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Prototype game review: Hype or the real deal
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It seems that the day has finally arrived. The clouds have parted, opening the skies above, and falling from the heavens we are bestowed upon us the long awaited Prototype for the Xbox 360 and PS3.
For the past two years, we’ve been barraged with a collection of trailers, photos, interviews, audio commentary, and overall hype in reference to this game. Praised for its chaotic open-world (sandbox styled) setting in the heart of New York, Prototype has all the makings of the next great game. However, the consistent question with a game built up by so much press and exposure leading up to its release date isn’t whether or not it’s a good game, but whether it can ever live up to the hype.
In Prototype, you assume the role of a vengeful amnesiac by the name of Alex Mercer. Armed with curious abilities such as transmogrification, enhanced speed and strength, and the ability to assimilate memories; you scuffle through infected creatures and the military in order to shed some much needed light on your mysterious past.
Conspiracy therory + Superpowers + Endless Cheesy Action-Movie Exposition = The story formula.
We've heard it all before. So there’s nothing remarkably new here. In its defense, being set in an open-world environment, storyline tends to go out the window. Nevertheless, points will be awarded on my end for using the consumption memories as an original concept to move the plot along. And even if the story isn’t your cup of tea, you pretty much have the option to skip through the plot and still find your way through missions with great easy.
The real “meat” of Prototype is in the gameplay. The graphics are stunning and the resemblance to actual New York is a tour de force. In fact, if familiar with the Manhatten area, you may want to take a few minutes to explore to see just how many recognizable landmarks you could find. And who wouldn't get a kick out of climbing the Empire State building just to jump off the tip and land feet first without a scratch?
Running is especially impressive, whether running up walls or running through crowds, you tend to really feel in control. Battles vary between humans and the infected and new strategies must be adapted for each type. Your abilities are upgradable and each weapon is unique and possesses different techniques for your disposal.
One of the most original concepts of Prototype lies within the ability to consume and morph or shapeshift into any character in the game. This applies to pretty much any human on the screen at any given time (other than main characters in cut scenes). Other than the ability to obtain memories from key individuals, you also acquire various military skills from soldiers (e.g. enhanced firearm use and vehicle training) and sometimes special abilities from newly consumed infected. This adds an extra twist to gameplay as it allows an extra element of stealth and deception that usually falls flat in open-world settings.
In my opinion, Prototype, is a hard game to compare to its hype. It’s an amazing game with some unique features that allow for an enjoyable experience. In pros, the game is clever, visually sharp, allows freedom of play, and is challenging without being overwhelming. And I get the impression that the creators at Radical Entertainment truly wished for you to simply have fun with it no matter how you play. Yet it isn’t without it’s flaws. The game’s story is shallow and overplayed, it can be a bit glitchy during a few massive battles and some of the wall running, battles are slightly repetitive, and sometimes you do feel a bit confused or helpless when trying to navigate and complete missions. I will also have to say some of the controls to use powerful moves can be quite a pain to pull off, but in my book these are minor scratches in a sound vehicle.
My verdict: Give it a try and screw the hype. It’s a fun game and it deserves to be played. I’m giving it 8 devastating blows out of 10.
Click here for more information on Prototype (including trailers and photos)
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