This is a prison simulation game, set in the mid-20th century, in which players manage the island prison of Alcatraz. Players perform administrative duties (e.g., hiring and firing of staff, managing food supply, and putting prisoners to work) while building and expanding prison grounds. Using a top-down perspective, players also monitor guards and inmates: Inmates sometimes punch, kick, and knock each other down; guards are able to use lethal force on inmates to prevent them from escaping. Players have the ability to order guards to attack or shoot inmates.