Video games often use prison levels as a way of boxing players into a small environment to set them up for a big action set-piece that is about to go down. On the other hand, though, some prison levels in games encourage players to take a more stealthy approach and avoid unnecessary attention to escape in one piece.

Needless to say, there have been more than a few of these types of levels which have featured in games over the years. Although some ended up being an afterthought, others have been standout moments in their respective games. Prison environments can be used in a plethora of different ways in a game. Though not all have stuck the landing, the ones below are shining examples of how to make them exciting and memorable.

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7 Prison Island (No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle)

Stealthily Infiltrate The Island In One Piece

At first, Travis' mission to sneak into Prison Island and assassinate its only inmate seemed easy. But once he arrives, it becomes apparent that this isn't going to be a walk in the park. The level feels like a big homage to the first Metal Gear Solid game. Travis navigates his way around each area while avoiding glaring spotlights and guards. There are also a few sections where players can let loose with their laser katana, providing a nice mix between intense stealth and fast-paced action.

Though it's quite short, Prison Island does provide a nice bit of variation from the rest of the game. It also contains plenty of valuable items and resources if players make the effort to explore every inch of the environment. It can be especially brutal on Bitter difficulty, due to how much stronger the guards' weapons are. Players will need to be on their A-game at all times to survive until the end.

6 The Breakout (Kane & Lynch: Dead Men)

The Most Chaotic Mission In The Game

While some prison levels ramp up the action over the course of the adventure, this isn't the case for Kane & Lynch: Dead Men. Right from the get-go, the two protagonists are barraged with bullets from all angles as they try to make their grand escape. Players will need to make their way through every area of the prison, while also keeping an eye out for any weapons that can help deal with the hordes of guards who try to stop them.

There's a lot of fun banter between Kane, Lynch, and the inmates throughout this mission. At one point, they even join forces as part of one final attempt to reach the exit. It's an incredibly intense mission featuring plenty of memorable dialogue and thrilling gunfights. Its amazing level design that shines thanks to the game's outstanding visuals, which still hold up to this day.

5 Water Prison World (Silent Hill 4)

Horrifying Mysteries Lurk Here

After being locked in his own room and discovering a mysterious black hole, Henry decides to venture through multiple different worlds in Silent Hill 4 to try and escape the terrifying situation he finds himself in. One of these worlds, the Water Prison, seems to have a pretty basic and predictable design on the surface. However, the unnerving sound design and creepy imagery creates an incredibly haunting atmosphere. Eventually, players come face to face with one of the scariest monsters in the series, the Twin Victims.

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Throughout the mission, players can find notes from guards and prisoners describing the general structure of the area, along with some backstory on how it came to be. This mission is haunting and oppressive in its atmosphere, and it's packed full of surprises that will keep players on their toes the whole way through.

4 Prison Escape (Yakuza 4)

Saejima Takes On a Prison Full Of Guards With His Bare Hands

Often regarded as one of the hardest missions in all of Yakuza, the prison break sees Saejima trying to take on a huge number of guards to secure his freedom. Though Saejima might be bigger and bulkier than Kiryu, the swarms of enemies don't make his escape easy. The mission starts off with Saejima duking it out with a few guards while the other inmates cheer him on in the background. Eventually, it starts getting more outlandish once a sniper shows up.

This guy will try to pick Saejima off from afar while he's occupied with the guards. This makes for a tricky section that can be a nightmare to complete on higher difficulties. It's amazing how much of the prison itself gets explored for a single level. It has become one of the most memorable areas in Yakuza 4 due to its difficulty and how exaggerated it can be.

3 Zordoom Prison (Ratchet & Clank: Tools Of Destruction)

Full of Detail & Staggering Variety

The few times Zordoom Prison has been mentioned throughout the Ratchet and Clank series, it's always described as some sort of impenetrable fortress that treats its inmates brutally. Thankfully for Ratchet, he arrives with an arsenal of lethal weapons to take out anyone who stands in his way. The result is a fantastic, stunningly designed level that includes plenty of variation. Zordoom Prison is massive, consisting of numerous sections and floors that Ratchet will need to navigate through. The backgrounds capture this sense of scale, making it a joy to explore.

It's shocking just how much variation there is in this single level. One moment, Ratchet will be sneaking through a tight corridor while avoiding laser traps and spotlights. The next, he'll be tasked with completing a hacking puzzle to make it through to the next area. It's a standout mission from one of the best Ratchet & Clank games ever made.

2 Vorkuta (Call Of Duty: Black Ops)

A Mission That Players Will Never Forget

Reznov makes his valiant return in Call of Duty Black Ops in the mission Vorkuta, where he leads a prison escape along with his new friend, Mason, the playable protagonist. As Reznov screams out each of his steps, players are tasked with completing specific objectives. It's one of the most chaotic missions ever seen in a Call of Duty campaign. When players manage to make their way outside, the enemy forces become more ferocious, until eventually, the helicopters start flying in to rain down bullets.

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As Reznov's allies drop one by one, it feels as though the mission might not go according to plan, especially in those emotional last few moments. While the mission itself is a ton of fun to play through, it also shows up as a relevant part of the plot later on too. It's an important part of the overall narrative.

1 The Prison (A Way Out)

The Game's Unique Co-Op Mechanics Truly Shine

A Way Out is without a doubt one of the greatest co-op games released in recent years. The game's mechanics place huge emphasis on players working together and getting creative to complete each mission. As a result, setting part of the game in a prison was a genius decision, as it provides plenty of unique opportunities to implement these mechanics in interesting ways.

For example, one part of the escape forces both Leo and Vincent to go back to back in order to scale up a wall. On another occasion, one of them must dig a hole through the back of a cell while the other keeps a lookout for patrolling guards. The detailed environment and clever AI enemies make the prison feel real and immersive. It's a part of the game that no player can forget, due to how much of a fun experience it is when playing with a friend.

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