, ah ha shut up no you don’t, there’s a whole half chapter left to cry over about. And trust that I did cry. If you can handle the shortcomings I think you’ll see that the story, mystery aspect, and characters make up for it quite well. ### 5/5 — Amazing game! *2020-02-26, version 1.0.5* Honestly, I’m just keep this as short as I can. I got this game because I am almost obsessed with anything having to do with escape games, murders, mysteries, etc. I am only on chapter two and I am loving it so much! But one bad thing is the tickets. I used all five of them up in about fifteen minutes and I do not feel like paying for more, so then I have to wait forever just to get them back and do the same cycle over again. Other than that, everything about this game is flawless so far! ### 5/5 — Amazing game, love the mystery and everything! Even though there’s a problem during it... *2020-02-01* Oml, the ending. I love every single bit of it. Every visual novel that’s anime I found is dating app so when I first laid eyes on this game I know what I’ve being looking for! I saw you guys still have other game so I totally will play when it’s another long holiday. That’s the time when I can truly enjoy a fantastic game like this. Idk what happened that makes me unable to have the tickets and daily log one day, and I hope it won’t happened to other player. It’s a real bummer that happened. Kinda destroyed the fun. I want to give a four star because of it but... This game is so good so it deserve a 5 c: - nice animation & story - contain sound effect and music - also other effect - mysterious character - satisfying ending - lots of brain thinking - can be a bit confusing with puzzle but maybe because I’m stupid c: - the twist and turn - beware the language c; [Being fixed I just leave this here because it’s kinda part of it, this is just the past] I got a problem that I don’t receive story ticket every 5am (jst), and I didn’t get my login reward every time I enter the game. There’s something wrong with it. I waited for 2 days in a row and nothing happened. Can u help? Bc it’s really a super nice game and it’s a shame that the game isn’t working. I really want to know what’s next. Edit: I came back and I still unable to receive story ticket. Doesn’t look like you guys want to do anything about this... Edit 2: Ok I just got my tickets back and the daily logs work as well. But I’m not gunna say it’s too fast and see if it’s work the next day. I’ll just raise the rating a bit for now c: Edit 3: it’s the 2nd day and it seems I have no problem receiving it and able to continue to play the game! I’m nearly halfway but when I’m finished the whole thing I’ll give a real review of this game afterward. Thanks for fixing it! ### 4/5 — Great but... *2020-01-27, version 1.0.5* Ok so the story is great! I love the plot and graphics and mystery involved. HOWEVER, I can’t progress any further. Tickets are supposed to recharge every day right? Mine haven’t done so for a few days at least.... ### 5/5 — The Best Story Game! *2020-01-09* I was really moved at the end of the story, so I decided to write this review. Prison Boys has really given me a fun time exploring different endings and figuring out the puzzles throughout the game. The story is interesting in a way that you just can’t wait to get your tickets again tomorrow. The ticket system isn’t bad too, as it gives you 5 tickets daily to read the next part of the chapter. But how they portrayed the characters during the dialogues was also amazing because even if it’s just a change of facial expressions in the next dialogue, it still is essential and makes the story feel more real! So you should totally get this game because if I’m bothered enough to write this review (and I know most people wouldn’t be) you’d write a review too! ### 5/5 — AMAZING *2020-01-05, version 1.0.5* this was such a wonderful game..gosh im still teared up from my ending T-T the art is beautiful, the story had me on the edge of my seat and although there is an option to pay to speed up the progress I found it just as fun to play with out paying. Anyone who loves visual novels and puzzle games would love this game !! <33 ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Screen cut off *2018-10-03, version 1.0.5* I'm on the first chapter so far and love the game. However I can't get past the search scene in the house since the whole picture isn't shown on my screen and I can't tap the area to get the item. Would definitely love it if the problem is fixed since I can't play otherwise ### 2/5 — Won't let me past chapter 5 *2019-12-22* Amazing graphics BUT DOESNT WORK ### 2/5 — Disappointed *2017-12-08, version 1.0.5* I saw your game(s) and I love the idea of it so I go and download it but after I open the app it loads for a few minutes and crashes and I'm not exaggerating when I say EVERY SINGLE TIME! I just want to play it but it keeps doing this please help ### 3/5 — I can’t give a fair rating yet *2020-02-17, version 1.0.5* I played the game pretty far in, was very into it and very attached to the characters. Then, I got a new phone and redownloaded the game. I’m not seeing any way to transfer my old data and it’s really frustrating me. I don’t know if I have to play through the first chapter or something, but I’m seeing no options and I’ve tried clicking everything available to click on the home screen. To be completely honest I do not wanna have to play through it again back to where I was, because that would be extremely tedious and honestly a little boring (considering I already know everything that’s going to happen) with all of the minor interactions, puzzles and etc. tbh I’m sad because it seems like an amazing game, I just really wish it had a way to transfer data (unless I’m just really stupid and not seeing it which is entirely possible) so that I could finish it. Until then I can only give it 3 stars as this is something that really, really frustrates me :/ ### 3/5 — In App Purchases *2019-04-28, version 1.0.5* The game is really good so far, I am only on chapter two but the story is intriguing. I ran out of tickets for the day, so I decided to buy the Beginner Pack (10 tickets)for 3.99. The game lagged a bit, so I pressed it twice without knowing that it would charge me twice. I paid 7.98, but only got 10 tickets. I accidentally paid for the price of two, but only got one. I wasn’t sure of any other way of contacting, so I’m writing a review. ### 3/5 — Tasokare was better! *2019-04-22, version 1.0.5* I played Tasokare hotel before this game, and I have to say Tasokare was better, which makes sense saying this game was one of their earlier games. Setting is Pre-WW2, which is not quite my cup of tea, and fairly realistic; Tasokare is much more supernatural and modern. Puzzles are less involved here and storyline feels very linear. There are also noticeably more typos. Death sequences for some of the ending are pretty much the same, and there’s less to explore timeline-wise, search-wise, and choice-wise. In short, please don’t judge this company by this game alone! Please try their other games like Tasokare too!!! ### 3/5 — Great game but... *2019-04-09, version 1.0.5* This is a great game so far. The storyline is intriguing, I enjoy the characters and the puzzles. The big issue I have is the tickets won’t restock themselves. Im on day 2 on waiting for the tickets to reset and nothing. I’m really hoping there is a patch or it works itself out somehow because I don’t want to delete the app. I’d really enjoy finishing the game. ### 3/5 — Tickets are not refreshing, get it fixed *2019-02-14, version 1.0.5* The tickets won’t refresh after almost 3 days I redownloaded it after deleting it and hopefully it’ll work. It seems to be working for everyone else except me. ### 3/5 — I can’t get daily tickets *2018-12-17, version 1.0.5* So long the stories and puzzles are very good, but I can’t get free tickets to continue. ### 4/5 — Holy Cow *2020-05-26, version 1.0.5* To be truly honest the game would get a bit boring, but it just has this suspense and curiosity that makes you want to read more. Truly amazing and quite penetrating to the readers mind. It may also be a good thing that it may also scare me once I find out more throughout the whole story. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — An absolute masterpiece. ❤️ *2024-07-24* It's been around 3 years since I played and it still has such a special place in my heart. The Prison Boys is a FANTASTIC game. Everything from the story, the music, to the characters, to the puzzles and gameplay, trust me you WILL get attached ESPECIALLY to the characters (oh my god I can go on and on about Naoya Mitsuru Nagi and Tetsu all day 😭🩵). Literally this game will make you cry from its storytelling, hands down the best game I have ever played in my life. an absolute recommend for everyone! ### 5/5 — God the ending *2024-04-13* This story is beautiful. The ending was so tragic and moving and I cried. The characters were wonderfully drawn and animated and the music really heightened the whole story. 10/10, would play again ### 5/5 — never been so invested *2023-07-06* ive only had the game for a few days, and at first i only downloaded it because of the art style and the ratings… shallow, i know :”) anyways, when i started playing- oh my god i had no clue itd be a mystery game since i never read the description, so chapter 1 left me winded. to be honest, i havent had the time just yet to go through much of the rest of the story, but ive been constantly thinking about it. really, the only thing i wish theyd add is a gallery for the CGs shown through the story, even the… uh.. death scenes…… maybe there is one and i just havent found it yet? im not sure, but id really appriciate it! anyways, if youre still considering getting this game, pLEASE TRY IT OUT!!! there are ads, but theyre SO much more tolerable in amount compared to other mobile games! all in all, i love this game so far, and im so excited to see how the story progresses each time :DD ### 5/5 — GREAT GAME *2023-01-02, version 1.1.0* One of the most compelling visual novel games! I love the other works from this developer as well, the storyline is very well-written and all the characters are interesting. ### 5/5 — Real Tearjerker *2022-06-14* I have played every other title in the SEEC mystery series (not including Tsumugu Logic) but damn. This made me the most surprised and the saddest out of all of them. Those plot twists were VERY well done and didn’t come out left field. And probably the fact this is based on a real event made me so sad and feel for the characters. Not even Tasokare Hotel or Yotsume God was this smart or depressing (still very good games on their own, go check them out too!) But every time my 5 tickets ran out, I would get so annoyed! Please extend the 10 day ticket campaign to an indefinite amount of time, like Tasokare Hotel. Well done, devs! ### 5/5 — ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Never wanted it to end!! *2022-06-11, version 1.1.0* This is by far my FAVORITE Seec game! I looked forward to okaying it every day! Absolutely incredible engaging story, lovable characters you get super attached to quickly, challenging creative puzzles, and so many chapters and different routes you have to figure out how to unlock! I also love the practically all male cast. Refreshing to have boys as the protagonists rather than girls for a change. I wish they’d make an anime of this because it’s just THAT good! I’m so upset I finished it! I wish I could forget all of it just so I could play the entire thing over again! Please make more games like this! ### 5/5 — one of my fav games *2021-08-24* i was looking for some otome games to play and i just happened to find this game and i’m so happy i did! the animation looks amazing and the plot is rlly interesting not to mention the investigation aspects are fun yet challenging :)) ### 5/5 — ❤️ *2021-05-14* One of the best game of Seec. It’s worth to download. I love how I can learn the historical of Japan while enjoy in playing it. ### 5/5 — Masterpiece *2021-04-06, version 1.0.9* I never knew that perfection could take the form of an app. And im not lying, the puzzles were hard but fun, the game was suspenseful, and always kept me begging for more. Was a really fun experience!! ### 5/5 — WOOOOO *2021-01-10* Oh my gosh, that was so good, like i just got the good/true ending and i’m like tearing up bro, that was like a wild ride. The amount of times i was screaming “NOOOO” because our friends died, it was just really, it was a rollercoaster of emotions. Like that’s it. It was sooooo much fun oh my gosh, i loved it, thank you for bestowing this upon me. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*